Tenerife is the biggest island in the Canary Islands archipelago and often the first choice for a Canary Islands yacht charter vacation. The island was named a World Heritage Site in 2007 and has the highest peak in Spain, the Teide at 3 718 m which is an active volcano. Tenerife is also the best location to charter a yacht in the archipelago if you want to experience the vibrant nightlife, bars, and nightclubs. The annual carnival in Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, is held every February and is reputed to be the second-largest celebration after the Rio Carnival in Brazil. It is celebrated prior to the start of the Lenten fast.
Why is Tenerife Popular Among Sailors?
One of the most significant factors for choosing Tenerife as your boat rental destination is the climate, as the island enjoys almost perfect weather: night temperature doesn’t usually get lower than 11°C throughout the whole winter, while daytime temperature rarely goes over 30°C in the middle of the summer. The sea temperature is also stable, normally around 21°C.
Wind conditions are also one of the main reasons for chartering a yacht in Tenerife. Trade winds dominate the weather system most of the year. In the trade wind belt, the prevailing wind direction is NE all year round, reaching its peak in power in July and August. Bigger waves and stronger winds make it a perfect spot for experienced sailors.
On top of excellent sailing conditions, Tenerife has a lot to offer in terms of landscapes and cities to visit. Being the biggest of all the Canary Islands, Tenerife boasts many magnificent beaches and offers great nightlife. The highest peak in Spain - the Teide (3,718 m) - is located there, and it was named a World Heritage Site back in 2007.
Yacht Charter in Tenerife Sailing Region
Charter a yacht in Tenerife and embrace the wind in your hair. Sail along the east coast of Tenerife. Visit Las Galleta, a peaceful fishing village and make sure to try local fish in one of the restaurants. Head to Los Gigantes, a tranquil resort town that is famous for its giant rock formations that offer spectacular sunset views. Enjoy walking in narrow cobbled streets, gardens, and parks. Escape the hot temperatures, and visit Loro Parque, an animal adventure waterpark with one of the largest penguinariums in the world with tons of artificial snow. Cross the sea on the west to reach the island of La Gomera.
A yacht charter in Tenerife is the perfect choice for sailing throughout the whole year due to its northeast trade winds. The strongest winds blow in July and August, and the lightest winds in October and November.
Best Places to Visit in Tenerife Region
The largest island in the Canary Islands offers many top locations which are a must see while sailing around its beautiful coastline.
The island’s capital and largest city of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is located in the north-eastern part of the island. Santa Cruz is the usual starting point for sailing in the Canary Islands, so it offers a perfect boat rental spot. Charter a yacht in Santa Cruz and take a walk among colourful streets and buildings among fascinating architecture, such as the Auditorio which is shaped like a wave.
Visit the famous Carnival, the second largest in the world, right after the carnival in Rio. Visit one of many museums, especially the Museum of Nature and Man or simply relax and soak up some sun on the large sandy beach of Las Teresitas.
El Médano is the world’s best location for windsurfing and surfing due to ideal water sports conditions. Even if you do not participate in surfing activities, you will be amazed by watching professionals ride the waves while you relax on family-friendly beaches, shallow waters, and crystal-clear sea. Taking a walk down a promenade will provide you with plenty of stops to refresh, grab a cup of coffee, or try Spanish tapas with a glass of fine wine.
Sail aboard your boat rental and arrive for a sunset view of Los Gigantes, the famous giant rock formation. It will leave you breathless. Combining volcanic black sand, natural seawater pools, spectacular seabed and the sight of playful dolphins will provide you with an amazing, out-of-this-world experience that you will not forget so easily.
Puerto de la Cruz is a popular resort with amazing tropical fruit plantations. Walk down the green landscape and see the exotic plants of botanical gardens. Go from tropical to something completely different if you decide to visit Loro Parque, one of the best zoos in the world with lots of snow and the largest penguinariums in the world.
Important Info for Sailing in Tenerife Sailing Region
Best time to sail
November - April
Most popular marinas
Marina del Sur (Las Galletas), Puerto Deportivo Radazul, San Miguel de Abona, Marina Santa Cruz
Nearest airports
Tenerife North Airport (TFN), Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Number of charter yachts
30+
Popular regattas
Tenerife International Regatta, Princess Cristina Regatta, Tenerife Winter Regatta
Top attractions
Teide National Park, Loro Parque, Cueva del Viento, Siam Park, Los Gigantes Cliffs, Anaga Rural Park
Gastronomy Highlights of Tenerife Sailing Region
The Canary Islands offer a wonderful mix of Spanish, Latin American and African food, and you should most definitely try them when sailing in Tenerife area. Canarian cuisine should not be taken for granted considering the abundance of regional specialities available.
Papas arrugadas, or literally, “wrinkled potatoes”, are unskinned potatoes boiled with plenty of salt. The essential condiment for potatoes and many other island dishes are mojos and traditional sauces among which mojo rojo, mojo verde and picón mojo stand out.
Gofio is a special type of flour made from roasted sweet corn. It can be kneaded into a dough-like meal called pella or mixed with some type of broth creating a dish called gofio escaldado.
Sancocho canario is boiled fish with potatoes, sweet potatoes, gofio, and mojo.
A meat-rich soup, Puchero canario, is the Canarian equivalent of Spanish cocidos. Chicken, beef, and pork meat are combined with chickpeas, corn cobs, sweet potatoes, potatoes and other vegetables (such as carrots and cabbage).
