Why Your Next Tenerife Holiday Needs the Perfect Audiobook (Trust Me on This One)

Picture this: you’re lounging on Playa de las Américas, the Atlantic breeze gently rustling your sun hat, and instead of scrolling mindlessly through your phone, you’re completely absorbed in a gripping thriller that’s unfolding right in your ears. Sounds rather lovely, doesn’t it?

I’ve been visiting Tenerife for the better part of a decade now, and discovering audiobooks transformed my holidays from good to absolutely brilliant. There’s something magical about combining the island’s stunning landscapes with a perfectly chosen story.

The Game Changing Moment I Discovered Holiday Audiobooks

Three years ago, during a particularly stressful work period, I’d booked a last minute Tenerife trip desperately needing to switch off. But my brain wouldn’t cooperate; you know that feeling when you’re physically on holiday but mentally still stuck in the office?

I’d packed paperbacks but couldn’t concentrate. The words just swam about on the page. Then my sister mentioned audiobooks during her commute, and something clicked.

That first audiobook – The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – completely changed everything. Suddenly, I wasn’t just lying on the beach; I was solving mysteries with retirement home residents whilst soaking up vitamin D. Brilliant.

Why Audiobooks Are Perfect for Tenerife Holidays

They’re Hands-Free (Obviously, But Hear Me Out)

When you’re applying sun cream for the third time that day, or navigating the winding roads up to Mount Teide, having your entertainment sorted without needing to hold anything is genuinely liberating. Your hands are free for the important stuff – like holding that perfectly chilled glass of local wine.

They Transform Ordinary Moments Into Adventures

Waiting for the cable car at Teide National Park? Perfect time for a chapter. Walking along the coastal path in Los Cristianos? Your audiobook narrator becomes your walking companion. Even airport delays become opportunities rather than frustrations.

I remember listening to Educated by Tara Westover whilst watching sunrise from my balcony in Costa Adeje. The combination of that powerful memoir and golden light spreading across the ocean created one of those perfect holiday moments you never forget.

They’re Easier on Holiday Tired Eyes

Let’s be honest – after a day of sun, sea, and perhaps a sangria or two, your eyes aren’t always up for focusing on small print. Audiobooks let you continue your story even when you’re feeling properly relaxed and slightly sun-dazzled.

Choosing Your Perfect Tenerife Audiobook Companion

Match Your Mood to Your Setting

For Beach Days: Light, engaging fiction works wonderfully. Think romantic comedies, cosy mysteries, or feel-good contemporary novels. I absolutely devoured Beach Read by Emily Henry during my last trip – the irony wasn’t lost on me.

For Hiking Adventures: Nature documentaries or travel memoirs pair beautifully with Tenerife’s incredible trails. Wild by Cheryl Strayed whilst walking through the Anaga Mountains? Absolutely transformative.

For Evening Wind-Down: After exploring all day, something soothing works best. Poetry collections, gentle memoirs, or meditation content help you transition from day mode to evening relaxation.

Consider the Length

A week in Tenerife gives you roughly 40-50 hours of potential listening time. I usually pack one longer book (12-15 hours) and a couple of shorter ones (6-8 hours each) for variety.

Pro tip: Download more than you think you’ll need. There’s nothing worse than finishing your last audiobook on day three of a seven-day holiday.

Getting Set Up for Success

Before You Travel

Most platforms work brilliantly in Tenerife, but download everything before you go. Hotel WiFi can be patchy, and you don’t want to waste precious holiday time buffering.

If you’re new to audiobooks, exploring different audiobook apps can help you find the perfect platform for your listening style. Popular options include Audible, Spotify Premium, and many UK library apps that offer free lending.

Battery Life Reality Check

Audiobooks are surprisingly gentle on your phone’s battery, but Tenerife’s sunshine can be harsh on devices. I always pack a portable charger and keep my phone shaded when possible. Nothing ruins a good story like a dead battery at a crucial plot twist.

My Top Tenerife Audiobook Picks

For First-Time Visitors: “As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning” by Laurie Lee – captures that sense of adventure perfectly.

For Beach Loungers: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid – glamorous, engaging, and absolutely unputdownable.

For Adventure Seekers: “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer – gripping non-fiction that pairs surprisingly well with volcanic landscapes.

For Repeat Visitors: “Notes from a Small Island” by Bill Bryson – his observational humour makes excellent familiar company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will audiobooks work with my existing headphones?
Absolutely. Any headphones or earbuds work perfectly. I prefer over-ear headphones for longer sessions, but earbuds are more practical for water activities.

How much data do audiobooks use?
Once downloaded, zero data. Initial downloads vary between 100-500MB. Download on WiFi before travelling, and you’re sorted.

What if I don’t like the narrator?
This is genuinely important. A poor narrator can ruin even the best book. Most platforms offer sample clips, so have a listen before committing.

Can I share audiobooks with my travel companion?
Most platforms allow family sharing, but check terms. Alternatively, take turns choosing books and listen together – it’s actually quite romantic, sharing stories whilst watching sunsets.

Making the Most of Your Audiobook Holiday

Create Listening Rituals

I’ve developed little audiobook rituals that enhance my Tenerife holidays. Morning coffee on the balcony with gentle memoirs. Afternoon beach sessions with engaging fiction. Evening walks with poetry. These rituals structure the day whilst keeping things wonderfully flexible.

Don’t Feel Guilty About ‘Cheating’

Some worry audiobooks aren’t “real reading.” Nonsense. You’re experiencing stories, learning, and exercising imagination whilst getting a tan and breathing Atlantic air. That’s not cheating; that’s winning at life.

The Unexpected Benefits

Beyond entertainment, audiobooks have genuinely improved my Tenerife holidays. They help me sleep better after exciting days, provide comfort when missing home, and turn quiet moments into anticipated story time rather than restless boredom.

A Final Thought

Your next Tenerife holiday deserves more than just sun, sea, and sangria (though those are lovely too). It deserves stories that transport you and those perfect moments when the real world and your audiobook world blend together beautifully.

Whether you’re a complete audiobook novice or seasoned listener, Tenerife provides the perfect backdrop for literary adventures. The island’s relaxed pace and stunning scenery make it ideal for falling in love with this wonderful medium.

So go on, give it a try. Download a book from your wish list, pack your headphones alongside your sun cream, and prepare for a holiday that feeds both soul and imagination. You might discover, like I did, that the perfect audiobook companion makes a good holiday absolutely unforgettable.

Safe travels, and happy listening!