Why Everyone’s Suddenly Flying Solo to Tenerife (And Loving Every Minute of It)

Right, let’s talk about something that’s been quietly happening in Tenerife lately. You know how the island’s always been packed with families building sandcastles and couples holding hands at sunset? Well, there’s a new crowd in town, and they’re travelling with the best companion they know: themselves.

Solo travel to Tenerife has absolutely exploded recently, and honestly? Once you understand why, you’ll probably be booking your own one-way ticket before you finish reading this.

The Island That Actually Gets Solo Travellers

Here’s the thing about travelling alone that nobody really talks about: it’s brilliant, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking. You’re constantly weighing up whether a place will be safe enough, friendly enough, and interesting enough to explore on your own. Tenerife? It passes all these tests with flying colours.

The locals here have this wonderful way of making you feel welcome without being overbearing. You’ll find yourself chatting to the lady at the fruit market about which mangoes are sweetest, or getting restaurant recommendations from the bloke running the corner shop. It’s that perfect balance where you’re never truly alone unless you want to be.

And let’s be honest, safety matters when you’re on your own. Tenerife’s got one of those reassuring crime rates that means you can wander back from dinner at 11pm without constantly looking over your shoulder. That peace of mind? Priceless.

Staying Connected (Because Sometimes You Need to Share That Sunset)

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But won’t I feel isolated?” Not a chance. Tenerife’s internet connectivity is genuinely impressive, even in some of the more remote spots. You can video call your mum from a mountain café, post that envy-inducing beach photo instantly, or stream your favourite series when you fancy a quiet night in.

Speaking of quiet nights in, solo travellers have discovered all sorts of ways to entertain themselves. Some catch up on Netflix, others dive into online gaming. There’s been a particular surge in crypto casinos amongst travellers who fancy a flutter. The appeal makes sense really; you can play from anywhere, transactions are quick and private, and the fees are lower than traditional options. Whether it’s poker, slots, or something else entirely, it’s become quite the thing for those evenings when you’re not quite ready for bed but don’t fancy heading out either.

Nature That Doesn’t Need Commentary

You haven’t truly experienced Teide National Park until you’ve hiked it solo. There’s something almost spiritual about standing on Spain’s highest peak with just your thoughts for company. No “are we there yet?” No debates about which trail to take. Just you, the volcanic landscape, and that incredible sense of accomplishment.

The beaches offer their own brand of solo magic. Picture this: you’re on Playa de las Teresitas, book in hand, deciding on a whim whether to swim, snooze, or stroll. No compromises, no schedules, just pure freedom. And if you fancy trying paddleboarding or diving? The instructors here are used to solo adventurers and often pair you up with other lone travellers if you’re after some company.

A Room of One’s Own (Virginia Woolf Would Approve)

Accommodation in Tenerife seems designed for solo travellers. You’ve got everything from tiny studios with ocean views to quirky guesthouses where breakfast becomes a social event if you fancy it. Self-catering apartments are particularly brilliant; you can cook when you want, eat what you want, and nobody judges you for having wine and crisps for dinner.

What’s clever is how many places offer these communal spaces without forcing interaction. There might be a gorgeous rooftop terrace where you can read in peace or strike up a conversation with another guest. It’s social interaction on your terms, which is exactly what solo travel should be about.

Culture at Your Own Pace

Ever been dragged around a museum faster than you’d like? Or missed an art exhibition because your travel companion wasn’t interested? Solo travel in Tenerife means you set the cultural agenda. Spend three hours in a tiny gallery in La Laguna if that’s your thing. Dance until dawn at a local festival. Skip the tourist traps entirely and find that little tapas place only locals know about.

The island’s cultural calendar is packed year-round, and experiencing these events alone often means you’re more open to unexpected encounters. You might find yourself invited to join a local family’s table at a festival, something that rarely happens when you’re in a group.

Your Budget, Your Rules

Let’s talk money, because it matters. Tenerife offers incredible value, especially for solo travellers who can control every penny. Fancy a Michelin style dinner one night and supermarket sandwiches the next? Go for it. Want to splurge on that helicopter tour but save on accommodation? Your choice entirely.

Flying from the UK is refreshingly affordable, especially if you’re flexible with dates (another solo travel perk). Once you’re here, you can live as lavishly or frugally as you like. No splitting bills, no awkward conversations about who owes what. Financial freedom at its finest.

Meeting People (Or Not)

Here’s what surprised me most about solo travel in Tenerife: you’re never really alone unless you actively choose to be. Join a wine tasting tour in the morning, and by lunch, you’ve got dinner plans with new friends. Take a cooking class, and suddenly you’re WhatsApping recipes with people from four different countries.

But equally, if you want to spend a day in blissful solitude, nobody bats an eyelid. There’s no stigma attached to dining alone or exploring solo. In fact, locals seem to respect it, often giving solo diners the best tables with views.

The Personal Growth Bit (Yes, It’s Real)

Look, I’m not going to get all philosophical on you, but there’s something transformative about navigating a new place entirely on your own terms. You discover things about yourself you didn’t know. Maybe you’re braver than you thought. Perhaps you actually enjoy your own company more than expected. Or you might realise you’re perfectly capable of figuring things out without committee input.

Tenerife provides the perfect backdrop for this self-discovery. It’s safe enough to explore confidently but different enough to challenge you. You return home changed, even if you can’t quite put your finger on how.

According to research from solotravelerworld.com, 24% of Brits are planning solo trips abroad in 2025, with safety and personal growth being the top motivators. Tenerife ticks both these boxes brilliantly, which explains why it’s become such a hotspot for independent adventurers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tenerife really safe for solo travellers? Absolutely. The crime rate is low, locals are helpful, and tourist areas are well-lit and regularly patrolled. Obviously, use common sense (don’t flash expensive jewellery about), but you’ll feel remarkably secure here.

What’s the best area to stay as a solo traveller? Puerto de la Cruz offers a good mix of culture and convenience, whilst Los Cristianos provides beach vibes with plenty of solo-friendly restaurants. Santa Cruz is perfect if you want a more authentic, less touristy experience.

How easy is it to meet other travellers? Dead easy if you want to. Join walking tours, take classes, or simply hang out in hostels’ common areas. The beauty is, you can be as social or antisocial as you fancy.

What’s the best time of year for solo travel to Tenerife? Honestly? Any time. Winter’s perfect for escaping British weather (15-22°C), whilst summer offers beach weather and festivals. Spring and autumn might be ideal though; good weather, fewer crowds, better prices.

Do I need to speak Spanish? It helps, but it’s not essential. Tourist areas are very English-friendly, and locals appreciate even terrible attempts at Spanish. Download a translation app and you’ll be fine.

Your Solo Adventure Awaits

So there you have it. Tenerife isn’t just accommodating solo travellers; it’s actively brilliant for them. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or just some quality time with yourself, this island delivers without the usual solo travel stress.

The rise in solo travel to Tenerife isn’t just a trend; it’s people discovering that sometimes the best travel companion is yourself. And honestly? Once you’ve experienced the freedom of exploring this incredible island on your own terms, you might never want to travel any other way again.

Pack light, bring an open mind, and prepare for an adventure that’s entirely, wonderfully yours. Tenerife’s waiting, and it doesn’t care if you’re bringing plus-ones or not. In fact, it might prefer you don’t.