Tenerife

Where to stay

Budget travelers mostly settle in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, close to the Intercambiador bus station and Calle Castillo, or in La Laguna, the university city ten minutes inland, where hostel prices are lower and the UNESCO old town is fully walkable. La Laguna suits anyone who wants a quieter base without sacrificing connections to the rest of the island.

Getting around

• Pick up a rechargeable TITSA ten+ card (it replaced the old bono) at the Intercambiador de Santa Cruz before you do anything else. It cuts a significant percentage off every bus fare and covers routes island-wide, including trips toward Teide.
• The Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz has a lower-floor food hall where local workers eat lunch. A full plate with a drink typically costs well under ten euros.
• Hostels in Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos charge a noticeable premium for the beach proximity. Staying in Santa Cruz or La Laguna and taking the bus south on beach days saves money with very little added friction.

When to go

Late April through early June and again in October tend to bring the lowest hostel rates. December through February is peak season across the island, and beds around Carnival in February book out weeks in advance.