Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands and a year-round destination renowned for its volcanic landscapes, Mount Teide National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), diverse beaches, and vibrant resort areas like Costa Adeje and Puerto de la Cruz, sees continued evolution in its visitor experience in 2026. Amid a broader Canary Islands focus on sustainable, premium tourism-balancing growth with environmental protection-the island introduces refined luxury hospitality additions and subtle enhancements to its core attractions. These developments emphasise quality stays, immersive nature experiences, and wellness, while addressing overtourism concerns through mindful visitor management. in 2026
Tenerife’s hotel sector in 2026 features several upscale debuts and repositionings, particularly in the luxury and adults-only segments, as international brands and local operators invest in elevated offerings. These properties often incorporate sustainable design, panoramic views of Teide or the Atlantic, and gastronomic excellence.
- Bahia Principe Luxury Tenerife: This adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Costa Adeje opens on 1 December 2026, marking the first Bahia Principe Luxury property in Spain under a partnership with Hyatt. Following a comprehensive renovation of the former Bahia Principe Sunlight Tenerife, the 268-room hotel blends modern elegance with Canarian traditions. Highlights include two swimming pools, four restaurants showcasing elevated local cuisine, two bars, a premium “The Club” category with exclusive perks (private check-in, dedicated pool area, and late check-out), wellness programmes, fitness classes, live music, and local workshops. It targets sophisticated travellers seeking refined relaxation in one of the island’s premier beach zones.
- Villa de Erques (or Tierra de Erques): A new five-star luxury resort in Guia de Isora, in the south of Tenerife, is anticipated to complete and open by the end of 2026. Spanning over 100,000 square metres, this ambitious development offers 384 rooms with terraces (including 29 suites with private pools and three opulent villas), nine swimming pools, six restaurants, six bars, a 570-seat auditorium, business centre, shops, sports facilities, and a 2,000-square-metre spa. Positioned as a high-end complex, it promises panoramic coastal views and a focus on exclusivity and comfort.
Other enhancements include refreshed facilities at established luxury resorts in Costa Adeje and the north, supporting Tenerife’s shift towards higher-value tourism with eco-conscious elements like local sourcing and energy efficiency.
New Visitor Attractions, Experiences, and Enhancements in 2026
Tenerife’s visitor offerings in 2026 build on timeless draws-hiking Teide, whale-watching off Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes, Siam Park’s water thrills, and Anaga Rural Park’s laurel forests-through polished programming and special events. The island promotes sustainable exploration, with improved access to hidden gems and year-round appeal.
- Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026: Tenerife benefits from partial eclipse visibility (though not full totality like northern Spain), with clear skies and elevated viewpoints ideal for observing the phenomenon. Hotels and tour operators introduce special packages featuring stargazing sessions in Teide National Park, sunset eclipse-viewing events, and astronomy-guided experiences. These align with Tenerife’s growing astrotourism, leveraging low light pollution in rural and mountain areas for memorable celestial encounters combined with volcanic landscapes.
- Enhanced Nature and Adventure Experiences: Teide National Park sees refined guided tours, including more sunset and stargazing options with updated interpretive elements on volcanic geology and biodiversity. Whale and dolphin eco-tours from Los Cristianos gain emphasis on responsible practices, with upgraded catamaran excursions incorporating food tastings and marine education. Trails in Anaga Rural Park and Masca Gorge benefit from better signage and small-group limits for sustainable access to ancient forests and secluded villages.
- Gastronomic and Cultural Immersion: The island’s Michelin-starred dining scene (including additions from recent years) pairs with vineyard tours in the north and wine tastings featuring local malvasia varieties. Cultural enhancements include expanded programmes in historic La Laguna (another UNESCO site) and Santa Cruz, with multilingual apps and guided walks highlighting colonial heritage.
- Sustainable Tourism Refinements: In response to overtourism discussions, Tenerife advances measures like better visitor distribution to shoulder seasons, eco-friendly transport options, and promotion of lesser-visited northern areas. Infrastructure improvements ease access while preserving natural sites.
In 2026, Tenerife delivers a polished, diverse visitor experience that rewards those seeking volcanic adventure, luxury relaxation, and thoughtful sustainability. With strong demand for new hotels-especially around the eclipse and peak winter months-early reservations for accommodations, tours, and special events are recommended. The island remains a captivating blend of dramatic nature, sunny beaches, and emerging premium appeal in the Atlantic.
