Tenerife prices: what things cost on holiday
Updated 29 October 2026 · DoTenerife
Tenerife is good value by western European standards. As a rough guide, expect around €2.50–5 for a beer in a resort bar, €1.50–3 for a coffee, €12–25 for a main course in a mid-range restaurant and a few euros for a short bus ride. Prices climb on prime seafront terraces and in upmarket areas such as parts of Costa Adeje, and fall noticeably once you step a street or two back from the promenade.
All prices below are approximate and change over time, so use them as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Typical prices at a glance
| Item | Approx. price |
|---|---|
| Large beer (caña/pint) in a resort bar | €2.50–5 |
| Glass of house wine | €2.50–5 |
| Cocktail | €6–12 |
| Coffee (café con leche) | €1.50–3 |
| Bottle of water (1.5 l) from a supermarket | under €1 |
| Full English breakfast | €6–12 |
| Mid-range main course | €12–25 |
| Menu of the day (where offered) | €10–18 |
| Sunday roast | €10–18 |
| Short taxi between neighbouring resorts | €6–15 |
| Bus day pass (TITSA) | €10 |
| Sun lounger and parasol on a main beach | around €5–15 per day |
Why Tenerife is often cheaper than mainland Spain
The Canary Islands have their own tax system. Instead of Spanish VAT (IVA, generally 21 per cent), goods and services carry IGIC, the Canarian general indirect tax, with a general rate of 7 per cent. Tobacco and fuel also carry lower taxes, which is why petrol is usually cheaper than on the mainland.
Eating out
Prices vary widely depending on location:
- Seafront terraces with views charge a premium.
- Back-street restaurants and local Canarian places (look for guachinches in the north) are often much cheaper.
- British and Irish bars often run good-value breakfast and roast deals; see full English breakfast and Sunday roast.
Our best restaurants guide covers different budgets.
Drinks and nights out
Drink prices are generally reasonable in the main nightlife areas, and many bars run happy hours or drinks deals. Check the price list before ordering, especially if you were brought in by a street PR.
Plenty of bars put on live music, karaoke or tribute acts with no entry fee; the expectation is simply that you buy a drink. DoTenerife’s free entertainment tonight page shows what’s on without a cover charge. Dinner shows and bigger productions charge a ticket price, which varies by show.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets such as Mercadona, Lidl, Spar and HiperDino are widespread. Shopping there for breakfast, snacks and drinks makes a big difference if you are self-catering. Local produce like bananas, tomatoes, cheese and wine is often good value. Imported British and Irish brands tend to cost more.
Transport
- Buses: short hops cost a few euros; cross-island journeys roughly €9–14 single. A day pass is €10. See Tenerife buses.
- Taxis: inexpensive for short hops, pricier for long journeys. See Tenerife taxis.
- Car hire: from around €15–50 a day depending on season, plus fuel and insurance extras.
Attractions and activities
Big attractions such as Siam Park and Loro Parque charge full theme-park prices, and whale-watching trips, boat excursions and Teide cable car tickets add up for families. Booking online in advance is often cheaper. For budget ideas, see free things to do in Tenerife.
Is there a tourist tax?
As of 2026, Tenerife does not charge a general overnight tourist tax, but some natural sites charge non-residents for access. See our tourist tax guide.
Sample daily budgets
These rough per-person figures exclude accommodation and flights, and assume you are staying in one of the southern resorts:
| Style | Approx. per day | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €30–50 | Supermarket breakfast, a menu-of-the-day lunch, a few drinks, buses |
| Mid-range | €60–100 | Café breakfast, lunch and dinner out, drinks during an evening show, the odd taxi |
| Comfortable | €120+ | Seafront dining, cocktails, excursions, taxis and attraction tickets |
Long-stay visitors who self-cater and eat out a few times a week often find living costs lower than at home, though rents in popular areas have risen sharply in recent years.
When prices are higher
Prices for flights, accommodation and car hire peak during Christmas and New Year, Carnival, Easter and the school summer holidays. Bars and restaurants don’t usually change their prices by season, but deals and happy hours are more common in quieter months.
Money tips
- Pay in euros when a card machine offers you the choice; letting your own bank convert is usually cheaper.
- Use ATMs inside banks where possible and check fees before withdrawing.
- Carry some cash for markets, small bars and tips.
- Step back from the seafront for cheaper food and drink.
- Check for set menus at lunchtime in local restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenerife expensive?
Compared with much of northern Europe, Tenerife is good value, especially for drinks, eating out away from the seafront and public transport. Prices are higher in upmarket parts of Costa Adeje and on prime seafront terraces.
How much is a pint in Tenerife?
Roughly €2.50 to €5 for a large beer in most resort bars, depending on the area and whether it is happy hour. Upmarket hotel bars and beach clubs charge more.
What currency is used in Tenerife?
The euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, and contactless is common, but it is useful to carry some cash for small bars, markets and tips.
Is VAT different in Tenerife?
Yes. The Canary Islands use their own sales tax called IGIC instead of Spanish VAT (IVA). The general rate is 7 per cent, which helps keep many prices lower than on the mainland.
Do you tip in Tenerife?
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. Leaving 5 to 10 per cent for good restaurant service, or rounding up in a bar, is common.