- Tenerife for winter sun and volcanic scenery, Mallorca for summer beaches and pretty villages
- Mallorca is about 2h15 from London, Tenerife about 4h15
- Mallorca's coves beat Tenerife's mostly dark-sand beaches
- Both suit families, but Mallorca is quieter from November to March
Tenerife and Mallorca are two of the UK's favourite holiday islands, and both are Spanish. But they're very different places. Tenerife is a volcanic island in the Atlantic, closer to Africa than to Spain, with spring-like weather all year. Mallorca sits in the Mediterranean, with turquoise coves, mountain villages and a summer season that buzzes.
The short answer: go to Tenerife between November and April, and Mallorca between May and October. If your dates are flexible, the rest of this comparison will help you choose.
Tenerife vs Mallorca at a glance
| Tenerife | Mallorca | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Canary Islands, Atlantic | Balearic Islands, Mediterranean |
| Flight time from London | about 4h15 | about 2h15 |
| Winter highs (Dec-Feb) | about 20-22°C | about 14-16°C |
| Summer highs (Jul-Aug) | about 27-29°C | about 29-31°C |
| Sea temperature in August | about 23°C | about 26°C |
| Beaches | Mostly dark volcanic sand, some imported golden sand | White sand and turquoise coves |
| Scenery | Volcano, lava fields, sea cliffs | Mountains, olive groves, stone villages |
| Best for | Winter sun, walking, stargazing | Summer beaches, cycling, food |
| Main airports | Tenerife South (TFS), Tenerife North (TFN) | Palma (PMI) |
Weather and when to go
Tenerife is warm all year, which is why it's one of the most popular winter sun destinations from the UK. The south and west coasts, around Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes, are sunniest. The north is greener and cloudier. Summer is warm rather than scorching, thanks to the trade winds.
Mallorca has a classic Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, quieter winters. From November to March, many beach hotels close and evenings get chilly. It's lovely for walking and cycling then, but not for sunbathing. Spring and autumn are excellent for both.
Beaches
Mallorca wins here. Calas (coves) such as Cala Mondragó, Caló des Moro and the long sweep of Playa de Muro have fine pale sand and clear water. Tenerife's natural beaches are mostly black or grey volcanic sand. Playa de Las Teresitas, near Santa Cruz, uses golden sand imported from the Sahara, and several southern resort beaches have been topped up the same way.
Scenery and things to do
Tenerife's star is Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak at 3,715 metres. A cable car climbs most of the way. Walking to the very summit needs a free permit, which you must book well ahead. Teide National Park is also one of Europe's best places for stargazing. Add whale and dolphin watching off the south-west coast, the Los Gigantes cliffs and the old town of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mallorca's highlights are the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with villages such as Deià, Valldemossa and Fornalutx. Ride the vintage wooden train from Palma to Sóller. Palma itself has a Gothic cathedral and a lively old town and makes a great short city break.
Families
Both islands are very family-friendly. Tenerife has big water parks and a zoo, and its year-round warmth makes it popular for October and February half terms. Mallorca's shallow, sandy bays in the north (Alcúdia, Playa de Muro) are ideal for toddlers in summer. See our family holiday deals tips for how to time it.
Costs
Prices depend more on dates than on the island. Mallorca is cheapest in spring and autumn and expensive in July and August. Tenerife peaks at Christmas, New Year and half term. Mallorca charges a Balearic sustainable tourism tax of a few euros per person per night, depending on the hotel class and season. Flights to Mallorca are shorter and there are more of them from regional UK airports, which often makes them cheaper.
Planning to drive the mountain roads on either island? Read our car hire abroad tips for UK drivers first. Both islands are covered in our Spain guide.
The verdict
- Choose Tenerife for winter sun, dramatic volcanic landscapes, stargazing and whale watching.
- Choose Mallorca for summer beach holidays, gorgeous coves, mountain villages and a short flight.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenerife or Mallorca warmer?
Tenerife is much warmer in winter, at about 20-22°C against Mallorca's mid-teens. In July and August, Mallorca is usually a few degrees hotter.
Which island has better beaches?
Mallorca, for its white-sand coves and turquoise water. Tenerife's beaches are mainly volcanic, though some resort beaches use imported golden sand.
Is Tenerife good in summer?
Yes. Summer in Tenerife is warm and sunny but rarely extreme, and the sea is pleasant. It just has more competition from Mediterranean islands at that time of year.
Do you need a car in Tenerife or Mallorca?
Not if you're staying in a resort. A car is worth hiring for a few days to see Teide or the Tramuntana villages, though both islands also have good buses.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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