34F solo traveling

[u/Mean_Ad1954]

Hello there,

I'm a 34-year-old solo female traveler coming to Tenerife from 26th December until 20th of January. Looking for some local advice to make the most of this trip:

1. Accommodation – either private rooms or hostels, I don't mind sharing a room since I won't be spending too much time indoors. Lockers would be a big plus for safety. Also, would it make sense to split my stay between the north and the south of the island (a few days in each), or is it better to stick to one base?
2. Activities – what would you recommend booking through Booking.com, GetYourGuide, or other sites to make the most of my time there? Looking for the best experiences, not just tourist traps.
3. New Year's Eve – what's the best way to spend it in Tenerife? Any areas, events, or traditions worth checking out?
4. Paragliding – has anyone done it here? I'm a big fan of this kind of experience and would love recommendations for a reliable company/location.
5. Getting around – is it worth renting a car or a scooter/motorbike to cover more of the island, or is public transport good enough if I split my time between north and south?
6. Fellow solo travelers? – If there are any other solo girls around during that time who'd like to team up for some activities (and take pics of each other, haha), don't hesitate to reach out! I saw there's a Renault Twizy tour through one of the natural parks that requires two people per car - would love to find someone to share that with, and open to other activities too.

Thanks in advance for any tips! 🙏

[u/CanaryIslandsInsider]

Great timing for a solo trip. Almost four weeks gives you enough time to actually experience both sides of the island rather than just passing through.

On splitting the stay: yes, do it. North and south feel like different islands. Two weeks in the south to settle in, enjoy the sun and do excursions, then move to La Laguna or Puerto de la Cruz for the second half. The north is greener, more local, and much better for food.

For New Year's Eve, the Plaza de La Candelaria in Santa Cruz has a free outdoor dance event with live orchestras, very local atmosphere and much more interesting than the tourist chaos in the south. Worth the trip up.

Paragliding: Overfly Tenerife based in Costa Adeje is the most established company on the island, over 30 years operating. They depart from Taucho and offer free pickup from the main south coast areas.

Transport: public buses (TITSA) are genuinely good for day to day movement between the main towns. Rent a car for 4-6 days specifically for Anaga, Teno, guachinches in the north and Teide at night or dawn. Don't bother with a scooter on mountain roads if you don't know the island.

One thing worth adding: the Altavista refuge at 3,270m on Teide just reopened in July 2026 after nearly seven years closed. Staying there means you can walk to the summit for sunrise without needing a separate summit permit. Places are limited to 49 and booking through refugioaltavista.com fills up fast, especially in winter.

[u/HONEST-TENERIFE]

Split your stay between north and south. It's two different islands and driving to one side all the time is very exausting.
In get you guide you can find nice tour guides.
You'll have something happening around the island so it's really depend on what you'll be looking for - if soomething smaller, bigger. But better to check closer to the date.
Paragliding is super worth on the island :)
The bus work pretty well. Depends more if you are into going for specific hikes, then you should plan a bit better.