Tenerife or Mallorca - Which Spanish island is better?

Tenerife and Mallorca are two popular Spanish islands, well-known for their beautiful beaches, warm sunny weather, relaxed atmosphere as well as a vibrant nightlife if you choose the right resort.

So which is the best island between Tenerife and Mallorca?

Tenerife is the largest and most popular island in the Canary Islands archipelago.

Mallorca is the largest island and most popular island in the Balearic Islands archipelago.

Both islands are extremely popular among tourists and get millions of visitors each year, mostly from Europe; Tenerife is particularly popular for UK visitors, while Mallorca is quite popular among German tourists.

Most popular resorts and tourist towns in Tenerife:

• Costa Adeje - great place for families
• Playa de Las Americas - best for clubs and nightlife (Veronicas strip)
• Los Cristianos - great for couples
• Puerto de la Cruz - away from the busy south of the island
• Los Gigantes - beautiful scenery, quiet but hilly 
• Playa Paraiso - home to the popular Hard Rock Hotel
• Playa La Arena - small and with a chilled atmosphere

Most popular resorts and tourist towns in Mallorca:

• Palma de Mallorca - island capital, vibrant and busy
• Magaluf - best resort for nightlife
• Alcúdia - good place to stay for families with kids
• Puerto Pollensa - nice place for romantic couple holiday, quiet and laid back
• Santa Ponsa - quiet and relaxed
• Cala d'Or - very beautiful landscape and beach

Mallorca climate vs Tenerife climate

Mallorca experiences some rainfall during the winter months, but it is not excessively rainy. Winter months (December to February) do see more rain compared to the summer, but it's usually moderate. On average, December is the wettest month, followed by January and February.

In January, the daytime temperature in Mallorca typically ranges from about 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).

On the other hand, Tenerife is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for winter sun, along with the rest of the Canary Islands, exactly due to their mild winter climate, with daytime temperatures typically over 20°C in the south of the island where the tourist resorts are located.

So in terms of winter sun holiday, when comparing Tenerife and Mallorca, Tenerife is the definite winner, as it has a warmer climate, less rain and temperatures that make it suitable to sunbathe and swim during the day.

However, in the summer months, Mallorca is the suitable option, as the Mediterranean sea will we warmer than the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds Tenerife, so it will be more pleasant to swim.

This is how the  sea temperature varies throughout the summer months in Mallorca:

• June: The average sea temperature is around 22-23°C (72-73°F)
• July: The average sea temperature increases to about 24-26°C (75-79°F).
• August: The sea is at its warmest, averaging 25-27°C (77-81°F).

The month with the warmest sea in Tenerife is October, so it's the perfect destination also for an autumn beach holiday.

So in conclusion, in our opinion, based on the prospect of weather, visit Mallorca in summer and visit Tenerife in winter, as well as in spring and autumn. 

Which is more expensive - Tenerife or Mallorca?

Overall, Mallorca tends to be more expensive than Tenerife, particularly during peak season and in high-end locations. Tenerife offers more budget-friendly options and is generally less expensive, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for good value year-round.

Keep in mind that Tenerife is a year-round tourist destination, while the season in Mallorca is shorter, as most tourists will visit during the summer months.

In Tenerife everything is open all year-round, from hotels to restaurants and attractions and the most expensive months tend to be winter ones, between November and March.

Best beaches in Tenerife vs best beaches in Mallorca

The most popular beaches in Tenerife, which are easily accessible and located in tourist resorts, are:

• Playa del Duque - long beach, with lots of facilities and lots of high-end hotels and restaurants nearby
• Playa Fanabe - upscale resort, long stretch of beach where you can also find Bali beds to rent on the beach
• Playa Las Vistas - our favourite beach in Tenerife south, where we usually go swimming. It has calm waters, lots of bars and restaurants behind the beach and close to Milla de Oro (Tenerife Golden Mile).
• Playa El Camison - Popular beach close to many big hotels and the Golden Mile located right behind this beach, so many restaurants and shops nearby. It has beautiful sunset view
• Playa de Los Cristianos - a more quiet beach compared to the rest, with calm sea, but it is located near the harbour which might stop some people from going in to swim

The most popular beaches in Mallorca, which are easily accessible for tourists are:

• Playa de Palma: long stretch of sandy beach lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular destination for tourists.
• Magaluf Beach: lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. Magaluf Beach is a popular resort area with a wide range of accommodations, entertainment options, and water sports activities.
• Palma Nova Beach: relaxed atmosphere with family-friendly facilities and sun loungers.
• Santa Ponsa Beach: Another family-friendly resort area, with a sandy beach with calm waters, along with amenities
• Cala Millor Beach:  wide sandy shore with shallow waters, ideal for families and sunbathers, along with a promenade
• Alcúdia Beach: long sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, backed by hotels, restaurants, and shops

So which is the best island to visit: Tenerife or Mallorca?

If you're drawn to outdoor activities and hiking, Tenerife might be more appealing.

If your priority is beautiful beaches, relaxation and warm sea, Mallorca could be the better choice, especially during the summer months. Tenerife would be better in winter.

For a vibrant nightlife scene and a wide range of entertainment options, Tenerife's Playa de las Américas area might suit you, but Magaluf is also quite famous.

Both destinations offer family-friendly amenities and activities, but Mallorca's variety of resorts and calmer waters may be more suitable for families with young children.

In the end, which island is "the better one" depends on you and what you expect from your holiday. In summer we would choose to go to Mallorca, while in winter we usually go to Tenerife South or one of the other Canary Islands.