Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, with a mild climate all year that has made it a magnet for holidaymakers, retirees and, more recently, remote workers. Beyond the resorts, it is an island of volcanic landscapes, laurel forests and small towns with a strong Canarian identity. Canarians are known for being friendly and relaxed, and the island’s pace is slower than mainland Spain. Dating often involves the outdoors, from coastal walks to hikes on the slopes of Mount Teide.
The island has distinct sides. The south, around Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, is sunny, touristy and home to many international residents. The north is greener and more local: Puerto de la Cruz has a long history of visitors and a relaxed town feel, and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a university city with a lively student scene. Santa Cruz, the capital, is a working port city with parks, a big Carnival every year and a beach, Las Teresitas, just outside town. Spanish is spoken with a distinctive Canarian accent, and English and German are common in the south.
With Teide National Park at its center, Tenerife is made for the hikers tribe, and the digital nomads tribe connects the growing remote-work community. Souldaters is free, and nobody can message you until you have both liked each other, so you can meet residents rather than just visitors. Friends mode helps newcomers find hiking and surf buddies.
Tribes to join in Tenerife
Tribes work everywhere. Join a few and filter Discover to people nearby who share them.
First date ideas in Tenerife
- Drive up into Teide National Park to walk among the lava fields and stay for the famously clear night sky.
- Hike through the misty laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park in the northeast of the island.
- Wander the colorful historic streets of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Spend an afternoon at Playa de Las Teresitas, the golden beach near Santa Cruz.
- Swim in the natural volcanic rock pools of El Caletón in the historic town of Garachico.
- Take a responsible whale- and dolphin-watching boat trip from the southwest coast, where pilot whales live year-round.
How to make friends in Tenerife
- Join a hiking group that explores Anaga, Teno and the Teide National Park.
- Take a surf lesson or join a surf group on the south or north coast.
- Get involved in coworking community events if you work remotely.
- Join the celebrations and preparations around the Santa Cruz Carnival, one of the biggest in Spain.
More ideas: how to make friends in a new city.
The vegan & plant-based scene in Tenerife
Tenerife has a modest vegan scene, with plant-based cafes mainly in La Laguna, Santa Cruz and the southern resort areas, and local dishes like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce are naturally vegan.
Meet plant-based people in Tenerife through the Vegan and Vegetarian tribes, and switch on the free "Only show vegans" filter.
Dating in Tenerife: FAQ
Is there a free dating site in Tenerife?
Yes. Souldaters is free for everyone in Tenerife, with no premium tier and no paywall on seeing who liked you. Chat opens only after a mutual like. Because you can see where people live, it is easier to meet residents rather than holidaymakers, using tribes like hikers or digital nomads.
Where can I meet outdoorsy singles in Tenerife?
Hiking groups, surf schools and outdoor clubs across the island are great places to meet active people, especially in Anaga and around Teide. On Souldaters, join the hikers or surfers tribes and filter for people who exercise often to find matches who love the island's landscapes.
How do I make friends in Tenerife as an expat?
Choose where you live carefully: the south has a large international community, while the north and La Laguna are more local. Join hiking groups, surf lessons or coworking events, and learn some Spanish. Souldaters Friends mode and the expats tribe help you meet people nearby, with chat opening once you have both waved.