Tenerife isn’t just the biggest of the Canary Islands; it’s also home to the largest annual carnival in Europe! The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is so famous and popular that people often compare the city to Rio de Janeiro, which hosts the legendary Rio Carnival.
The streets come alive with the colors of homemade costumes joining the festivities. The party vibe explodes everywhere in a burst of colors and music, drawing visitors from all over the world.
For those wanting to soak up this incredible vibe without the exhausting trek to Brazil, the Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the perfect alternative. You’ve gotta experience the Tenerife Carnival at least once, maybe taking advantage of the low-cost offers and holidays in Tenerife for a unique party and vacation!
When does it happen?
The party kicks off 40 days before Easter Sunday, so it usually happens around February or March.
With parades, street parties, and processions, the festivities are open to everyone, and dressing up in costume is pretty much a must. Each year, the carnival has a different theme, and the locals really get into it, competing to see who can come up with the most original costume of all!
The Carnival Queen is the undeniable star of the whole event, with the prestigious award given to the most beautiful competitor of the year on the Wednesday before the last weekend of the carnival. She becomes the icon of the party, representing the island and all the carnival-related activities. Her gigantic costumes are true colorful works of art that take almost a year to prepare.
The party goes on until Lent kicks in, with Carnival Tuesday marking the official end of the celebrations. The very next day, you’ll experience the burial of the sardines, a themed fiesta for Ash Wednesday. It’s one of those things you’ve gotta see and experience to believe!
Check out this awesome video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h26MYMuyzs
From hidden beaches to authentic experiences! Discover the best of Tenerife with local insider tips: spectacular beaches, hiking trails, vibrant events, and the most authentic guachinches where locals eat.
What's Happening at Our Places & Around? We organize amazing events and know all the best spots near our hostels across the islands. Join our community for epic experiences in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Ibiza!
Spacious shared and private rooms with bathrooms, each bed with curtains and a plug for added privacy. Our fully equipped kitchen has everything you need. The highlight? The terrace—perfect for relaxing, enjoying meals, barbecues, or playing instruments, all while soaking in the island’s relaxed vibe.
Nest Hostels is the largest hostel chain in the Canary Islands, and we’re proud to call Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Ibiza our homes.
9 hostels, 1 pass
With the NEST PASS, you can explore multiple islands at your own pace. Stay at any of our hostels across Tenerife and Gran Canaria and switch locations freely.
Our hostels are located in prime spots across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Ibiza (Ibiza has no Nest Pass), offering you the best of island life and easy access to local attractions.
Stay with us to enjoy exclusive discounts for stays of 7+ days, make new friends, and dive into the local culture. Our hostels provide a unique and friendly environment for all travelers.
You can easily get the NEST PASS by visiting our website and booking in any of our hostels for 7-28 or more days. You will automatically get the discount and be registered under the Nest Pass offer
There's a Nest for you Discover Our 11 Hostels
Each Nest has its own vibe —
but a few things are always the same: a great location (that's our top priority), comfort, and a community feeling that makes you want to stay longer.
Ibiza Hostal Flamingo in Es Canar. Just 300m from the beach, featuring a pool, private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and WiFi. Book your...
Ashavana Hostel offers private double and single rooms with shared or private bathrooms and balconies, all just a stone's throw from El Médano beach. It's...
Los Amigos Nest Hostel offers private double and single rooms with shared or private bathrooms and balconies, just a short walk from La Mareta beach....
Rooms with sea views, a large garden, terrace, and pool, with the beach just outside. Co-working space and a spacious kitchen with a buffet breakfast...
Located in Punta Brava, our hostel in North Tenerife invites you to dive into a real Canarian experience. Surrounded by local culture, nature, and authentic...
