Where to Stay in Tenerife → An HONEST GUIDE to Top 6 Areas

How exciting you are getting ready for an amazing holiday in Tenerife! Stunning beaches, turquoise sea water, amazing nature, and mouthwatering foods are waiting for you! It sounds like a great holiday destination, so the next thing to do is decide where to stay in Tenerife. 

To make the decision process easier, I compared all areas in Tenerife and created a comprehensive guide for the 5 best areas for staying on the island. 

Costa Adeje takes the top spot with its beautiful beaches, traditional restaurants, and booming nightlife – ideal if you’re visiting Tenerife for the first time.

Besides choosing an area, you also need to pick a hotel for your stay, and I can help with that, too! I went through all the hotels in the recommended area and handpicked the very best for every budget. Whether you want to splurge or stay within budget, I have just the place for you. 

I just have to tell you about the importance of booking in advance for the resorts here as they often have high demand. Plus, most of them have a free cancellation policy, so do not worry if you change your mind! 

There is so much to discover in Tenerife, and I can’t wait to talk about it! Let’s get started!

Short overview of Tenerife

The Canary Islands are volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean and a part of Spain. Tenerife is the second biggest island in the Canaries and thanks to its proximity to Morocco, you will find warm weather all year round! 

In Tenerife, you will find so many charming beaches from golden sands to volcanic, black-sand beaches. One of the first things you will notice is Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide, which offers picturesque views from every angle. 

It is also impossible to forget the party scene in Tenerife, with the many cool bars and lively nightclubs! Every part of the island offers different kinds of beaches and landscapes, and that’s why I recommend renting a car to discover its beauty. 

If you are in a hurry

Here are the best places to stay in Costa Adeje, Tenerife: 

Here’s a map of the regions of Tenerife I will be talking about in this post:

1. Costa Adeje – where to stay in Tenerife for the first time

Located on the island’s Southwest coast, Costa Adeje is definitely my top pick for first-timers to Tenerife Island, with its vibrant atmosphere and abundance of things to do. Costa Adeje will greet you with stunning views of Mount Teide accompanied by amazing beaches to relax on. For this neighborhood, you will want to fly into the Southern Airport, Reina Sofia.

In Costa Adeje, you will find some of the best traditional restaurants, cafes, beach bars, and shops on the island. One day, you can enjoy beaches with turquoise water and a blue flag (a certification award for cleanliness), and the next, you can hike with beautiful landscape views. 

Playa del Duque (map) and Playa de Torviscas (map) both boast a blue flag, and they’re great destinations for swimming, sunbathing, watersports, or just lounging in one of the many beach bars. Another beach that deserves your attention is Fañabé Beach (map), a popular destination among tourists offering amazing sunset views. 

But if you’re looking for some good hiking opportunities, I’d recommend the Barranco del Infierno Trail (map) – it’s a relatively challenging route, but it’s definitely worthwhile. However, this is not a great idea if you’re traveling with kids, so you’ll need to find something else to do instead. 

Well, lucky for you, Costa Adeje has 2 amazing waterparks – Siam Park and Aqualand are open-air water parks that offer plenty of fun activities for the whole family. I highly recommend you visit at least one of the two. 

Plus, if you feel like joining a party, you can dance until late at night at the beach and resort parties in the liveliest parts of Tenerife — Playa San Juan (map) and Playa Paraiso (map), located just North of the town. 

Costa Adeje is one of the best places on the island, so I highly recommend making a booking in advance if you don’t want to lose your favorite. And here are the best places to stay in Costa Adeje.

P.S. If you feel like moving around a bit, the other 2 very popular areas to stay in – Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos (I will talk about them below) are located a 5-10 min drive away!

---

Another great luxury accommodation option that is near Costa Adeje is the Bahia Principe Sunlight Tenerife. Located on Costa Adeje’s coast, this hotel offers pools, dining, and entertainment. Guests can enjoy the air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, TVs, and en-suite bathrooms.

And, if you are looking for an adults-only resort in Tenerife, then you should check out Princess Inspire Tenerife. It has got 3 outdoor swimming pools and several bars and restaurants. The guests can enjoy their varied day-and-night entertainment program.

Other accommodation options in Costa Adeje

Things to do in Costa Adeje

• Have a stroll to La Caleta de Adeje (map) and enjoy a stunning sunset
• Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Playa del Duque and Playa de Torviscas
• Spend some time at Siam Park or Aqualand water parks
• Have a night out at Harley’s American Restaurant & Bar (map)
• Visit the nearby beaches Playa San Juan and Playa Paraiso 
• Enjoy hiking at the incredible Barranco del Infierno
• Do some shopping at San Eugenio Shopping Centre (map)
• Plan a day trip to Callao Salvaje

2. Los Gigantes – prettiest part of Tenerife for local experiences

Los Gigantes is an old fishing village located on the West Coast of the island and a 25 min drive from Costa Adeje up North. Even though the village is getting more popular every day among travelers, Los Gigantes is still not as touristy as the other parts of the island, and that’s why I recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the local atmosphere. The Southern Airport, Reina Sofia Airport, is most convenient for getting to Los Gigantes. 

The famous beaches in this area are Playa de los Guios (map), a small beach surrounded by cliffs, and Playa de la Arena (map) in Puerto Santiago, one of the quieter parts of Tenerife, surrounded by picturesque palm trees. Although there are only a couple of beaches in Los Gigantes, you will find nice local cafes and restaurants with a Spanish vibe. 

Another great swimming spot is Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes (map), a shallow natural pool separated by the sea by rock formations. I suggest you head there just before sunset to witness the most amazing views. 

You can have a stroll to the harbor, enjoy the nice view and check out the cute places along the coast. In Los Gigantes, you will also see amazing cliffs overlooking the shore at Puerto Santiago, and you should definitely hike up to Mirador Archipenque (map) to enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

If you want a quieter, more local vibe, Los Gigantes is a very good area to stay in Tenerife. Here, you will not find very big resorts, but you will be able to find enough accommodation for a relaxing stay.

Other accommodation options in Los Gigantes

Things to do in Los Gigantes

• Chill at Playa de los Guios or Playa de la Arena
• Take a day trip for hiking to Masca Valley and explore Tenerife’s history and culture
• Swim in the open saltwater bathing pool at Charco de Isla Cangrejo (map)
• Admire the sunset from Piscina Natural Acantilado de Los Gigantes
• Embark on a whale-watching cruise on a sailing boat from Los Gigantes
• Have some good food at Restaurante El Pescador (map)
• Go on a day trip to Puerto de Santiago 

3. Playa de las Americas – where to stay in Tenerife for nightlife

Situated South of Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas is the best place to stay in Tenerife for a bustling nightlife scene, especially appealing to young people and couples. It is the busiest part of Tenerife, with a lot of bars, restaurants, and clubs, and so many other things to do for young adults.

Since there are so many options, it will be difficult for you to make a choice! Just head to the main pedestrian street lined with bars and clubs and start your pub crawl. Continue along the street and end up in an epic club to finish off a great night of partying. This is a great place to stay in Tenerife without a car, as you’ll be able to walk to the main points of interest. 

Apart from the nightlife, Playa de las Americas offers very beautiful beaches too of course. After having a long party night, you can choose one of these stunning beaches for a re-energizing swim in the crystal blue sea before doing it all over again the next night! 

Of course, the main beach here is Playa de las Américas (map), the perfect place for clubbing and water sports. Plus, if you are into sailing, Playa de las Americas also has perfect sailing conditions. Other amazing beaches worth exploring are Playa del Camisón (map) and the Beach of the Views (map). 

If you feel like doing some shopping, there’s the Siam Mall (map), or if you’re up for an adventure, make the 12-min drive to Jungle Park, a zoological and botanical park with cool waterfalls and suspension bridges – great fun for kids and adults alike! 

Other accommodation in Playa de las Americas

Things to do in Playa de las Americas 

• Enjoy the sun at Playa del Camisón and the Beach of the Views
• Go sailing at Playa de las Américas
• Play mini golf at Vivo Mini Golf Treasure Island
• Dance all night at Tramps
• Spend the day shopping at Siam Mall
• Venture out to the Jungle Park
• Try your hand at Golf Las Américas
• Take a surfing lesson with Tenerife Surf Point

4. Puerto de la Cruz – poshest part of Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz is the beautifully lush, green, and posh part of Tenerife. It is also the second biggest town, located on the North side of the island, about an hour’s drive from Costa Adeje and the South Airport (North Airport is more convenient, if you can – 20 min by car).

The main attraction in Puerto de la Cruz is Loro Park, a large and modern zoo that’s home to many animal species and features cool dolphin shows and a man-made iceberg. After your time in the park, pay a visit to Plaza del Charco (map), a small but very busy park in the center of Puerto de la Cruz surrounded by many restaurants. 

In Puerto de la Cruz, you will also find many charming, laid-back beaches great for relaxing. Tenerife’s famous volcanic black sand beaches are situated here. Playa Maria Jiménez (map) and Playa del Castillo (map) should be high on your itinerary! These volcanic sand beaches look so nice in photos, so make sure not to forget your camera!

During your stay in the area, you should definitely visit Lago Martiánez (map), a large complex of beach bars situated around an artificial seawater lake. Plus, you’ll have the unique opportunity to play at a casino below sea level! 

The beauty of Puerto de la Cruz is that here, you will not only find luxury resorts next to amazing beaches but also have access to the green part of the island. With a bit more rain than the other parts of the island, this area is home to the beautiful Botanical Garden (map) with many different types of plants and flowers. 

Puerto de la Cruz is my pick for luxury travelers, as you will find more upscale resorts near the beach here. Some of these resorts are very popular among European tourists, so don’t forget to make a booking months in advance! 

Here are the best places to stay in the area.

Other accommodation options in Puerto de la Cruz

Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz

• Spend the day exploring Loro Park
• Bask in the black sands at Playa Maria Jiménez and Playa del Castillo
• Spend a relaxing day at the beach club Lago Martiánez
• Visit the Botanical Garden – Jardín Botánico 
• Go on a VIP tour of Mt. Teide and the village of Masca
• Try the delicious tapas at Restaurante el Camino (map) 
• Visit the town’s main church – Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia (map)

5. Los Cristianos – where to stay in Tenerife for families

Los Cristianos is a beautiful resort town on the Southwest Coast of Tenerife, where you will find many family-friendly hotels with great facilities. This area has a more relaxed vibe compared to the other towns which creates a perfect setup to enjoy beach time with kids in this warmest part of Tenerife.

Here you will find a golden sand beach, all kinds of restaurants and cafes, and if you want to go out at night, there are not many clubs in Los Cristianos, but you will find some nice live music bars. And hey, Playa Las America is literally a 5-minute cab drive if you are feeling like a night on the town!

The main beach here is the Playa de Los Cristianos (map), perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but also for playing games with the little ones. There’s also a volleyball court, so the whole family can have fun! 

Even though there are many big, upmarket resorts in this area, Los Cristianos still maintains the authentic Spanish vibe. So, I am sure you will have a great time if you stay in Los Cristianos with your family. You will also find kid-friendly attractions nearby, such as aquaparks and some other activities that you can enjoy with your kids. 

The largest attraction near Los Cristianos is the Tenerife Zoo Monkey Park, that’s actually a breeding center for endangered monkeys – it’s very cool, and I’m sure everyone, both kids and adults, will enjoy it. 

Los Cristianos has some amazing places to stay with kids in the budget and mid-range categories, but the best luxury hotels in this area are for adults only. So, if you really want to spoil your family with an ultra-deluxe holiday, check out the Puerto de la Cruz area instead. 

Other accommodation options in Los Cristianos

Things to do in Los Cristianos

• Enjoy the sun at Playa de Los Cristianos and build sandcastles with the kids
• Plan a visit to the Tenerife Zoo Monkey Park
• Have a nice family dinner at Oro di Napoli (map)
• Go up to the Montaña Chayofita (map) observation deck to enjoy the views
• Join a no-chase cruise for whale and dolphin-watching
• Head to Costa Adeje to check out the Aqualand and Siam Park water parks

6. El Medano – where to stay in Tenerife for those on a budget

Located 5 km (3 miles) South of Costa Adeje and a 10-min drive from Tenerife South Airport, El Medano is an adorable old fishing village that still keeps the traditional atmosphere. Here, you won’t get that touristy vibe as it is rather a quiet, laid-back town. 

This area is my pick for cheap holidays in Tenerife because of the wide variety of budget accommodation options, from hostels to great-value resorts. Plus, you will still be close to the main attractions of the island!

The most-visited beach here is Playa de El Médano (map) – it’s great for swimming, but there are also great beach bars and restaurants serving delicious seafood, as well as weekend markets. 

El Medano is also known for being a famous surf spot. Pro surfers come here to practice and also many travelers who want to take surf lessons visit the village. In El Medano, you will find cool cafes – I like Manfred´s Soul Cafe (map) – as well as nice bohemian bars and restaurants, cool local pubs, and a great selection of shops. These are some of the best places to stay in El Medano. 

Other accommodation options in El Medano

Things to do in El Medano

• Visit the nearby Playa de la Tejita (map) – the largest sand beach in Tenerife
• Grab a nice lunch at Agua Café Tapas-Music-Bar (map)
• Try surfing at Playa de El Médano
• Try delicious seafood at Restaurante Playa Chica (map)
• Plan a day trip to Cueva Del Hermano Pedro (map)

👑 Luxury price:	€240
💵 Mid-range hotel:	€150
🛏️ Budget:	€60
📍 Best area:	Costa Adeje
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Iberostar Selection Sábila
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Royal Sunset Beach
👛 Best budget hotel:	Endless Summer House

BONUS: 6 things to know about Tenerife before your holiday

Tenerife is a big island, and wherever you decide to stay, you might want to discover other parts and activities on the island. Here is some useful information that will make your stay in Tenerife perfect:

1. Tenerife has two airports
There are 2 airports in Tenerife. The first one is Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia Airport), which is about 20 km (10 miles) from Costa Adeje. The Second one is Tenerife North Airport (Los Rodeos Airport), which is 10 km (5 miles) from the island capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 

Although the island may seem small on the map, if you need to travel from one side to the other when you arrive, you will either have to take a very expensive taxi (~100 EUR between airports) or catch a combination of buses that will take over 2 hours. It’s not exactly a relaxing start to your holiday! So, make sure to check where you will be arriving before choosing where to stay in Tenerife.

2. Tenerife is closer to Morocco than to Spain
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, which belongs to Spain, and that’s why many people think that it is close to Spain. However, it is actually closer to the West Coast of Morocco! The shortest flight from Spain takes about 2,5 hours. Most frequent flights are from Barcelona and Madrid (3 hours). However, especially in the summertime, there are frequent flights to Tenerife from the UK, France, and Germany. 

There are also 2 ferry routes operating between Spain and Tenerife, which are operating 4 times a week. Trasmediterranea operates from Cadiz to Santa Cruz de Tenerife once a week, and Fred Olsen Express operates from Huelva to Santa Cruz de Tenerife twice a week.

3. Getting around in Tenerife
There are very limited buses operating on the island, and taxis can be expensive. That’s why the easiest way to get around in Tenerife is by renting a car. 

There is a highway all around the island that connects all the major cities. Renting a car also gives you the freedom to explore deserted places on the island. 

However, for major cities, you can check out the timetables and routes from Tenerife’s bus operator’s website.

4. Tenerife is one of the best places to go kitesurfing in Europe
Tenerife has one of the best kitesurf and surf spots in Europe! Some people just visit the island to take lessons or practice surfing. El Médano is where you can surf in Tenerife, and the best wind conditions are from January to September. 

If you haven’t tried it before, Tenerife is a great place to start, so you might want to start your kitesurfing lessons here.

If you want to try some other adventure activities, in the south of the island, you can do paragliding, and you can also hike at Teide National Park, which includes Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide offering world-class hiking trails. 

5. Tenerife is not in the European Union
Even though the Canary Islands are part of Spain, they are a Special Member State which means the Canary Islands are not in the EU VAT area. So you don’t pay tax in Tenerife. 

That’s why you can buy stuff around 10% cheaper in Tenerife and it’s a great place to go shopping!

6. Carnival in Tenerife
Every year in February, the Santa Cruz festival takes place in Tenerife. This carnival is the second largest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro. During the carnival, local people wear fancy dresses and costumes and dance on the streets. Street parties continue till the early hours of the morning, and that’s why some people specifically visit Tenerife in February to enjoy this carnival. If you want to be part of this amazing carnival, make sure to make your booking months in advance.

BONUS 2: Other must-see places in Tenerife

I’ve already mentioned the 6 best areas for where to stay in Tenerife and some things to know before you arrive. However, if you are looking for more info, I am happy to give you recommendations on some lesser-known places! 

Here are some of my top picks that are sure to make your Tenerife holiday special:

Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the biggest city on the island and the joint capital of the whole Canary Islands. Located in the Northern part of the island and 20 minutes drive from Tenerife North Airport, the easiest way to reach Santa Cruz de Tenerife is by renting a car. 

Having been surrounded by Parque Rural De Anaga mountains, the city offers spectacular views. There are also many museums, art galleries, and churches to explore in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. With a 10-minute drive, you can reach the beautiful, quiet beaches – Playa de las Teresitas and La Laguna. Santa Cruz Tenerife is definitely worth the day trip!

La Laguna
La Laguna is the old capital of Tenerife and a 10-minute drive from Santa Cruz (just above). You can also take local buses to reach La Laguna. It is a beautiful historical old town worth a day trip. With its cute colorful buildings, La Laguna is a very photogenic city and also well-preserved by UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

This old Spanish colonial city resembles Havana Old Town in Cuba. In La Laguna, there are many museums and churches to visit so grab your camera and enjoy discovering the adorable streets of La Laguna!

Puerto de Santiago
Puerto de Santiago is a hilly area located between Playa de la Arena and Los Gigantes. Puerto de Santiago is a fishing village that offers a laid-back atmosphere. You can simply enjoy a stroll along the coast of Puerto Santiago, watch amazing landscapes, and have delicious seafood in local cafes. It is a great place to relax and get away from touristy areas. You can spare 1 day of your Tenerife holiday to spend in Puerto de Santiago or choose to spend a night at the amazing Barceló Santiago – one of the best Tenerife resorts!

Costa Del Silencio
Costa Del Silencio is situated on the South Coast of Tenerife and 10 km (5 miles) to the east of Playa de las Americas. Costa del Silencio means ‘silent coast.’ That’s why here you will find quiet beaches. It is also a great place to watch dolphins and whales, plus there are also many other activities possible in Costa Del Silencio. 

Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking trails up to Montana Amarillo, and golf fans can sign up for lessons in the nearby area, Golf del Sur. 

La Orotava
Located on the Northwest Coast of Tenerife and a 15-minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava is an attractive, affluent area surrounded by banana trees. In La Orotava, you will see buildings with great architecture, museums, and wine-tasting places. Take a day trip to La Orotava and enjoy food in Canarian-style restaurants, try some local wines, and visit charming shops. 

Callao Salvaje
Callao Salvaje is located 10 km (5 miles) South of Costa Adeje and is the best place to relax on the beach. If you are based in Costa Adeje and looking for a quiet beach to avoid the tourist crowds, you will enjoy a day trip to Callao Salvaje.

FAQs about where to stay in Tenerife

Conclusion

I hope this post will help you find where to stay in Tenerife and that you will enjoy your holiday. I have mentioned the nicest areas to stay in Tenerife, with the best hotels and Airbnbs in each neighborhood.

To sum up, here are my 2 favorite resorts in Costa Adeje, Tenerife: 

• Iberostar Selection Sábila – an upscale resort offering amazing spa treatments and a great buffet-style restaurant
• Royal Sunset Beach – a comfortable hotel with a poolside bar and spacious, air-conditioned rooms

Tenerife is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe, so make a reservation now to avoid missing out on the perfect resort.

Remember to leave a comment below if you have any other suggestions or questions about Tenerife. I’ll be happy to reply!

Have a great holiday, 

Hristina

---