Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. Thanks to its being able to virtually guarantee sun and warm weather all year round the island attracts over 5 million annual visitors. When planning your trip, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is where to stay in Tenerife. Some of the most popular holiday resorts include Playa del Las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje which have pretty much merged into one high rise mega-resort. In this part of the island, holidaymakers will find a wide range of accommodation options, stunning beaches and a varied nightlife to suit all tastes.
There are plenty things to do in Tenerife within easy reach of these popular holiday resorts including world-class theme parks and excellent watersport opportunities including windsurfing, sailing and diving. There are also deep-sea fishing and whale watching excursions. Golfers can play three good courses located within a short distance of Costa Adeje. The most popular day excursion is to Mount Teide (Parque Nacional de Teide) where visitors can walk through the volcanic landscape of Spain’s most visited national park. Another worthwhile trip is to the mysterious Pyramids of Guimar on the east coast.
Getting There: Most tourists arrive at Tenerife South Airport then transfer to one of the popular resorts in the south of the island. Tourists are attracted by fine beaches, year round sunshine and an impressive selection of bars and restaurants. Spain it is not but for quality package tourism Tenerife takes some beating.
Holiday Resorts in the South and West
The vast majority of holidaymakers heading for Tenerife will land at Tenerife Sur airport which just lies 20km east of Playa de las Americas. There are bus services from the airport to the main resorts as well as plenty taxi options. Renting a car in Tenerife from the airport is another popular option. The main places to stay in the south and west of Tenerife are as follows:
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is located on the southern coast of Tenerife. It’s known for its upscale accommodations and attractions. The resort area features several Blue Flag beaches, including Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé. Costa Adeje offers a range of activities, from water parks to golf courses. The area is home to numerous four and five-star hotels, as well as luxury villas and apartments.
Costa Adeje caters to visitors seeking a more refined experience. The resort boasts upscale shopping centres where tourists can find designer brands and local boutiques. For those seeking adventure, Siam Park, one of Europe’s largest water parks, provides thrilling attractions. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the Golf Costa Adeje course, which offers stunning ocean views. The resort’s location also makes it an ideal base for whale and dolphin watching excursions, with several companies operating boat trips from nearby ports.
Playa de las Americas
Playa de las Américas is one of Tenerife’s most well-known resort areas. It’s situated on the southern coast, adjacent to Costa Adeje. This resort is particularly popular among young tourists and is known for its vibrant nightlife. The area features several man-made beaches with golden sand imported from the Sahara Desert.
The resort’s nightlife is centreed around several key areas, including Verónicas and The Patch, where numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants cater to partygoers. During the day, visitors can relax on Playa de Troya, the resort’s main beach, or engage in water sports. Golf Las Américas provides a challenging course for golf enthusiasts. The resort’s proximity to Siam Park also makes it attractive for families and thrill-seekers looking for daytime entertainment.
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos, located just south of Playa de las Américas, was originally a fishing village that has developed into a popular resort town. It maintains a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its neighboring resorts. The town features two main beaches: Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas.
The heart of Los Cristianos is its pedestrianized town centre, where visitors can explore shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town’s harbor is a hub of activity, offering ferry services to other Canary Islands such as La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma. A popular Sunday market attracts both locals and tourists. Los Cristianos is also known for its accessible beaches, with facilities that cater to visitors with mobility issues, making it an inclusive destination for all travelers.
Golf del Sur
Golf del Sur is a purpose-built resort on the southern coast of Tenerife. As its name suggests, it’s particularly popular among golf enthusiasts. The resort offers a quieter alternative to the busier nearby resorts of Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos.
The centrepiece of Golf del Sur is its 27-hole golf course, which attracts players from around the world. The resort’s coastal location provides opportunities for scenic walks along the rugged shoreline. Nature enthusiasts can explore the nearby San Blas Nature Reserve, which showcases the island’s unique flora and fauna. The resort also features a marina, adding to its appeal for those interested in boat trips or water sports.
El Médano
El Médano is a resort town on the south-east coast of Tenerife. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and is popular among water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfers and kitesurfers. The town has a long natural sandy beach and a smaller beach called Playa de la Jaquita.
El Médano’s consistent trade winds make it an ideal destination for wind and water sports. The town hosts several international windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions throughout the year. Nature lovers can explore the Montaña Roja protected area, a distinctive red volcanic cone that offers hiking trails and panoramic views. The town’s beachfront promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A weekly market adds to the local charm, offering fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is a resort town on the western coast of Tenerife. It’s named after the giant rock formations, known as Acantilados de Los Gigantes (Cliffs of the Giants), that dominate its coastline. The resort offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the larger southern resorts.
The town’s main attraction is its stunning natural scenery, particularly the dramatic cliffs that rise up to 800 meters from the sea. Los Gigantes features a marina that serves as a hub for various water activities, including boat trips, fishing excursions, and diving adventures. The resort’s black sand beach, while small, offers a unique sunbathing experience. Los Gigantes is also a popular base for whale and dolphin watching trips, with several species frequently spotted in the surrounding waters. The town centre, though compact, provides a selection of restaurants, bars, and shops catering to tourists and locals alike.
Costa del Silencio
Costa del Silencio is a purpose-built resort located in the south of Tenerife. Although it doesn’t have its own beach, it compensates with other attractions. The nearby Montaña Amarilla is a distinctive geological feature that offers hiking opportunities and panoramic views. The resort is also close to Las Galletas, a traditional fishing village where visitors can experience local culture and cuisine. Costa del Silencio is particularly popular with long-stay visitors and retirees, contributing to its tranquil atmosphere. The waters around the resort are known for excellent scuba diving, with several dive schools operating in the area.
La Caleta
La Caleta is a small fishing village that has developed into an upscale resort area. It’s located at the northern end of Costa Adeje. The resort is known for its high-end hotels and gourmet restaurants, many of which specialize in fresh seafood.
La Caleta has managed to retain much of its traditional Canarian charm despite its development. The village’s small harbor is still used by local fishermen, adding to its authentic atmosphere. La Caleta is renowned for its culinary scene, with several high-end restaurants offering fresh seafood and Canarian specialties. The resort’s small pebble beach provides a more secluded alternative to the larger beaches in neighboring areas. Golf enthusiasts appreciate La Caleta’s proximity to Golf Costa Adeje, one of the island’s premier courses.
Callao Salvaje
Popular with families and couples seeking tranquility, Callao Salvaje is a small, quiet resort on Tenerife’s south-west coast, about 10km north of Playa de las Américas. It features a man-made beach of dark volcanic sand and pebbles, protected by breakwaters for safe swimming. A beachfront promenade lined with bars and restaurants offers pleasant walks.
The resort consists mainly of apartment complexes and villas, with a small commercial centre providing essential amenities. Nightlife is limited but sufficient for low-key entertainment. Callao Salvaje’s location allows easy access to the livelier southern resorts and the west coast’s secluded areas.
Each of these resorts offers a unique experience for visitors to Tenerife. The southern resorts generally offer warmer, drier weather and are more developed for tourism. The northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz provides a different climate and atmosphere, with more lush vegetation. Visitors can choose a resort based on their preferences for activities, atmosphere and amenities.
When planning a trip to Tenerife, it’s important to consider factors such as the time of year, desired activities, and personal preferences for resort size and atmosphere. Each resort area has its own character and offerings, allowing visitors to find an experience that suits their needs. From the vibrant nightlife of Playa de las Américas to the tranquil shores of Costa del Silencio, Tenerife’s diverse resorts cater to a wide range of holiday preferences.
Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso is a small, quiet resort located between Playa de las Américas and Los Gigantes. It has been growing in popularity, particularly since the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife in 2016. The resort features a small beach and a saltwater lido.
The Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife has significantly boosted Playa Paraiso’s profile, offering a range of entertainment options and high-quality accommodations. The resort’s saltwater lido provides a safe and sheltered swimming area, particularly appealing to families with young children. Despite its recent development, Playa Paraiso maintains a quieter atmosphere compared to some of Tenerife’s larger resorts. Its location allows easy access to both the busier southern resorts and the more secluded western coast, making it a good base for exploring different parts of the island.
Holiday Resorts Northern Tenerife
Tenerife Norte Airport lies 12km west of the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, providing easy access to Puerto de la Cruz which is the north coast’s main resort. Almost all arrivals are domestic flights from the Spanish mainland and from other Canary Islands. International arrivals are more likely to land at Tenerife Sur which is the island’s main airport. The main places to stay in the north of Tenerife are as follows:
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is the main resort in the north of Tenerife which experiences slightly cooler temperatures and more rainfall than the southern resorts. It offers a different experience from the southern resorts thanks to its historic old quarter around Plaza del Charco and its lush surroundings. Its location serves as a convenient base for exploring attractions in northern Tenerife, such as the historic town of La Orotava and the Teide National Park.
One of Puerto de la Cruz’s main attractions is Lago Martiánez, a complex of seawater swimming pools designed by the renowned Canarian artist César Manrique. The resort is also home to Loro Parque, a popular zoo and marine park that houses a diverse collection of animals and offers entertaining shows.
Beach lovers can enjoy Playa Jardín, another of César Manrique’s creations, which combines volcanic sand with beautiful landscaped gardens. The town’s Botanical Gardens, established in the 18th century, offer a peaceful retreat and showcase a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants. Local beaches are characterised by black sand beaches due to the island’s volcanic nature.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city of Tenerife and co-capital of the Canary Islands, offers a distinct urban experience compared to the island’s coastal resorts. Located on the northeastern coast, it serves as a major port and the island’s commercial centre. While not primarily known as a tourist resort, Santa Cruz provides visitors with a rich blend of history, culture, and modern city amenities.
The city features several notable attractions, including the Auditorio de Tenerife, a striking example of modern architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava. This iconic building hosts various cultural events and concerts throughout the year. The Museum of Nature and Man showcases the island’s natural history and the culture of the indigenous Guanche people. For art enthusiasts, the TEA (Tenerife Espacio de las Artes) houses contemporary art exhibitions and a significant collection of Surrealist works.
Santa Cruz offers urban beaches, with Playa de Las Teresitas being the most popular. This artificial golden sand beach, protected by a breakwater, provides a safe swimming environment. The city’s parks, such as Parque García Sanabria, offer green spaces for relaxation. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the northern part of the island, including the nearby San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
El Sauzal
Another attractive place to stay on Tenerife’s north-west coast is the delightful town of El Sauzal. This tranquil place in Tenerife’s wine producing country is surrounded by vineyards and is a fine choice for visitors seeking to avoid the mass tourism of the southern resorts. The region produces some fine local wines which are served up with typical Canarian dishes in the town’s restaurants. A number of vineyards in the vicinity provide wine tastings in their cellars and the wine museum of Casa del Vino la Baranda is well worth a visit.
The beach at Mesa del Mar is just a few minutes outside El Sauzal and is one of the best on the island whilst a number of other good beaches such as Playa do los Troches and Playa de San Roque are easily accessible. A little further afield is the popular resort of Puerto de la Cruz whilst Tenerife’s bustling capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is just 20km away. Other interesting towns to visit which are only 10km away are the university town of La Laguna and the quaint, colonial town of La Orotava.
FAQs About Tenerife
When is the Best Time to Visit Tenerife?
With average annual temperatures seldom dropping below 15ºC or going above 30ºC Tenerife is an ideal year round holiday destination. The hot, dry summers account for the vast numbers of holidaymakers who head there in July and August whilst winters tend to be very mild with many sunny days and temperatures often high enough to allow you to swim in the sea and sunbathe. Christmas in Tenerife has become a popular time to visit for those trying get some winter sun.
With such a climate it’s no wonder that the island is one of Europe’s most popular package holiday destinations. The temperature is usually very similar in the north and the south of the island but beware if you are visiting Mount Teide National Park as it can be very cold there with snow in winter.
There is very little rainfall in Tenerife in general with extremely dry summers in both the north and the south of the island but from October to March there is more likely to be occasional showers in the north of the island than in the south.
Another great time to visit Tenerife is during the Carnaval celebrations which begin in early February and last for three weeks. Carnival in Tenerife is the biggest Carnaval celebration in the world apart from the legendary event in Rio de Janeiro.
Where is the Nicest Part of Tenerife?
Geographically the northwest is a beautiful, rocky stretch of coastline with green fields surrounding timeless villages whilst the east coast is a rather unattractive, barren part of the island. The southwest coast is the centre of Tenerife’s massive tourism industry where fine artificial beaches created from sand imported from the Sahara serve as the main attraction for millions of foreign tourists. The interior is a vast lunar landscape resulting from volcanic activity where Mount Teide (3718m), Spain’s highest peak is found.
