Eylul 
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! 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 to volcanic sand and 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 not possible to forget the party scene of Tenerife too! Every part of the island offers different kinds of beaches and landscapes and that’s why I recommend renting a car to discover the beauties of the island.
In this article, I will talk about the best places to stay to answer your question, “where to stay in Tenerife?”. I want to remind you of 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 all about it. Let’s get started!
Contents
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best places to stay in Tenerife from luxury to budget and also Airbnb. They all have great reviews and great locations plus easy access to Tenerife’s beautiful beaches.
Here is a map about where to stay in Tenerife with all the 6 areas I will be talking about in this post, so you can easily visualize them:
- Costa Adeje: for first-timers
- Los Gigantes: for local experiences
- Playa de las Americas: for nightlife
- Puerto de la Cruz: for luxury-lovers
- Los Cristianos: for the families
- El Medano: on a budget
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-time visitors to Tenerife Island with its colorful 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 cleanness), the next, you can find yourself hiking with beautiful landscape views. Plus, if you feel like joining a party, you can dance till late at night at the beach and resort parties at the famous San Juan and Playa Paraiso, located just north of the town.
Being one of the best places on the island I highly recommend you to make a booking in advance if you don’t want to lose your favorite place. Many places have a free cancellation option so don’t worry if you change your mind. 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 5-10 min driving away!
The luxury resort is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife. The gorgeous resort offers a nice swimming pool, a spa, a good fitness center, private parking and water sports activities. Iberostar Selection’s rooms have private balconies and amazing sea views. This Adults only paradise is great for couples
Other accommodation options in Costa Adeje
Situated 100 m from Fañabe, this beach hotel features a swimming pool set within gardens and a great gym
The centrally located hotel offers a terrace, BBQ facilities, and a good breakfast. A great place to stay in Costa Adeje
This stunning Airbnb is one of the best places to stay which has a great terrace with a view and a pool
Things to do in Costa Adeje
- Try delicious local foods at Café Bar Lormar
- Have a stroll to la Caleta and enjoy a stunning sunset
- Go to the premium beach Playa del Duque and enjoy crystal water
- Spend some time at beautiful Siam Park
- Have a nice cocktail at La Cockteleria
- Visit amazing nearby beaches such as Playa Fanabe, Playa San Juan, and Playa Paraiso
- Enjoy hiking at the incredible Barranco del Infierno
- Have a day trip to Callao Salvaje
- Sunbath at the black sand beach – Playa del Duque beach
2. Los Gigantes – for those looking for local experiences
Los Gigantes is an old fishing village located on the South 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 Los Gigantes as where to stay in Tenerife for anyone looking for a local experience. To reach Los Gigantes, the Southern Airport, Reina Sofia Airport is more convenient.
The famous beach in this area is Playa de la Arena. It is a quiet, sandy beach 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. You can simply have a stroll to the harbor enjoying 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 on these to enjoy the scenery!
If you want a more quiet and 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. If you are looking for another holiday destination where you can learn more about local life in Spain you should check out Ibiza and Mallorca!
Right in front of the beach, this all-inclusive resort is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife. The stunning hotel features 4 amazing swimming pools, rooms with balconies, a fabulous breakfast, and private parking. Family friendly rooms are available too!
Other accommodation options in Los Gigantes
Right at the beach, the hotel offers a swimming pool, a fabulous fitness center, and rooms with private balconies
A 5-minute walk to La Arena beach, the hotel features free wifi, great breakfast, and a shared kitchen and lounge
The suite has an amazing big terrace with an Atlantic Ocean view and a nice swimming pool
Things to do in Los Gigantes
- Chill at Los Guíos beach
- 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
- Take a boat ride from Puerto Deportivo Los Gigantes and enjoy the scenery
- Have some nice foods at Charlie’s Bistro
- Have a day trip to Puerto de Santiago
- Go for an adventure to Los Gigantes cliffs by hiking and enjoy the amazing view
- Enjoy amazing views while hiking at Puerto Santiago del Teide national park
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3. Playa de las Americas – a town with great nightlife
Situated just next to Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas is a perfect area for party people. It is the most vibrant area in Tenerife with a lot of bars, restaurants, and clubs. It will be very difficult for you to make a choice among that many options! Simply head to the main pedestrian street filled 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.
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! Plus, if you are into sailing, Playa de las Americas also has perfect sailing conditions.
Located at Playa de las Américas beach, the stunning resort offers a swimming pool, a fitness room, a spa, and 6 restaurants. This Mexican mansion style resort has luxurious rooms with custom-made Mexican furniture, satellite TV, and a private bathroom. Villa Corte is the best place to stay in Tenerife for couples
Other accommodation in Playa de las Americas
The all-inclusive hotel offers 3 swimming pools, a gym, and a nice breakfast. A great place to stay in Tenerife
Walking distance to the beach, the nice hotel features a heated pool and a tennis court. Perfect for couples
Right next to the beach this Airbnb has a great location and spacious rooms. A very nice place to stay in Tenerife
Things to do in Playa de las Americas
- Go for a DJ performance at TIBU Tenerife and enjoy the party
- Enjoy beach time at Playa del Camisón and Playa de las Américas
- Play mini golf at Vivo Mini Golf Treasure Island
- Dance all night at Trams The King of Clubs
- Check out the amazing view at Montaña Chayofita
- Try your hand at Golf Las Américas
- Enjoy a live music performance at Sax Rock Bar
- Take a surf lesson at Tenerife Surf Point
- Go for a walk to The Patch and enjoy the nature
4. Puerto de la Cruz – a nice town for luxury travelers
Puerta de la Cruz is the beautifully lush and green side of Tenerife. It is also the second biggest town and located on the north of the island, about an hour drive from Costa Adeje and the South Airport (North Airport is more convenient, if you can – 20 min by car).
Here you will find many charming, laid back beaches great for relaxing. In this area, luxury lovers should definitely visit Lago Martiánez and enjoy a cocktail by the luxurious swimming pools surrounded by palm trees for the ultimate experience.
The beauty of Puerto de la Cruz is, here you will not only find luxury resorts next to amazing beaches but will also have access to the green part of the island. Having a bit more rain than the other parts of the island, this area offers beautiful botanical gardens with many different types of plants and flowers. Tenerife’s famous volcanic black sand beaches can also be found here. These volcanic sand beaches look so nice in photos so make sure not to forget your camera!
Puerto de la Cruz is my pick for luxury travelers as you will find more upscale resorts nearby 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 this area.
The luxury hotel is one of the best hotels to stay in Puerto de La Cruz. Hotel Botanico offers 3 outdoor pools and luxurious accommodation set in attractive gardens, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide including a free unlimited spa! A perfect place to stay for couples
Other accommodation options in Puerto de la Cruz
The nice hotel has a terrace with a fantastic view. One of the best hotels to stay in Puerto de La Cruz
The centrally located, adults-only hotel offers quiet spacious rooms and easy access to the beach. Great for couples
A very nice place to stay in Puerto de la Cruz with a great view. Walking distance to the beach
Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz
- Visit the botanical gardens – Jardín Botánico and Jardín de Orquideas de Sitio Litre
- Have a nice dinner at Bodega Julian
- Watch the waves crashing to the sea wall at Explanada del Muelle
- Spend a quiet day at beach club Lago Martiánez and enjoy seawater swimming pools and cafes inside the complex
- Have delicious seafood at Chiringuito Pipo
- Visit the town’s main church – Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
5. Los Cristianos – where to stay in Tenerife for the families
Los Cristianos is a beautiful resort town where you will find many family friendly resorts with great facilities. This area has a more relaxed vibe compared to the other towns in Tenerife which creates a perfect setup to enjoy beach time with kids.
Here you will find many golden sand beaches, all kinds of restaurants and cafes, plus if you want to go out at night there are not many clubs in Los Cristianos but you will find nice live music bars. And hey, Playa Las America is literally a 5 min cab drive if you are feeling active! 🙂
Even though there are many big 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 families. You will also find family friendly attractions nearby such as aquaparks, a zoo, and some other activities that you can enjoy with your kids. That’s why this area has the best places to stay in Los Cristianos for families.
Los Cristianos has some amazing places to stay with kids in the budget – midrange 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.
Spring Arona Hotel is the best place to stay in Los Cristianos. Just next to the beach in the resort town, the adults only luxury hotel has amazing views of the bay, a large outdoor pool, a sauna, and water sports activities. The fabulous hotel offers a great breakfast and a lounge bar with live music shows every night
Other accommodation options in Los Cristianos
The mid-range hotel which features 5 outdoor pools, hot tubs, kids play centers and a bar. A great place to stay in Tenerife for families
Located a 10 minutes walk to the beach the hotel features 2 outdoor pools, a sauna, and a squash court. Family rooms are available too
Located in the resort town, this Airbnb is perfect for a family holiday. Quiet rooms have a terrace with a sea view
Things to do in Los Cristianos
- Head to Costa Adeje to check out theme parks Aqualand and Siam Park and have fun with the kids
- Visit Monkey Park Zoo with kids
- Enjoy the view at Los Cristianos port and try to spot dolphins
- Visit The Arona pyramid designed for families to have fun
- Chill at Playa del Camisón beach and build sandcastles with the little ones
- Enjoy golden sand beach Playa de los Cristianos
- Visit man made beach Playa Las Vistas which has great facilities for families
6. El Medano – where to stay in Tenerife for those on a budget
Located 5 km (3 miles) south of Costa Adeje and 10 minutes 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 budget travelers 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!
El Medano is known for being a famous surf spot. Pro surfers come here to practice and also many travelers who want to take surf lessons visit this village. You will also find amazing Medano beach here. In El Medano, you will find hipster cafes as well as nice bohemian bars and restaurants, cool local pubs, and a great selection of shops. Here are some of the best places to stay in El Medano.
Kn Hotel Arenas is one of the best hotels in Tenerife. The adult-only luxury hotel has a well-equipped spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a large outdoor terrace, a gym, and a bar with an amazing sea view. It is a perfect place to stay in El Medano for those looking for luxury on a budget
Other accommodation options in El Medano
A nice hotel to stay in Tenerife. Centrally located hotel features city views, free WiFi, and free private parking
Situated just next to the beach, the hotel features a shared kitchen and organizing tours for guests
The best place to stay for a local experience. Centrally located in El Madana this Airbnb has an amazing sea view
Things to do in El Medano
- Have a delicious paella at Chiringuito Pirata
- Spend some time at the nearby longest sand beach in Tenerife – Playa de la Tejita
- Grab a nice ice cream from Ice Dreams Factory
- Taste delicious snacks and coffees at Calima Café
- Have a day trip to Cueva Del Hermano Pedro
- Take some kitesurfing lessons
- Chill at Medano Beach and enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water
| 👑 Luxury price: | €180 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €100 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €30 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | €50 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best Area: | Costa Adeje |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Iberostar Selection Sábila |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Endless Summer House |
BONUS 1: 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 busses that will take over 2 hours. Not exactly a relaxing start to your holiday! So, make sure to check where you will be arriving from when 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 summer time, there are frequent flights from the UK, France, and Germany to Tenerife.
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 renting a car. There is a highway all around the island and connects 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 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 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 in months advance.
If you are planning to hop on another Canary Islands check out this post for where to stay in Gran Canaria for some holiday inspiration!
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 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 minutes drive, you can reach beautiful quiet beaches Las Teresitas and La Laguna. Santa Cruz Tenerife definitely is worth a day trip!
La Laguna
La Laguna is the old capital of Tenerife and a 10 minutes 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 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.
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 take golf courses in this town.
La Orotava
Located on the northwest coast of Tenerife and a 15 minutes 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. Have a day trip to La Orotava and enjoy foods 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 the best place to relax on the beach. If you are based in Costa Adeje and looking for a quiet beach and avoid the tourist crowd, you can enjoy a day trip to Callao Salvaje.
Frequently asked questions about Tenerife
🗺️ What is the best area to stay in Tenerife?
If it is going to be your first holiday in Tenerife, the best area to stay in is Costa Adeje. If you are looking for a luxury resort Puerto de la Cruz is also another nice area to stay.
🏝️ Where is the nicest part of Tenerife?
The west coast of Tenerife is a nice area where to stay in Tenerife as you will find many relaxing beaches, great hotels, bars, and restaurants.
🤔 Which is better north or south Tenerife?
In both north and south Tenerife you will find nice beaches and great attractions. However, on the south side, you can find more hotels, bars, and restaurants.
🏖️ Which part of Tenerife has the best beaches?
Costa Adaje and Puerto de la Cruz have the best beaches in Tenerife. Whilst, many nice beaches are spread all around the island.
🛫 How can I travel to Tenerife?
The easiest way to travel to Tenerife is by taking a flight to one of the two Tenerife Airports (North or South). There are many flights from Europe. You can also take ferries from southern Spain in Cadiz.
🗓️ When is the peak holiday season in Tenerife?
November to March is the peak season in Tenerife but you can visit the island all year-round as its tropical climate offers good weather throughout the year. Summer months can be nice too but could be too hotfor some people.
⏱️ How long should I stay in Tenerife?
I would recommend you to stay at least 5 days in Tenerife to discover the south and the north of the island.
Conclusion
I hope that this post will be helpful to you in finding where to stay in Tenerife and you will enjoy your holiday. In this post, I mentioned the nicest areas to stay in Tenerife, with the best hotels and Airbnbs in each neighborhood.
To sum up, here are the best 2 resorts to stay in Tenerife where I would definitely recommend you to choose. They both have good locations and great reviews too!
- Landmar Playa La Arena – Right on the beach a very nice luxury resort
- Royal Sun Resort – Set by Los Gigantes Cliffs, this resort offers an amazing ocean view
Tenerife is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Europe, so, in order not to miss your perfect resort in Tenerife, make a reservation now!
Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you have any other suggestions or questions about Tenerife! I’ll be happy to reply to them!
Have a great holiday,
Eylul
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Thanks for all the info. Just one comment- it would be nice to consider animal cruelty before suggesting visits to be part of it. Loro Parque and Siam Park are known for this. Regardless Siam park is a great water park your money also goes to support animal captivity in deplorable situations. Your suggestions should add more Eco friendly activities and hotels and also more animal friendly alternatives. They exist. I guess that might take you a bit more of homework. But worth it right?