| Best for | Holiday destinations |
|---|---|
| Best in general and the most popular | Costa Adeje, Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz |
| Couples and adults | Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
| Families with children | Costa Adeje, Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos, Puerto de Santiago and Puerto de la Cruz |
| Holidays without a hire car | Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Americas and Costa Adeje in the South or Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz in the North |
| Budget friendly | Golf del Sur, Costa del Silencio and Palm Mar |
| Most authentically Spanish and adventurous | El Medano, Los Abrigos, La Caleta, Playa San Juan, Playa las Galletas, Garachico, Playa de Alcala, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Caletillas and Candelaria |
| Beach holidays | Costa Adeje, Playa de Las Americas, Los Cristianos and El Medano |
| Nightlife | Costa Adeje for families, Playa de Las Americas for nightclubs and Puerto de la Cruz for the older generation |
| Romance | Puerto de la Cruz and La Caleta |
Best holiday destinations in Tenerife
Costa Adeje – For those who want it all
Because Costa Adeje is one of the most extensive holiday destinations on the island, this area offers the most choice and variety in everything you could want for your holiday. It is ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers.
🏖️ A large choice of unique beaches ranging from the family-friendly Playa la Pinta to upscale beaches like Playa del Duque.
🍔 One of the largest selections of restaurants and eateries on the island, with menus ranging from budget-friendly to extreme luxury.
🏄♂️ The best place on the island if you want to do and experience a lot of different things like waterparks, zoos, minigolf, watersports, boat trips, karting, markets, shopping and much more.
🍻 A mostly family-friendly nightlife with the largest clubbing street, Las Veronicas, a short walk or taxi ride away in neighbouring Playa de las Americas.
Best places to stay in Costa Adeje
Luxury – JOIA Salome by Iberostar, Adrian Hotels Jardines de Nivaria and Vincci Selection La Plantacion del Sur
Adults – Adrian Hotels Colon Guanahani
Relaxing holidays with young children – H10 Costa Adeje Palace
Relaxing holidays next to the beach – RIU Palace Tenerife
Family beach holiday – HOVIMA la Pinta
Playa de Las Americas – For nightlife and luxury
While Playa de Las Americas used to be all about the nightlife and nightclubs, in the last few years, it has become much more family-friendly, luxurious, and more focused on shopping, the beach, and dining.
🏖️ Many different beaches to enjoy, from lively Playa de Troya to family-friendly Playa del Camison and the popular surfing spot of Playa de Las Americas.
🍔 All kinds of cuisines to try. Many restaurants here are big and modern and do require a reservation during high season if you want to eat there.
🏄♂️ Lots to do in and nearby Playa de las Americas, such as zoos, shows, minigolf, waterparks, shopping, boat trips, and surfing.
🍻 The most popular and most prominent nightlife and clubbing street on this island is Las Veronicas and is located here. While this was the main attraction for many years, there is now much more nightlife with a family-friendly or relaxation focus.
Best places to stay in Playa de la Americas
Family holidays – HD Parque Cristobal Tenerife, Parque Santiago 3 and Spring hotel Bitacora
Adults and couples – Vanilla Garden Boutique Hotel and Hotel Cleopatra Palace
Luxury – Sir Anthony
Los Cristianos – A good mix of tourism and authenticity
If you want all the attractions, things to do and all the touristy comforts but also want to feel like you are staying in a bit of authentic Spain and not in mass tourism, Los Cristianos is the best place for you.
🏖️ The Playa de los Cristianos is an ideal soft sand beach for families with calm waters ideal for small children. Playa de las Vistas is great for a change of scenery, and Playa los Calvados is the best place to go snorkelling and escape the possible crowds in high season.
🍔 Los Cristianos has many restaurants next to the seaside and even more inland near the town square, which is ideal on windy days.
🏄♂️ From the local harbour, you can join multiple boat tours, including to nearby islands. Also, most waterparks, zoos, and attractions are nearby and can easily be reached by bus.
🍻 Nightlife in Los Cristianos is lively but mostly about having a few drinks along the coastline. If you want to go clubbing, go karaoke singing or see great live shows, head to the Parasela shopping centre more inland.
Best places to stay in Los Cristianos
Budget-friendly – Paloma Beach Apartments
Adults and couples – H10 Big Sur and Spring Arona Gran Hotel
Cosy boutique hotel – Hotel Reveron Plaza
Puerto de la Cruz – The budget-friendly and authentic North of Tenerife
Puerto de la Cruz, in the lesser-known lush and green North of Tenerife, is an authentic Spanish city with some tourism mixed in. This area is very appreciated by nature enthusiasts, but also older couples who like the relaxed daytimes and lively nightlife. Because many Spanish people live here, prices are truly Spanish and therefor not as high as in the more touristy South.
🏖️ Authentic black sand beaches, the Lago Martianez waterpark for windy days and many locations in the city to swim from in the sea.
🍔 Puerto de la Cruz has many excellent restaurants, often at much better prices than the more touristy South of the island. If you want truly authentic Spanish tapas and food, this is one of the best places on the island, but there are many other cuisines to try here as well.
🏄♂️ The famous Loro Parque zoo and many beautiful parks and gardens can be visited here. It is also very popular for hikers.
🍻 Nightlife is very lively but mostly focuses on an older generation who like to come here to dance to the classics with live music.
Best places to stay in Puerto de la Cruz
Best location close to everything – H10 Tenerife Playa
Budget-friendly – Casablanca Apartments and Puerto Azul
Sleep-pod hostel – Atypicap Capsule Hostel
Couples and adults – Atlantic Mirage Suites
Luxury – Hotel Botanico
Lesser-known holiday destinations that are also great
Playa Paraiso – Close to everything, but more peaceful
Playa Paraiso is great if you are looking for a peaceful holiday destination, yet with easy access by bus, taxi or car to all the parks, attractions and activities you find in the South of Tenerife.
🏖️ Whether you are looking for a small, relaxing, sheltered beach like the Playa Las Galgas or the more party-oriented pool and beach club near the Playa El Pique, you can find it here.
🍔 There are not as many restaurants here as in some of the bigger holiday destinations on the island, yet there is still a nice choice.
🏄♂️ There are a few things to do in Playa Paraiso, and the large selection of activities that the South of the island has to offer are just a short ride away.
🍻 Nightlife is limited, but the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife often has events and rooftop parties.
Best places to stay in Playa Paraiso
Unique – Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
Families – Riu Buenavista
Luxury and relaxation – Adrian Roca Nivaria
New and modern – H10 Atlantic Sunset Horizons Collection
Callao Salvaje – Budget-friendly holiday lettings
Callao Salvaje in Tenerife is ideal for holidaymakers looking for a peaceful, relaxing, and budget-friendly destination. This relaxed vibe continues into the evening and nightlife.
🏖️ There is only one beach, the Playa de Ajabo, but you can also easily walk to the nearby beaches in Playa Paraiso.
🍔 Quite a large variety and choice of restaurants and places to eat because most people staying here eat in restaurants or bars, as there are not real all-inclusive hotels.
🏄♂️ There is not so much to do here, but a short bus, taxi or car ride will quickly take you to many of the attractions and parks in South of Tenerife, just a few kilometres away.
🍻 There are quite a few bars and pubs open until late. Most of these have a family-friendly vibe.
Best places to stay in Callao Salvaje
Budget-friendly apartments – Ona Pearly Grey
Hotels – MYND Adeje
Puerto de Santiago – Spanish authenticity away from mass tourism
If you want a more authentic holiday destination in Tenerife, this might be for you. With black sand beaches, natural salt water pools, and just a few hotels, Puerto de Santiago still has some authentic vibes while offering most things holiday makers seek.
🏖️ Several authentic black sand beaches, with the Playa de la Arena being the most popular and best equipped with amenities. Playa de Santiago, Playa del Volcan, and Playa de las Bajas are less equipped but offer a generally more relaxed setting.
🍔 While there are not that many restaurants here, there is still a pretty nice selection and variety, especially if you include the nearby Los Gigantes marina with excellent fish and seafood restaurants.
🏄♂️ Most of the activities here are set around hiking, culture or relaxing.
🍻 Evening and nightlife in Puerto de Santiago is pretty laid back. A few pubs stay open till late, but there is no late-night clubbing here.
Best places to stay in Puerto de Santiago
Adults and couples – Barcelo Santiago
Great value for money – Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes
Beach – Landmar Playa la Arena
Families – Landmar Costa Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes – Amazing views and relaxation
This authentic little Spanish town is excellent for those who like fantastic views, authenticity and relaxation. Do keep in mind, however, that it is pretty hilly here, so for some people it might not be ideal to get around easily, depending on where you are staying in this holiday destination.
🏖️ The Playa de los Guios is a lovely black sand beach near the marina with sunbeds and calm waters. For a change of scenery, there is also the saltwater natural pool.
🍔 Especially in the marina, you can have some excellent seafood, but the central plaza is also great to enjoy one of the restaurants they have here.
🏄♂️ From the marina, you can join lots of watersports and boat trips.
🍻 The nightlife is relaxed, with a few bars and pubs having live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Best places to stay in Los Gigantes
Adults and couples – Royal Sun Resort and Klayman Diamand Aparthotel
Entertainment and great location – Tui Blue Los Gigantes
Relaxation – The Harbour Club
Budget-friendly holiday destinations in Tenerife
- Golf del Sur – Mostly popular for people who like to play Golf, but in recent years, some nice hotels and restaurants have settled here.
- Costa del Silencio – A bit of Belgium in Spain.
- Palm Mar – Has the same great weather as the popular holiday destination in the South of Tenerife and is very budget-friendly. Many popular parks and attractions are a short drive away from here.
Adventurous and more authentically Spanish holiday destinations in Tenerife
These are great holiday destinations for the more adventurous. While there are few or no hotels in these places, renting an Airbnb can be a great, cheap way to have an excellent holiday, especially if you also hire a car.
- El Medano – Popular Spanish town for surfers, windsurfers and other water sports.
- Los Abrigos – A small fishing town with authentic vibes and Spanish restaurants.
- La Caleta – Quiet little village next to the coast, but it is easy to walk or take a taxi to lively Costa Adeje.
- Playa San Juan, Playa las Galletas, Garachico and Playa de Alcala – Truly authentically Spanish with excellent places to sunbathe and swim.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The capital of Tenerife and a cheap place to stay in the North of the island. You can use public transport to explore much of the North (and South).
- Las Caletillas and Candelaria – One of the few places on the island where I would not advise people to stay. They are not bad, but they are in not ideal location far away from everything.
Should you stay in the North or South of Tenerife?
Something that people ask me a lot is if the South or the North of Tenerife is better. The North is beautiful, but that does not mean it is the right choice for you. The South is still the most popular place on the island, primarily because it is highly developed and aimed at tourists, with everything most tourists are looking for.
The North, on the other hand, is less popular and more authentically Spanish. Something I like better, but that is a personal preference and might not be yours. Also, in wintertime, you will notice a few more clouds and rain in the North because of the microclimate. But this also means the North is more lush, green and has more beautiful places to walk or explore.
In summary, if you want an easy sun and beach holiday with all the comforts of home, then the South is best for you. However, the North is best for you if you want a more unique and active holiday in Tenerife with a more authentic Spanish feel.
