Wondering where to stay in Tenerife? This comprehensive guide breaks down the 8 best areas in Tenerife for every type of traveler. From the vibrant nightlife of Playa de Las Americas to the luxury resorts of Costa Adeje, discover the perfect location for your Tenerife vacation, whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or seeking a quiet retreat.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Tenerife 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Bahia del Duque
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: Hotel San Roque
- ✨ 5-Star: Gran Melia Palacio de Isora Resort & Spa
- 🏨 4-Star: Adrián Hoteles Colón Guanahaní
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Apartamentos Marola-Portosin
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria
Remember: Tenerife is a very touristy island and accommodation prices can be high, especially in high season. My advice is to always book accommodation in advance to have more choices and most importantly to find the best deals.
Quick Guide to the Best Areas in Tenerife 📋
- 👀 For the First Time: Costa Adeje
- 🍸 For Nightlife: Playa de Las Americas
- 👪 For Families: Los Cristianos, Playa La Arena
- 💎 For Luxury: Puerto de la Cruz
- 💖 For Couples: Los Gigantes
- 💸 Budget-friendly: El Medano
- 🕊 For Quiet Stay: Puerto de Santiago
1. Playa de Las Americas: Tenerife’s Vibrant Nightlife Hub 💃
🌙 Nightlife hub: Playa de las Americas is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and party atmosphere in Tenerife. This resort town boasts numerous restaurants and bars that remain open until the early morning hours, providing tourists with ample opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the lively nightlife scene.
🌇 As the sun sets, Playa de las Americas transforms into a bustling nightlife hub, with bars, clubs, and restaurants offering a diverse range of entertainment options.
🎭 Captivating shows: For those seeking a unique experience beyond the typical restaurant and bar scene, the Piramide de Arona offers a captivating blend of opera and flamenco dance performances. The performers bring immense energy and passion to their shows, making it a must-visit attraction for visitors staying in Las Americas.
🛍️ Shopping haven: During the daytime, visitors can enjoy the beach and indulge in shopping at one of the best shopping centers in Playa de las Americas, the Oasis Shopping Center. Located in the heart of the city, this shopping destination offers both local and international brands.
Be sure to keep an eye out for specialty fruit stores, known as “Fruterias” in Spanish.
All hotels in Playa de Las Americas →
Where to Stay in Playa de Las Americas? 🏩
Expensive hotels:
- Sir Anthony is an exquisitely designed luxury hotel located on the beachfront overlooking the ocean.
- Green Garden Eco Resort & Villas is a premium eco-friendly resort with villas, pools and tropical gardens.
- Vanilla Garden Boutique Hotel is a cozy colonial-style boutique hotel with a high level of service.
Medium price range:
- Regency Country Club is an aparthotel with luxury apartments, swimming pool and golf courses.
- H10 Las Palmeras is a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a good range of services.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Ocean Nomads Coworking is a hotel with a coworking space, ideal for work and leisure.
- Endless Summer Hostel is a fun and friendly hostel for young people and budget travelers.
- Apartamentos Marola-Portosin – Simple and inexpensive apartments with kitchen, suitable for longer stays.
2. Costa Adeje – Where to Stay in Tenerife for the First Time 🔥
🌴 Paradise awaits: Costa Adeje stands out as one of the premier tourist destinations in the southern region of Tenerife, offering an exceptional blend of daytime beach experiences and a vibrant nightlife scene featuring numerous lively clubs and bars like the famous Monkey Beach Bar.
🏖️ Beachfront bliss: Playa del Duque ranks among the area’s finest beaches, boasting soft golden sands and azure waters. If your ideal vacation revolves around spending leisurely days on breathtaking beaches such as Playa del Duque, indulging in sophisticated shopping, and savoring exquisite cuisine at upscale restaurants, then Costa Adeje is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Tenerife.
🚤 Seaside adventures: You can revel in the serene atmosphere and magnificent vistas from the beachfront promenade, embark on boat excursions from the local marina, or spend a day on the golf course surrounded by Tenerife’s awe-inspiring natural scenery.
💦 Water park thrills: Costa Adeje also caters to entertainment seekers with attractions like Siam Park, one of the world’s premier water parks, offering endless enjoyment for both children and adults alike.
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: The Puerto Colon neighborhood, home to Playa La Pinta beach, is an ideal destination for families with children visiting Costa Adeje. Meanwhile, Playa de Torviscas and Playa de Bobo are great areas for young people, boasting an abundance of beachside cocktail bars. Playa Fanabe is also a great choice for couples and groups, featuring the popular Le Club beach club, which offers a lively yet sophisticated ambiance throughout the day.
Where to Stay in Costa Adeje? 🏨
Expensive hotels:
- GF Victoria is a luxurious beachfront hotel with exquisite design, situated in a quiet location overlooking the ocean.
- Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur is an elegant colonial-style hotel with a large spa, surrounded by gardens, close to the beach.
Medium price range:
- Gran Tacande Wellness & Relax Costa Adeje is a modern hotel with an extensive wellness area, pools and restaurants near the beach.
- Iberostar Selection Sábila is a comfortable hotel with cozy rooms, pools and restaurants in a quiet location near the beach.
- GF GRAN COSTA ADEJE is a spacious hotel with a spa and pools, ideal for family vacations near the beach.
3. Los Cristianos: Family-Friendly Beaches & Entertainment 👨👩👦
🏝️ Charming fishing village: Situated in the southern part of Tenerife, close to the renowned Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos was once a quaint fishing village. Despite its growth, the harbor remains a captivating attraction, and many locals continue to reside and work in this area.
🏖️ Family-friendly beaches: The region boasts two popular beaches: the sandy Los Cristianos Beach, equipped with amenities like showers and a playground, making it an ideal spot for families with young children, and the artificial Playa Las Vistas, also outfitted with showers and water sports facilities.
🐒 Animal adventures: For families traveling to Tenerife with children, a day trip to the nearby Jungle Park, a fantastic zoo accessible by a complimentary shuttle bus, promises an unforgettable experience. The park’s stunning scenery and entertaining shows, such as the parrot and birds of prey showcases, are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Additionally, Monkey Park, a compact animal park and breeding center for native Tenerife species, offers an opportunity to observe these unique creatures up close.
🛍️ Sunday market: On Sundays, Los Cristianos hosts a lively market adjacent to the Arona Grand Hotel, operating from 9 am to 2 pm. Here, visitors can explore a diverse range of goods, from clothing and souvenirs to delectable culinary offerings.
All hotels in Los Cristianos →
Where to Stay in Los Cristianos? 🏩
Expensive hotels:
- Hollywood Mirage - Excel Hotels & Resorts is a fashionable hotel with exquisite design, luxurious rooms and excellent service.
- Beverly Hills Heights - Excel Hotels & Resorts is an elegant premium hotel with chic interiors, personalized service and panoramic views.
- Boutique Hotel H10 Big Sur is a cozy boutique hotel with a modern design, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Medium price range:
- Room 16 is a comfortable hotel in the center with good value for money.
- Ona Los Claveles is a stylish mid-range hotel with a swimming pool and sun terrace.
- Apartamentos HG Cristian Sur – Simple and inexpensive apartments, suitable for economical vacations.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Apartamentos Marola-Portosin is a budget apartment with basic amenities for a vacation with children.
- Ocean Nomads Coworking – A hostel with shared rooms, great for young people.
4. Puerto de la Cruz: Luxury Resorts & Botanical Gardens 💎
🌴 Cooler escape: If you wish to escape the sweltering heat in the southern part of the island during summer, Puerto de la Cruz, situated on the northwest coast, presents an ideal alternative.
🏞 Mountain vistas: Being located in the northern region of the island, Puerto de la Cruz offers breathtaking views of the mountains and a more temperate climate during the summer months, when the southern peninsula and the rest of Tenerife can become quite hot.
🐦 Loro Parque: The town attracts visitors from all over the island, primarily due to the world-renowned Loro Parque, a renowned zoo featuring captivating parrot shows and a unique killer whale performance.
🌳 Historic gardens: Additionally, Puerto de la Cruz boasts an old city center adorned with numerous Spanish churches, as well as the magnificent Botanical Garden, the second oldest in the country. Officially known as Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava, this garden offers a pleasant day of wandering and admiring its diverse plant life for a modest admission fee.
🛍 Shopping havens: For those seeking a shopping excursion, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the place to visit, with shopping centers like Centro Comercial Meridiano. Another option is the Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa, a large market open daily and frequented by locals, offering a less touristy experience. Easily identifiable by its iconic tower, this market is well-known in the capital, and locals can provide directions if needed.
All hotels in Puerto de la Cruz →
Where to Stay in Puerto de la Cruz? 🏨
Expensive hotels:
- Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden is a luxury hotel with an exquisite spa, set in a picturesque botanical garden overlooking the ocean.
- Apartamentos Tigaiga Suites is an elegant premium apartment with panoramic ocean and mountain views.
- Hotel Tigaiga is a cozy hotel in traditional Canarian style with excellent service and ocean views.
Medium price range:
- Fantastico is a modern hotel with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool and a good location close to the beach.
- Hotel Atlantic Mirage Suites & SPA is a hotel with exquisite rooms, an outdoor pool and a luxurious spa.
- North Coast Apartments – Simple Spanish-style apartments at an affordable price, located close to the beach.
5. Playa La Arena: Blue Flag Beach & Family Activities 🌴
La Arena is a tranquil and family-friendly region in Tenerife.
🌊 Pristine beach: Playa La Arena, situated near Puerto de Santiago, is a highly sought-after destination. Many regard it as one of the finest volcanic beaches on the island, and it has earned the prestigious Blue Flag certification for its pristine conditions and advantageous location.
⚠️ Hot sand: A word of advice: remember to wear shoes or sandals, as the sand can become scorching hot, to the point of burning your feet. Aside from this, the beach is excellent, with lifeguards present throughout the year.
All hotels near Playa La Arena →
6. Los Gigantes – Best Region to Stay in Tenerife for Couples 🌄
🏞️ Breathtaking views: What makes the town of Los Gigantes such a special vacation spot in Tenerife? Undoubtedly, it’s the incredible vistas of the towering Los Gigantes cliffs. Additionally, thanks to its southwestern location on the island, Los Gigantes offers visitors the opportunity to witness some of the most stunning sunsets in Tenerife.
🌅 Prime location: Depending on your specific accommodation, you may be fortunate enough to secure a room that overlooks these majestic cliffs, an experience truly worth the investment.
⚠️ Limited mobility: However, it’s essential to note that this region of Tenerife is quite hilly and may not be the most suitable option for individuals with limited mobility.
🌋 Imposing cliffs: As you set foot in this charming town, the mighty Los Gigantes cliffs, known as the “Acantilados de Los Gigantes,” are bound to captivate you with their overwhelming and majestic presence. This scenic marvel, rising a dramatic 600 meters above sea level, provides a breathtaking backdrop and acts as a natural barrier, contributing to a more stable and drier climate.
With its black volcanic sand, Los Gigantes Beach offers a tranquil and picturesque setting to unwind while gazing upon the dizzying cliffs.
7. El Medano: Budget-Friendly Paradise for Windsurfers 💸
🏄♀️ Windsurfing paradise: El Medano is a town situated along the eastern coastline of Tenerife, lying in close proximity to the Tenerife South Airport. This location offers ideal conditions for windsurfing due to the consistent winds that blow across the area, complemented by an abundance of beaches to choose from.
🏖️ Stunning beaches: Notable among these are El Medano Beach and Playa de la Tejita, which provide stunning views of the Montana Roja landmark. For those who prefer sunbathing in the nude, these beaches may be particularly appealing.
🌊 International recognition: With its expansive golden sandy stretches and persistent breezes, El Medano has garnered international recognition as a prime destination for windsurfers, kitesurfers, and enthusiasts seeking to engage with the elements amidst the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
🌴 Tranquil escape: Enveloped by the Montaña Roja Nature Reserve, El Medano offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for those in search of a more laid-back vacation experience. The town also presents an opportunity to immerse oneself in the authentic Tenerife lifestyle, away from major commercial hubs.
🛍️ Local market: While lacking large-scale commercial centers, El Medano hosts a local market every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm at Plaza del Principe. This market features handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs, providing visitors with a chance to acquire unique and memorable mementos of their time on the island.
Where to Stay in El Medano? 🏩
Medium price range:
- Hotel Ventus is a simple and inexpensive hotel with basic amenities located near the beach, ideal for budget travelers.
- Apartments Alba – apartments with kitchen and everything you need for a comfortable vacation at a reasonable price, a good choice for families and companies.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Medano Nest Hostel is a hostel with shared rooms and kitchen at an affordable price, suitable for young people and single travelers.
- Casa Grande Surf Hostel is a surf house style hostel with facilities for outdoor activities and socializing with like-minded people, good value for money.
8. Puerto de Santiago: Peaceful Resort Near Los Gigantes 🕊
☀️ Peaceful locale: Puerto de Santiago is very close to Los Gigantes, and here you get the beautiful sunny weather of the south combined with the cool atmosphere typical of this part of Tenerife.
🏖️ Tranquil retreat: But what makes Puerto de Santiago such a great place for a quiet and relaxing vacation? The main thing is that there are no rowdy clubs here like in Playa de las Americas, so young people are not attracted to this part of the island.
🍽️ Dining options: However, there are some nice and fun restaurants here, such as The Chicken Shack, and for a change of scenery you can easily drive to Playa La Arena or Los Gigantes.
All hotels in Puerto de Santiago →
Best Hotels near Tenerife North Airport 🛫
Discover a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm at Hotel Aguere, conveniently located near Tenerife North Airport in La Laguna.
With its ideal location, Hotel Aguere serves as the perfect base for exploring La Laguna’s historic streets and cultural sites, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking to experience the authentic beauty of Tenerife.
Nestled in the heart of La Laguna, Casa Lagunera offers an intimate retreat for travelers seeking tranquility and charm.
This guesthouse, with its distinctive Canarian architecture and warm hospitality, provides a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Los Rodeos Luxury Vivienda Vacacional
Situated near Tenerife North Airport, this exclusive vacation home boasts panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and offers spacious living areas and private gardens for guests to enjoy.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, dining al fresco, or exploring the island’s hidden gems, Los Rodeos Luxury Vivienda Vacacional provides a luxurious retreat that’s sure to exceed your expectations.
Best Hotels near Tenerife South Airport 🛬
Los Amigos Hostel Tenerife offers budget-friendly accommodations near Tenerife South Airport.
Located in La Mareta, it provides easy access to nearby beaches, shops, and restaurants, making it ideal for exploring Tenerife.
Rokasol is a boutique hotel in Palm-Mar, close to Tenerife South Airport.
With modern rooms and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s perfect for a relaxing stay. Enjoy the outdoor pool and rooftop terrace with ocean views.
Los Abrigos Sea-Port View provides comfortable accommodations overlooking the harbor in Los Abrigos.
Close to Tenerife South Airport, it’s a great spot to enjoy fresh seafood and explore the charming fishing village.
Best Areas & Hotels in Tenerife on a Map 🗺
FAQs about Visiting Tenerife ❔
Is it better to stay in north or south Tenerife?
Both the north and south of Tenerife have their charms. If you prefer a more vibrant atmosphere with bustling tourist areas, nightlife, and sunny weather, then the south might be more to your liking. On the other hand, if you seek lush green landscapes, authentic local culture, and cooler temperatures, the north could be a better fit.
Which side of Tenerife is warmer?
Generally, the south of Tenerife tends to be warmer than the north. This is due to the influence of the Sahara Desert, which brings warm winds and clear skies to the southern parts of the island. So if you’re looking for warmer weather and sunbathing opportunities, consider staying in the south.
Where to stay in Tenerife for nightlife?
For those seeking vibrant nightlife, areas like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos in the south are popular choices. These areas boast a plethora of bars, clubs, and restaurants, ensuring that the party never stops. You’ll find everything from beachfront cocktail bars to lively nightclubs where you can dance the night away.
Where to stay in Tenerife for hiking?
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, you’ll want to base yourself in the north or central parts of the island, as they offer easy access to some of Tenerife’s most stunning hiking trails. Towns like La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, or even Santa Cruz de Tenerife itself provide convenient starting points for exploring the lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking viewpoints that Tenerife has to offer.
Where to stay in Tenerife without a car?
Tenerife is well-connected by public transportation, making it possible to explore the island without a car. If you prefer to stay somewhere central with easy access to amenities and public transport, consider accommodations in cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Puerto de la Cruz. These areas offer plenty of attractions, dining options, and public transportation hubs, allowing you to explore the island with ease even without a car.
