Where to Stay in Tenerife: A Guide to the Island’s Best Stays

Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, offers breathtaking beaches, historical towns, and spectacular coastal and volcanic hikes. Whether you’re a beach goer, a history buff, or someone looking to explore nature, Tenerife has a spot that feels like it was made just for you. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Tenerife’s best places to stay, each offering a unique experience to make for an unforgettable holiday.

You might also enjoy our post on planning an Epic Active Tenerife Itinerary.

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• Best for Families: Costa Adeje
• Best to get away from the Crowds: Los Gigantes
• Best for Couples Wanting Nightlife: Playa de las Americas
• Best for History and Anaga Hiking: San Cristóbal La Laguna
• Best for Staying in a City: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Best for a Peaceful Holiday: Puerto de la Cruz

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Best for Families: Costa Adeje

Costa Adeje is a family paradise, offering a mix of kid-friendly beaches, boating, and family-oriented resorts. The area is known for its clean and well-maintained beaches, such as Playa Fañabé, with plenty of rocks for children to clamber around and explore. Many people recommend Costa Adeje for first time visitors to Tenerife. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, your better choice as a first time visitor may be Los Gigantes.

Some of Costa Adeje’s highlights are:

• Proximity to Teide and Masca for hiking,
• Family friendly beaches, such as Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé,
• Boating and whale watching tours readily available,
• Excellent golf courses,
• Siam Park, the best water park in the Canary Islands,
• Upscale resorts with extensive amenities.

Costa Adeje Accommodations

The accommodations are diverse, ranging from all-inclusive resorts to private villas, all geared towards making your family stay as comfortable as possible. Prices tend to be on the higher side, though there are budget accommodations to be found. An alternative with a greater variety of cost effective lodging for families is nearby Los Christianos.

Best to get away from the Crowds: Los Gigantes

Nestled on the west coast of Tenerife, Los Gigantes is known for its stunning cliffs. They rise dramatically from the sea to heights of up to 800 meters. This small town has a distinctly British influence, and a more relaxed vibe, making it perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and access the many hikes the west coast has the offer. At sunset, the sky paints the water and cliffs in hues of gold and pink.

You’ll enjoy wandering through the charming town, visiting the natural pools, picking new restaurants and enjoying the views of the cliffs. Some of Los Gigantes’ highlights are:

• Proximity to Teide and Masca for hiking.
• Smaller town vibe and less developed than the areas on the south shore.
• Though there are tourists especially on the weekend, it feels very different from the heavily developed and touristy areas in the south.
• If you are interested in taking boat tours, these depart directly from the Los Gigantes marina.

Los Gigantes Accommodations

Best for Couples Wanting Nightlife: Playa de las Americas

Couples looking for a lively night scene will find their place in Playa de las Americas, known as the tourist hub of Tenerife. The area is bustling with bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. During the day, relax on the golden beaches or engage in water sports. At night, the town comes alive with a festive atmosphere.

Some of Playa de las Americas’ highlights are:

• Easy access to Teide tours,
• Playa del Troya, a great beach for relaxing, swimming, and water sports, with plenty of restaurants and cafés,
• Playa del Camisón and Playa de las Vistas, quieter beaches suited to families,
• Siam Park, the best water park in the Canary Islands,
• Boating and whale watching tours readily available.

Playa de las Americas Accommodations

Choose from chic boutique hotels and resorts where the party is never far away.

Best for History and Anaga Hiking: San Cristóbal de la Laguna

History enthusiasts and avid hikers will be enchanted by La Laguna. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the capital city of Tenerife and is rich with historical significance and well-preserved architecture. Moreover, it’s a gateway to the trails of Anaga Rural Park, with wonderful hiking through lush forests.

Be sure not to miss these highlights in San Cristóbal de la Laguna:

• Church of the Immaculate Conception, enjoying the view from tower,
• Cathedral of San Cristóbal de la Laguna,
• Plaza del Adelantado, with the Chapel Of San Miguel, town hall, and Palacio de Nava,
• La Laguna Market,
• Calle San Agustín: stroll down enjoying the historical mansions, enjoying the ornate doors,
• Gardens at Palacio Salazar and Casa de los Capitanes Generales.

La Laguna Accommodations

Stay in a historic hotel or a charming bed and breakfast to soak up the city’s unique heritage.

Best for Staying in a City: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a port city and capital of Tenerife, offering an urban experience full of cultural opportunities. From museums and art galleries to theaters and shopping, there’s always something to explore. The city is known for its annual carnival in February, one of the largest in the world. An added benefit of staying here is the easy access to the Playa las Teresitas and the Anaga Rural Park.

Be sure not to miss these highlights in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:

• Explore Calle del Castillo in the Historic Old Town,
• Visit Playa las Teresitas, with its sand brought over from the Sahara,
• Enjoy Palmetum, the palm botanical gardens,
• See an opera or visit the Auditorio de Tenerife, designed after a solar eclipse,
• Go swimming at the César Manrique Maritime Park, with 3 saltwater swimming pools,
• Go shopping for fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats at the Mercado Nuestra Señora de África.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Accommodations

Pick from Urban hotels and stylish apartments in the historic old town, placing you right in the midst of the action.

Best for a Peaceful Holiday: Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz was the first touristic resort, dating back to the early 19th century. Originally a fishing resort, Puerto de la Cruz retains its Spanish feel, despite the influx of tourists. Today it is much less crowded than its south shore counterparts. It still has plenty of nightlife, but balanced with botanical gardens, easy access to quiet black sand beaches, north shore hikes, and natural pools. Keep in mind that the north shore tends to be a bit cooler and rainier than the south shore.

Be sure not to miss these highlights in Puerto de la Cruz:

• Botanical gardens,
• La Ranilla, the fishing district,
• Batería de Santa Bárbara fort,
• The old Customs House, with its art museum,
• Lago Martiánez saltwater swimming pools,
• Hiking tours along the north shore,
• San Telmo promenade.

Puerto de la Cruz Accommodations

Accommodations here are often nestled in lush surroundings, providing a peaceful retreat.

Tenerife offers a diverse array of experiences, and there’s a perfect place for every type of traveler. Whether you want to indulge in family fun, escape the crowds, dance the night away, delve into history, immerse in city life, or unwind on quiet beaches, you can find your special nook in Tenerife.

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