Where to Stay In Tenerife: Complete Area Guide (2024)

Whether you're in search of breathtaking natural beauty, adventurous water sports, or simply a spot to enjoy a romantic holiday with delicious food and drink, look no further than Tenerife.

One of Spain's Canary Islands, this picturesque spot welcomes around six million visitors per year—and for good reason. White-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and a laid-back atmosphere come together to make Tenerife a beloved holiday destination.

Wondering where to stay in Tenerife? I've compiled a handy guide to the best neighborhoods for every type of traveler and a guide to accommodation in Tenerife for every budget.

The best neighborhoods to stay in Tenerife

Costa Adeje – If you're visiting Tenerife as a tourist for the first time, look no further than the Costa Adeje area. Located in southern Tenefire, where most of the tourists can be found, Costa Adeje promises excellent weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

Playa de las Americas – By day, Playa de las Americas is the perfect destination for shopping, strolling the streets, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying a glass of sangria. By night, it's home to Tenerife's best nightlife.

Los Cristianos – This family-friendly resort destination is home to a range of water sports opportunities and entertainment to keep people of all ages occupied.

La Orotava – Arguably one of the most picturesque parts of Tenerife, La Orotava is one of the oldest towns in Tenerife. Couples and solo travelers will love taking a stroll down its winding back streets and historical quarters.

Playa del Duque – One of the higher-end destinations in Tenerife, this is the perfect spot for people seeking luxury accommodation and nearby bars and amenities to match. Whether it's a hotel with an outdoor swimming pool or access to the area's elegant promenades, luxury lovers will simply adore this part of the island.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife – If you're seeking a more action-packed, cosmopolitan scene, head to the island's capital, the diverse and thriving Santa Cruz de Tenerife, home to many of Tenerife's most famous historical sites and plazas.

Puerto de la Cruz – With close proximity to the airport, a range of excellent accommodations, world-class beaches, and the enormous swimming pool facilities at Lago Martianez, there's no shortage of reasons to stay at this northern corner of Tenerife.

Los Gigantes – Lying at the bottom of gigantic cliffs (as the name suggests), this part of Tenerife is quieter and more laid-back than the others, making it ideal for families and mature and solo travelers.

1. Where to stay in Tenerife for your first visit: Costa Adeje

Costa Adeje is an upmarket resort on Tenerife's southern coast that provides visitors with the ideal combination of things to see and do.

Its attractive sandy beaches are ideal for those looking to soak up the sun or enjoy a dip in the sea, while fun-filled water parks will keep any little ones entertained.

For the more adventurous types, there are plenty of activities on offer, including hikes, diving with turtles, and plenty of other water sports. The area is centered around visitors, with every detail of this resort area perfected to ensure you have a good vacation.

But the good news is that despite the plethora of high-end hotels available, there are still plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options.

Things to do in Costa Adeje

• Visit Siam Park water park

• Spend a day at the beach

• Go whale watching

Best area for:

• First-time visitors to Tenerife

• Tourists looking for a vacation with a mix of everything

Best hotels to stay in Costa Adeje

Luxury ($$$): Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife

Mid-range ($$): Flamingo Beach Mate

Budget ($): Iberostar Bouganville Playa

2. Where to stay in Tenerife for nightlife: Playa de Las Americas

If you're headed to Tenerife with a group of friends and want to check out the spot with the best nightclubs and bars, look no further than Playa de las Americas.

By day, you'll find beaches, plenty of spots for hanging out, and tons of shops for retail therapy. By night, Playa de Las Americas transforms into a hub of nightlife, with everything from laid-back tapas joints to bustling nightclubs. The Magic Lounge Club is a must-visit destination for party lovers.

It's also a great spot for some of Tenerife's biggest summer festivals with world-renowned DJs and artists descending on the island and putting on a show.

If music and dancing don't tempt you, there are still plenty of beaches in the area, as well as opportunities for water sports and daytime boat excursions.

Things to do in Playa de Las Americas

• Go nightclubbing

• Go on a bar crawl

• Spend the day at the beach

• Time it around a summer festival

Best area for:

• Party lovers

• Music lovers

Best hotels to stay in Playa de las Americas

Luxury ($$$): El Dorado 114

Mid-range ($$): Spring Hotel Vulcano

Budget ($): Las Americas Tenerife

3. Where to stay in Tenerife for families: Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos, which was once a small fishing village, has now grown into one of Tenerife's best-known resort areas. It's quieter than Playa de Las Americas while still boasting plenty to do, making it ideal for families as well as more mature travelers.

Here, you'll find Playa de Los Cristianos, the local golden sand beach, and Playa de Las Vistas, just in the next bay.

Keeping kids entertained during a family vacation can be tricky, but luckily, there are tons of water sports and adventure activity opportunities around this area.

Things to do in Los Cristianos

• Try some water sports

• Go whale spotting

• Catch some fish

• Take a stroll along the harbor

Best area for:

• Families

• Mature travelers

• Water sport lovers

Best hotels to stay in Los Cristianos

Luxury ($$$): Jardín Canario Primera línea de Playa

Mid-range ($$): Paloma Beach Apartments

Budget ($): Ocean Nomads

4. Where to stay in Tenerife for couples: La Orotava

One of Tenerife's more elegant and picturesque towns, the winding streets of La Orotava provide the perfect day out for couples and solo travelers alike.

Once home to elegant visitors, the beautiful buildings of La Orotava give tourists a glimpse into how wealthy residents once lived, thanks to the plethora of charming courtyards and picture-perfect wooden balconies.

While La Orotava isn't known for wild nightlife, you can enjoy a late-night tipple and a bite to eat in one of the local tapas bars. As in most parts of Tenerife, you're never far from the beach, either, so there's always the chance for a dip in the water to cool off on a sunny day.

Things to do in La Orotava

• Check out the beautiful courtyards

• Visit Casa de los Balcones

• Head to Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion

Best area for:

• Couples

• Solo travelers

• History buffs

Best hotels to stay in La Orotava

Luxury ($$$): Hotel Rural Victoria

Mid-range ($$): Casa Luly

Budget ($): Hostel Tenerife

5. Where to stay in Tenerife for luxury: Playa del Duque

Love luxury? You'll adore Playa del Duque. Not only is this resort area home to a luxurious man-made beach with silky smooth sand, but it's also an excellent spot to find luxury accommodation.

Playa del Duque is a go-to destination for celebrities, so you can do some people-watching (and attempt to spot the stars!) while enjoying a glass of wine in one of Tenerife's many lovely squares or on the seafront.

It's located on the Costa Adeje, too, so you'll still enjoy proximity to all the amenities that make this area so tourist-friendly.

Things to do in Playa del Duque

• Spend a day on the beach

• Rent a pedal boat

• See the Castillo del Duque de Abrantes

Best area for:

• Luxury lovers

• Beach-goers

• A relaxing beach holiday

Best hotels to stay in Playa del Duque

Luxury ($$$): The Villas at Bahia del Duque

Mid-range ($$): Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur

Budget ($): El Beril Ocean Front

6. Where to stay in Tenerife for city living: Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Tenerife's capital and the largest city on the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife isn't always the go-to destination for tourists seeking a sun-and-sand-filled holiday, but it's the only place on the island where you can find the traditional hustle and bustle of a city.

Despite looking modern, this city actually has a rich history, so there are plenty of sights to visit if you're a history buff, and the cultural activities can provide a chance from the less authentic parts of Tenerife.

Things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

• Visit the Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis

• Grab a drink at the Plaza de España

• Visit the Museo de la Naturaleza y Arqueología

Best area for:

• History lovers

• Shopping malls

• Those seeking the hustle and bustle of the city

Best hotels to stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Luxury ($$$): Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey

Mid-range ($$): Urban Anaga Hotel

Budget ($): Tenerife Art Hostel

7. Where to stay in Tenerife for the best beaches: Puerto de la Cruz

One of Tenerife's oldest tourist resorts, this town enjoys slightly cooler temperatures than Tenerife's south, making it perfect for visitors who enjoy some sunshine but don't like excessive heat.

Full of natural scenery, beaches, and cozy bars, Puerto de la Cruz is the go-to destination for travelers who enjoy eating and drinking but don't intend to stay out until the early hours of the morning. Those party animals should head to Playa de Las Americas, instead!

Things to do in Puerto de la Cruz

• Visit Playa Jardin

• Explore Teide National Park

• See Costa Martianez complex

Best area for:

• Beaches

• Natural beauty and scenery

Best hotels to stay in Puerto de la Cruz

Luxury ($$$): Sol Costa Atlantis Tenerife

Mid-range ($$): GF Noelia

Budget ($): Hotel Don Cándido

8. Where to stay in Tenerife away from the crowds: Los Gigantes

Located next to the spectacular cliffs known as Acantilados de Los Gigantes lies the resort town of Los Gigantes.

It doesn't attract crowds as large as places such as Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Americas, so if you're a traveler who enjoys going off the beaten track, you should absolutely consider this destination for a quiet and relaxing holiday.

Thanks to its relative quietness compared to other parts of the island, Los Gigantes has become a go-to place for a family holiday and mature travelers to stay in.

The town also has an attractive marina that you can stroll down, surrounded by independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Fresh fish and other local specialties are offered in abundance.

The town's beach is small and boasts the unique volcanic black sand that makes it unique from other parts of the Canary Islands. From there, you can look out over the Los Gigantes cliffs.

Things to do in Los Gigantes

• See Los Gigantes cliffs

• Stroll down the marina

• Go on a whale and dolphin tour

Best for:

• Nature lovers and hikers

• Travelers who like to get off the beaten track

• Families

Best hotels to stay in Los Gigantes

Luxury ($$$): Barceló Santiago

Mid-range ($$): Ona el Marqués

Budget ($): 7Lizards Apartments

Where to stay in Tenerife – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Which is the best part of Tenerife to stay in?

The best part of Tenerife to stay in depends on what type of holiday you're interested in. If you're going for beaches alone, head to an area like Playa de la Arena, Puerto de Santiago, or Playa del Duque. From the Costa del Silencio to La Laguna and Playa San Juan, there are plenty of coastal regions for those who enjoy a dip in the sea. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is ideal for city lovers, while first-time tourists to Tenerife should head to Costa Adeje. La Orotova, Los Cristianos, and Los Gigantes are quieter areas with tons of natural beauty, while Playa de Las Americas is the go-to destination for night owls.

❓ Is North or South Tenerife better to visit?

Both the north and south of Tenerife boast natural beauty and plenty of resorts worth visiting. The north side of Tenerife tends to have slightly lower temperatures, which might make it more pleasant for those who struggle in the heat. You may also find that the areas in the north feel slightly more authentic and give you a better insight into how locals live.

The south, however, is slightly better geared up for tourists, with more resorts, a more vibrant nightlife, and a range of food and drink to suit a diversity of travelers. The reality is, whichever side of the island you visit, you're guaranteed a good time.

📅 How many days is ideal for a visit to Tenerife?

Tenerife is an island with much to offer, so if you're looking to explore as many parts as possible, look to stay for at least a week. You can see one area of the island over a long weekend, but it doesn't provide adequate time to enjoy Tenerife's diverse offerings or rest and appreciate one of its many stunning beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

🏨 Which is better to stay in, Los Cristianos or Playa de Las Americas?

Whether you should stay in Los Cristianos or Playa de Las Americas depends on the type of holiday you have in mind. Los Cristianos is slightly quieter but still offers plenty to do, making it ideal for families. If you're on the hunt for bars, wildlife, and tasty food, you might be more drawn to Playa de Las Americas.

🏝️ Is Tenerife the best Canary Island?

All of the Canary Islands are beautiful for their own reasons, but Tenerife might be the most diverse. With water sports, beaches, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife, Tenerife genuinely has something to offer every type of traveler. The other seven Canary Islands are Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.

🚗 Do I need a car to get around in Tenerife?

If you want to explore various parts of the island, it's much easier if you hire a car. If you're staying at a resort or in a city and don't plan on moving around much, however, you'll be fine without a car. Those seeking a beach hotel can easily opt for a beachfront hotel and walk to the seafront to save money on car rental costs.

Where to stay in Tenerife – Final Words

The good news about Tenerife is that you can visit multiple parts of the island in one trip since it only takes around 4 hours to drive across the island. Tenerife boasts natural beauty, impressive resorts, and plenty of things to do, so whatever type of holiday you're in the market for, you'll find it on this picturesque island.

Those seeking a beach holiday will be impressed by the coastal beauty on offer, while families and groups of friends won't find themselves short of things to do.

And whether you want to stay in luxury hotels or a resort town, there's no shortage of accommodation options. So all that's left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the golden sand beaches of this breathtaking island!