Where to Stay in Tenerife [North vs South, Top 5 Areas + More!]

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Are you planning a trip to the Canary Islands and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options on where to stay in Tenerife? As someone who has had the pleasure of exploring both the north and the south of this incredible island, I can tell you that each area has its own unique charm and appeal.

Having explored both the resort towns in the south and the quieter towns up north, I can tell you that where you base yourself completely changes the vibe of your trip to Tenerife. Below, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each side of the island, plus the five best areas to stay depending on what kind of vacation you actually want!

Read this post if you are planning a trip to Tenerife and haven’t decided where on the island to stay. If you know where you are staying, why not move on to my guide to the best beaches in Tenerife?

Where to stay in Tenerife: North vs South

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and the north and south feel like two completely different destinations.

Before you book a hotel, you need to know how they compare, and why the north ended up becoming my personal favorite.

Why Stay in the South of Tenerife?

In Tenerife south, you’ll find a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. This is where the major resorts and hotels are concentrated, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking a lively nightlife scene.

The sandy beaches stretch for miles, providing ample space for sunbathers to soak up the year-round sunshine. Some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands are found in the south.

And speaking of the weather, the south enjoys a more stable and dry climate. So if you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine during your holiday, the southern part of Tenerife won’t disappoint.

4 Reasons to Stay in the South

1. Idyllic Beaches: The south of Tenerife boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the Canary Islands. From golden sands to crystal-clear waters, places like Playa de las Vistas and Playa del Duque offer the perfect setting for relaxation and sunbathing.
2. Year-Round Sunshine: Tenerife is known for its exceptional climate, and the south of the island benefits from an abundance of sunshine throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or seeking some winter warmth, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and endless blue skies in this region.
3. Vibrant Nightlife: The south of Tenerife is a hub for nightlife enthusiasts. Popular areas such as Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos offer a plethora of bars, clubs, and live music venues, ensuring that you can dance the night away and have an unforgettable time.
4. Water Sports Paradise: If you’re an adventure seeker, the south of Tenerife has you covered. With its warm waters and favorable conditions, this region is perfect for indulging in exhilarating water sports like surfing, jet-skiing, and parasailing. There’s no shortage of thrilling activities to keep you entertained.

Why Stay in the North of Tenerife?

The north feels much more local, lush, and laid-back. You’re further away from the massive all-inclusive resort strips, which makes it much easier to stumble into great local restaurants and historic towns.

Though you do trade away guaranteed sunshine and calm swimming beaches (the waves and winds here often bring out red flags).

As for me, I have a soft spot for the north. There’s something about the picturesque streets of Puerto de la Cruz and the slower pace of life that captivates me.

I love exploring the hidden gems tucked away in the lush green landscapes and indulging in the local cuisine at quaint little restaurants.

Another reason I love the north is the wineries and vineyards there. This is where you’ll find the majority of the wineries in Tenerife, so if you are a wine lover like me, the north is the place to be.

5 Reasons to stay in the North

1. Peace and Quiet: If you’re seeking a tranquil getaway, the north side of Tenerife is the perfect destination. Away from the bustling tourist crowds, you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing vacation surrounded by nature.
2. Local Wine and Wineries: The north is where Tenerife’s vineyards are, and you can visit several of the wineries. One of my favourite places here is Casa del Vino (yes, the “house of wine”).
3. Outdoor Activities: For outdoor enthusiasts, the north side of Tenerife is a paradise. You can go hiking in the Anaga Mountains, explore hidden beaches, or even try your hand at surfing in some of the best spots on the island.
4. Stargazing: Tenerife is famous for its clear night skies, and staying up north puts you closer to the mountain viewpoints and Mount Teide for stargazing.
5. History: The town of San Cristobal de La Laguna has a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Old Town. The world heritage site is worth seeing for anyone visiting Tenerife (not just those staying in the north).

The 5 Best Places to stay in Tenerife

Below are my 5 recommendations on where to stay when you are visiting Tenerife. You’ll find that most of these places show up when you are searching for hotels or package trips to the island.

Los Cristianos

Located on the southern coast of Tenerife, Los Cristianos is one of the most popular areas to stay. It boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a wide selection of restaurants and shops. With its lively atmosphere and proximity to attractions like Siam Park, it’s no wonder why many visitors choose Los Cristianos as their home base.

Personally, I never quite realised that Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas were different places, but they are. However, they are very close – and similar in that they are very popular, busy and filled with great resorts and restaurants.

Therefore, these two places on the list can be seen as one. Just to illustrate how close the two are, look at the map below.

Playa de las Americas

Another bustling resort town on the southern coast, Playa de las Americas is renowned for its vibrant entertainment scene and golden sandy beaches. This area offers a plethora of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels.

With its lively bars, clubs, and water parks, Playa de las Americas is perfect for travelers who enjoy a lively and energetic atmosphere. As mentioned above, it is pretty much within walking distance to Los Cristianos.

If you prefer luxury travel, you’ll find more high-end, all-inclusive resorts here. The adults-only Las Madrigueras Resort and the Sir Anthony are great examples.

Puerto de la Cruz

If you’re looking for a more laid-back and authentic experience, Puerto de la Cruz is the place to be. This is where I went on my most recent trip to Tenerife, and quickly became my favorite area on the island.

Situated on the northern coast of Tenerife, this charming town is known for its colonial architecture, beautiful botanical gardens, and volcanic black sand beaches.

Wander through the picturesque streets, visit the iconic Lago Martianez (a natural outdoor swimming pool), and indulge in the local cuisine at the vibrant cafes and restaurants. And let’s not forget visiting the nearby wineries. It is also an easy day trip to Santa Cruz, the capital and biggest city on the island (perfect for shoppers).

Los Gigantes

For travelers seeking tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty, Los Gigantes is a hidden gem. Located on the western coast of Tenerife, this area is famous for its towering cliffs that plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Note that even though it is located on the west coast, a lot of people (myself included) consider it part of the “south” of Tenerife. This is because the main road runs all the way from the south areas (such as Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas) and up to Los Gigantes. The drive is really easy.

Reaching Los Gigantes from the north, however, is not an easy feat. This includes narrow and windy mountain roads crossing areas of the Teide National Park, and even though it is shorter in distance, it will take much longer.

Ida and I did this drive on our recent road trip around Tenerife. We realised we were lucky to be used to Norwegian roads before we came!

From Los Gigantes you can embark on boat trips to spot dolphins and whales or simply relax on secluded beaches. I think this place offers a peaceful retreat away from the bustling tourist areas (even though it is relatively popular).

Right next to Los Gigantes you’ll find Puerto de Santiago. The two towns have kind of merged together, similar to Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas. So, if you stay in Puerto Santiago, you are pretty much in Los Gigantes too.

Costa Adeje

Situated in the southwest of Tenerife, Costa Adeje is a luxurious resort area/coastline that caters to travelers seeking upscale accommodations and fine dining. This is the perfect place to find your next favorite luxury hotel.

This area is home to several high-end hotels, designer boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Additionally, Costa Adeje boasts beautiful sandy beaches, world-class golf courses, and a wide range of water sports activities.

Callao Salvaje is a popular area on the Adeje coast, and is described by many as a “tranquil paradise”. If you want to be near the action of the south of the island, but still stay somewhere a little more serene, this is a great spot!

Where to stay in Tenerife for families, nightlife, hiking and more!

As you are starting to see (or you’re about to), Tenerife has a lot to offer, and might just be the best Canary Island to visit. Below I go into a little more specific detail on where you should stay if you are looking for the best areas for couples, families, nightlife etc.

Nightlife

If nightlife is a top priority, base yourself in Playa de las Americas. Everything is walkable, and the area is packed with cocktail bars, live music, and late-night clubs

Silly personal story: the bar below the Hard Rock in Playa de las Americas holds a special place in my memories, as it was where I had my first taste of Happy Hour at the tender age of 14. They were hosting a “ladies in pop” tribute night, and on the poster they had both Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears (this was 2005).

I begged my parents to go, and in the end they decided my dad would take me. My dad ordered me a Fanta, and I was so excited when the bartender gave me TWO! I learned a valuable travel lesson that evening: always search out the happy hour.

Families

For family trips, stick to the south, specifically Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos, or Costa Adeje. You’ll find flat promenades for strollers, calm beaches, waterparks like Siam Park, and plenty of resorts with kids’ clubs and big pools.

Whether you’re looking for all-inclusive resorts with extensive entertainment facilities or self-catering accommodations with spacious family-friendly apartments, the southern part of Tenerife has it all. When my brother and I were little, we would stay in Playa de las Americas.

Many of these resorts boast impressive pools, kids’ clubs, and a variety of activities designed to keep the little ones entertained throughout their stay.

Couples

For a couples’ getaway, I always recommend Puerto de la Cruz. It’s quieter, far more romantic than the purpose-built resort towns in the south, and has much better local restaurants.

The restaurants is a highlight of Puerto de la Cruz, in my opinion. You can indulge in delicious cuisine while enjoying each other’s company. I personally prefer the restaurants here over the ones I have tried in the south.

Additionally, the town boasts a stunning walk along the cliffs and coastline, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and a chance to soak in the beauty of nature.

Hikers

If you’re coming to Tenerife to hike, base yourself in the north (like Puerto de la Cruz or La Laguna) so you’re close to the lush trails in Anaga Rural Park, or stay central/west for easy access to Mount Teide and the Masca Gorge.

Most hiking tours will pick up from the main resorts around the island. Below are the top rated hikes on Tenerife:

• Teide National Park, half day hiking trip
• Teno National Park with views of the Masca Gorge, full day tour
• Anaga Rural Park, full day hiking tour
• Small group 3-hour hiking tour in Anaga Rural Park

First timers

If it’s your first time in Tenerife and you want an easy, stress-free trip, pick Costa Adeje. You get great beaches like Playa del Duque, plenty of restaurants, and easy tour pickups without the rowdier party crowds next door.

The beaches are perfect for sunbathing and water activities. Additionally, Costa Adeje boasts a wide range of restaurants, from local Canarian cuisine to international gastronomy, catering to every palate.

If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that this area is home to some of the finest golf courses on the island. For those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.

On a budget

Tenerife offers plenty of options for affordable accommodation. With more and more airlines flying directly to Tenerife from key European destinations, you no longer have to book an expensive package holiday to reach the island.

The best area to stay in on a budget is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island’s capital. As a big city, it has more budget options and activities than elsewhere on the island. Once you’re there, finding a budget hotel is easy. Plenty of nicer hotels have great deals from time to time, and there are also more hostels than before.

A couple of standout placs to stay are the Casa Grande Surf Hostel, the Wanderlust Hostel and the Tenerife Experience Hostel. All of which caters specifically to budget travelers. Hostels are also great places to meet fellow travellers!

Additionally, the main resort areas, such as Los Cristianos, often have deals and offers on their resorts. So, if you are visiting Tenerife on a budget, be open to booking a pricier hotel at a discounted rate.

Areas to Avoid in Tenerife

Honestly, there aren’t any areas in Tenerife you strictly need to avoid for safety reasons. Just use normal common sense around pickpockets in busy tourist hubs, and avoid booking in Playa de las Americas if you hate loud nightlife.

However, as with any popular tourist destination, it’s always wise to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets and petty crime can occur in busy areas, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your belongings and exercise common sense. B

ut rest assured, Tenerife is generally a safe and enchanting place to explore. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of this remarkable island!

The Best Area to Stay in Tenerife: FAQ