Towns in Tenerife – where is the best place to stay?
Towns in Tenerife – where is the best place to stay?
Before every journey to known and unknown places, two very important questions arise: where is the best place to stay and what will the weather be like? As we have mentioned many times before, despite its small size, Tenerife is highly diverse, not only in terms of its terrain but also its climate. In this situation, it is difficult to determine unequivocally the best place to stay due to the different needs and preferences of each tourist. The towns in Tenerife are relatively close to each other, but their weather conditions can vary dramatically. Therefore, if you want to learn more about the local weather, we invite you to read our article “Weather in Tenerife”.
In the simplest terms, Tenerife can be divided into the north and south. The northern part is more rainy, but as a result, it is decidedly greener. There is a rich vegetation here, thanks to the influence of the trade winds. They bring relatively cool and moist air. For this reason, this part of the island is much less frequently chosen as a tourist destination. On the other hand, the southern part of Tenerife is quite the opposite, with a dry climate and very rare rainfall. The sun shines almost year-round, and on days when the island experiences “calima” (hot air from the Sahara), the temperature rises even further by a few degrees. Everything revolves around the tourism industry here.
It is also worth mentioning that sometimes a very attractive offer in terms of price may involve an unfavorable location, which may require additional travel. If reading conflicting information about Tenerife for hours gives you a headache, we recommend familiarizing yourself with our short guide, which we hope will make your decision on where to go easier.
West of the island
North of the island
South of the island – Towns in Tenerife
San Isidro
It is a town located quite close to the airport and mostly inhabited by locals and immigrants. The advantage here is the low rental prices, but unfortunately, a significant majority of apartments in residential complexes do not have a swimming pool, which is a considerable downside. The nearest beach is about 5 km away in the town of El Médano. San Isidro has bus connections with the main towns in Tenerife, although they are not the most efficient.
- Available attractions: various gastronomic establishments
- Tourist density: low
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in San Isidro: generally sunny, moderate winds
El Médano
It is a picturesque and highly attractive town located in the south of Tenerife, near the airport. This is where you will find beaches filled with sun-kissed blondes in Hawaiian shorts, carrying surfboards under their arms. It is one of the windiest towns in Tenerife, making it a paradise for windsurfers and kite surfers, whose colorful and enchanting kites can be seen from afar. El Médano has many charming taverns offering delicious local cuisine and seafood at affordable prices. Additionally, the natural, golden beach of La Tejita, with a view of the stunning Montaña Roja mountain, adds an incredible charm to this place. El Médano is popular among both tourists and residents from all over the island, especially on weekends.
- Available attractions: windsurfing & kite surfing, surf schools, local cuisine and seafood, natural sandy beaches, nudist beach – La Tejita
- Tourist density: medium
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in El Médano: generally sunny, with strong winds for over 300 days a year
Los Abrigos
It is a small coastal town located very close to the airport. Originally created for the employees of the southern airport, today it is mainly inhabited by locals but also offers holiday rentals. It is a quiet and peaceful place with a few interesting establishments offering local seafood specialties. The main attraction in Los Abrigos is the natural pools, which are definitely worth seeing. If you decide to stay here, we recommend renting a car due to limited public transportation and the location being somewhat distant from many island attractions. It is a fairly affordable town to stay in.
- Available attractions: natural pools, seafood specialties
- Tourist density: low
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Los Abrigos: generally sunny, moderate winds
Golf del Sur and Amarilla Golf
These are two small towns connected to each other in the south of Tenerife. Beautiful green golf courses and a peaceful atmosphere surround the area. It is definitely one of the best places on the island for golf enthusiasts. However, other individuals may find this part of the island a bit boring. There are many charming taverns and bars in the area, as well as the Marina San Miguel, a yacht harbor where private boats and yachts are stationed. Additionally, the submarine “Submarine” departs from this port. In this part of the island, you can encounter many retired Europeans who reside here for part of the year, enjoying their golf games, of course. In Golf del Sur and Amarilla Golf, having a car is highly recommended as relying on buses can result in a significant loss of time.
Available attractions: golf courses, Marina San Miguel, submarine “Submarine” Tourist density: medium Car rental: recommended Weather in Golf del Sur & Amarilla Golf: generally sunny, moderate winds, occasionally gusty.
- Available attractions: golf courses, Marina San Miguel, Submarine
- Tourist density: medium
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Golf del Sur & Amarilla Golf: generally sunny, moderate winds, occasionally gusty
Las Galletas
It is a small port town located just 13 km away from Los Cristianos. It is primarily inhabited by locals, but there are also vacation rental apartments available here. The Las Galletas port is home to both fishing boats and private yachts. In the early morning hours, you can buy freshly caught fish near the port. There are several beaches near Las Galletas, but most of them are rocky. This town has fairly good bus connections with Los Cristianos. Of course, having a car is always more convenient, but searching for parking spaces in Las Galletas can test our patience at times.
- Available attractions: fresh fish at the port, seafood specialties in taverns, a summer spot for campers, a small sandy beach near Ten Bel
- Tourist density: low/medium
- Car rental: optional
- Weather in Las Galletas: generally sunny, moderate winds
Costa del Silencio
It is a very quiet and peaceful town located right next to Las Galletas. It is inhabited by many different nationalities that have settled on the island. There are several cozy restaurants and cafés here, and there is even a Polish store. Furthermore, there is plenty of space for walking and relaxing. You can also find reasonably priced accommodations for rent here. Costa de Silencio beach is located to the right of Montaña Amarilla (Yellow Mountain). It is a great place for snorkeling, but caution should be exercised as the seabed is filled with large rocks.
- Available attractions: Montaña Amarilla, snorkeling
- Tourist density: low
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Costa del Silencio: generally sunny, moderate winds, occasionally gusty
Palm Mar
Opinions about this town are highly divided. The location of Palm Mar itself is a subject of debate. It is situated near the airport, with only a mountain separating it from Los Cristianos. However, to reach Palm Mar, you have to pass through another town, which often leads to significant traffic jams in the area. If you decide to stay here, we strongly recommend renting a car. Palm Mar is a nice, peaceful town with a long beach and several bars and restaurants. It often attracts visitors with attractive prices for apartments. These are typically new apartments with swimming pools in the complex. The typical southern weather spoils vacationers practically all year round.
- Available attractions: beach club – Bahia Beach, rocky beaches, kayaking, modernly equipped apartments
- Tourist density: low
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Palm Mar: generally sunny, moderate winds
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is one of the oldest towns on the southern coast of Tenerife. Together with Las Americas and Costa Adeje, it forms a cohesive conglomerate that serves the tourist traffic in the south of Tenerife. These vibrant towns merge together, creating a grand empire of attractions and entertainment. They are connected by a long promenade, an abundance of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, high tourist density, but above all, beautiful weather. Los Cristianos has been attracting tourists since the 1960s and today stands as one of the most important towns in Tenerife.
The town features a port that offers connections to other islands and various water-based activities. There is also a bus station that connects the southern region with every corner of the island, making it an excellent choice if you prefer not to rent a car. We recommend taking a stroll along San Telmo Street, located above Las Vistas Beach. Here, you’ll find a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants situated on multiple levels of the building, all with ocean views.
- Available attractions: ferries to the western islands, diving, kayaking, Peter Pan boat trip, Viking boat trip, golden sandy beaches – Playa de las Vistas and Playa de Los Cristianos, bus station, local restaurants, bars, and nightclubs – San Telmo
- Tourist density: high
- Car rental: not necessary
- Weather in Los Cristianos: almost always sunny and cloudless, moderate winds
Playa de las Americas
Playa de las Américas is an excellent place if you dislike boredom and enjoy having everything at your fingertips. The transportation system is highly efficient, and you can find taxis on almost every street. The bus connections also work very well. Adventure seekers must visit the “Safari” shopping center and the nightlife district of “Veronicas.” “Safari,” located on Avenida de Las Américas, is a beautiful and modern street filled with shops, restaurants with live music, palm trees, charming illuminations, and fountains. It is in this area that you’ll find the Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife and the popular Magic club. It’s a perfect place for evening strolls and dinners. On the other hand, “Veronicas” street serves a decidedly more party-oriented function than a representative one. During the day, it’s simply a row of colorful pubs and bars, but at night, it transforms into a massive party zone, and only a few manage to leave before dawn. For more discerning club-goers, the gem of Veronicas is the two-story Papagayo club, distinguished by its exclusive boho-style appearance.
- Available attractions: Siam Park, surf schools, sandy beaches Playa de Troya and Playa del Bobo, shopping center – Safari, nightclubs – Veronicas, Papagayo, countless bars and restaurants
- Tourist density: high
- Car rental: not necessary
- Weather in Playa de las Américas: almost always sunny and cloudless, moderate winds
Adeje
It is the main city of the municipality with the same name. It is located above the highway, at the foot of the Rogue del Conde mountain range. Adeje is mostly inhabited by residents of the Canary Islands. Those who decide to stay in this town should expect the need for later travel, such as to the beach. The town itself is very charming and atmospheric, quite removed from the tourist hustle and bustle. There are many nice bars and cafés here that are attractive in terms of both price and quality. It is in Adeje where the well-known restaurant “Otelo” is located, which you can read more about in the article “Recommended Bars and Restaurants”. Above this establishment, the trail to the beautiful gorge “Barranco del Infierno” begins. If you feel like connecting with nature, we recommend taking a trip here. At the end of the gorge, there is a small, charming waterfall.
- Available attractions: good local restaurants, “Barranco del Infierno” trail
- Tourist density: low
- Car rental: optional
- Weather in Adeje: generally sunny, occasionally cloudy
Costa Adeje
The pride of the Adeje municipality is undoubtedly its coastline, known as Costa Adeje. It stretches from San Eugenio to Playa Paraiso. The Costa Adeje coastline features a series of beaches, which you can read about in our guide “Most Interesting Beaches of Tenerife.” Along a large part of the coast, there is a beautiful promenade that connects many of these beaches. Along the promenade, you can also find numerous colorful shops, intimate bars, and plenty of restaurants offering various cuisines from around the world. Moreover, it is in the south of Tenerife where you can find two extraordinary water parks – Aqualand and Siam Park – ranked number 1 in the world according to TripAdvisor. In Costa Adeje, you will also find the popular port of “Puerto Colon,” from which most whale and dolphin excursions depart, and where all water sports take place. Additionally, one of the hottest Latin clubs on the island, Achaman, is located here.
- Available attractions: Aqualand & Siam Park, whale and dolphin watching excursions, water sports, sandy beaches: Playa la Pinta, Playa de Torviscas, Playa Fañabe, Playa del Duque, Latin club Achaman, endless number of bars and restaurants, as well as nightclubs
- Tourist density: high
- Car rental: not necessary
- Weather in Costa Adeje: almost always sunny and cloudless, with moderate winds
San Eugenio Alto and Torviscas Alto
These are two popular parts of Costa Adeje located on the hillside across the highway. There are many apartments available for rent here, most of them with complex pools. The advantages include attractive accommodation prices, beautiful panoramas, proximity to beaches, city center, shops, and bus stops. The disadvantage may be the uphill walk back to the apartment, which may be relevant if you are traveling with children. There is a fairly high density of both locals and tourists in this area, and the weather spoils practically all year round.
- Available attractions: Aqualand, incredible views of Las Americas and Costa Adeje
- Tourist density: moderate
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in San Eugenio Alto and Torviscas Alto: almost always sunny and cloudless, with moderate winds
El Duque
El Duque, belonging to Costa Adeje, is one of the warmest and most expensive areas of the island. It is full of exclusive hotels, exquisite restaurants, and boutiques. It is a very well-maintained neighborhood. The majority of people you will encounter here are tourists. El Duque has a beautiful, sandy beach with palm trees and a long promenade. It is a perfect place for pleasant walks and romantic dinners. The weather is usually hot, as in the rest of the south, with occasional clouds that quickly dissipate. El Duque has very good public transportation.
- Available attractions: attractive, golden sandy beach Playa del Duque, excellent restaurants, a range of beautiful five-star hotels, exclusive shopping center Plaza del Duque
- Tourist density: high
- Car rental: not necessary
- Weather in El Duque: almost always sunny and cloudless, with moderate winds
La Caleta
La Caleta is a small yet charming fishing village. It is quiet and peaceful, located relatively close to El Duque. La Caleta is a pleasant place to relax and try local specialties, especially seafood. Due to the limited number of attractions, we recommend it more for those seeking a tranquil experience or as a base for exploration. La Caleta has a small black sand beach, but the most popular bathing spot is a cove among the rocks in the main part of the village. A bit further away, it is worth taking a stroll to the hippie beach, known for its wild character. It is an incredibly beautiful, natural, golden sandy beach, located less than a kilometer from La Caleta.
- Available attractions: excellent seafood restaurants, peaceful surroundings, nearby hippie beach Playa Diego Hernández
- Tourist density: low
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in La Caleta: almost always sunny and cloudless, with moderate winds
Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso is a picturesque resort located on the southwest coast of Tenerife. It is part of the Costa Adeje region. The main attraction in Playa Paraiso is the Hard Rock Hotel, which was built here a few years ago. Another popular spot is the Roca Negra Sunset Club. There are more pubs and restaurants in the area, although it is not a bustling place. If you are looking for peace and tranquility, you will find it here for sure. Bus connections in this part of the island are not the most frequent, so it is worth considering car rental. The beach in Playa Paraiso is not large but has its charm. The property prices in this area can be enticing. Another advantage is the proximity to the main resorts of the island.
- Available attractions: Hard Rock Hotel, Roca Negra Sunset Club
- Tourist density: moderate
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Playa Paraiso: almost always sunny and cloudless, with moderate winds
Callao Salvaje
This peaceful and charming resort is full of beautiful houses and new apartments. It can be attractive in terms of rental prices, but having a car is definitely necessary here if you don’t want to waste time traveling by infrequent buses. The slightly remote location can also be a major advantage. Callao Salvaje is a good starting point for exploring Los Gigantes, Playa Paraiso, or Costa Adeje. In Callao Salvaje, you will find a spacious beach that was built just a few years ago. It may not be the most spectacular, but it has everything it should have. Along the coast, there are several interesting restaurants and bars. The residents of Callao Salvaje come from all over Europe, making it difficult to distinguish between tourists and local residents.
- Available attractions: rocky beach
- Tourist density: moderate
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Callao Salvaje: almost always sunny and cloudless, with moderate winds
West of the island – Towns in Tenerife
Playa San Juan
Playa San Juan, which translates to “Saint John’s Beach” in Spanish, is a town where the biggest celebration on the island takes place during St. John’s Eve. The town offers relatively attractive housing prices. It is a less popular destination, predominantly inhabited by locals from the Canary Islands. One advantage is its interesting location, close to the charming and somewhat “exclusive” Playa de Abama beach, as well as the cliffs of Los Gigantes and the Masca Gorge. There is a fairly long beach with dark sand and beautiful views of the surroundings. Nearby, along the coastline, you can find enigmatic ruins of unknown origin. The sunset view is exceptionally picturesque.
- Available attractions: local seafood specialties, ruins of unknown origin
- Tourist traffic: low
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Playa San Juan: almost always sunny and cloudless, with moderate winds
Los Gigantes
The tourist resort of Los Gigantes consists of three interconnected towns on the west coast of Tenerife: Varadero, Playa de la Arena, and Puerto Santiago. In terms of scenery, it is one of the most beautiful locations on the island. The majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes are truly breathtaking. The small port located here is a hub of activity, with numerous boats and motorboats departing daily for various excursions. There is also a small beach with magnificent views of the cliffs. The town itself is compact and relatively quiet, though lively during the day. The harbor area is filled with restaurants and the town is frequented by tourists. Many travel agencies offer affordable accommodations, but keep in mind the location of Los Gigantes – having a car is an advantage.
- Available attractions: Puerto de Santiago harbor, black sand beaches Playa la Arena and Playa de los Guios, hiking trails, new promenade from Allegro Isora to Alcalá
- Tourist density: moderate
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Los Gigantes: almost always sunny and cloudless, with moderate winds
North of the island – Towns in Tenerife
Garachico
In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Garachico was home to the largest and most important port in the entire Canary Islands archipelago, serving as a hub for trade between the Americas and Europe. Unfortunately, in 1706, the eruption of the Trevejos volcano “submerged” the town and its bustling port under seven layers of lava. Today, we are left with memories of Garachico’s glory days. It is now one of the historic towns in Tenerife. It is a very peaceful place, known for its beautiful views, large waves, and good, affordable Canarian cuisine. The town itself is charming, in a typical Canarian style, and the people are very friendly. The main attraction of Garachico is its natural pools formed in the solidified lava from the 1706 eruption. This is the primary reason tourists flock to this place. The town is predominantly inhabited by locals. In winter, expect variable weather, while summers are considerably warmer with less rain. It is a lovely place, but a visit of maximum one day is recommended due to the limited number of attractions.
- Available attractions: natural pools, Puerta de Tierra Park, Church of St. Anne
- Tourist density: low
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Garachico: sunny in summer, similar to the southern region, and variable weather in winter, ranging from beautiful sunshine to all-day rain
Puerto de la Cruz
If you feel like exploring the northern part of the island, this town definitely has potential. It can serve as a great base for visiting nearby charming Canarian towns and discovering plenty of non-commercial, local, and wild beaches. Moreover, there are beautiful parks, forests, and botanical gardens to explore. There’s quite a lot to see. Of course, the main attraction in Puerto de la Cruz is Loro Parque, which started as a small parrot park but has evolved over the years into a full-fledged surprise-filled zoo.
Puerto de la Cruz has an interesting architecture and is full of magical narrow streets with cozy restaurants, cafes, squares, and gardens. The beaches here have dark sand but are very pleasant. The bays with swirling waves right along the main promenade also leave a strong impression. In the city center, there is also the attractive water complex of Lago Martiánez. The weather here is changeable, typical for the northern part of the island. Summers can have high temperatures, while winters tend to be rainy. Puerto de la Cruz has attracted residents from many nations, although it seems that Germans make up the largest group. It is a popular destination among older people due to its exceptionally favorable climate. More information about Puerto de la Cruz can be found in our article: Tenerife – Attractions: the most interesting cities in Tenerife – Puerto de La Cruz.
- Available attractions: Loro Parque, Lago Martiánez water complex, San Telmo natural pools, Playa Jardin black beach, botanical garden, local cuisine, seafood
- Tourist density: high
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Puerto de la Cruz: sunny in summer, similar to the southern region, and variable weather in winter, ranging from beautiful sunshine to all-day rain
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
This city has an incredible atmosphere thanks to its architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. La Laguna was the first capital of the archipelago. Today, it is a university town full of young people, yet it exudes a surprising tranquility. Strolling through the streets of La Laguna takes us back many years. Even just having a cup of coffee or enjoying a meal in this place is a pleasure. It is a typically Canarian city, so a visit to La Laguna can be a great opportunity to experience the local culture, including the local cuisine and wines. In La Laguna, rain is quite common, but it is usually brief. The town is located inland, so it doesn’t have a beach. However, the well-developed public transportation allows us to reach every corner of it.
- Available attractions: historic center between Plaza del Adelantado and Plaza de la Concepción, Anaga mountain range
- Tourist density: moderate
- Car rental: not necessary
- Weather in La Laguna: sunny in summer with occasional passing showers, and highly variable weather in winter, ranging from beautiful sunshine to overcast skies throughout the day
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the capital of Tenerife. It is the largest city on the island and definitely does not resemble a tranquil seaside resort. This place is pulsating with life. If you enjoy hustle and bustle and big cities, you will certainly find your place here, especially in February! Not everyone knows that Tenerife hosts the second-largest carnival in the world, right after Rio de Janeiro. Yes, here you will feel that Tenerife is an island as hot as a volcano! In addition to the carnival, Santa Cruz boasts a beautiful, long beach with palm trees and light-colored sand, which stands out among other beaches in Tenerife. Of course, we’re talking about “Playa de las Teresitas”. Furthermore, the capital is home to several attractive botanical parks, adorned with palms, lush flowers, and fountains. Near the port, you’ll find the Auditorium, which strikingly resembles the Sydney Opera House in terms of architecture. The majority of the population here consists of Canarians.
- Available attractions: Playa de las Teresitas beach, swimming pools Parque Marítimo, Nuestra Señora de Africa market, the auditorium, ferries to neighboring islands and Spain
- Tourist density: moderate
- Car rental: not necessary
- Weather in Santa Cruz: sunny in summer, similar to the southern region, highly variable weather in winter, ranging from beautiful sunshine to overcast skies throughout the day
Candelaria
Candelaria is a picturesque town located on the southeastern coast of Tenerife. It is one of the oldest settlements on the island. It is here that you will find one of the most important churches in Tenerife, the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, the patroness of the entire archipelago. Twice a year, on February 2nd and August 14th-15th, family pilgrimages from all over Tenerife and other islands of the archipelago come here to pay homage to the patroness. Another characteristic sight in Candelaria is the statues of the nine last rulers of the island, the Guanches. It is a medium-sized town that tempts visitors with affordable rental prices. We definitely recommend renting a car, although public transportation works quite well here.
- Available attractions: Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, statues of the nine last rulers of Tenerife
- Tourist density: moderate
- Car rental: recommended
- Weather in Candelaria: generally sunny, moderate winds
We describe for you the most popular in terms of accommodation places in Tenerife. If you did not find the name of one of the cities on our list, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the nearest one that we described. Tenerife has many beautiful places, but remember that not all of them are well connected with the other. Before choosing a starting location, it is worth analyzing our map of attractions so as to have everything that interests us at hand.
If you already know where to stay in Tenerife, don’t forget to familiarize yourself with our offer of trips and attractions.
