The Best Areas to Stay in Tenerife: Where to Stay

A vacation in Tenerife offers a chance to enjoy the unique nature and rich culture of one of the most popular resorts in the Atlantic Ocean. Choosing the right place to stay significantly enhances the quality of your vacation. In this overview, we will explore which best areas to stay are suited for you, discuss options for the best hotels, highlight areas with nearest beaches, and provide tips on choosing cheap accommodation in affordable tourist areas.

1. Holidays in Costa Adeje
2. Holidays in Playa de Las Americas
3. Holidays in Los Cristianos
4. Holidays in Puerto de Santiago
5. Accommodation in Los Gigantes
6. Accommodation in Puerto de La Cruz
7. Accommodation in San Cristobal de la Laguna

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Tenerife?

The choice of accommodation depends on your preferences and budget. Whether you prefer the bustling centers of resort life or seek solitude in quiet and calm areas, Tenerife has something for everyone. Consider what services are important to you: proximity to the sea, access to tourist attractions, or the level of service in hotels.

Best Hotels and Nearest Beaches

Depending on the area you choose, you can enjoy staying in hotels of various categories—from exclusive to more affordable options. Hotels located near beaches offer great opportunities for those who love sea bathing and water sports.

Cheap Accommodation and Affordable Tourist Areas

For those looking for a more economical accommodation option, there are areas offering budget apartments and hotels. Affordable tourist areas can provide not only inexpensive lodging but also a rich cultural program.

Recommended Areas

When deciding where to stay in Tenerife, be sure to consider your personal interests and vacation preferences. Information about recommended areas will help you make a choice based on the most current and popular offers this year.

Holidays in Costa Adeje

Pros and Cons

Costa Adeje is one of the most popular holiday resorts in the south of Tenerife, known for its chic hotels, golden sand beaches and variety of entertainment. When choosing a holiday destination, it is important to consider all aspects in order to make an informed decision. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of holidaying in Costa Adeje:

The pros of Costa Adeje:

1. Luxury hotels and resorts:
   • Costa Adeje offers a wide range of upscale hotels with excellent service. Many hotels offer a full range of facilities including spas, swimming pools and high-end restaurants.
2. Quality beaches:
   • Costa Adeje beaches such as Playa del Duque and Playa Fanabe, Playas de Troya, are known for their fine golden (light-coloured) sand and cleanliness. These beaches are ideal for family holidays with children and various water sports.
3. Entertainment and activities:
   • The area is rich in a variety of activities, from shopping in modern shopping centres to nightclubs and bars. Excursions are also available, such as a visit to the Siam Park water park, which is considered one of the best in Europe. Not too far away is the Jungle Park Zoo.
4. Excellent infrastructure:
   • Costa Adeje is well adapted for tourists: it is easy to find taxis, public transport is well organised and the roads are in excellent condition.

Minuses of Costa Adeje:

1. High prices:
   • Holidays in Costa Adeje can be quite expensive, especially in season. Prices for accommodation, food and entertainment are higher here than in other parts of the island.
2. Crowdedness:
   • During peak season (especially in summer and during school holidays), beaches and main entertainment venues can be crowded, reducing the comfort of the holiday.
3. Tourist orientation:
   • Costa Adeje may seem too ‘touristy’ for those looking for more authentic and traditional Spanish resorts. This can be a disadvantage for those who prefer a more relaxed and secluded holiday.

Weighing up the pros and cons, Costa Adeje remains one of the best holiday destinations in Tenerife for those who value comfort, variety of activities and quality of service.

Best recommendations for accommodation in Costa Adeje

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Costa Adeje on the map

Holidays in Playa de Las Americas

Pros and Cons

Playa de Las Americas is a well-known and popular resort in the south of Tenerife, which annually attracts tourists from all over the world with its active nightlife, wide range of entertainment and beautiful beaches. Due to its convenient location and high quality infrastructure, the area offers a wide range of holiday rentals including hotels and apartments. However, contrary to its popularity, Playa de Las Americas may not be the best place to stay for every traveller. This place is more suitable for those looking for active holidays and entertainment rather than peace and privacy. However, like any popular destination, Playa de Las Americas has its advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering when planning a trip.

The pros of Playa de Las Americas are:

1. Active nightlife:
   • The area is known for its party spots, especially in the Las Veronicas neighbourhood and on Avenida de las Américas, also known as the Golden Mile. These places offer a wide range of bars, clubs and restaurants for nightlife.
2. Beautiful beaches:
   • These beaches include Playa del Camisón and Playa de Las Vistas, which offer excellent swimming and sunbathing conditions, as well as water sports opportunities.
3. Developed infrastructure:
   • Playa de Las Americas offers all the amenities you need: plenty of shops, restaurants, easy access to transport and a well-equipped promenade for strolling.
4. Housing diversity and affordability:
   • The area has a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxury hotels to more affordable apartments, making it an inexpensive option compared to Costa Adeje, although the price difference is not significant.

Cons of Playa de Las Americas:

1. Crowdedness:
   • Due to its popularity, especially during peak tourist season, the area can be overcrowded, leading to noise and crowds on the beaches and entertainment venues.
2. High prices, although lower than in Costa Adeje:
   • Although prices for many goods and services here can be higher than in the less touristy areas of the island, Playa de Las Americas remains a cheaper option compared to the more fashionable Costa Adeje, although the price difference is not significant.
3. Commercialisation and lack of exclusivity:
   • Unlike the more fashionable Costa Adeje, Playa de Las Americas can seem less exclusive and more commercialised, which may not appeal to those looking for a more traditional or relaxed holiday.

Playa de Las Americas provides numerous opportunities for active and diverse vacations at an accessible price. This destination is perfect for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, an array of activities, and picturesque beaches, without the premium cost associated with more upscale resorts. However, it’s important to note that the price disparity between this area and pricier resorts is relatively modest.

Best recommendations for accommodation in Playa de Las Americas

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Playa de Las Americas on the map

Holidays in Los Cristianos

Pros and Cons

Los Cristianos, one of the most active and diverse resort towns in the south of Tenerife, offers many opportunities for holidaymakers thanks to its prime location, excellent beaches and proximity to other popular destinations on the island.

Pros of Los Cristianos:

1. Plenty of beaches: Los Cristianos is known for its beautiful golden sand beaches such as Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas, providing excellent conditions for swimming and water sports. The beaches are well equipped and suitable for family holidays.
2. Proximity to attractions: The resort is close to famous attractions including Siam Park Water Park, offering fun for all ages. This makes it an ideal base when exploring the island.
3. Convenient transport links: Los Cristianos is located close to Tenerife South Airport, making it easy to access. In addition, the town’s port is the starting point for ferries to neighbouring islands such as La Gomera.

Los Cristianos cons:

1. Overcrowding in high season: Due to its popularity, Los Cristianos can be very crowded during peak tourist periods, which can affect the comfort level and availability of seating on beaches and in restaurants.
2. High prices: During peak season, prices for accommodation, food and entertainment can increase significantly, making holidays here less affordable for budget travellers.
3. Limited cultural activities: Despite the rich selection of entertainment, cultural activities in Los Cristianos may not be as diverse as elsewhere on the island, which can be disappointing for those seeking a deep cultural experience.

Overall, Los Cristianos offers a comfortable and versatile holiday destination, particularly suitable for active travellers and families, but it is worth bearing in mind the possible increase in cost and the high number of holidaymakers during peak season.

Best recommendations for accommodation in Playa de Los Cristianos

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Los Cristianos on the map

Holidays in Puerto de Santiago

Pros and Cons

Puerto de Santiago is a picturesque resort on the west coast of Tenerife, known for its spectacular black volcanic beaches and tranquil atmosphere. The area offers a unique blend of traditional Spanish culture and modern tourist amenities, making it attractive to holidaymakers of different ages and preferences.

Pros of Puerto de Santiago:

1. Picturesque landscapes and quiet beaches:
   • Puerto de Santiago is famous for its black volcanic beaches, such as Playa de la Arena, which are less crowded compared to beaches on the south coast of Tenerife. It is an ideal place for those looking for tranquillity and privacy.
2. Proximity to natural attractions:
   • The resort is located close to natural attractions such as the Los Gigantes cliffs, providing excellent hiking and photography opportunities.
3. Calm atmosphere:
   • Unlike the more noisy and busy resorts, Puerto de Santiago offers a quieter and more relaxed holiday experience, which is particularly appreciated by families and older travellers.
4. Affordable accommodation prices:
   • Accommodation prices in Puerto de Santiago are generally lower than in more popular tourist centres, making it an attractive option for budget travellers.

Cons of Puerto de Santiago:

1. Limited entertainment and nightlife:
   • The resort doesn’t offer the same variety of nightclubs and bars as other busier destinations in Tenerife, which can be disappointing for lovers of an active night out.
2. Need for transport:
   • To get to other places of interest on the island, you’ll probably need to hire a car, as public transport is not as well developed here as in the larger resort centres.
3. Limited choice of restaurants and shops:
   • Although Puerto de Santiago has some restaurants and shops, the choice here is not as great as in the larger tourist centres, which can be a disadvantage for those who prefer extensive shopping and gastronomy options.

Overall, Puerto de Santiago is a great choice for those looking for a relaxing outdoor holiday with the opportunity to explore unique natural attractions. This resort is ideal for family holidays and tourists looking to escape the crowds and noise of busier destinations.

Best recommendations for accommodation in Puerto de Santiago

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Puerto de Santiago on the map

Accommodation in Los Gigantes

Pros and Cons

Los Gigantes is a small town in the west of Tenerife, known for its impressive cliffs that reach heights of up to 600 metres above sea level. This place attracts tourists who want to enjoy breathtaking views, tranquillity and quality holidays away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of holidays and accommodation in Los Gigantes.

Pros of Los Gigantes:

1. Breathtaking scenery and nature:
   • The main attraction is the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes, which are one of the island’s most spectacular natural beauties. These areas are ideal for photography and hiking.
2. Quiet and clean beaches:
   • The beaches in Los Gigantes, such as Playa de los Guios, are smaller and quieter compared to the more popular resorts in Tenerife. This is ideal for those who prefer privacy and tranquillity.
3. Opportunities for water sports and boat trips:
   • The area is renowned for its diving and boating opportunities, allowing you to get a closer look at the marine life.
4. Comfortable Accommodation:
   • Los Gigantes offers a good selection of quality accommodation, from private apartments to cosy hotels, most of which offer stunning ocean and cliff views.

Cons of Los Gigantes:

1. Distance from major cities and attractions:
   • Los Gigantes is quite far from the major urban centres of Tenerife, which can limit access to some of the activities and services available in the larger resorts.
2. Need for transport:
   • You may need to hire a car to move around the island comfortably and visit the various attractions, as public transport is not as well developed here.
3. Limited choice of restaurants and shops:
   • Although there are some excellent restaurants and cafes in the town, the scale and variety of outlets and gastronomic establishments is limited compared to larger resorts.

Los Gigantes is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxing holiday with the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Tenerife. This resort is ideal for nature lovers, nature lovers

The resort is ideal for nature lovers, relaxed holidaymakers and sea lovers. However, those who prefer active entertainment and a wide range of urban amenities may want to consider other options on the island.

Best recommendations for accommodation in Los Gigantes

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Los Gigantes on the map

Accommodation in Puerto de La Cruz

Pros and Cons

Puerto de La Cruz is one of the oldest and most famous tourist towns in the north of Tenerife. This city combines the flavour of old Spain with modern amenities, offering tourists picturesque scenery, a rich cultural life and a variety of entertainment options.

Pros of Puerto de La Cruz:

1. Cultural heritage and atmosphere:
   • The city is known for its historic buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and traditional plazas that create an authentic atmosphere of old Spain.
2. Variety of restaurants and cafes:
   • Puerto de La Cruz offers excellent gastronomic opportunities with a rich selection of both local and international cuisine. Restaurants and cafes often offer sea views, making every meal special.
3. Picturesque beaches and natural pools:
   • Black volcanic sand beaches and natural lava pools such as Lago Martiánez attract those looking for unique water activities.
4. Active nightlife and cultural events:
   • The city is active day and night, offering a variety of bars, clubs and regular cultural festivals and events that highlight its rich cultural scene.
5. Loro Park:
   • Furthermore, Loro Park is one of the greatest attractions of the city, known for its variety of animal species and shows. This theme park is especially renowned for its commitment to nature conservation and biodiversity, offering visitors an educational and entertaining experience that perfectly complements the cultural and natural opportunities of the region.

Cons of Puerto de La Cruz:

1. The weather is less stable than in the south of the island:
   • In the north of Tenerife, the climate is less predictable and often cloudier and wetter, which can affect holidays, especially during the winter months.
2. Tourist congestion:
   • Puerto de La Cruz can be quite crowded, especially during peak seasons, resulting in overcrowded beaches and attractions.
3. The need for transport to visit other places on the island:
   • Although the city has a good infrastructure, you may need to hire a car to visit other Tenerife attractions, especially in the south.
4. Limited shopping options:
   • Unlike larger tourist centres, the choice of shops in Puerto de La Cruz is less varied, which can limit shopping options.

Overall, Puerto de La Cruz offers a unique mixed experience of cultural enrichment and a relaxing holiday by the sea. This city is ideal for those seeking cultural immersion with the comfort of modern amenities, but it is important to consider its climatic and geographical features when planning a trip.

Best recommendations for accommodation in Puerto de La Cruz

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Puerto de La Cruz on the map

Accommodation in San Cristobal de la Laguna

Pros and Cons

San Cristobal de la Laguna, often simply called La Laguna, is located in the north of Tenerife and is known for its historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city offers a rich cultural heritage, unique architecture and an academic atmosphere due to the presence of the university.

The pros of accommodation and holidaying in La Laguna:

1. Cultural and historical richness:
   • La Laguna offers visitors a unique chance to immerse themselves in history through its well-preserved historic buildings and narrow streets. The city exemplifies colonial architecture and cultural heritage.
2. Academic atmosphere:
   • The presence of the university gives the city a youthful and dynamic vibe. It also fosters a diverse cultural life including festivals, exhibitions and lectures.
3. Picturesque surroundings:
   • The city is close to beautiful natural landscapes including forests and mountains, which is ideal for hiking and nature excursions.
4. Mild climate:
   • Due to its location in the north of the island, La Laguna has a milder and cooler climate compared to the southern regions, making it an attractive destination during the hotter months.
5. Proximity to the northern airport and the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
   • With its proximity to Tenerife North Airport and the island’s capital, La Laguna is conveniently located for travellers looking for easy access to transport hubs and city amenities.

Cons of accommodation and holidaying in La Laguna:

1. Lack of beaches:
   • Unlike other parts of the island, La Laguna does not have direct beach access, which can be a disadvantage for lovers of seaside holidays.
2. Cooler and wetter weather:
   • The climate here can be less predictable with frequent fog and rain, especially in winter.
3. Limited entertainment options:
   • Although the cultural life here is rich, nightlife and entertainment can be limited compared to tourist-oriented resort towns.
4. Need for transport:
   • Visiting the beaches and other tourist spots on the island may require hiring a car, as La Laguna is far from the main tourist routes.

La Laguna is ideal for those looking for cultural immersion and a relaxing holiday in a historic setting. This city is perfect for lovers of history, culture and academic life who prefer peace and quiet to the noise of tourist resorts.

Best recommendations for accommodation in San Ctistobal de La Laguna

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La Laguna on the map