Tenerife is one of the largest and most populated islands of the Canary Islands, and its wide variety of landscapes and villages means there are really many great areas to stay in Tenerife!
For this reason, the guide will be a bit long, to try to give you a complete idea of the island’s offer, the convenience of each area, and the prices. We will look at the best areas to stay in Tenerife to satisfy everyone’s tastes, whether you’re looking for a bit of activity and nightlife, or if you want to sleep peacefully, relax, or immerse yourself in nature! 🙂
Playa de Las Americas
Nightlife: 4/5
Relax: 3/5
Convenience for moving around: 5/5
Climate: 5/5
Playa de Las Americas, or simply Las Americas, is one of the most popular and crowded areas on the island of Tenerife.
It is a large neighborhood essentially built for tourism, made up of hotels and wide, green streets filled with palm trees, lights, and colors, almost evoking a Californian atmosphere.
Although it has almost nothing typical about it, this area can be very convenient for staying in Tenerife because it has all the necessary services nearby, some nice beaches, and in the evening you can walk out to reach bars, restaurants, or the small nightclubs/clubs of the Centro Comercial Las Veronicas, popular with younger people. Lots of Irish or English pubs are also available here and there, playing music, karaoke or watching sports. Read theh guide to nightlife in Tenerife to find out more.
Las Americas is also a good base to quickly move by car to other parts of the island. It’s better to find a hotel with parkin on site, as finding available spaces along the street has become difficult in recent years.
This neighborhood is mostly frequented by tourists of an older age group or families, mainly from the UK and Italy. Walking a bit along the pedestrian streets, you can reach more beaches, both with rental sunbeds and free space.
You might also be interested in: Guide to car rentals in the Canary Islands
- Aparthotel Parque La Paz: I have stayed here too, apartments with kitchen for groups up to 4 people, close to the sea, with 24-hour reception and free parking;
- Mediterranean Palace: an iconic 5-star resort that you can’t miss even while walking along the main avenue, seafront with beach access, free parking, spa center, gym, tennis, buffet restaurant, kids’ area with entertainment.
- Hotel Zentral Center: 4-star hotel with pools, sauna, hot tub, spacious rooms for 2 or 3 people, parking, all-inclusive option.
- Hotel Andorra: one of the most affordable, offers small apartments for up to 4 people with good reviews, restaurant, buffet breakfast, free wifi, and parking.
- Aparthotel Columbus: if you can find it available, this residence is a great choice for a 3-star with fitness center, hot tub, and kitchenette.
Los Cristianos
Next to Las Americas, the district of Los Cristianos. It is a slightly less touristy urban area because it also has many residential buildings. Los Cristianos is the area with the highest number of Italians on the island, keep that in mind if it matters to you.
A problem with Los Cristianos is the all-day traffic and huge difficulty in finding parking.
However, Los Cristianos is a nice town to visit, with some pedestrian streets and a promenade that you can reach in no time by walking from Las Americas. If you don’t stay here, consider visiting it in the morning or evening.
Some activities you may like, before going on with the article:
Las Americas and Los Cristianos are the most recommended areas to stay in Tenerife if you are visiting in winter or spring. This area in the south of the island is indeed one of the most sheltered from the wind and with the most sunshine. On the other hand, the east coast of Tenerife is generally more windy, and the north is usually more prone to clouds and rain.
Costa Adeje – El Duque – Fañabe
Nightlife: 4/5
Relax: 3/5
Convenience for getting around: 4/5
Climate: 5/5
Costa Adeje, is kind of the luxurious area of Tenerife.
In Costa Adeje, there are many luxury hotels and resorts, a well-maintained seafront promenade full of plants and flowers, some beaches (which I talk about more in this article) such as Playa del Duque or Playa Fañabe where at sunset, you might find a truly relaxing atmosphere.
It is an area more suitable for families, with a more quiet nightlife and some hotels with casinos. As you may have guess, if you choose Costa Adeje for staying in Tenerife, you will need to plan a higher budget. Some beaches also have paid toilets.
Even if you stay elsewhere, come visit Playa del Duque for the day, with its flowered promenade, its dual nature (half black pebbles, half light sand, and maybe the only clear-bottom sea corner on the island), it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife.
- Jardin Tropical Hotel: 4 stars with ocean views towards La Gomera island, a saltwater pool carved into the cliff, large gardens; offers rooms for 2 people with a spa, wellness center, bar, and parking options;
- Sunset Harbour Club by Diamond Resorts: residence with apartments for groups from 2 up to 6 people with balcony and kitchenette; pools, wifi, and 24-hour reception available.
El Mèdano
Nightlife: 2/5
Relax: 5/5
Convenience of getting around: 4/5
Climate: 4/5
Now let’s look at a quieter area to stay in Tenerife compared to the previous ones. Staying on the south coast but moving a little to the windy east, we find El Mèdano.
The beach of El Mèdano is one of the most famous destinations for surfing enthusiasts. You can’t miss seeing them offshore, having fun at all hours of the day.
El Mèdano is a quiet village, good if you are a surfer or if you are looking for a place to stay in Tenerife away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy areas, with a nice seafront promenade for a sunset walk or to reach the nearby Montaña Roja, a barren but striking hill rising above the sea a couple of kilometers from the village.
In the guide to Tenerife’s beaches I go into more detail about Playa del Mèdano.
During the summer, it’s a destination suitable for almost everyone, maybe not for very young people looking for party or for those who don’t like the wind, which in winter could make it difficult to stay on the beach.
Here the accommodations are cheaper than in the previous areas.
From here, in the evening, you can also quickly move to the village of Los Abrigos. Originally a fishing village, it has become a bit more touristy, and along the seafront, which offers a beautiful sunset view, there are several seafood restaurants.
- Hotel Médano: you can’t miss it when you reach the beach. A striking and elegant hotel with large windows overlooking the ocean, it has a two-story solarium terrace that forms a pier surrounded by the sea;
- Hotel Playa Sur Tenerife: where the urbanization ends and nature begins, this 3-star hotel with pools and free parking also accepts pets; there is no reported wifi, so if it’s essential, contact them beforehand;
- Ashavana Hostel: an affordable hostel with dormitory beds or rooms for up to 4 people and free wifi.
San Juan
Nightlife: 2/5
Relax: 4/5
Convenience of getting around: 4/5
Climate: 4/5
On the west coast, about a half-hour drive from the southernmost point of the island, we find the village of San Juan. A village on the coast, with its own beach, more residential and less touristic, so you will find a bit more local people. However, there won’t be much to do in the evening.
In this area, prices are a little lower, and the location can still be quite strategic for exploring the island, especially if you want to visit the Teide uplands frequently (one of the two roads to reach it begins nearby).
Getting to more fashionable areas like Las Americas/el Duque to visit beaches more sheltered from the wind will only take about half an hour. Travel times increase, however, if you often head north as you have to travel almost the entire perimeter of the island along the highway.
Puerto de Santiago
Nightlife: 2/5
Relax: 4/5
Convenience of getting around: 4/5
Climate: 4/5
A short distance from San Juan, we find the small neighborhood of Puerto de Santiago, a little more touristy than the previous but still not too chaotic, where you will also find the beautiful small beach Playa de Los Guios, with a view of Los Gigantes cliffs.
Here, the same considerations made for San Juan apply regarding travel, climate, and prices.
Candelaria
Nightlife: 2/5
Relax: 4/5
Convenience of getting around: 4/5
Climate: 4/5
Now heading north, we talk about Candelaria, a town you might appreciate for staying in Tenerife if you are not interested in having a beach right outside the hotel but would rather sleep in a more typical town that also has some history to tell.
Candelaria is an important historical town on the island, as mummies of the Guanches (the ancient aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands) were found here, and you can also visit the Basilica of Candelaria and admire the statues of the 9 kings of Tenerife rising above the sea in front of a beautiful square.
Accommodations here are not abundant (mostly private apartments and a few hotels), are still a bit cheaper than the south.
If you’re traveling on a budget, aren’t interested in lively evenings, and don’t mind driving, Candelaria could be a good choice for your stay in Tenerife. From here, you’re “halfway” whether you want to head towards the beaches of the south or explore the northern part of the island.
- Apartment for groups up to 4 people with excellent reviews, complete with kitchen, wifi, and 24-hour reception;
- Live Candelaria Basilica: 100 square meter apartment for groups up to 6 people.
Puerto de La Cruz
Nightlife: 4/5
Relax: 3/5
Convenience of getting around: 2/5
Climate: 3/5
Puerto de La Cruz is the second largest city in Tenerife. Although it is a city, there are still some notable black volcanic sand beaches such as Playa Jardin, or alternatively, the Lago Martianez, which is essentially a water park with an ocean view. Its main attraction is artificial saltwater pools designed to pay homage to the 7 islands of the archipelago.
Choosing Puerto de La Cruz for your stay in Tenerife can be a good choice even if you don’t want to move elsewhere in the evening; Puerto offers a decent nightlife in the center, with restaurants, bars, and sometimes outdoor music. For younger people, there are a couple of nightclubs with paid entry.
Located on the northern side of the island, if you choose to stay in Puerto de La Cruz you should consider the risk of more clouds or rain compared to the dry south, and also cooler temperatures if visiting Tenerife in winter (during which I would recommend the south more).
Finally, Puerto de La Cruz is located “at the north-western end” of the free highway that runs around almost the entire island. This means that to move south (e.g., to Las Americas), you’ll have to travel about a hundred kilometers. So, if you plan to go to the south often, perhaps to visit the beaches, don’t underestimate the distance.
Parking in Puerto will also not be straightforward. But at least it will reward you with sunsets like this:
- Apartamentos Be Smart Florida Plaza: 3 stars with super cheap apartments for 2 people in a good location. It has pools, wifi, and 24-hour reception;
- My City Hotel: 3 stars in a central area with breakfast options, bidet in some rooms, pools, restaurant, buffet breakfast, free wifi, and shuttle service to the airport;
- Catalonia Las Vegas: 4 stars with a view of the ocean, Teide volcano, and Lago Martianez water park; also accepts pets and has a gym, pools, and free wifi; it is located near a taxi station and bus stops;
- 4Dreams Hotel: for groups up to 4 people with very good prices.
- Hotel Sun Holidays: rooms for up to 4 people with good prices and reviews, accepts pets, and has free wifi; very close to the historic center and Playa Jardin.
La Orotava
Nightlife: 1/5
Relax: 5/5
Convenience of getting around: 2/5
Climate: 3/5
Now let’s move to some traditional areas. Not far from Puerto de La Cruz, higher from the sea level, we find La Orotava, one of the most traditional towns on the island.
La Orotava is famous for its charming central square and because during the Corpus Christi period all the streets in the center are closed off and incredible decorations made only with flower petals are created on the asphalt.
It won’t be difficult to find truly typical food and restaurants at the right price in La Orotava, including the famous guachinche, small establishments that sometimes have a very homely feel where local wine and food are served.
The downsides of La Orotava, besides being distant from the sea, include the more unpredictable northern climate, especially in the winter months, and the distance from the south of the island. However, it is an excellent base if you are more interested in visiting the Teide plateau and its trails.
If, on the other hand, what you’re looking for is tranquility, authenticity, and you don’t want to end up in the mass tourism of other more famous areas, La Orotava could be the perfect choice for your stay in Tenerife.
- Hostel Tenerife: Very cheap hostel with rooms for two people, offering wifi and free bike rental. Pets allowed, shuttle service to the airport available for a fee;
- Hotel Rural Orotava: Excellent reviews in a mountain setting, accommodates up to 4 people;
- Hotel Rural Victoria: Rooms and suites in a fully renovated 16th-century house, with excellent reviews, free wifi, and shuttle service to the airport.
Garachico / Icod de Los Vinos
Nightlife: 1/5
Relax: 4/5
Convenience of getting around: 1/5
Climate: 3/5
In the northwest of Tenerife, the area of Garachico and nearby Icod de Los Vinos is also worth mentioning.
Garachico is a small town along the northern coast with a difficult history, as it was partially wiped out by a volcanic lava flow that is still partially visible and has created some natural pools, which are still visited and well-maintained, and I talk about them in more detail in the guide to the northern beaches of Tenerife.
Beyond the natural beauties worth visiting, Garachico has few other attractions during the evening. If you’re looking for relaxation and quiet, choose accommodation towards the center of the village and not too close to the coast, where the main road, which is often busy, passes.
Not far from Garachico, as you move away from the coast, we find Icod de Los Vinos.
Icod de Los Vinos is one of the most traditional towns left on the island and I recommend it to those who want to stay in Tenerife away from the tourist hustle and see something more authentic, including the largest dragon tree of Tenerife, which is located right here.
Not to mention that it is one of the towns with the most affordable places to stay in Tenerife.
These two locations are the “farthest” from all the other destinations on the island due to the road layout. Keep this in mind depending on what you want to visit.
- Trevejo Hotel : budget but well-maintained hostel in Garachico with dormitory beds and free wifi;
- Isla Baja Suites : suites in a restored 18th-century house, some with sea views, for 3 people + 2 children max, with free wifi, pets allowed, excellent reviews;
- Appartamento la Penca : a well-kept apartment for 3 people in Garachico, with excellent prices, located on a quiet avenue, with fully equipped kitchen, wifi, and free parking;
- Drago Nest Hostel : In Icod de los Vinos, budget private rooms with shared bathroom, free wifi, parking, and breakfast, airport shuttle available;
- Hotel Emblematico San Marcos : In Icod de los Vinos, this historic setting offers rooms and suites with free wifi, parking, and breakfast, airport shuttle available.
La Laguna
La Laguna is the ancient capital of the island and is currently the university town of Tenerife. You definitely need to spend half a day here to visit the center, which is perhaps the most historical part of the entire island.
However, its altitude and the distance from all the other destinations on the island make it both cold in winter, prone to cloudiness, and not very strategic; the only exception is if you are particularly interested in frequently visiting the Teide plateau, as it is fairly quick to reach from here.
If you are not very interested in the sea and like the idea of staying in a more typical area, this could be an option for staying in Tenerife, although parking here is also not easy (but in recent years, parking has become difficult across the entire island!).
During certain times of the year, you may also find typical events in this area, such as the Feira de Abril de La Laguna, where people gather to dance.
The nightlife in La Laguna is modest, offering bars and restaurants. Except for the area of El cuadrilatero, a neighborhood focused on university nightlife, which is not excessive anyway: some bars where the age range is between 18 and 22, where people drink something and chat, plus a handful of small discobars that are not visible from the outside, with the same age group.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife… or maybe not?
This list didn’t include the “capital” city of Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Why?
Although it is a beautiful city that I recommend you to see in a day or half day, to visit the pedestrian streets, parks, and the mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa, it is a very busy and at times chaotic city. Staying here would make you lose a lot of time looking for parking or walking across streets with 4 lanes… it wouldn’t make you feel very much on vacation.
It is also a less strategic location for visiting the south of the island, and on the coast facing the city, there is only a large port and a few oil plants.
It might be an interesting option perhaps more for those who need to stay in Tenerife for work or a potential relocation.
Bonus: an experience on Teide!
If you want to try a unique experience, you could consider at least one night at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide: a very well-maintained facility located on the Teide plateau, about 2220 meters above sea level, in the middle of this unforgettable area. In the guide to Teide trails and panoramas I give you a taste of what to expect… this view is an example!
Where is it best to stay in Tenerife?
To summarize:
- Playa de Las Americas / Los Cristianos : for those traveling in winter, with children, or for young people who want to stay close to the nightclubs in the south of the island;
- Costa Adeje : if you’re looking for luxury;
- El Mèdano : if you’re a surfer or looking for a quieter area to spend a little less;
- Candelaria : if you want a quiet, more traditional base and are willing to move around often;
- Puerto de La Cruz : if you’re looking for a town that offers a bit of everything and don’t mind a few more clouds;
- La Orotava : if it’s not winter and you want to stay in a truly typical town;
- Garachico / Icod de Los Vinos : if you like natural pools, typical towns, want to spend less, and are willing to move around.
Even though I believe one of these destinations will definitely meet your tastes, don’t forget to open the map and take a look at the whole island before deciding where to stay in Tenerife.
With a diameter of about 100 km, this island has countless other nice, less frequented villages where you can sleep in total relaxation!
Where to stay in Tenerife in winter
For those traveling in winter to escape from the European winter and enjoy the beach, the most recommended areas to stay in Tenerife are in the south-western part of the island, such as Las Americas, Los Cristianos, or Costa Adeje.
It is less recommended to stay in Tenerife in winter in the northern areas, where the winter temperatures remain lower and where clouds or rain are more likely.
The areas along the east coast (but also in the south-east like El Mèdano) are very windy, as they are in the summer as well.
It should be noted that, although Tenerife is a small earthly paradise in terms of climate, it is still located in the northern hemisphere, so in December/January the sun sets around 6 PM and there is always a chance of cloudy days during winter. If this is the case, it will be difficult to lie on the sand, but you will at least need a sweater. If, on the other hand, the sun is shining and there is little breeze… it feels like summer!
Where to stay in Tenerife with children
Good news for those traveling to Tenerife with children: the areas mentioned in the guide do not have any particular drawbacks for families; perhaps in La Orotava, if you have to push strollers, you might encounter steeper slopes than elsewhere.
However, it is important to keep in mind that wherever you are on the island, attention should be paid to children on the beach. As with all the islands in the Canary archipelago, I can’t stress enough that even where the waters seem calm, there can always be a risk of unexpected currents. After all, it’s the ocean, always remember that.
Where to stay in Tenerife for young people
If you are young and looking for nightlife, the best accommodation choices are in Las Americas and Los Cristianos, due to the presence of the aforementioned boulevards with nightclubs active in the evening.
If this type of venue doesn’t appeal to you, either because of the type of establishment or the not-too-high average age, you could also try Puerto de la Cruz; the town is more traditional and less touristy, yet has a moderate and not excessive nightlife: in the center, you’ll find several restaurants, some bars, and a couple of indoor nightclubs.
Stay in Tenerife for those seeking relaxation and tradition
For those looking for a traditional and relaxing experience on the island of Tenerife, trying to stay away from growing mass tourism, the most recommended areas for accommodation among those analyzed are La Orotava, Candelaria, El Mèdano, San Juan or Icod de Los Vinos.
In any case, though, a car is a must. Don’t go to Tenerife without touring the entire island: it would be a wasted trip.
Another alternative in the south of the island for those who want true peace and quiet is the neighborhood of Palm-Mar. A touristy area, but where, during off-peak months, you might be almost alone 😀 If you like the idea, here you can find accommodations.
Finally…
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out my guides to the best beaches in southern Tenerife and northern Tenerife!
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