Tenerife is a great place to go especially in the European winter as it’s likely to be the warmest places in Europe (it’s near Africa really) so it’s considered a short haul flight and is very popular with Europeans as a result. But although the island isn’t huge there are so many places to stay so here we’ll help you by suggesting the best places to stay in Tenerife for the first time.
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a paradise that caters to many people from all walks of life so you’re guaranteed to find somewhere here that suits your journey. Whether you’re an adventurous hiker, thrillseeker or just want to soak your bones in some sun, Tenerife has something for everyone.
Choosing the right place to stay to match your needs can make the holiday even better. Here are places to stay in Tenerife that match a number of different personality types so hopefully this covers all bases. These are the best places to stay…
For beach lovers and excitement: Playa de las Américas
Playa de las Américas is where the action is. It’s an area known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and different watersports. Bear in mind that Tenerife’s beaches are mostly volcanic black sand so golden sand beaches are in the minority on this island. Therefore the golden sands of Playa de Troya and Playa de las Vistas are popular for traditional beach lovers and perfect for sunbathing and water sports. The black sand is fine elsewhere on the other beaches though, it just looks different that’s all. The weather in the south is slightly warmer than the north of Tenerife too.
It’s also a good place if you need plenty of choices of bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity and a non-English vibe then this probably isn’t the place for you.
Recommended hotels: There are loads around the beach area that are all pretty similar. Consider that if you choose all inclusive it could be louder at night. If you’re looking for specifics then beachfront hotels like Mediterranean Palace or upscale resorts like Sir Anthony Hotel offer a bit more luxury with easy access to the ocean.
For nature lovers: Los Cristianos
Nature lovers will appreciate the areas surrounding Los Cristianos. The town is based near some great natural attractions, including Montana de Guaza and Montaña Pelada, which are both great, hilly trekking areas and tropical nature reserves.
Los Cristianos is a good area for families and if zoos or animal parks are your thing then you can make a day trip to Jungle Park Tenerife, which is a great, immersive zoo with brilliant animal shows and the zoo is conveniently situated close to Los Cristianos, you can get the free shuttle bus there. There is also Monkey Park, a smaller animal park but still decent in its own right, This is now also a breeding centre for other animals living in Tenerife.
Recommended Accommodation: Why not try cosy apartments like Paloma Beach Apartments which offer a few more amenities than regular hotels do.
For the culture enthusiasts: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz is the capital city of Tenerife, but it’s not a huge city and is quite easy to explore. It’s got a good mix of contemporary and historical sights. This is where Tenerife’s main cultural scene lies. There are museums like Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre that are worth a visit, and a stroll through the historic streets of La Noria offers a more traditional old Spanish feel to the visit and there’s some nice harbour restaurants that have more of a local feel rather than the more anglicised south of Tenerife.
Recommended hotels: Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey is one of the top rated hotels for a sophisticated experience in the heart of the city. Hotel Colon Rambla is also another good value option in the centre of the city.
For families: Costa Adeje
I’ve taken my family to Costa Adeje and I’d say it’s an ideal spot where there’s a perfect balance between plenty of family-friendly activities and relaxed waterfront atmospheres so it is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife for families. It can get lively but you can also easily escape not far away. The beaches are nice and everything is close by so it’s a good middle ground for Tenerife first timers.
Take a day out to Siam Park, one of the best water parks in Europe, visit Aqualand, and explore the family-friendly beaches and above mentioned zoos such as Jungle Park and Monkey Park which are both worth a visit.
Recommended Accommodation: Family-oriented resorts like Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque Resort offer big rooms and kid-friendly activities. Hotel PlayaOlid is another great value, family friendly all-inclusive hotel not far from the beachfront.
For Peaceful trekkers: Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz, on the northern coast, is a quieter area than the lively South-West and it’s a perfect place to stay for trekkers who like the peaceful countryside. La Orotava Valley has some stunning landscapes, one of the best treks on the island is in Teide National Park, where the mountainous former volcano makes for a great view.
The landscapes are tropical and some of the best in Europe. If you need some action in the evening then the town offers plenty of good, lively bars and restaurants.
Recommended Accommodation: Go for boutique hotels such as Hotel Botanico or The Oriental Spa Garden for a comfortable stay after a day of trekking your feet off.
Tenerife is a great getaway in both summer and winter though it could be considered too warm in summer for many so a winter, spring or Autumn getaway is ideal in my opinion. It has amazing landscapes and plenty to do for everyone in terms of activities, so you will find a place to stay that suits you as a first timer.
If you’re unsure on where to stay for your first time in Tenerife then Costa Adeje is a good start as it has a mix of everything and has access to all major attractions or trekking spots.
Other FAQ’s
Which side of Tenerife is better? You might want to check out this North Vs South Tenerife article.
Which part of Tenerife is least touristy? The northern beaches and the north coast in general is more traditionally local and less touristy.
What are the two main resorts in Tenerife? Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas are usually the most popular resorts that most tourists will go to.
Where is the most lively place in Tenerife? Playa de Las Americas is where the most action is