Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Americas are the best areas to stay in the South of Tenerife without a car. These are the most popular holiday destinations, with great public transport and the most popular attractions and water parks nearby. Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are the best places to stay without a car in the North of Tenerife for those looking for a more authentic Spanish experience.
Best areas for a holiday in the South of Tenerife without a car
Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas are great for a holiday without a car in the South of Tenerife:
- Most of the popular attractions and parks are located here.
- Easy and fast connections to the airport are available.
- A free bus service is available to Siam Water Park and Aqualand.
- Lots of taxis on every street corner.
- The best connections to the public transport system in the South.
- Boat excursions to go dolphin and whale watching or to explore the coast.
- Rent a boat without a license or a jetski to explore independently.
- Many tour operators and hotels organise excursions from here that will take you to the more popular destinations on the island.
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is one of the more authentic holiday destinations in the South of Tenerife. While there are many tourists here, there is also a large local population of Spanish people. Because of this, the resort does not feel overly touristy like some other holiday destinations in the South, but you still get all the benefits of being in a popular holiday destination. Also, the ferry to La Gomera leaves from here, which is ideal for those wanting to explore the neighbouring island.
Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle is a great choice if you are staying here with a family. For adults or couples, H10 Big Sur is an excellent option in a central location close to everything.
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is the largest and most popular area in Tenerife, with lots to see and do in the resort. While it is great for holidaymakers who want to visit Tenerife without a car, choosing accommodation in a good location is essential as the area is huge.
Staying near the Playa de la Pinta is best as you will be within walking distance from the marina, bus station, shopping, the beach and many restaurants and bars. Hovima La Pinta Beachfront is an excellent hotel in this area.
Playa de las Americas
Playa de Las Americas was only known as a clubbing holiday destination for many years. But recently, this resort has seen a lot of change, making it more luxurious with many shopping centres and restaurants.
The central bus station for the South is located at the back of the resort, making it easy to explore the rest of the island and nearby resorts. Also, a 1 to 2 kilometer coastal walk makes it possible to explore the neighbouring areas and beaches of Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje.
For adults and couples, Vanilla Garden Boutique Hotel is in an excellent location close to everything. For families, Spring Hotel Bitacora is a great hotel in a central location, a short walk away from everything.
Best areas for a holiday in the North of Tenerife without a car
The North of Tenerife is great for those looking for a more authentic Spanish experience, away from the mass tourism of the South.
Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is one of my favourite holiday destinations on the island. It is an excellent combination of some tourism mixed in with the local population. Prices are also lower here than in the South of Tenerife. The beaches here have authentic black sand for a unique experience, and on windy days, the Lago Martianez offers a great place to swim.
Please remember it is best to fly to the Tenerife North airport as it is difficult to get to Puerto de la Cruz without a car from the South airport. The public transport quickly takes you into Santa Cruz, La Orotava, Icod de los Vinos and nearby hiking trails and beaches. Local tour operators also organise tours to the South of Tenerife from here. One of the more popular attractions on the islands, Loro Parque, is nearby and can easily be reached with the free tourist train.
Bahia Principe Sunlight San Felipe is an excellent hotel in a great location for families. RF Astoria and Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa are great choices if you are a couple or a solo traveller.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, is an excellent holiday destination for those seeking a budget city trip. A coffee here only costs 1 or 2 euros, while it costs 3, 4 or 5 euros in the South. And this price difference is the same on pretty much everything here.
Because Santa Cruz is the capital of Tenerife, it has an extensive public transport hub, and busses can take you to nearby Candelaria, Puerto de la Cruz, Playa de las Teresitas beach or even the South of Tenerife without having to transfer. The drive along the coast to the South is often stunning on sunny days. To explore the city and old town, there is a tram system and buses, or you can even take the tourist bus to explore the most famous sights and attractions.
While I would not advise staying here for families, if you are visiting as a couple or solo traveller, Hotel Silken Atlantida is a great hotel to stay in a central location close to the main bus station and tram lines.
