Costa Adeje is the most popular and largest holiday destination in Tenerife. Of everything you can want, this area has the most choice. Whether it is beaches ranging from family-friendly to peaceful and relaxing or restaurants from cheap to upscale dining. It is also in the perfect location for those who want to be active, as many waterparks, zoos and attractions are located in or near Costa Adeje. You can also enjoy a plethora of watersports from the local marina of Puerto Colon. In the evening, there is plenty to do and lively nightlife with a mostly family-friendly focus.
Beaches
Costa Adeje has many different beaches. The Playa la Pinta beach is pretty tiny and very often crowded. Still, it is excellent for families with small children as it is close to many hotels and has everything you might need for a beach holiday with the kids. There are small soft waves, and there is even an inflatable bouncy castle in the water for the kids to play on.
Playa de Torviscas and Playa Fanabe are much nicer. They are also the bigger beaches in this area, with some more upscale sun loungers, Balinese beds, and beach clubs. In addition, you will find many snack places next to the beach, fun things for the kids like mini-golf, and even a daycare and “play-care” centre.
My favourite beach in this area is Playa del Duque. It is a lovely, more upscale beach with some of the softest, whitest sand and is also closest to some of the more expensive hotels in this area.
The newly developed beach in this area is the Playa El Beril, which has soft darker sands and a relaxed atmosphere.
Also, Playa el Bobo, a lively beach far away from all the other beaches close to the Playa de Las Americas area, is part of the Costa Adeje.
Where to stay in Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is the largest tourist area on the island. Choosing the right place is vital for a great holiday. The more lively zones you will find near the Fanabe, La Pinta, and Torviscas beaches include many bars, restaurants, and late-night activities like live performances, karaoke, and shows. The newest and largest, all-inclusive, focussed hotels are near the Playa del Duque and Playa el Beril. However, in the evening that area has almost nothing to offer but peace and quiet.
In any case, make sure your hotel is in front and not behind the highway. Otherwise, you will be very far away from everything, and it is a lot of uphill walking to get back there.
- JOIA Saloma by Iberostar: For a grandish 5-star adults-only holiday with great views over the Fanabe beach.
- Adrian Hotels Colon Guanahani: For an adults-only holiday with a relaxed and cosy vibe.
- Adrian hotels Jardines de Nivaria and Vincci Selection La Plantacion del Sur: For a luxurious holiday.
- H10 Costa Adeje Palace: Ideal for couples with young children and babies who want peace, quiet and relaxation.
- RIU Palace Tenerife: Excellent place for relaxing holidays next to the beach with lots of entertainment in the hotel.
- HOVIMA la Pinta: Ideal for families who want a lively hotel and location with lots to see and do in the hotel and nearby.
Things to do in Costa Adeje
- Waterparks: Siam Water Park, my favourite, and the Aqualand Costa Adeje are located here.
- Shopping: Plenty of shopping centres in all price categories are located all over the area.
- Beaches: Costa Adeje has the largest variety of beaches to explore in Tenerife, so definitely do so.
- Boat trips: Most boat trips leave from the Puerto Colon harbour. You can go dolphin or whale watching or just explore and relax.
- Market: The local market is every Thursday and Sunday next to GF Fanabe Hotel.
- Barranco del Infierno: A challenging hike with waterfalls, ideal for those who like to be active on holiday. You must book in advance as only 20 people are allowed in every half-hour area to protect its nature and authenticity. A bus will come pick you up at your hotel.
- La Caleta: Visit nearby La Caleta to escape from the crowds to a unique, small, authentic Tenerife coastal village with great seaside restaurants.
- Mini golf: The area has several minigolf courses for fun with the entire family.
- Golf: If you like to play golf, there is are two 18-hole course in nearby.
- Water bouncy castle: There is a fun water bouncy castle at the Playa La Pinta beach.
- Watersports: Many of the beaches, but especially the Puerto Colon harbor, offer different types of water sports, such as jet skiing and parasailing.
- Karting: For some action-packed fun in the sun, the Karting Las Americas just outside of the resort is ideal.
This list is of things to do in or near Costa Adeje. But there is much more to see and do on the island. You can find a full list of the top things to do and not do in Tenerife here.
Restaurants
You will find restaurants all over Costa Adeje, and there is an extensive choice. Ranging from all kinds of fast-food restaurants to oriental cuisine, fusion, steak houses and excellent value for money, all-you-can-eat buffets. For some of the largest restaurants overlooking Playa de Fanabe, it is best to make a reservation beforehand. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, the best place to start is near the San Eugenio or Aquamarine shopping centres. For a more luxurious and pricey restaurant experience, there are some very exclusive restaurants near the Playa del Duque.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Costa Adeje varies greatly but is the most lively near La Pinta beach and in the streets behind it. This vibrant area has many comedians, shows, live performances, music and karaoke bars. The further North you go from there, the quieter and more relaxed it becomes. From the Playa del Duque on, almost nothing is open at night.
If you want to go for some real clubbing in Costa Adeje, you will find some bars open till late, but not many clubs. For the real clubbing and nightlife experience, Playa de las Americas, just next to Costa Adeje, especially Las Veronicas, is the place to be.
Tenerife airport to Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is only 18 kilometres from the Tenerife South Airport (TFS). The Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is 81 kilometres away. So it is best to fly to the Tenerife South Airport:
- Public transport (3.70 €/pp): Cheap, but know that the bus might stop far from your hotel. Also, if your hotel is further than the central bus station in Costa Adeje, near Siam Park, you might need to transfer there onto another bus. This is the case for most of the hotels.
- Shuttle bus online (5.16 €/pp): A much better option as the price is about the same as public transport, but it is just much easier, and you are dropped off at your hotel reception.
- Taxi or minibus online (31.06 €): Cheap and ideal for those travelling with four or more people.
- Taxi at the airport (25.00 €): A good option, but not during evenings or weekends, as the price will be much higher. In that case, it is better to book online beforehand to have shorter wait times and a child safety seat. These taxi’s also maximum take four people.
Here, you can find the timetables and prices for public transportation and easily book a minibus, shuttle, or taxi.
When to go
Costa Adeje is ideal to visit any month of the year, as the weather is great here because of the microclimate. While the winter months are a tiny bit colder and a wetter, the weather remains excellent for those people escaping the freezing winters on mainland Europe to sunny and pleasantly warm beaches.
October is the best month to visit Costa Adeje on a budget. June and September are also great months to visit Costa Adeje, with better weather and great value for money.
Is Costa Adeje the best holiday destination for you?
Since Costa Adeje is so vast, it has something for everyone to like. The most important thing is choosing the right place to stay within the resort. For luxury and relaxation, choose the area near Playa del Duque. For families, the Playa la Pinta area is best.
If you are looking for a more authentically Spanish holiday destination that is not too busy and overdeveloped, the Costa Adeje might not be for you.
If you’re not sure if Costa Adeje is the best holiday destination for you in Tenerife, have a look at where to stay in Tenerife.
