- The best beach holidays can be found in El Medano, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Americas.
- If you like high quality restaurants and plenty of options to eat out, then Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Playa de la Americas, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife are ideal.
- If you want lots of things to see, do and experience, then Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje are best.
- Looking for bustling nightlife and parties then choose Playa de Las Americas, Costa Adeje is best for a more family friendly nightlife and Puerto de la Cruz has great nightlife aimed at a more older generation.
- For a holiday with Spanish authenticity and vibes the best are El Medano, Playa San Juan and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
- The overall best resort in Tenerife for families is Costa Adeje.
- Couples, solo traveller and adults will definitely enjoy a holiday in Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje.
- Great places for a holiday on a budget are Golf del Sur, Palm-Mar and Callao Salvaje.
The most popular holiday destinations in Tenerife
Costa Adeje – For families and couples who want it all
Since Costa Adeje is one of the most extensive holiday destination on the island, this area has of everything you could want on your holiday the most choice and variety. It is ideal for families, but also couples and solo travellers.
🏖️ A large choice of unique beaches ranging from the family friendly Playa la Pinta to upscale beaches like Playa del Duque.
🍔 One of the largest selections of restaurants and eateries on the island ranging from budget friendly to extreem luxury.
🏄♂️ The best place on the island if you want to do and experience a lot of different things like waterparks, zoo’s, minigolf, watersports, boat trips, karting, markets, shopping and much more.
🍻 A mostly family friendly nightlife with the largest clubbing area of Las Veronicas a short walk or taxi ride away in neighboring Playa de las Americas.
Playa de Las Americas – For nightlife and luxury
While Playa de Las Americas used to be all about the nightlife and clubbing in the last few years it has become much more family friendly, luxurious and shopping, beach and dining focussed.
🏖️ Many different beaches to enjoy from lively Playa de Troya, to family friendly Playa del Camison and the popular surfing spot of Playa de Las Americas.
🍔 All kinds of cuisines to try. Many of the restaurants are quite big and modern and do require a reservation in high season if you want to eat there.
🏄♂️ Lots to do in and nearby Playa de las Americas like zoo’s, shows, minigolf, waterparks, shopping, boat trips and surfing.
🍻 The most popular and largest nightlife and clubbing zone on this island is here called Las Veronicas. While this used to be the main attraction there is now also much more nightlife with a family friendly or relaxing focus.
Los Cristianos – A perfect combination of tourism and authenticity
If you want all the attractions, things to do and all the touristy comforts but also want to feel like you are staying in a bit of authentic Spain and not in mass tourism, this is the best place for you.
🏖️ The Playa de los Cristianos is an ideal soft sand beach for families with calm waters ideal for small children. Playa de las Vistas is great for a change of scenery and Playa ls Calvados is the best place to go snorkeling and escape the crowds in high season.
🍔 Los Cristianos has a large selection of restaurants next to seaside or more inland near the town square where it is ideal on windy days.
🏄♂️ From the local harbor you can join multiple boat tours including to nearby islands. Also most of the waterparks, zoo’s and attractions are nearby and can easily be reached by bus.
🍻 Nightlife in Los Cristianos is quite lively but mostly about having a few drinks along the coastline. If you want to go clubbing, go karaoke singing or see great live shows, head to the Parasela shopping center more inland.
Puerto de la Cruz – The budget friendly and authentic North of Tenerife
Puerto de la Cruz, in the lesser known lush and green North of Tenerife, is an authentic Spanish city with ome tourism mixed in. This area is very appreciated by nature enthousiast but also older couples who like the relaxed daytimes and lively nightlife. Because many Spanish people live here, prices are truly Spanish and not high as in the more touristy South.
🏖️ Authentic black sand beaches, the Lago Martianez waterpark for windy days and many locations in the city to swim from in the sea.
🍔 Puerto de la Cruz has lots of excellent restaurants, often at much better prices than the more touristy South of the island. If you want truly authentic Spanish tapas and food, this is one of the best places on the island but there are many other cuisines to try here as well.
🏄♂️ The famous Loro Parque zoo and many beautiful parks and gardens can be visited here. It is also very popular for hikers.
🍻 Nightlife is very lively but mostly has a focus on an older generation who like to come here to dance to the classics with live music.
Playa Paraiso – Close to everything and relaxing
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Callao Salvaje – Budget friendly holiday lettings
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Puerto de Santiago –
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Los Gigantes – Amazing views and relaxation
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More budget friendly and adventurous holiday destinations in Tenerife
These are great holiday destinations for those who are more adventurous. While there are few or no hotels in these places, renting an Airbnb here can be a great cheap way to have an excellent holiday, especially if you are hiring a car.
- El Medano – Popular Spanish town for surfers, windsurfers and other water sports.
- Los Abrigos – A small fishing town with authentically Spanish vibes and restaurants.
- Golf del Sur – Mostly popular for people who like to play Golf.
- Costa del Silencio – A bit of Belgium in Spain.
- Palm Mar – Has the same great weather as the popular holiday destination in the South of Tenerife and is very budget friendly. Many of the popular parks and attractions are a short drive away.
- La Caleta – Quiet little village next to the coast but easy to walk or take a taxi to lively Costa Adeje
- Playa San Juan, Playa las Galletas, Garachico and Playa de Alcala – Truly authentically Spanish with an excellent places to sunbath and swim.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife – The capital of Tenerife and a cheap place to stay in the North of the island. You can use public transport to explore much of the North (and South).
- Las Caletillas and Candelaria – One of the only places on the island I would not advise most people to stay. This is not a bad place, but in a random location far away from everything.
Should you stay in the North or South of Tenerife?
Something people ask me a lot is if the South or the North of Tenerife is better? The North is nice, but that does not mean it is the right choice for you. The South is still the more popular place on the island. Primarily because it is highly developed and aimed at tourists with everything most tourists are looking for.
The North, on the other hand, is less popular and more authentically Spanish. Something I like better, but that is a personal preference and might not be yours. Also, in wintertime, you will notice a few more clouds and more rain in the North because of the microclimate. But this also means the North is more lush, green and has more beautiful places to walk or explore.
In summary: If you want an easy sun and beach holiday with all the comforts of home, then the South is best for you. However, if you want a more unique and active holiday in Tenerife with a more authentic Spanish feel, the North is best for you.
