An accommodation guide to Tenerife, including luxury resorts, hotels for trekking, beach holidays and holiday rentals in Tenerife
Are you planning a vacation to the beautiful island of Tenerife?
If so, you’re in luck. With stunning beaches and gorgeous year-round weather, it’s no wonder that the Canary Islands is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
But with so many places to stay in Tenerife, how do you choose the perfect accommodation?
Let’s dive into where to stay in Tenerife and the best places to stay in Tenerife.
In this blog post, I will discuss budgeting for your stay, modern amenities available at each location, and more – all designed to help make your vacation in Tenerife as comfortable and memorable as possible!
You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW: Where to stay in Tenerife
- Best Luxury Hotels in Tenerife
- Best Family Hotels in Tenerife
- Best Apartments in Tenerife
- Best Cheap Hotels in Tenerife
- Best Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz
- Best Eco-Friendly Hotel in Tenerife
In total, I traveled three times to Tenerife, and together, I stayed on the island for five months when I was working in the travel sector.
Los Cristianos & Costa Adeje – Where To Stay in Tenerife South (Party Animals!)
1. Los Cristianos
Four the youngsters between us: Where do you go in Tenerife if you would like to indulge in the local nightlife?
Los Cristianos, with the adjacent Playa de las Américas area, is close to the South Tenerife airport and one of the two-party centers on Tenerife island. The perfect place to party all night long!
There are many ugly concrete buildings, but the party scene is unbeatable. The Hard Rock Café and the Papagayo Beach Club are the most renowned party locations.
There are many good beaches for water sports and families, like Playa de las Vistas, Playa de Los Cristianos and El Camisón.
At Los Cristianos, you can get all kinds of international food, and you are very close to the harbor where ferries connect Tenerife to the other Canarian islands like La Gomera, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria.
I especially liked the cute little surfer shops on the beachside of Playa de la Américas and the exotic tapas at El Horno De Neptuno.
It’s truly one of the best choices on where to stay in Tenerife South.
Best Places To Stay in Los Cristianos
Budget
Klayman Olivina Aparthotel
Torres del Sol
Sol Arona Tenerife
Mid Range
Paloma Beach Apartments
HG Tenerife Sur
Hollywood Mirage – Excel Hotels & Resorts
Family-Friendly
Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel
Sol Arona Tenerife
Klayman Olivina ApartHotel
Luxury
Europe Villa Cortes GL
Hotel Las Madrigueras Golf Resort & Spa – Adults Only
Sir Anthony
2. Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is the party hot spot of Tenerife, and there are many fantastic hotels in Costa Adeje.
At first glance, Costa Adeje might seem unorganized since the construction of hotels and holiday houses happened entirely unplanned during the 60’s and 70’s.
But Costa Adeje has some of the most popular resorts on the island. There are also lots of fun things to do in Costa Adeje.
You’ll quickly get used to this accumulation of tourist shops, international restaurants, and huge clubs. Costa Adeje offers ample options for all ages of party-goers.
Costa Adeje is not my favorite place to stay since it can get overwhelming and is not a resort town.
A huge convenience of Costa Adeje is its proximity to the South Tenerife airport and the most spectacular water attraction in Europe: the legendary Siam Park, the best place in Tenerife for families!
Best Places To Stay in Costa Adeje
Budget
Mareverde, Costa Adeje, pool view terrace
Apartments Fanabe
Sunset Harbour Club By Diamond Resorts
Mid Range
Apartamentos Parque del Sol
Regency Torviscas Apartments and Suites
Hovima Panorama
Family-Friendly
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
Iberostar Bouganville Playa
Flamingo Suites Boutique Hotel
MYND Adeje
Luxury
Adrian Roca Nivares
Iberostar Selection Sábila – Adults Only
Royal Hideaway Corales Suite
GF Victoria
Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur
Bahia del Duque
Alcala – Best Places to Stay in Tenerife for Luxury
1. Alcalá
Alcalá is a former fishing town that has several lovely beaches. It has delicious restaurants specializing in fish and seafood.
Alcalá de also has one of the few sailing schools in Tenerife where you can get private lessons.
Located at a 30 min. Drive from the South Tenerife airport; you’ll definitely avoid the party animals of Costa Adeje.
But the main reason for staying in Alcalá is that it hosts one of the top hotels in Tenerife, which is worth choosing Alcalá for your stay.
On top, you’ll enjoy the finest cuisine with local ingredients the best place to go in Tenerife if you want to indulge in local food.
Here, you can find 2 of the best Tenerife resorts for couples:
- The Red Level at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora – Adults Only ***** is a quiet resort with personalized butler service, a lagoon-style infinity pool, a ritual de agua spa circuit, and direct access to the beach. And as a round-up of your luxury holidays, an all-inclusive private motor-boat tour! One of the best hotels to stay in Tenerife! – Check here the best prices and reviews
- The Las Terrazas de Abama ***** offers luxury and exclusive suites in a privileged corner on the southwest coast of the island of Tenerife, in Guía de Isora. Surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees, the resort offers views of the island of La Gomera. – Check prices and reviews here
2. Playa Abama
The other dream place for your honeymoon or luxury stay on Tenerife is Playa Abama at San Juan municipality.
It’s located outside the town so you’ll need a car or ask for the hotel’s transfer service.
The Playa Abama area is home to some of the best Tenerife resorts for couples:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Abama ***** is the place to stay in Tenerife. Without any doubt, it is one of the best Tenerife Resorts. The complex overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has stunning views on La Gomera. The Tuareg and the hotel inspire its architecture, surrounded by a lush tropical park. Counting 7 outdoor pools, a tennis court, and a vast golf course, you won’t want to leave the resort. – Check rates here
- The Royal Hideaway Corales Beach – Adults Only, by Barceló Hotel Group ***** is one of the most romantic places to stay in Tenerife and one of the luxury hotels you might find on the island. Located in La Caleta, the rooms have a fabulous sea view, and you can even rent private villas with a private pool. On top, it is located close to the shopping malls and public beaches in Tenerife. – Check here the reviews and book your stay.
Los Gigantes– Where To Stay in Tenerife for Quiet Holidays
1. Puerto Santiago
Puerto de Santiago is my favorite place to stay when it comes to staying in Tenerife and for people looking for quiet beach vacations in Tenerife.
Are you wondering what the quietest part of Tenerife is? Puerto Santiago is definitely a great option!
It’s remote because it’s a bit far from the South Tenerife Airport, but this cute little fishermen village knew how to preserve its authentic character.
Narrow streets, cafeterias with local Canarian people, delicious fruit shops, and clean and mostly quiet beaches. All this and much more is the fishing village of Puerto Santiago.
The area near Los Gigantes is also a coveted place for holiday apartments and guest houses. It’s thus a great place if you are wondering where to stay in Tenerife in winter.
Best Places To Stay in Puerto de Santiago
Budget
Ona El Marqués
Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes
Ona Las Rosas
Mid Range
Landmar Playa La Arena
Landmar Costa los Gigantes
El Marques Palace by Intercorp Group
Family-Friendly
Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur
Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes
Landmar Costa los Gigantes
Luxury
Allegro Isora
Hotel Blue Sea Lagos de Cesar
Barceló Santiago
2. Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is the neighboring village of Puerto Santiago. It’s the last village on the South coast and, thus, the furthest from the South Tenerife airport.
This former fishermen’s village has become a little tourist hot spot with live music bars, a few holiday resorts, and lovely artisan shops. But tourism still hasn’t spoiled this village.
When you are sitting on a terrasse on the central plaza, you’ll feel like in a Canarian village where time has never passed.
You’ll also enjoy local cuisine at very affordable prices, like at the Bar Restaurante Bodega Chinyero in Santiago del Teide.
The views to the highest canyon in Europe, Los Acantilados de Los Gigantes, are breathtaking, and the town has good connections to Masca, the most famous village for hikes in Tenerife.
Best Places To Stay in Los Gigantes
Budget
Teneryfa Los Gigantes
Apartamentos El Sombrero
El Marques Palace
Mid Range
Vigilia Park
Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes
Royal Sun Resort
Family-Friendly
Villa Las Flores
Barceló Santiago
Stunning Beach Front Duplex
Luxury
Barceló Santiago
Klayman Diamond Aparthotel
Melia Hacienda del Conde – Adults Only
Where To Stay in Tenerife for Hiking Holidays
Yes, you can go hiking in Tenerife!
Many people are surprised when they learn that Tenerife is not all about beach & sun but has an extensive trekking trail network.
The northern part is particularly suited due to its milder temperatures.
Additionally, a refreshing wind is constantly blowing, making it ideal weather to enjoy some of the best hikes in Tenerife.
The north of Tenerife, also called the Anaga Rural Park, has a breathtaking mountain landscape and deep rutted valleys with lovely views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Anaga also hosts some of the most remote and picturesque beaches in Tenerife.
You shouldn’t miss Benijo Beach or the freshest seafood in Playa de Santiago.
The most famous hiking trails of Tenerife are the Masca and the Barranco del Infierno.
1. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Located at a 15-minute drive from the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is the main town of the Anaga Rural Park.
With its narrow streets, colorful house fronts, and impressive history, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a popular destination for excursions and hobby photographers.
Should you consider a trekking holiday in Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna is the best place to stay since it is very close to most trekking departure points.
On top of that, you’ll get some student vibes since San Cristóbal de La Laguna is Tenerife’s only university.
Best Places To Stay in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Budget
Atico La Laguna
Hotel Boutique San Diego
Villa Maria
Mid Range
La Asomada del Gato
Sogno Di Gio
Family-Friendly
Villa Luna de Tacoronte Pool
Anchieta 60
La Laguna Gran Hotel
Luxury
La Laguna Gran Hotel
MC San Agustin
Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa
2. La Orotava
La Orotava is one of my favorite towns in Tenerife.
This cute, colorful town is known all over the Canarian archipelago for its huge flower carpets for Corpus Christi Day, which are made of the blossoms of thousands of bright flowers.
But also throughout the year, La Orotava is a popular destination for excursions due to its scenic views on the volcano Mount Teide and its photogenic church dome.
La Orotava is an excellent option for staying during your trekking holidays in Tenerife since it’s pretty close to the legendary Masca Canyon Trail and all the trekking trails around Mount Teide.
But there are many more trekking trails in its surroundings.
On top, you’ll have a wide range of great dining options like the Restaurante La Vina which uses only local products in its traditional recipes.
Best Places To Stay in La Orotava
Budget
Pension Silene Orotava
Hotel Alhambra
Hotel Rural Casablanca
Mid Range
Hotel Rural Orotava
La Hacienda Grande
Route Active Hotel
Family-Friendly
Luxury
Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide
Villa Finca El Drago
La Casa Antigua
Where To Stay in Tenerife For City Life
1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is the only “city” on the island.
Here, you can find shops of every international brand, large shopping malls, cultural life, and the typical Spanish lifestyle in its streets and bars.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is famous for its legendary Carnival festivities in February. They are the most important ones in the world after Rio de Janeiro.
During one week, the entire capital goes absolutely crazy! You’ll find a party in the streets, Latin-inspired music groups at every corner, and carnival queen contests all day and night.
Besides the Carnival, Santa Cruz De Tenerife is also well worth a visit when you are spending your holidays in Tenerife.
It has several lush parks, stunning architecture, and narrow, colorful streets filled with testimonials of its colonial history.
Best Places To Stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Budget
Hotel Atlántico Centro
Hotel Horizonte
Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporáneo
Mid Range
Hotel Colon Rambla
Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz
Hotel Escuela Santa Cruz
Family-Friendly
Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporáneo
Monkey House
Luxury
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
Hotel Taburiente S.C.Tenerife
Urban Anaga
2. Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is the second-largest town in Tenerife and is perfect if you want to avoid all the tourist traps.
There are plenty of great hotels in Puerto de la Cruz, and you’ll find some of the best spa hotels in Tenerife.
Once, it was the first and only tourist hub on Tenerife. Puerto de la Cruz is particularly popular among German and UK tourists.
The city is geared towards tourism, and the famous Loro Park makes Puerto de la Cruz a popular destination for family travelers.
Puerto de la Cruz isn’t my absolute favorite on the island. There are just too many concrete and German menus.
But I love its Botanical Garden which hosts the first plants brought over from the “New Continent”.
Best Places To Stay in Puerto de la Cruz
Budget
Hotel Sun Holidays
Apartamentos RF Bambi Adults Only
Skyview Hotel Tenerife
Mid Range
Sol Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife
Catalonia Las Vegas
RF San Borondon
Family-Friendly
Apartamentos Masaru
RF San Borondon
Bahia Principe Sunlight San Felipe
Luxury
Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden
Hotel Best Semiramis
Hotel Atlantic Mirage Suites & Spa
Where to Stay in Tenerife for Family Holidays
Are you looking for the best area to stay in Tenerife with kids?
In my opinion, this depends on the goals of your holidays and the age of your kids.
If you are traveling with youngsters, I recommend staying near Costa Adeje because of the vast entertainment program, which makes it the best place in Tenerife for families.
And Siam Park is undoubtedly a highlight of any Tenerife holiday with youngsters and the best place to stay in Tenerife with children.
If you travel to Tenerife with very young kids or even toddlers, I recommend looking at the Los Gigantes area. It’s home to some of the best family hotels in Tenerife.
Best Family Hotels in Tenerife
Costa Adeje
Adrián Hoteles Jardines de Nivaria
Europe Villa Cortes GL
Bahia del Duque
Los Gigantes
Landmar Playa La Arena
Barceló Santiago
Klayman Diamond Aparthotel
Where to Stay in Tenerife for Wellness Hotels and Spa Resorts
Sometimes, all you want to do during your holiday is get pampered.
Or, is there anything better than returning to your resort from a long day tour, knowing that a massage awaits you?
Plenty of wellness and spa resorts in Tenerife have opened their doors in recent years.
When looking for the best wellness resort in Tenerife, I would first decide whether to go off-beach or on the coast. The interior of Tenerife is also gorgeous and just perfect to get away from the crowds.
The selected beach wellness resorts are set in a remote, tranquil environment. You may also want to have a look at these all-inclusive adults-only hotels.
Best Spa Hotels in Tenerife
Off-Coast Spa Hotels in Tenerife
Hotel Spa Villalba
Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey
Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden
Beach Wellness Resorts in Tenerife
Melia Hacienda del Conde – Adults Only
Red Level – Gran Melia Palacio de Isora – Adults Only
Royal Hideaway Corales Suites, by Barceló Hotel Group
Gran Tacande Wellness & Relax Costa Adeje
Gran Melia Palacio de Isora Resort & Spa
Where To Stay In Tenerife as Digital Nomad
So, what is Tenerife like for the digital nomads? The Canary Islands are on the way to becoming a trendy destination among digital nomads (people being able to work location independently).
Most islands, especially Gran Canaria and Tenerife, have all the facilities and services digital nomads seek: a beautiful natural setting, security, a vibrant international scene, and an excellent internet connection.
The big advantage of Tenerife, though, is the relatively low costs.
The food is cheap but fresh, and during the low season, the apartments are still affordable as well.
Best Places To Stay for Digital Nomads
Puerto de la Cruz
Rosmary
Seguro de Sol Studios
Apartment La Paz
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Apartamento en Santa Cruz
Apartmentos Los Dragos del Norte
Costa Adeje
Apartment Orlando Torviscas Bajo
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Of course, you can also consider the following local Spanish apartment sites when wondering where to stay in Tenerife in December.
www.roomgo.es
VRBO in Tenerife
www.fotocasa.es
What to know about accommodation in Tenerife
As a former local, I frequently get asked the best places to stay in Tenerife.
I’d say that it largely depends on what kind of holiday person you are, what you’re planning to do during your trip to Tenerife, and, of course, on your budget.
In order to give those queries a detailed answer and share with you the best places in Tenerife, I decided to write this in-depth guide on where to stay in Tenerife. Accommodation places are categorized location-wise and budget-wise.
So, before you head to Tenerife, first decide if you want quiet resorts in Tenerife, party holidays, quieter locations, amazing hiking trails, beautiful nature, city life, remote places, the best beaches of Tenerife or just a short stay.
The opinions of this post are based upon my professional experience in the Spanish tourism sector and upon my stay in Tenerife during which I visited several hotels and some beautiful beach resorts in Tenerife.
Short FAQ about Best Places to stay in Tenerife
Should I stay in the north or south of Tenerife?
Beach, sun, and parties can be found in the Southern part of the island, whereas stunning nature, mountains, lower temperatures, and adventurous hiking trails are in the north.
Spain’s highest mountain separates both areas, the volcano Mount Teide.
I picked a selection of my favorite things to do in Tenerife. You can get here the best deals on activities and tours.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Tenerife?
You may wonder what is the best time to visit Tenerife? Well, it’s one of the few European destinations that has good weather all year round and offers fun activities throughout the year.
I have visited Tenerife during the winter, summer and autumn months.
During the winter, temperatures are mild (around 20°C). The sea might be cold at that time of the year but even then, I saw several swimmers.
The best time for hiking holidays is from October to March when the temperatures are mild and nature is blossoming. Don’t miss out on Tenerife during the epic Carnival festivities in February!
During the summer months, from May to September, temperatures can get really hot. The good thing about Tenerife is that there’s always a slight refreshing wind blowing. In case you want to enjoy an uninterrupted party and beach time, visit from June to September.
In autumn, the temperatures remain quite high (20-26 °C).
What is a must-do in Tenerife?
In one sentence, Tenerife has got it all: an extensive network of hiking trails such as Barranco del Infierno, high-quality food, outstanding wines, colorful fiestas, luxury resorts, indigenous traditions, sun and amazing beaches, and, of course, warm-hearted and cheerful people.
Where To Stay In Tenerife For Honeymoon Or Luxury Holidays?
Abama Beach or Guia de Isora area
Where To Stay In Tenerife For Quiet Beach Holidays?
Puerto Santiago. It’s quite remote because a bit far away from the South Tenerife Airport, but this cute little fishermen village knew how to preserve its very authentic character. Perfect for quiet beach holidays in Tenerife.
Where To Stay In Tenerife For Hiking Holidays?
Should you consider a trekking holiday in Tenerife, then La Laguna is the best place to stay since it is very close to most trekking departure points.
Which part of Tenerife has the best beaches?
The south of Tenerife is famous for its sandy beaches. The north of Tenerife is filled with scenic, rocky beaches. Many of them have black sand.
Map: Best Areas to Stay in Tenerife
I hope this article helped you find your place to stay on Tenerife.
Do you still have doubts? Please do not hesitate to contact me. I am sure there is a place on Tenerife that perfectly meets your needs. Just remember that Tenerife’s got it all! Have you already been on Tenerife? I would love to hear about your favorite places to stay.
To get more information on tourism in Tenerife, Spain, I recommend the site of the Tenerife Tourism Board, and here you can get a quick overview of my “Where to stay in Tenerife” web story.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
Hi there!
Thanks for the amazing article. Lots of usual information.
I’m thinking about going to Tenerife for just under 4 weeks from Mid November to use up all my holidays and to get some winter sun and chillout. I will be travelling on my own and was thinking about renting an AirBnB somewhere….and the big question for me is; where exactly to rent?
There’s a possibility that a friend or two may join me at some point, but I’m planning to be on my own for the most part.
I am in my 40s but very sporty, fit, active etc….so looking to do lots of trekking and long walks along the coastline, while listening to podcasts and reading a lot. I may even take some surf lessons if I am able a few times a week. However, I don’t want to be overly isolated but I don’t want to be right in the centre of a big town either. I guess I’m looking for a place with the right balance.
I want to have to supermarkets, restaurants, bars etc….but I also want to be near the Mountains with reasonably quick access to the sea, to be able to go for morning walks at sunrise.
I speak fluent Spanish which helps, but I have no idea where would be the best place to base myself.
With your experience, where would you go if you wanted a good balance of everything?
Thanks again
Rich
Hi dear, thank you so much for your comment. Sounds like a great plan! I’d recommend the area of Los Gigantes, La Orotave and Santa Ursula … they have a great mix of what you mentioned. Enjoy!
@Paulina, Thanks so much for the reply and the suggestions. Will definitely check them out!
Sorry, I meant ‘useful’ information and not ‘usual’ 🙂
Merci!
Hi Paulina!
Amazing post! Thank you so much for helping out.
I wonder if I would be able to hire your services to plan a trip for 2 in November.
Would be of great help. 🙂
Thank you
Hi Julia, thank you for your message! You are always welcome to reach out to me at info@paulinaontheroad.com