I keep preaching: Tenerife is much more than holiday packages. Unfortunately, most people have a kind unflattering image of Tenerife: cheap beach&sun holidays, tipsy young folks from UK, concrete mass constructions and all-you-can-drink sangria parties.

But Tenerife is far more than this. By limiting this little volcanic paradise to the aspects of mass tourism, you’ll miss one of Europe’s most promising destinations when it comes to natural landscapes and hiking trails. After living in Tenerife island for several months, I want to show you the best places to stay in Tenerife according to the expectations of your holidays.

As a former local, I frequently get asked what the best places are 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, 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 party holidays, quieter locations, amazing hiking trails, nature, city life or remote and 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. In total I traveled 3 times to Tenerife, all together I stayed on the island for 5 months.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. They help me running this site and come without any extra cost for you.

Los Cristianos with adjacent Playa de las Américas area is close to the South Tenerife airport and is one of the two party centers on Tenerife island.

There are quite a few ugly concrete buildings, but the party scene is unbeatable. Most renowned party locations are Hard Rock Café Tenerife, Papagayo Beach Club or TIBU Tenerife.

There are also quite a few good beaches for water sports but also for families like Playa de las Vistas, Playa de Los Cristianos, El Camisón… Los Cristianos is also a popular spot for Paragliding activities. Also here you can find a lot of party areas.

At Los Cristianos you can get all kinds of international food and you are very close to the harbor where ferries connect Tenerife to other Canarian islands like La Gomera, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria etc.

I especially liked the cute little surfer shops on the beachside of Playa de la Américas and the exotic tapas at Mezcla&Co.

Best Places To Stay in Los Cristianos

Budget

Ska Olivina ApartHotel ***
Torres del Sol
Sol Arona Tenerife ***

Mid Range

Paloma Beach Apartments  ***
Apartamentos HG Tenerife Sur ***
Castle Harbour SL***

Family-Friendly

Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel  ****
SOL Arona Tenerife ***
Ska Olivina ApartHotel ***

Luxury

Europe Villa Cortes GL *****
Hotel Las Madrigueras Golf Resort & Spa – Adults Only *****
Sir Anthony *****

Costa Adeje is THE party hot spot of Tenerife. At first glance, Costa Adeje might seem a bit unorganized since the construction of hotels and holiday houses happened quite unplanned during the 60’s and 70’s. Costa Adeje has some of the most popular resorts on the island.

But you’ll get used quickly to this accumulation of tourist shops, international restaurants, and huge clubs. Costa Adeje offers ample options for all age of party goers. You will be spoiled with a choice from classy restaurants, to live music, to the best beach clubs on the entire island like Monkey Beach Bar, Achaman DiscoPub or Bahia Beach.

Costa Adeje was not my favorite place to stay since it can get quite overwhelming. However, I loved to visit my friends there, hang out on Fañabé beach and enjoy the sunset with a strawberry mojito at Le Club.

A huge convenience of Costa Adeje is its proximity to the South Tenerife airport and to the “most spectacular water attraction in Europe”: legendary Siam Park.

If you are looking for a cute guest house at only 2 minutes from the famous Fañabé beach, I highly recommend Terrace Pools Beaches & BBC. It’s fully renovated and I have such good souvenirs from staying here. You’ll particularly love it for the quiet swimming pool which comes with its own private bar.

Read more: The best beaches in Tenerife

Best Places To Stay in Costa Adeje

Budget

Estudio Mareverde 
Apartments Fanabé
Sunset Harbour Club By Diamond Resorts ***

Mid Range

Liberty Cottage Tenerife *** 
Regency Torviscas Apartments and Suites ***
HOVIMA Panorama ***

Family-Friendly

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife *****
Iberostar Bouganville Playa ****
Flamingo Suites Boutique Hotel****
Iberostar Las Dalias – All Inclusive ****

Luxury

Iberostar Grand El Mirador – Adults Only  *****
Iberostar El Sabila – Adults Only *****
Royal Hideaway Corales Suites, by Barceló Hotel Group *****
GF Victoria *****
Vincci Seleccion La Plantación del Sur *****

Alcalá is a former fishermen town which has several lovely beaches. It has delicious eateries specialized in fish and seafood. Alcalá has also one of the few sailing schools on Tenerife where you can get private lessons.

Located at a 30- min drive from 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 in itself is worth choosing Alcalá for your stay. 

On top, you’ll enjoy the finest cuisine with local ingredients like at MELVIN by Martin Berasategui.

Here you can find some of the best Tenerife resorts for couples:

• Red Level at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora – Adults Only ***** is a quiet resort with personalized butler service, lagoon-style infinity pool, Ritual de Agua Spa Circuit and direct access to the beach. And as a round-up of your luxury holidays, a private Motor-Boat Tour! – Check last prices and reviews
• Las Terrazas del Abama ***** offers luxury and exclusive suites in a privileged corner on the southwest coast of the island of Tenerife, in the area of Guía de Isora. Surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees, the resort offers views of the island of Gomera and the Atlantic Ocean. – Book here your stay and check reviews

Home to the legendary MELVIN Restaurant, you’ll enjoy the culinary expertise of Martín Berasategui who, with 10 Michelin stars, is recognized as one of the best chefs in the world.

The other dream place for your honeymoon or luxury stay on Tenerife is Abama beach at San Juan municipality. It’s located outside a town so that you’ll need a car or ask for the hotel’s transfer service.

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 island. Its architecture is inspired by the Tuareg and it’s surrounded by a lush tropical park. Counting 7 (!) outdoor pools, a tennis court and a huge golf course, you don’t want to leave the resort.

It comes with its own beach (open to the public) which as a cute beach bar serving only the best seafood. Definitely, the best way to treat yourself when staying in Tenerife. – Check reviews and book here your stay

• The Royal Hideaway Corales Beach – Adults Only, by Barcelo Hotel Group *****: this resort is one of the most romantic places to stay in Tenerife. Located in la Caleta, the rooms come with a fabulous sea view and you can even rent private villas with a private pool. On top, it is located close to shopping malls and public beaches in Tenerife. – Check reviews and book here your stay.

A very romantic experience on Tenerife is sunset and star-gazing on Mount Teide. It has some of the best star-gazing conditions in the world due to its low light pollution.

Puerto Santiago is my favorite place to stay when it comes to staying in Tenerife. 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. 

Narrow streets, cafeterias with local Canarian people, delicious fruit shops, clean and mostly quiet beaches… all this and much more is Puerto Santiago. I particularly liked this area for its top restaurants like The Fishermans Inn or La Pergola and, of course, because of its breath-taking views on La Gomera island. 

On top, you’ll enjoy the finest cuisine with local ingredients like at MELVIN by Martin Berasategui in Guia de Isora.

The area near Los Gigantes is also a coveted place for Holiday Apartments and Guest Houses.

Best Places To Stay in Puerto Santiago

Budget

Apartment in Playa la Arena 
Ona El Marqués
Hotel Bahía Flamingo – Adults Only Recommended***

Mid Range

Be Live Experience Playa La Arena ****
El Marques Palace by Intercorp Group ****

Family-Friendly

Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur ***
Hotel Bahía Flamingo – Adults Only Recommended***

Luxury

Allegro Isora ****
Hotel Blue Sea Lagos de Cesar ****
Barceló Santiago ****

Los Gigantes is the neighbor 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 village has turned into a little tourist hot spot with live music bars, a few holidays resorts, and some lovely artisan shops. But tourism still hasn’t spoiled this village. When you are sitting on a terrasse on the main plaza, you’ll feel like in a Canarian village where time never has passed.

You’ll also enjoy local cuisine at very affordable prices like at the Bar Restaurante Bodega Chinyero in Santiago del Teide (get a special discount here).

The views to the highest canyons of Europe “Los Acantilados de Los Gigantes” are breath-taking and it has good connections to Masca, the most popular village and hikes on Tenerife. Make sure to book your boat back to Los Gigantes in advance since there are only a few per day.

Get tickets for Masca here. 

The marina of Los Gigantes is located at a short walk from the city centre, where you can arrange loads of fun activities and excursions such as Catamaran Cruises, Whale & Dolphin Watching, Jet Ski Safaris … This makes Los Gigantes particularly popular among families traveling with kids.

Unfortunately, Los Gigantes has only one beach which is right next to the marina. 

Best Places To Stay in Los Gigantes

Budget

Apartamentos Terrazas Los Gigantes ***
Teneryfa Los Gigantes

Mid Range

Vigilia Park **
Hotel Bahia Flamingo – Adults Only Recommened ***

Family-Friendly

Villa Las Flores
Apartamentos Terrazas Los Gigantes *** 
Barceló Santiago ****

Luxury

Royal Sun Resort ****
Barceló Santiago ****
SKA Diamond Apartments **** holidays

Yes, you can go hiking in Tenerife!

Many people are surprised when they get to know that Tenerife is not all about beach & sun, but has an extensive trekking trail network too. The northern part is particularly suited due to its milder temperatures. On top, a refreshing wind is blowing constantly.

The north of Tenerife, called Anaga Rural Park, has a breath-taking mountain landscape, deep rutted valleys with lovely vistas on the Atlantic Ocean. Anaga also hosts some of the most remote, but most picturesque beaches on entire Tenerife. You shouldn’t miss Benijo Beach or the freshest seafood on Playa Santiago.

Book here tickets for a guided visit of Anaga massif.

Most famous hiking trails of Tenerife are the Masca Canyon and the Barranco del Infierno.

Located at a 15-min drive from the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna is the main town of Anaga Rural Park. With its narrow streets, colorful house fronts and impressive history, La Laguna is a popular destination for excursions and for hobby photographers.

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.

On top, you’ll get some student vibes, since La Laguna holds Tenerife’s only university. 

Best Places To Stay in La Laguna

Budget

Atico La Laguna
Hotel Aguere *
Casa La Posada

Mid Range

La Asomada del Gato 
Sogno Di Gio ****

Family-Friendly

Villa Los Lirios
Anchieta 60
La Laguna Gran Hotel ****

Luxury

La Laguna Gran Hotel ****
MC San Agustin *****
Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa ****

La Orotava was one of my favorite towns on 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 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 volcano Mount Teide and its photogenic church dome.

La Orotava is a good option to stay during your trekking holidays on Tenerife since it’s quite close to the legendary Masca Canyon Trail and all the trekking trails around Mount Teide. But there are much more trekking trails in its surroundings. 

Mount Teide itself offers almost infinite leisure options from romantic star-gazing to Jeep-Safaris or a Cable-Car ride.

On top, you’ll have a wide range of great dining options like Restaurante La Viña which uses only local products in its traditional recipes. 

Budget

Pension Silene Orotava **
Hotel Alhambra **
Hotel Rural Casablanca **

Mid Range

Hotel Rural Orotava ***
La Hacienda Grande

Family-Friendly

Los Tropicales
Casa La Palmera

Luxury

Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide ***
Villa Finca El Drago

The capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife is literally the only “city” of the entire island. Here you can find shops of every international brand, large shopping malls, cultural life and of course 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 1 week the capital goes absolutely crazy: party in the streets, Latin-inspired music groups at every corner and carnival queen contests all day, all night long.

Besides the Carnival, Santa Cruz is well worth a visit when you are spending your holiday in Tenerife. It has several lush parks, stunning architecture and narrow colorful streets which are filled with testimonials of its colonial history. 

Best Places To Stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Budget

Casa Colonial Cejas *
Hotel Horizonte *
Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporáneo ***

Mid Range

Hotel Colon Rambla ****
Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz ****
Hotel Escuela Santa Cruz ****

Family-Friendly

Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporaneo ***
B&B Casa Armonia

Luxury

Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey *****
Hotel Taburiente S.C. Tenerife ****

Puerto de la Cruz is the second largest town of Tenerife. Once it was the first and only tourist hub on Tenerife. Now Puerto de la Cruz is now particularly popular among German and UK tourists.

Thus the city is geared towards tourism and the opening of the famous Loro Park makes Puerto de la Cruz a popular destination for family travelers.

Puerto de la Cruz wasn’t my absolute favorite on the island. There were just too much concrete and German menus. But I loved its Botanical Garden which hosts the first plants brought over from the “New Continent”.

Puerto de la Cruz is also very close to pretty, non-touristy beaches in Tenerife.

Book here your Skip-The-Line Tickets for Loro Park

Best Places To Stay in Puerto de la Cruz

Budget

Hotel Don Cándido *
Apartmentos RF Bambi Adults Only **
Hotel Tejuma **

Mid Range

SOL Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife ***
Catalonia Las Vegas ****
RF San Borondon ***

Family-Friendly

Apartamentos Masaru ***
Hotel Marte ***
Sunlight Bahía Principe San Felipe ****

Luxury

Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden *****
Hotel Best Semiramis *****
Hotel Atlantic Mirage Suites & SPA ****

Where to Stay in Tenerife for Wellness Hotels and Spa Resorts

Sometimes all you want to do during your holiday is getting pampered. Or, is there anything better than coming back to your resort from a long day tour, knowing that a massage is awaiting you?

In recent years, plenty of wellness and spa resorts in Tenerife have opened their doors. Whereas you can find some, small independent spas in the streets of Adeje or Playa Las Americas, the best spas in Tenerife can be found within hotels and resorts.

When looking for the best wellness resort in Tenerife, I’d decide first whether off-beach or on the coast. The interior of Tenerife island is gorgeous and just perfect to get away from the crowds. 

The selected beach wellness resorts are set in a remote, extremely quiet environment.

Salt water pools of Lago Martianez in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

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

Hotel Spa La Quinta Park Suites ****
Melia Hacienda del Conde – Adults Only *****
Red Level at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora – Adults Only *****
Royal Hideaway Corales Suites, by Barceló Hotel Group *****

The Canary Islands are on the way to become a very popular destination among Digital Nomads (people being able to work location independent).

Most islands, especially Gran Canaria and Tenerife have all the facilities and services that Digital Nomads are looking for: a great natural setting, security, a vibrant international scene and of course a good internet connection.

The big advantage of Tenerife though is relatively low costs. During low season apartments are still cheap and the food is cheap but fresh.

RELATED: 7 Reasons Why Tenerife is perfect for Expats.

Canarian towns offer cultural events and shopping malls but are still small enough to cycle around. Most also have direct access to a beach. Read here 10 more reasons why Digital Nomads should visit Canary Islands.

Several co-working spaces opened up in the last years in Tenerife like “CoWorking in the Sun” in Puerto de la Cruz or “Tenerife CoWorking” in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 

The recommended locations have been selected according to the following criteria:

a) Internet connection

b) Cost-friendliness

c) Natural setting

d) Proximity to urban services

Puerto de la Cruz

Apartamentos Alta ***
Seguro de Sol Studios
Apartment La Paz

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Apartamento en Santa Cruz
Apartmentos Los Dragos Del Norte ***

Costa Adeje

Atlantic Royal Studio ****
1-bed apartment, Playa Las Americas Tenerife

La Laguna

Flat in Historic City
Tradition and Magical Nature

Of course you can also consider the local Spanish apartment sites:

www.roomgo.es
www.idealista.com
www.fotocasa.es

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I hope this article helps to find your place to stay on Tenerife.

You still have doubts? Please do not hesitate to contact me, I am sure there will be 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.

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In order to get more information on tourism in Tenerife, Spain, I recommend the site of Tourism Board of Tenerife and get tickets to the best Activities and Tours in Tenerife here.