Where To Stay in Tenerife in 2020 – The Ultimate Guide
An accommodation guide to Tenerife including luxury resorts, hotels for trekking, beach holidays and holiday rentals in Tenerife
I keep preaching: Tenerife is much more than holiday packages. Unfortunately, most people have a kind of unflattering image of Tenerife: cheap beach & sun holidays, tipsy, young folks from the 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, 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. In total, I traveled 3 times to Tenerife and 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.
Traditional Canarian wrestle, Tenerife
1. Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos with the 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. The most renowned party locations are the Hard Rock Café, the Papagayo Beach Club and TIBU.
There are also quite a few good beaches for water sports but also for families like Playa de las Vistas, Playa de Los Cristianos and El Camisón. Los Cristianos is also a popular spot for paragliding.
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 Mezcla & Co.
Dancing in the traditional dress of Tenerife
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 *****
2. Costa Adeje
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.
You’ll quickly get used 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 between classy restaurants, live music and the best beach clubs on the entire island like the Monkey Beach Club, the Achaman DiscoPub and Bahia Beach.
Costa Adeje is 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: the legendary Siam Park.
If you are looking for a cute guest house at only 2 minutes from the famous Fañabé beach, I highly recommend the Orlando 85 Complex – Pools, Terrace & BBQ. It has been 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
Infinity pools forever – Photo by the Tenerife Tourism Board
Best Places To Stay in Costa Adeje
Budget
Mareverde, Costa Adeje, pool view terrace
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 Selection Sábila – Adults Only *****
Royal Hideaway Corales Suites *****
GF Victoria *****
Vincci Seleccion La Plantación del Sur *****
Where To Stay in Tenerife for Honeymoon or Luxury Holidays
Puerto de la Cruz – Photo by the Tenerife Tourism Board
1. Alcalá de Henares
Alcalá de Henares is a former fishermen town which has several lovely beaches. It has delicious restaurants specialized in fish and seafood. Alcalá de Henares also has one of the few sailing schools on 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 de Henares is that it hosts one of the top hotels in Tenerife, which in itself is worth choosing Alcalá de Henares for your stay.
On top, you’ll enjoy the finest cuisine with local ingredients like at Melvin by Martin Berasategui.
Here, you can find two 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, a ritual de agua spa circuit and a direct access to the beach. And as a round-up of your luxury holidays, an all-inclusive private motor-boat tour! Check here the best prices and reviews
- Las Terrazas de 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 La Gomera. Home to the legendary Melvin by Martin Berasategui 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! Book here your stay and check the reviews
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 that 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. Its architecture is inspired by the Tuareg and the hotel is surrounded by a lush tropical park. Counting 7 outdoor pools, a tennis court and a huge golf course, you won’t want to leave the resort.
It comes with its own beach (open to the public) which has a cute beach bar serving only the best seafood. Definitely, the best way to treat yourself when staying in Tenerife. Check here the reviews and book your stay
- The Royal Hideaway Corales Beach – Adults Only ***** 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 the shopping malls and public beaches in Tenerife. Check here the reviews and book your stay.
A very romantic experience on Tenerife is the Teide by Night: Romantic Sunset & Stargazing Tour. It has some of the best star-gazing conditions in the world due to its low light pollution.
Luxury holidays in Playa Abama, Tenerife – Photo by the Tenerife Tourism Board
Where To Stay in Tenerife for Quiet Beach Holidays
1. Puerto de Santiago
Puerto de 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, and clean and mostly quiet beaches. All this and much more is Puerto Santiago. I particularly like 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.
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.
Yes to beach day every day
Best Places To Stay in Puerto de Santiago
Budget
Apartment in Playa la Arena
Ona El Marqués
Hotel Bahía Flamingo – Only Adults Recommended ***
Mid Range
Landmar Playa La Arena ****
El Marques Palace by Intercorp Group ****
Family-Friendly
Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur ***
Hotel Bahía Flamingo – Only Adults Recommended ***
Luxury
Allegro Isora ****
Hotel Blue Sea Lagos de Cesar ****
Barceló Santiago ****
2. Los Gigantes
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 canyon of Europe Los Acantilados de Los Gigantes are breath-taking and the town has good connections to Masca, the most popular village for hikes on Tenerife. Make sure to book in advance your boat back to Los Gigantes 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 center. You can arrange loads of fun activities and excursions such as catamaran cruises, whale watching tours and 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.
Los Gigantes canyons – Photo by the Tenerife Tourism Board
Best Places To Stay in Los Gigantes
Budget
Apartamentos Terrazas Los Gigantes ***
Teneryfa Los Gigantes
Mid Range
Vigilia Park **
Hotel Bahia Flamingo – Only Adults Recommened ***
Family-Friendly
Villa Las Flores
Apartamentos Terrazas Los Gigantes ***
Barceló Santiago ****
Luxury
Royal Sun Resort ****
Barceló Santiago ****
SKA Diamond Apartments **** holidays
Where To Stay in Tenerife for Hiking 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 as well. The northern part is particularly suited due to its milder temperatures. On top, a refreshing wind is constantly blowing.
The north of Tenerife, also called the Anaga Rural Park, has a breath-taking mountain landscape and deep rutted valleys with lovely views on the Atlantic Ocean. Anaga also hosts some of the most remote and picturesque beaches on entire Tenerife.
You shouldn’t miss Benijo Beach or the freshest seafood on Playa de Santiago. Book here your tickets for a Anaga Rural Park Full-Day Guided Tour
The most famous hiking trails of Tenerife are the Masca and the Barranco del Infierno.
Anaga: a paradise for hikers
1. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Located at a 15-min 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, then San Cristóbal de 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 San Cristóbal de La Laguna holds Tenerife’s only university.
Lovely San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Best Places To Stay in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Budget
Atico La Laguna
Hotel Aguere *
Casa La Posada
Mid Range
La Asomada del Gato
Sogno Di Gio ****
Family-Friendly
HomeLike 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 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 stargazing to jeep-safaris or a cable car ride.
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.
Mount Teide in the spring – Photo by the Tenerife Tourism Board
Best Places To Stay in La Orotava
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
Where To Stay in Tenerife For City Life
1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife is literally the only “city” on 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 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 long.
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 that are filled with testimonials of its colonial history.
Colorful La Orotava views
Best Places To Stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Budget
Boutique Océano by MIJ Hotels – Adults Only **
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 ****
2. Puerto de la Cruz
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 particularly popular among the 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. Book here your skip-the-line tickets for Loro Park
Puerto de la Cruz isn’t my absolute favorite on the island. There’s just too much concrete and German menus. But I love 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.
At Benijo Beach
Best Places To Stay in Puerto de la Cruz
Budget
OYO Hotel Don Cándido *
Apartamentos 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 ***
Bahía 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 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 would first decide whether to go off-beach or on the coast. The interior of Tenerife island is also 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 *****
Gran Tacande Wellness & Relax Costa Adeje *****
Where To Stay In Tenerife as Digital Nomad
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 beautifull natural setting, security, a vibrant international scene and, of course, 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 cheap as well.
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 the 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) Excellent Internet connection
b) Cost-friendliness
c) Natural setting
d) Proximity to urban services
RELATED: 7 Reasons Why Tenerife is perfect for Expats
Masca village
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
Atlantic Royal Studio ****
Orlando Torviscas Bajo
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Of course, you can also consider the following local Spanish apartment sites:
Panorama View on Benijo beachmap
Short FAQ about Tenerife
What’s the Best Time to Visit Tenerife?
The typical flower of 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?
Colorful Northern 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 an amazing beaches, and, of course, warm-hearted and cheerful people.
North or South 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 of the island.
Both areas are separated by Spain’s highest mountain, 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.
Map of Tenerife Resorts
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I hope that this article helped you to find your place to stay on Tenerife.
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.
In order to get more information on tourism in Tenerife, Spain, I recommend the site of the Tenerife Tourism Board.
Get your tickets to the best activities and tours in Tenerife here.
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