Tenerife isn’t a big island, but where you stay makes a big difference to your holiday. The south is sunnier and drier, with the large beach resorts; the north is greener and more authentic, but also cooler and often cloudy. Before you choose, think about what you want to do: beach and relaxation, excursions, nightlife or city life.
The south: sun and sea
- Costa Adeje: the most upmarket area in the south, with high-end hotels, a long seafront promenade and beaches such as Playa del Duque and Fañabé. It’s convenient for families and close to Siam Park.
- Playa de las Américas: the island’s tourist heartland, with plenty of apartment complexes, hotels and restaurants, and the nightlife of the Las Verónicas area. To choose your accommodation, have a look at Las Américas Tenerife, the map of all the complexes, hotels and resorts in the area.
- Los Cristianos: a former fishing village turned holiday resort, quieter than Las Américas, with Las Vistas beach and the ferry port for La Gomera.
- Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago: on the west coast, at the foot of the cliffs of Los Gigantes, with a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular sunsets.
- El Médano: an authentic seaside town, famous for its wind and for kitesurfing, close to Tenerife South airport.
- Golf del Sur and Costa del Silencio: quiet residential areas with golf courses and apartment complexes, just a few minutes from the airport.
The north: nature and tradition
- Puerto de la Cruz: the north’s historic holiday resort, with its old town, seafront promenade and Loro Parque. The climate is cooler and the landscape green: it’s a good base for exploring the north and Teide.
- La Orotava: one of the island’s most beautiful historic towns, with hotels and rural cottages among the hills of its valley.
- Garachico and Icod de los Vinos: small historic towns on the north-west coast, perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
Santa Cruz and La Laguna
Santa Cruz, the capital, suits you if you prefer city life, with shops, museums and restaurants, and Playa de Las Teresitas just a few kilometres away. La Laguna, linked to Santa Cruz by tram, has the atmosphere of a historic university city and is the ideal base for excursions into Anaga Rural Park.
Rural cottages
For a holiday close to nature, there are rural cottages, often converted from traditional buildings, in areas such as Anaga, the Teno massif, Vilaflor or the Orotava Valley. You’ll usually need a car.
A few tips
If you’re after sunshine all year round, choose the south; if you love walking and greenery, the north. Distances are short anyway: driving from the south to the north takes about an hour, so you can stay in one area and visit the whole island. If you’re not hiring a car, choose a resort with good bus connections, such as Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz or Santa Cruz. For transport, read our guide to getting there and getting around.
