Where To Stay In Tenerife: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide

Known for its year-round sunshine, Tenerife is a dream destination for many. It’s famous among party lovers and adventure seekers who come back to take advantage of its vibrant community and explore its incredible variety of geographic features. It offers glistening turquoise waters, excellent hiking opportunities, delicious local and international cuisines, and unique nightlife experiences. It’s rich in history, culture, diversity, and attractions, so there’s always something to do for everyone.

If you’ve only recently discovered this spectacular Spanish island, one of the first things you need to know is where to stay in Tenerife. Since it’s the largest of the Canary Islands, it can be daunting to figure out the best neighborhood to call your second home while you’re here. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of excellent accommodations on this island. It has everything to suit every need and budget, from luxury, high-end hotels and resorts to golf courses and cheap holiday apartments.

When you’re on an adventure, the last thing you want is to worry about your suitcase and personal belongings. Take the time to secure your items at a reliable luggage storage facility in Tenerife. That way, you can explore the island with peace of mind and fully embrace the great feeling of wanderlust.

Where to stay in Playa de las Americas

Hoping to see the excitement of Tenerife at night? Regarded as the party capital of Tenerife, Playa de las Americas is a crowd favorite for its lines of bars, nightclubs, and pubs. It is located on the island's southwestern coast, boasting an array of cultured restaurants and state-of-the-art amenities to accommodate your vacation requirements. It comes to life as soon as the sun sets, giving its visitors an incredible opportunity to enjoy live music, mingle with other tourists, and dance the night away.

Besides its crazy nightlife, the resort is a hotspot among locals and visitors for its sandy beaches where you can spend the day on the beautiful shore and bask in the sun. If you’re looking for an adventure, you can surf on clear waters, go parasailing, snorkel along with the sea turtles, or scuba dive. Plus, Playa de las Americas has golf courses nearby and in the heart of the resort.

Whether you’re looking for a comfortable bed after a fun-filled day, an ocean view, or a luxury stay, Playa de las Americas has got you covered. It may not be the best place for anyone looking for peace and quiet, but its impressive accommodations will ensure you have a good night’s sleep. The H10 Gran Tinerfe is a crowd favorite for its incredible amenities and awe-inspiring sea views. There's a swimming pool, a variety of bars and restaurants, and even tennis courts. For a more affordable option, you can stay at one of the stylish apartments near the beach.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, simply regarded as Santa Cruz, is the port city and capital of Tenerife. It’s located in the northeast of the island, about an eighteen-minute drive from Tenerife North Airport. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a leisure walk or hop on an open-bus tour to explore the city.

If you love shopping and wonder where to stay in Tenerife, Santa Cruz is worth considering. It offers open-air shopping areas, historic buildings, excellent restaurants, and pavement cafes. It’s also home to one of the most historically significant harbors in the Atlantic Ocean, which serves as a gateway into mainland Spain.

You can find art galleries and numerous museums in this city, as well as the largest public square in the Canary Islands, the Plaza de España. For a fun beach experience, check out the Playa de las Teresitas sitting below the forests of the Anaga Mountains. This unspoiled beach is known for its golden sand, calm waters, and palm trees swaying in a warm sea breeze. Apart from the resort, it also features deluxe apartments and budget-friendly accommodations for travelers.

Where to stay in San Cristobal de La Laguna

Marvel at the impressive colonial architecture, historic buildings, and linear layout of streets at San Cristobal de La Laguna. It’s a charming town in northern Tenerife, boasting an outstanding collection of heritage sites and buildings that date back from the 16th to the 18th century. It was the capital of the island until 1723 and is currently the second more important city in Tenerife.

La Laguna plays a crucial role in the history of the Canary Islands. It’s living proof of the exchange of influences between the American and European cultures. No wonder it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. So if you want to experience the unique culture and history of Tenerife, be sure to visit La Laguna.

This city is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife if you want easy access to religious buildings and several museums. These include La Laguna’s Cathedral, the Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife, and The Museum of Science and the Cosmos. Although hotel choices in La Laguna are more limited than in its capital, you can always rent a room or apartment or book a hostel anytime. For a luxury hotel experience, MC San Augustin is an excellent option to consider. It's a five-star hotel with modern rooms and comfortable amenities.

Where to stay in Puerto de la Cruz

From simply a fishing village, Puerto de la Cruz transformed into a major tourist resort town in the North of the island. Nestled in the remarkable region of Orotava Valley, this Spanish gem is a tourism destination with a unique Canarian character. It has a selection of charming plazas, high-end boutiques, and a quaint harbor that’s always fun to visit. While you’re there, check out the old fishing port with its narrow cobbled streets. It's where people can enjoy a pleasant afternoon in colonial-styled cafes and terraced restaurants.

This traditional resort town is a favorite destination among Spanish mainlanders and Northern Europeans for its welcoming atmosphere and winter sunshine. It is home to a water park, Lago Martianez, offering a saltwater lake and several swimming pools. For nature lovers who want to witness the panoramic views of the city, don’t leave Puerto de la Cruz yet without exploring Parque Taoro, Playa Jardin, and Jardin Botanico, with lots of flora and fauna around.

If you plan to stay in Tenerife in this part of the island, there are mid-range hotels you can explore along the seafront promenade. Perched on a cliff is a lovely hotel surrounded by a manicured garden with stylish and comfortable rooms. There are also residential complexes and a resort in Puerto de la Cruz, perfect for couples and families.

Where to stay in Costa Adeje

Located on the island's southwest coast, Costa de Adeje is a coastal village many described as ‘heaven on earth’ for its long stretch of sandy beaches and unmatched entertainment. It’s easily accessible to the South Tenerife airport and close to Tenerife’s party capital, Playa de las Americas.

As one of the most upscale resorts on the island, you’ll never have any dull moment in Costa Adeje. It has dozens of clubs, award-winning restaurants, beach bars, and shops and offers one-of-a-kind adventures and luxurious experiences for locals and visitors. Whether you want to watch dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, go windsurfing, or relax on a boat tour, you can enjoy loads of activities in Costa Adeje.

If you’re unsure where to stay in Tenerife, you may opt for a luxury hotel or spend your family holiday at a high-end villa or resort. These allow you to stay in Tenerife with the utmost convenience. There are also low-cost accommodations with shared dormitories and private rooms close to major tourist attractions, shops, and beaches.

Where to stay in Puerto de Santiago

Puerto de Santiago is a quieter tourist destination famous for its pleasant local vibe. It’s a small fishing village that provides easy access to the beach, Playa de la Arena, and the resort town, Los Gigantes, known for its majestic cliffs. It’s ideal for families and couples who want to enjoy the pleasant weather and unwind without the tourist crowd or anyone looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday in Tenerife.

But don’t let its size fool you. Although a small resort, Puerto de Santiago has plenty of local restaurants to satisfy your cravings for brunch and more. Besides some delicious Spanish food, you can also enjoy Chinese and Indian delicacies and lots of cheap meals and snacks.

Puerto de Santiago may not be as popular as larger resorts like Playa de las Americas. Still, it has plenty of convenient accommodation for every traveler. If you want to take in the view, stay at a beachfront property with spacious rooms. There are also hotels with an on-site restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool and apartment-style facilities suitable for independent holidaymakers.

Where to stay in Playa San Juan

Characterized by its gentle waters and black sand beach, Playa San Juan is a small village nestled between Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje. It may not be your typical white sand paradise, but its beach boasts volcanic sand, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. It’s popular among visitors and residents looking for a quiet holiday experience and a respite from all the overcrowded beaches in Tenerife.

Since it isn’t exactly a known tourist town, don’t expect to find big, luxury hotels here. If you want to stay in Tenerife and prefer its quiet atmosphere, you’ll find private apartments for rent and individual rooms instead.

Where to stay in Los Gigantes

Found in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, Los Gigantes is a tourist destination on Tenerife's west coast. The town is named after the giant rock formations known as Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which soar from the ocean to a height of 500-800 meters.

These are one of the island's most popular tourist destinations, and you can discover three viewpoints in the village: one on the major road leading to Tamaimo, another one above the sports club, and the third on a coastal route around the Hotel Barcelo. Furthermore, the community contains a lot of stores that cater to the tourists who come to see these sites.

This is particularly true on the one-way road loop that circles the church and plaza and along the marina and beach. The viewpoints also include a variety of bars, villas, apartments, and restaurants that provide fantastic views of the iconic Gigantes. So whether you've spent the day touring the countryside or simply lounging on the beach, nights in Los Gigantes may be as vibrant or as relaxed as you like.

Where to stay in El Medano

Rising 75 meters above sea level is El Medano, a town south of Tenerife, in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona. El Medano, El Cabezo, Arenas del Mar, Ensenada Pelada, and El Topo are the five areas you can explore in this highly visited tourist destination.

El Medano is a coastal town well known worldwide for its amazing waves, attracting avid surfers. With three different windsurfing spots, it is one of the world's top windsurfing or kitesurfing destinations. The Bay, the Harbour Wall, and Cabezo Beach are among them. Besides surfers, the position of El Medano and the deep blue waters are ideal for spending a day with a group of friends or families.

Visiting its beaches is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Tenerife. Because of the wide range of people who come to El Medano, all types of accommodations are available, such as campgrounds to hotels with spas.

Staying in Tenerife

So you’ve decided to spend your holiday in Tenerife! With lots of well-established resorts, a perfect climate, plenty of places to visit, and activities to do, this glorious island will give you unique experiences you won’t have anywhere else. But knowing where to stay in Tenerife is critical for planning your vacation, whether you’re a returning traveler or a first-time visitor. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of chic apartments, luxury lodges, high-end resorts, and top-notch hotels all over the island at fantastic prices.