Tenerife, Where to Stay for the First Time [with MAP]

If you are looking for a nearby destination, with swaying palm trees, turquoise beaches, nightlife and clear waters, look no further: Tenerife is the destination for you!

Here there is everything you ask for in the perfect place for a relaxing holiday, with good food, clubs where you can spend the evening, beautiful beaches where you can relax and some excursions in the nature for trekking lovers.

The only if you can call it a "problem" is that Tenerife is quite a large island and the search for the best place to stay in Tenerife can take a lot of time and effort.

This is why I created this guide with the help of an island insider friend, so you can quickly understand which place is right for you.

So, whether you want to party from dusk till dawn, hike up the hills or relax on the beach, this guide will provide you with everything you need to book with confidence and ease.

Here are my top tips on where to sleep in Tenerife!

Are you in a hurry? Here then is the BEST HOTELS IN TENERIFE

Best Luxury Hotels: Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife, Adrián Roca Nivaria Hotels

Best hotel for families: Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife, Sol Arona Tenerife, Regency Torviscas Apartments and Suites

Best Budget Hotels: Santiago III Park, Endless Summer House, Coral Teide Mar

• Overview of the best areas to stay in Tenerife
• Where to sleep in Tenerife: North or South?
• 1 - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: where to stay in Tenerife on a budget
• 2 - San Cristobal de la Laguna: where to sleep for nature lovers
• 3 - Puerto de la Cruz: where to stay for the first time
• 4 - Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes: where to stay in Tenerife with children
• 5 - Callao Salvaje: where to stay for a romantic holiday
• 6 - Playa de Las Americas: Where to stay for the nightlife
• 7 - Los Cristianos: where to stay for the beaches
• 8 - Costa del Silencio: where to stay in a quiet area
• 9 - El Medano: Where to stay in Tenerife for those who love surfing

Overview of the best areas to stay in Tenerife

Located in the very famous Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain off the west coast of Africa, Tenerife is the largest and most populous of the seven islands.

Famous for its incredible beaches and year-round sunny climate, Tenerife it is the perfect destination for travelers looking for excellent excursions, a vibrant nightlife or a beach-only and relaxing getaway. There are places for everyone in Tenerife.

The island spans more than 2.000 square kilometers and is divided into 31 different municipalities, only three of which are landlocked. In this guide to the areas of Tenerife, we will explore the 9 best places to stay in Tenerife organized by interest, budget and style.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife it is the cosmopolitan capital and is a good destination to go to if you want to spend little: it has a very wide choice of hotels and holiday homes.

Los Gigantes is a small community on the southwestern coast of Tenerife. This former fishing village is now a vacation spot with world-class resorts, vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches and plenty of activities, which is why it is our top choice for staying in Tenerife with children.

Travel south along the coast to Costa Adeje e Los Americas Beach one of the most famous spots on the islands and has everything you could want from blue flag beaches and nightlife to restaurants, services and activities.

Continue along the south coast and you will cross The Medano offering a high concentration of good value accommodation, inexpensive dining and convenient activities. This is the most recommended area for lovers of sports such as surfing or kiting.

Finally, San Cristóbal de La Laguna it is located in the north of Tenerife. It is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Tenerife for its old town, colorful houses and proximity to nature and excursions.

Many people are surprised when they discover that Tenerife is not only beach and sun, it also has an extensive network of hiking trails.

The north of Tenerife indeed has a breathtaking mountain landscape and deep furrowed valleys with enchanting views of the Atlantic Ocean. Here are also some of the most remote and picturesque beaches in the whole of Tenerife.

Do not miss Benijo beach or fish fresher than Playa de Santiago.

The most famous hiking trails in Tenerife are there Masca and Hell ravine.

Where to sleep in Tenerife: North or South?

When asked which is the best area in Tenerife, it is not easy to answer: both have their own character and which area is most suitable depends on your needs.

Why choose the south of Tenerife?

A South there are the most beautiful beaches of the island and, even if it rains occasionally in the afternoon, the weather is sunny even during the winter.

From late June to early September you will be almost 100% sure that you will only experience sunny days with maximum temperatures between 25 ° C and 30 ° C (18-22 degrees at night).

In general, the area is more equipped and well organized for tourists, both for beach and night life. In El Medano you will also find a fantastic beach for kiting or surfing.

However, if you love a less touristy and more “dramatically spectacular” coast then you have to head towards North. Furthermore, between June and September the temperatures are cooler.

Unlike in the South, in the North there are perhaps less organized villages, more genuine, more local and in my opinion even more romantic.

If you love trekking, the most beautiful trails on the island start from here.

1 - Santa Cruz de Tenerife: where to stay in Tenerife on a budget

Santa Cruz de Tenerife it is the capital of the island, but, although it is quite large, it is easy to get around on foot or by tram: most of the things to see are in fact in a fairly limited area.

Among the things to see I cannot fail to mention “Adan Martin”, the Auditorio de Tenerife. Its design is striking for its undulation showing different shapes depending on the viewers' point of view.

The Tenerife Museum offers interactive exhibits while the Museum of Man and Nature offers a fabulous restaurant with local specialties such as rabbit in spicy sauce.

If you are looking for nightlife, bars and the most elegant restaurants, you must go to the Noria district where the pedestrian streets are full of outdoor areas where you can stop for a drink or dinner. The conclusion for a perfect evening is a walk on the Rambla up to Garcia Sanabria Park and the lovely open-air art gallery.

The city is one of the few places in Tenerife that doesn't offer an overabundance of five-star hotels or all-inclusive resorts.

Most of the accommodations here range from chic apartments to one-star hotels. This also makes the capital one of the cheapest places to stay in Tenerife.

The best hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Silken Atlantida Santa Cruz: with classic and bright décor, rooftop terrace, fitness center and a restaurant offering both Mediterranean and Canarian cuisine, this hotel located in the financial and commercial center of Santa Cruz is the hotel with the highest rating. high of the city.

For my taste it is a little too "modern", but it is by far one of the best choices.

Hotel Taburiente S.C.Tenerife: another elegant hotel (also a 4-star hotel) offering gym, rooftop pool, Atlantic Ocean views, 2 elegant restaurants serving Spanish dishes and a lounge bar.

It is located near the Parque García Sanabria, in the center of Santa Cruz.

Taburiente Hotel's elegant rooms are air conditioned and feature a TV, safe, wooden floors and a private bathroom with free WiFi.

Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey: this excellent hotel offers rooms with hardwood floors and refined and modern furnishings, some with a balcony with city views.

It is located in a quiet area just a 5-minute drive from the ferry port and is housed in a colonial-style building. There is also a spa, free high-speed WiFi throughout the property and spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs.

OTHER HOTELS in SANTA CRUZ

2 - San Cristobal de la Laguna: where to sleep for nature lovers

If you prefer (like me) an immersion in nature rather than an urban experience, consider San Cristobal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an easy access point to the Teide National Park.

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will love staying in La Laguna, as it is the starting point for many trekking excursions. It is also home to the University of Tenerife, so there are plenty of cultural attractions to explore as well.

Several museums, a beautiful cathedral and colorful houses make this one of the most beautiful cities in the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz are not far away, making it a popular day trip destination.

The best hotels in San Cristobal de la Laguna

MC San Agustin: a 5 star hotel, ideally located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which has modern rooms with free wi-fi and all comforts. Guests of this hotel can also take advantage of the bicycle rental, babysitting service, beauty center and massage service.

La Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa it is full of charm. It is located in the heart of the city and offers easy access to landmarks and attractions. The rooms are quiet and recently refurbished and each is equipped with a refrigerator, flat-screen TV and cable channels. There is also a restaurant on site.

OTHER HOTELS in LA LAGUNA

3 - Puerto de la Cruz: where to stay for the first time

Puerto de la Cruz it is located near the Tenerife North airport and therefore is the first access point for flights from Europe. The town has a plethora of hotels in a wide range of prices along with enough restaurants and bars to make this area of ​​the island interesting.

An activity not to be missed here is the Martianez Lake. Although it is called a "lake", this is actually a huge complex with 7 swimming pools, 3 of which are dedicated to children.

In addition to the obvious water activities, the Puerto de la Cruz recreation facility offers fantastic views of the Atlantic and a few different bars and restaurants that you can try while enjoying your vacation.

If the pool is great, the beaches they are no less. Here in Puerto de la Cruz you will find many of famous black sand beaches of Tenerife. You will like it Castle Beach e Muelle Beach. Surf lessons are offered at most of the beaches.

For a more vigorous outdoor activity, you can hike through the forest on La Orotava.

The best hotels in Puerto de la Cruz

Hotel Best Semiramis: You will be hard pressed to find better views from such a lovely hotel anywhere on the island. The charming Hotel Best Semiramis is also surrounded by a lush, well - kept garden with two swimming pools. There is a lot to do here; you can also enjoy time relaxing in the spa or get a massage. The rooms here are comfortable and simply elegant.

4Dreams Hotel Chimisay: Located on a lively pedestrian street in the heart of the city, staying at this hotel means being close to places of interest such as Plaza Charco and San Felipe Castle as well as great shops, restaurants and bars. This is a very clean hotel with friendly staff, a roof terrace and outdoor swimming pool. Playa Jardin is less than a kilometer away.

ALTRI HOTEL to PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

4 - Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes: where to stay in Tenerife with children

Port of Santiago it is one of my favorite places to stay as it is made for people looking for quiet beach holidays.

Are you wondering what is the quietest part of Tenerife? Puerto Santiago it is definitely one of the best options!

Puerto de Santiago is a pretty fishing village which, although it is now a tourist destination, has managed to preserve its authentic character.

Narrow streets, cafes, delightful fruit shops and clean and mostly quiet beaches. All this and much more is the fishing village of Puerto Santiago.

I particularly like this area for its excellent restaurants such as The Fishermans Inn or La Pergola and of course for its stunning views over La Gomera.

In addition, you will enjoy the best cuisine with local ingredients such as Martin Berasategui's Melvin in Guia de Isora, the best if you want to taste the exquisite local cuisine.

Los Gigantes is a former fishing village which is now a tourist destination thanks to its many bars with live music, shops and activities. Full of things to see and do, Los Gigantes is our number one choice for where to stay in Tenerife with kids.

This coastal town is a great starting point for exploring the rest of Tenerife, but even if you don't feel like wandering too much, you'll have plenty to do here such as rent jet skis, go on a safari or hop aboard a boat and enjoy a fun day of whale watching or dolphin watching.

I migliori hotel in Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes

Marinero village vista mare by Holiday World: this fantastic property features spacious rooms, perfect for families, with kitchens, sitting areas and private bathrooms. There is a saltwater swimming pool, fitness center and restaurant on site.

Il Royal Sun Resort is a five-star resort just minutes from the main attractions of the city and nearby there are beaches, restaurants and shops. It offers stylish and well-equipped apartments, and guests can make use of a swimming pool and fitness center. There is also a kids' club and a swimming pool.

ALTRI HOTEL to LOS GIGANTES

5 - Callao Salvaje: where to stay for a romantic holiday

Callao Salvaje is one of the five main seaside communities that make up the Costa Adeje. This makes it a tourist destination that offers a large part of the activities that you can enjoy on the whole island of Tenerife.

However, the village can also be very peaceful and offers breathtaking views, a relaxed atmosphere and an idyllic climate.

This resort complex is also a residential village where both residents and expats live. It boasts many repeat visitors every year. Callao Salvaje offers a good beach club, numerous restaurants and bars and other activities to fill the hours with.

If you are looking for a perfect place to spend your holidays that is not as crowded as the larger cities and resorts on the island, then this is the place to stay in Tenerife.

Callao Salvaje offers a beach that is worth mentioning Playa de Ajabo. It is easily reachable on foot from the numerous hotel complexes that make up the complex. The beach is not overly commercialized or overcrowded, providing a peaceful setting to enjoy the sun and sand.

Thanks to the lifeguard always on duty, the beach is both fun and safe for families with children. It also offers a nice walk with beautiful views around the cliffs to the nearby village of Playa paraiso.

I migliori hotel in Callao de Salvaje

Atlantic Holiday Hotel: a great choice for young families. It offers rooms with clean, contemporary furnishings, as well as balconies with ocean views. Spend your days splashing around in one of the hotel's two swimming pools, or take a two-minute walk on the sands of the tranquil Ajabo beach.

OTHER HOTELS IN CALLEO SALVAJE

6 - Playa de Las Americas: Where to stay for the nightlife

Beach of the Americas is a vibrant and vibrant city located south of Costa Adeje. It is the party capital of the island thanks to the numerous bars, pubs and nightclubs that line its pedestrian promenade that runs throughout the city.

Whether you want to dance the night away, enjoy a few pints of cerveza or sip a cocktail by the sea, you'll be spoiled for choice!

Aside from its nightlife, Playa de las Americas is also known for its beautiful beaches, the excellent sailing conditions, the lush golf course and the entertaining theater.

The best hotels in Playa de Las Americas

Il Vanilla Garden Boutique Hotel – Adults Only it is located in the best neighborhood in Tenerife for party lovers, with numerous nightclubs, bars and bistros nearby. This modern four-star hotel has an outdoor terrace, a swimming pool and a massage service. There is also a trendy bar, perfect for enjoying a drink before a night on the town.

THEH10 as Palmeras it is my favorite hotel in Tenerife for its beautiful sea views and incredible services. This hotel also has an unbeatable location within walking distance of a wide range of bars, clubs and restaurants. Guests can make use of the tennis courts, a terrace and an on-site restaurant and bar lounge.

ALTRI HOTEL at PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS

7 - Los Cristianos: where to stay for the beaches

One of the most famous resorts in Tenerife is Los Cristianos. This former fishing village and today one of the most touristic areas of the island, is only 15 km from the Reina Sofia airport and has a ferry port which makes it easily accessible.

If you are looking for nightlife and plenty of dining options in addition to your beach holiday, this is the best area to stay in Tenerife.

Here you will find many Tenerife resorts, for couples, families or young single travelers looking for fun and adventures.

The best hotels in Los Cristianos

Paloma Beach Apartments: This second generation family-run hotel is located just minutes from the sea, which means you can be on the beach and have fun in no time. This staff makes a real concerted effort to give this place a real homely feel. Everything here is also well looked after and refurbished and the apartments have fabulous views. The pool area here is a particularly fun place. Although it has a restaurant, there are many others to choose from right on your doorstep.

ALTRI HOTEL to LOS CRISTIANOS

8 - Costa del Silencio: where to stay in a quiet area

Appropriately named, the Costa del Silencio is the place to choose where to stay in Tenerife for those looking for a quiet area.

The coast is rugged and rocky and has only a couple of beaches. Its best beaches are Playa La Ballena and Playa Amarilla.

There is also a pleasant coastal walk that takes you to Port of Las Galletas from where you can book one of the many day boat trips. Along this promenade there are a large number of waterfront restaurants where you can stop to eat and rest.

A more tiring walk takes you east from the city to hike up to the neighbor Montana Amarilla. From here, there are incredible views of the fantastic landscape.

The best hotels in Costa del Silencio

Los Moxaicos Tenerife: a slightly, shall we say, extravagant hotel: each room has been designed with an artistic and creative theme - even the gardens are filled with Gaudi-style sculptures. The owner is very nice and happy to chat with guests.

OTHER HOTELS in COSTA DEL SILENCIO

9 - El Medano: Where to stay in Tenerife for those who love surfing

For those who wish to get off the plane and reach the beach as directly as possible, Tenerife offers The Medano. This seaside resort along the southern coast is relaxed and surrounded by nature: this is why it is very popular with young people who practice kitesurfing and windsurfing.

El Medano also has a promenade complete with shops and numerous restaurants.

Undoubtedly, it is El Medano beach that attracts tourists here year after year: the waves and strong winds provide unforgettable experiences for lovers of water sports and sailing. Even if you are a beginner but want to go on an adventure you can organize lessons before your arrival or by stopping at a surf shop on the seafront.

For those who feel calmer with their feet on the ground, from here you can hike up to Montana Roja. This red rock, aptly named, juts out into the sea. The mountain is actually a volcano that offers wonderful views of the island, the airport and the resort town of El Medano.

Accommodation in El Medano includes the usual range of upper-middle-range resort hotels you'll find in almost any area of ​​Tenerife.

The best hotels in El Medano

Hotel Playa Sur Tenerife: This charming hotel is ideally located in El Medano, the best neighborhood to stay in Tenerife if you're on a budget. It offers a welcoming environment close to the main attractions and activities of the city. The rooms have private bathrooms and a selection of great amenities.