One of the most difficult tasks when planning a trip is to find and choose the perfect destination where to stay. That’s why, in this article, we’ll try to help you pick between the most outstanding areas of the largest island in the Canary Islands archipelago, the island of Tenerife.

Tenerife, with a surface area of 2,034 km² and 31 municipalities, is one of the main tourist destinations in the country. It stands out for its enviable climate, with numerous sunny days all year round.

In addition to its climate, it’s a very complete destination, with paradisiacal beaches such as the beach of Las Teresitas, as well as important natural parks such as the Anaga Rural Park or the Teide National Park, where the highest peak in the country is located.

No matter what you’re looking for in a trip, Tenerife has something for you. Get ready to fall in love with this unique island and discover its most outstanding areas.

Top 6 places to stay in Tenerife

To get to know Tenerife better, we’re going to divide it into three main areas: the north, the metropolitan area and the south. We’ll start with the north of the island, which is an area of great natural beauty. 

We’ll continue with the capital, the heart of the island and finally, we’ll talk about the southern part of the island, which is the most touristic. Here you’ll find the most famous beaches of Tenerife, such as Playa de Las Américas and Playa de Costa Adeje. 

1. Puerto de la Cruz, the beauty of the north

Puerto de la Cruz is one of the most important areas on the north coast of Tenerife. It’s known for its black sand beaches, mild climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The town has a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and bars. 

There’s also a wide variety of tourist activities, including several hiking trails, the Rosaleda golf course and of course, Puerto de la Cruz itself, the perfect place for water sports.

Some of the most popular places of interest in Puerto de la Cruz are:

• Playa Jardín: a black sand beach surrounded by tropical gardens.
• Lago Martiánez: a saltwater pool complex designed by architect César Manrique.
• Batería de Santa Bárbara: an 18th century fortification offering panoramic views of the city.
• Loro Parque: a zoo and aquarium with a wide variety of tropical animals.
• Museum of Nature and Man: a museum showing the natural and cultural history of Tenerife.

 From Puerto de la Cruz you can easily reach the mountain villages of Anaga, as well as the cliffs of Los Gigantes. It’s an ideal destination for those who aren’t only looking for a sun and beach holiday, but also want to explore the nature of Tenerife.

2. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island of Tenerife, the city is located in the northeast of the island, on the Atlantic coast. Its port is one of the most important in the Canary Islands, and is an important commercial and tourist centre.

The heart of many of the people of Tenerife, this area of the island is noted for its many places of interest, leisure and cultural attractions. The city has numerous monuments and museums.

Some highlights not to be missed are the Cathedral of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Museum of Nature and Man, the famous Tenerife Auditorium or the García Sanabria Park, an urban park with gardens, fountains, and sculptures.

A vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with something to offer to all visitors, whether they’re culture, history or nature lovers, as well as beach lovers. Santa Cruz's beaches stand out, such as Playa de Las Teresitas and Playa de Benijo.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway as well as for a longer holiday. The city offers something for everyone, from culture and history to leisure and entertainment options.

3. El Médano, a perfect place for surfing and windsurfing

El Médano, part of the municipality of Granadilla de Abona in the south of the island, is a popular tourist destination offering a wide variety of activities and attractions.

This area of the island is known for its beautiful beaches of golden sand and crystal clear waters. The main beach, Playa del Médano, is one of the most popular beaches in Tenerife, with a wide variety of services and activities. Although Playa de la Tejita and Playa de la Cueva del Lobo also stand out.

The wind is an important element of the area, making it an ideal destination for sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing. The area also has schools and clubs offering classes and courses for all levels.

So, if you’re looking for a place to do water sports, El Médano will be your favourite destination, as it has perfect weather conditions and a wide variety of beaches.

4. Los Cristianos, the perfect destination for families

The area of Los Cristianos is located in the municipality of Arona, in the south of the island. And like much of the southern part of Tenerife, it’s perfect for those looking for a holiday surrounded by sun, sand and beach. 

Los Cristianos has several golden sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Some of the most popular beaches are Playa de Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Vistas and Playa del Camisón.

In addition to the beaches, Los Cristianos offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to suit all tastes. These include:

• Hiking: The area has several hiking trails that allow you to explore the natural beauty of the island.
• Water sports: A wide variety of water sports are available, including scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing and windsurfing.
• Sightseeing: Los Cristianos is close to numerous places of interest, such as the Teide National Park or the Barranco del Infierno ravine.

Los Cristianos is an ideal destination for a beach and sun holiday. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions for all tastes, as well as a good tourist infrastructure.

5. Playa de las Américas, more than just a beach

Very close to the Los Cristianos area, in Arona, is Playa de las Américas. This area is known for its golden sandy beaches, its lively nightlife and its wide range of activities and attractions.

The Playa de las Americas area, as mentioned above, has a wide variety of beaches, from quiet, family-friendly beaches to lively, bustling beaches.

The main beach, Playa de las Américas, is a kilometre-long golden sandy beach. Other popular beaches nearby include Playa de Troya, Playa de Fañabé and Playa de Torviscas. 

Like its beaches, its lively nightlife doesn’t go unnoticed. The area has a wide variety of bars, discos, and nightclubs offering live music, DJs, and shows. The area is especially popular with young people and party lovers.

This area is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends looking to enjoy the warm climate, beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.

If you’re looking for a hotel in this area we recommend the HD Parque Cristobal Tenerife, a three-star holiday complex located just 200 metres from Las Americas beach. It’s an ideal accommodation for families looking for a fun and relaxing holiday in the south of Tenerife.

6. Costa Adeje, beaches and fun

The area of Costa Adeje, belongs to the municipality of Adeje in the south of Tenerife. A popular holiday destination for families, couples, and groups. An area very close to the previously mentioned Playa de las Americas.

Costa Adeje as well as the whole southern part of the island, is known for its beautiful beaches of golden sand and crystal clear waters. Among those that stand out are:  

• Playa del Duque: an urban beach with a wide variety of services and activities.
• Playa de Fañabé: a family beach with a promenade, restaurants, and bars.
• Playa de Troya: a nudist beach with sea views.

Costa Adeje, in addition to its spectacular beaches, stands out for offering numerous leisure options, whether for its wide variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as numerous tourist attractions, such as:

• Siam Park: an award-winning water park that is one of the best in Europe.
• Jungle Park: a zoological park with a wide variety of animals from all over the world.
• Aqualand: a smaller water park than Siam Park.
• El Duque Shopping Center: a shopping centre with more than 100 shops and restaurants.

Costa Adeje is a complete tourist destination that offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, where you’ll not stop having fun during your stay on the island.

A dream holiday in Tenerife

Tenerife is an island with a wide variety of tourist areas, each with its own characteristics and attractions. The choice of where to stay will depend on your interests and preferences.

From alternatives as different as the south of the island, where you can enjoy the beaches and the wide range of activities and attractions; places with a quieter and more family atmosphere, such as the north; to a holiday surrounded by culture and the history of the island, in the capital.

Whichever area you choose to stay in Tenerife, we’re absolutely sure that any of them will be an ideal choice for a great holiday on the island.