Where to stay in Tenerife: The best areas and 18 hotels

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, offering such diverse landscapes within a day's drive – from volcanic terrains to subtropical forests – that your choice of base largely determines your trip.

The southern part of the island has a dry climate and well-organised resorts, while the northern part, with Santa Cruz as its capital and the historic Puerto de la Cruz, boasts a more authentic atmosphere and richer vegetation.

In this guide, you will find four areas, with hotels for every holiday style, as well as information on transport, costs, and seasonality.

What to see and do in Tenerife

At the island's centre dominates the Teide volcano, with an altitude of 3,718 metres, making it the highest point in Spain and the third-highest volcanic structure in the world when measured from the ocean floor. The national park surrounding it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can ascend almost to the summit by cable car in about eight minutes, with the landscape resembling a lunar surface. A special permit, free but limited in number, is required to reach the very top, so booking several weeks in advance is recommended.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital, features neoclassical buildings around the Plaza de España and the impressive Auditorio de Tenerife, designed by Santiago Calatrava, a city landmark since 2003. The Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África market is a good spot for local products like cheeses, fruits, and bananas, as Tenerife is one of Europe's largest banana producers.

La Laguna, approximately nine kilometres from Santa Cruz, is the island's old capital and a World Heritage site, featuring colonial architecture and the island's university, which imbues the city with youthful energy. Its historic centre served as a model for the design of many colonial cities in Latin America, thanks to its rectangular street grid, a pioneering urban planning choice for its time, around 1500.

In the northern part, Puerto de la Cruz maintains the character of an old colonial town with black volcanic sand beaches, such as Playa Jardín, designed by the famous artist César Manrique. There you'll also find the botanical garden, established in 1788, one of Spain's oldest, initially created to acclimatise plants from tropical colonies before their transfer to the mainland, a function that explains the enormous variety of species it still hosts today.

The south of the island, with Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos as its hubs, has the most organised beaches and the most stable sunny climate, as the island's mountains block clouds from the north, a phenomenon locally known as the sea of clouds, which can be clearly seen from the higher points of the Teide National Park. Distances are considerable, approximately 75 km from Santa Cruz to Costa Adeje, which is why many visitors stay on one side of the island and take day trips to the other.

Tenerife's cuisine has a Canarian identity, featuring papas arrugadas, small potatoes boiled in saltwater and served with mojo sauce, as well as fresh fish like vieja and cherne. In mountain villages such as Masca, you'll find more traditional tavernas offering rabbit meat dishes in wine sauce, a recipe that remains popular in the island's inland villages.

The Masca gorge, in the northwest, is one of the island's most impressive hikes, a route of about three hours through a narrow gorge ending in an isolated beach, while the La Laguna Mercedes forest, with its laurel forests, shows what Mediterranean vegetation looked like millions of years ago, before the ice ages wiped it out from mainland Europe.

Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz is one of Europe's most famous animal parks, with a large collection of parrots and aquariums, while Siam Park in Costa Adeje is a popular water park for families, considered among the best in the world in its category. For a quieter nature experience, a boat trip from Los Gigantes to observe dolphins and whales is also worthwhile, as the waters west of the island host a permanent population of short-finned pilot whales year-round.

How to get from the airport to the city centre

Tenerife has two airports. The South Airport, Tenerife Sur, handles most international flights and is located approximately 20 km from Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos. The North Airport, Tenerife Norte, is closer to Santa Cruz and La Laguna, about ten kilometres away.

From the South Airport, buses 343 and 111 connect to Costa Adeje and Santa Cruz respectively, costing around €8 to €10 and taking 30 to 50 minutes. A taxi to Costa Adeje costs approximately €30 to €40.

From the North Airport, bus 102 reaches Santa Cruz in about 20 minutes, costing around €3. Because distances on the island are significant, many visitors prefer to rent a car directly from the airport, especially if they plan to visit both ends of the island.

The best areas to stay in Tenerife

Costa Adeje

Costa Adeje is the most luxurious area in the south, with organised beaches, a marina, and many five-star hotels.

It suits those who desire consistent sunshine and high-end services, with Siam Park and numerous restaurants in the area.

Pros:

• Consistently sunny climate
• Many five-star hotels
• Organised beaches and marina

Cons:

• Higher prices
• Further from the northern part of the island
• Less authentic atmosphere

Recommended accommodation:

1. H10 Costa Adeje Palace
Luxury beachfront hotel, with large swimming pools and a spa.

• Average cost: approximately €220 per night

2. AluaSoul Costa Adeje
Modern hotel near the beach, with an excellent location rating.

• Average cost: approximately €160 per night

3. Bahia Principe Sunlight Costa Adeje
All-inclusive hotel with gardens, ideal for families.

• Average cost: approximately €140 per night

4. Vanilla Garden Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
Adults-only hotel, quiet and close to the beach.

• Average cost: approximately €130 per night

Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is a more affordable alternative to Costa Adeje, with a local character, a beach, and a port from where ferries depart for La Gomera.

It is a good option for those seeking a southern climate without luxury prices.

Pros:

• More affordable prices than Costa Adeje
• Port with ferries to other islands
• Good beach and promenade

Cons:

• Less luxurious
• Quite a lot of tourist traffic in summer
• Requires transport for the northern part

Recommended accommodation:

5. Aguamar Apartamentos, Los Cristianos Downtown
Apartments in the centre of Los Cristianos, close to the beach and the port.

• Average cost: approximately €85 per night

6. El Mirador Los Cristianos
Apartment with sea views, excellent guest rating.

• Average cost: approximately €95 per night

7. Hotel Best Tenerife
Hotel with pools and gardens, close to Playa de las Americas.

• Average cost: approximately €100 per night

8. Alexandre La Siesta
Hotel with a good location and comfortable rooms in Playa de las Americas.

• Average cost: approximately €90 per night

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz in the northern part of the island maintains its colonial character and green landscape, with a cooler climate than the south.

It is an ideal base for those interested in history, nature, and an authentic Canarian atmosphere.

Pros:

• Authentic town character
• Close to the botanical garden and Loro Parque
• Lower prices than the south

Cons:

• More unstable weather
• Black beaches instead of golden sand
• Approximately an hour's distance from the South Airport

Recommended accommodation:

9. FERGUS Puerto de la Cruz
Hotel near the beach, with a swimming pool and comfortable rooms.

• Average cost: approximately €75 per night

10. Sol Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife
Beachfront hotel, ideal for families.

• Average cost: approximately €90 per night

11. Hotel Marquesa
Historic hotel in the city centre, with an excellent location rating.

• Average cost: approximately €80 per night

12. Alua Tenerife
Budget hotel near the centre and the beach.

• Average cost: approximately €65 per night

Santa Cruz and La Laguna

Santa Cruz and neighbouring La Laguna offer the most authentic picture of the island, away from the tourist resorts, with museums, markets, and university life.

It suits travellers who prefer city life over beaches and easy access to the North Airport.

Pros:

• Authentic local life
• Close to the North Airport
• Good museums and architecture

Cons:

• No large beach in the city itself
• Distance from the southern part of the island
• Fewer luxury hotel options

Recommended accommodation:

13. Hotel Taburiente S.C.Tenerife
Hotel in the centre of Santa Cruz, with a swimming pool and an excellent rating.

• Average cost: approximately €85 per night

14. AC Hotel by Marriott Tenerife
Modern business-style hotel in the city centre.

• Average cost: approximately €95 per night

15. La Laguna Gran Hotel
Hotel in historic La Laguna, close to the university and monuments.

• Average cost: approximately €80 per night

16. Hotel Boutique San Diego - Adults Only
Small adults-only boutique hotel near La Laguna.

• Average cost: approximately €90 per night

How much does accommodation in Tenerife cost?

In the southern part of the island, a double room in a three-star hotel costs approximately €70 to €100 per night, while five-star hotels in Costa Adeje start from €200 and can exceed €400. In the northern part, prices are generally 20 to 30 percent lower.

A meal at a local taverna costs approximately €12 to €18, while a fish dinner at a mid-range restaurant ranges from €25 to €40 per person. Coffee costs around €1.50, cheaper than mainland Spain.

Travel by local bus, known as guagua, costs from €1.50 to €10 depending on the distance, while the Tenerife bonobus card offers a discount for multiple journeys. Tenerife does not apply the municipal tourist tax of mainland Spain, as the Canary Islands have a different tax regime.

When to visit Tenerife

Tenerife enjoys a mild climate all year round, with temperatures rarely falling below 15 degrees in winter, making it a popular winter holiday destination for Northern Europeans. The months of December to February see the highest prices in the southern part of the island.

Spring, from March to May, and autumn, September and October, offer a good balance of weather and prices, with fewer crowds on the beaches and easier booking for mountain trails.

The Santa Cruz Carnival, in February, is one of the largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro and is worth planning your trip around if you're interested in the festivities, but book accommodation well in advance as prices increase significantly during those days.

Practical tips for your stay

• Choose south or north depending on the climate you prefer. The south has consistent sunshine all year, while the north has a greener landscape but more unstable weather.
• Rent a car if you want to see the island. Distances are considerable, and public buses, although reliable, take longer.
• Check which airport serves your flight. The South and North airports are more than an hour apart, so choose accommodation accordingly.
• Book early for the Carnival. In February, prices in Santa Cruz rise significantly due to the Carnival, so book months beforehand.
• Take a windproof jacket for Teide. The temperature at the volcano's altitude is much lower than on the coast, even in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of the island has better weather?

The southern part, with Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, has more consistent sunshine all year round.

Do I need a car in Tenerife?

If you want to explore beyond your immediate accommodation area, yes, as distances are significant and attractions are scattered.

Which airport is more convenient?

It depends on your accommodation area; the South for Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, the North for Santa Cruz and La Laguna.

Is there a tourist tax in Tenerife?

No, the Canary Islands do not apply the same tourist tax as mainland Spain.

When is the best time for Teide?

Spring and autumn offer clearer skies, but the cable car operates all year, weather permitting.

Where should I stay if I want an authentic atmosphere without a resort beach?

Santa Cruz or La Laguna offer a more local experience, away from the organised resorts of the south.

Conclusion

Tenerife offers such diverse experiences that the choice of your base completely transforms your trip. The south suits those who desire guaranteed sunshine and organised beaches, while the north appeals to those who prefer nature and history.

If you have enough days, consider splitting your stay between two areas to see both sides of the island without too much driving every day.

Also, see our guides on where to stay in Valencia and where to stay in Verona.