Where to Stay in Tenerife: Best Areas & Hotels
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Tenerife, you’re not alone. The island has so many towns and resorts that it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
I spent over a week in Playa de las Américas and also took time to explore other parts of the island.
Each place has its own character; some are lively and full of nightlife, others are quieter with a local feel.
In this guide, I’ll share my recommendations on the best areas and hotels in Tenerife, along with tips for cruisers who may want to stay a night before or after their sailing from Santa Cruz.
Where to Stay in Tenerife: Overview
Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, and choosing the right base makes all the difference to your trip.
The island is incredibly diverse; every area feels different, and the climate shifts more dramatically here than anywhere I’ve ever seen.
In just one day, you can leave the sunny south, drive through cloudy mountain roads, and arrive in the cooler, greener north. That’s why location matters so much.
The south of Tenerife (Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) is warm, dry, and packed with golden beaches.
The north (Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna) is greener but cooler, with black sand beaches, more rain, and a cloudier sky. Both sides have their own appeal, but they offer very different experiences.
Tenerife is also a homeport for many Canary Islands cruises, which means some travelers will want to stay near Santa Cruz before or after their sailing.
The island has two airports: Tenerife South (Reina Sofía), where most international flights land, and Tenerife North (Los Rodeos), which mainly handles inter-island flights and some European routes.
Getting around is easy with local TITSA buses that run between airports, resorts, and Santa Cruz, and they’re reliable and affordable. Renting a car is another good option if you want full flexibility.
So, let’s go over the best areas to stay in Tenerife and what each one offers.
🚢 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife, sits on the island’s northeast coast. It’s only 12 km (10–15 minutes by car) from Tenerife North Airport and 62 km (about 40 minutes by car) from Tenerife South Airport.
The city is also perfectly connected by local buses to other parts of the island, which makes it a practical base if you want to explore more than just the beaches.
Unlike the southern resorts, Santa Cruz isn’t a place for all-inclusive holidays; it’s a real city with a local vibe.
You won’t find a beach right in the city, but just 15 minutes’ drive away is Las Teresitas, one of Tenerife’s most famous beaches, with golden sand imported from the Sahara.
Within Santa Cruz itself, you’ll find shopping streets, authentic restaurants, lively markets, museums, and one of the world’s biggest Carnival celebrations.
For cruisers, Santa Cruz is especially convenient since it’s the island’s main cruise homeport. Staying here puts you just minutes from the terminal, so embarkation or disembarkation is stress-free.
Recommended hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey – Tenerife’s most iconic hotel, elegant rooms and a spa.
- Hotel Colón Rambla – central location with spacious rooms and peaceful garden setting.
- AC Hotel by Marriott Tenerife – modern style, great rooftop terrace and central location.
- INNSiDE by Meliá Tenerife Santa Cruz – contemporary hotel with rooftop pool and trendy design.
- Hotel Taburiente – comfortable mid-range option, right by García Sanabria Park.
💡 Cruise tip: If your sailing starts in Tenerife, Santa Cruz is the most practical place to stay. You’ll be close to the port, can enjoy the city, and easily reach Las Teresitas for a beach day before boarding.
For more ideas, check my guide on top things to do in Santa Cruz and 1-day itinerary, and don’t miss my detailed Tenerife cruise port guide with tips on getting around and the best things to do across the island.
🌴 Playa de las Américas
Playa de las Américas is Tenerife’s most famous resort area, located on the sunny south coast.
It’s about 20 km (20 minutes by car) from Tenerife South Airport and 82 km (around an hour’s drive) from Tenerife North Airport.
The area is known for its lively atmosphere, golden beaches, and countless restaurants, bars, and shops.
It’s the center of nightlife on the island, but it’s also a good choice for families and couples thanks to its wide seafront promenade and easy beach access. If you want to be in the middle of the action, this is the place to stay.
I spent my vacation here and stayed at Cleopatra Palace Hotel, part of the Mare Nostrum Resort. I loved it so much that I’m certain I’ll return to the same hotel on my next trip to Tenerife.
The property is right in front of Playa del Camisón, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and the staff were simply amazing.
Recommended hotels in Playa de las Américas:
- Cleopatra Palace Hotel – beachfront, part of Mare Nostrum Resort, with Playa del Camisón just steps away.
- Mediterranean Palace Hotel – a large family-friendly resort with pools and entertainment, also part of Mare Nostrum.
- Parque Santiago IV Official – popular apartment-style resort with pools, perfect for families and longer stays.
- Tigotan Lovers & Friends – stylish adults-only hotel, ideal for couples.
- HD Parque Cristóbal Tenerife – a bungalow-style resort with plenty of space, great for families.
💡 Cruise tip: Playa de las Américas is about a 1-hour drive from Santa Cruz cruise port. It’s not the closest area for a quick overnight before your cruise, but if you’re spending a week on the island before sailing, it’s ideal for beaches and nightlife.
🏖️ Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje sits right next to Playa de las Américas but offers a more upscale and relaxed atmosphere.
It’s on the sunny south coast, about 18 km (15 minutes by car) from Tenerife South Airport and 82 km (around an hour’s drive) from Tenerife North Airport.
The area is known for luxury hotels, family resorts, golf courses, and some of the island’s best beaches like Playa del Duque and Playa Fañabé.
Compared to its lively neighbor, Costa Adeje feels more polished and is perfect if you want comfort without being far from the action.
Recommended hotels in Costa Adeje:
- Iberostar Grand El Mirador – luxury adults-only hotel with elegant suites and a stunning pool area.
- Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur – 5-star hotel with colonial-style architecture, spacious rooms, and excellent service.
- Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa – beachfront hotel with lively atmosphere, great pools, and family-friendly amenities.
- Bahia del Duque – an iconic 5-star resort designed like a Canarian village, located directly on Playa del Duque.
- Beverly Hills Heights – Excel Hotels & Resorts – apartment-style accommodation with resort facilities, ideal for longer stays.
💡 Cruise tip: Costa Adeje is also about an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz de Tenerife cruise port. If you want luxury resorts and a relaxing holiday before or after your sailing, this is the place to be.
🚤 Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos is another popular resort town on Tenerife’s south coast, sitting right next to Playa de las Américas.
It’s about 17 km (15 minutes by car) from Tenerife South Airport and 82 km (around an hour’s drive) from Tenerife North Airport.
Unlike its lively neighbor, Los Cristianos has a more relaxed atmosphere, with a charming harbor, long sandy beaches, and a wide promenade lined with cafés and shops.
It’s still close to the nightlife of Playa de las Américas if you want it, but the town itself feels more laid-back and family-friendly.
The harbor in Los Cristianos isn’t just for ferries to nearby Canary Islands like La Gomera, but it’s also one of the best places on the island to join dolphin and whale watching cruises, which run year-round thanks to the rich marine life in these waters.
Recommended hotels in Los Cristianos:
- Hollywood Mirage – Excel Hotels & Resorts – spacious apartment-style accommodation with resort facilities, good for longer stays.
- Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel – family-friendly resort with pools, entertainment, and a shuttle to the beach.
- Boutique Hotel H10 Big Sur – stylish adults-only option with great sea views and modern design.
- Ona Los Claveles – charming apartment-style complex with pool, ideal for families and couples.
- The Suites at Beverly Hills – apartment-style accommodation with resort facilities.
💡 Cruise tip: Los Cristianos is about 50 minutes drive from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It is a great choice if you want a quieter alternative to Playa de las Américas, with the bonus of easy access to dolphin and whale watching tours.
🦜 Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is the main resort town in northern Tenerife, about 27 km (25 minutes by car) from Tenerife North Airport and 90 km (around 1 hour by car) from Tenerife South Airport.
The climate here is cooler and cloudier than in the south, with lush greenery, black sand beaches, and a more authentic Canarian feel. It’s a very different experience compared to the sunny southern resorts.
The town is known for its botanical gardens, historic old town, and volcanic beaches like Playa Jardín.
Puerto de la Cruz is also home to Loro Parque, one of Tenerife’s top attractions and one of the best zoos in Europe.
For cruisers, that’s a plus, as Puerto de la Cruz is right next to Loro Parque, one of the main stops on cruise excursions.
Recommended hotels in Puerto de la Cruz:
- Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden – 5-star luxury with beautiful gardens and a world-class spa.
- Hotel Tigaiga – a family-run hotel with panoramic views and a tranquil setting.
- Hotel Puerto Palace – a comfortable option with large pools and a peaceful location.
- DWO Nopal – stylish boutique hotel in the heart of town.
- Puerto Azul – budget-friendly, cozy guesthouse near the center.
💡 Cruise tip: Puerto de la Cruz is about a 45 minute drive from Santa Cruz cruise port. The town is well connected by bus and makes a great base if you want to explore the north of the island. It’s also the perfect place to stay if visiting Loro Parque, one of the most popular attractions on cruise excursions.
🏛️ San Cristóbal de La Laguna
La Laguna is Tenerife’s historic and cultural center, and the only place on this list that isn’t on the coast.
It’s just 3 km (about 10 minutes) from Tenerife North Airport and 63 km (around 45 minutes) from Tenerife South Airport.
I had a chance to visit, and it felt completely different from the resorts in the south. There are no beaches or big hotels here, just cobbled streets, colorful colonial houses, and a very authentic atmosphere.
Prices are also more reasonable compared to the tourist towns, which makes it a good choice if you want something local rather than a resort holiday.
The city is full of history, with old churches, small museums, and lively squares. As a university town, it has a young, energetic feel while still keeping its traditional charm.
Recommended hotels in La Laguna:
- La Laguna Gran Hotel – an elegant 4-star hotel in a restored historic building with a rooftop pool.
- Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa – set in a 16th-century mansion with comfortable rooms and a spa.
- MC San Agustín – boutique suites in a beautifully restored 16th-century house.
- Laguna Cool Living – modern apartments in the city center.
- Hotel Boutique San Diego – Adults Only – small boutique hotel in a quiet residential area.
💡 Cruise tip: La Laguna is about 30 minutes’ drive from Santa Cruz cruise port. It’s not a place for beach lovers, but if you’re interested in history and culture, this is one of the best spots to stay.
🌍 Other Areas in Tenerife
Besides the main resorts and cities, there are a few smaller spots worth mentioning:
- El Médano – a laid-back town close to Tenerife South Airport and around an hour’s drive from Santa Cruz. It’s best known for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with a long natural beach and a relaxed vibe.
- Garachico – a historic town on the north coast, about 1 hour from Santa Cruz. I visited on a guided tour and can say it feels completely different from the resort areas in the south. The climate here is cooler and the atmosphere more traditional, with cobbled streets, small squares, and natural volcanic rock pools that locals use for swimming.
- Teide villages – small villages like Vilaflor up in the mountains, great if you want peace, hiking, and easy access to Teide National Park.
These aren’t typical bases for most visitors, but they can be a good choice if you’re after something quieter or different.
🌄 Explore Northern Tenerife
On my trip, I joined a tour that included Garachico, Vilaflor, and other northern towns along with Teide National Park and Masca Valley. You can read all about it in my Mt Teide & Masca Valley Tour Review
Where to Stay in Tenerife for Cruisers
Since Tenerife is a homeport for many Canary Islands cruises, choosing where to stay depends a lot on your plans before or after sailing.
- Best if your cruise departs from Santa Cruz – Stay right in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You’ll be just minutes from the terminal, close to shops and restaurants, and only a short ride from Las Teresitas beach.
- Best if you fly into Tenerife South Airport – Go for Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, or Los Cristianos. All three are within 15–20 minutes of the airport and about 45 minutes–1 hour from Santa Cruz. They’re ideal if you want to combine a cruise with a beach holiday.
- Best for an authentic feel – If you’d rather experience local culture before or after your sailing, head to La Laguna or Puerto de la Cruz. Both are closer to Tenerife North Airport and show a completely different side of the island.
- Best for longer stays – If you’re adding a week in Tenerife before or after your cruise, the south (Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje) is best for beaches and resorts, while the north (Puerto de la Cruz, Garachico, La Laguna) offers culture, nature, and cooler weather.
👉 For more cruise-focused information, check my Tenerife Cruise Port Guide, where I cover how to get around and the best things to do on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What’s the best area in Tenerife for families?
Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje are great for families. Both have safe beaches, lots of restaurants, and easy access to attractions like Siam Park.
❓ Is the north or south better for a stay?
The south is sunny, dry, and full of beaches and resorts. The north is greener, cooler, and more traditional. It depends on whether you prefer guaranteed sunshine or a more authentic, local feel.
❓ Which area is best for couples?
Playa de las Américas has some quieter spots and a lovely promenade, so it’s not all about nightlife. Costa Adeje is the top choice if you want luxury hotels and romantic sunsets. For something different, La Laguna has small boutique hotels in a historic setting.
❓ Where should cruisers stay in Tenerife?
If your cruise starts in Tenerife, Santa Cruz is the most practical, just minutes from the port. If you’re flying into Tenerife South and want extra beach time before sailing, stay in Playa de las Américas or Costa Adeje.
❓ What’s the best budget-friendly area in Tenerife?
For affordable stays, Puerto de la Cruz in the north has plenty of budget hotels and guesthouses, plus an authentic local feel. In the south, Los Cristianos offers good-value apartments close to the beach.
Conclusion
Tenerife offers very different experiences depending on where you stay. The south is sunny with beaches and resorts, while the north feels greener and more traditional.
I stayed in Playa de las Américas at the Cleopatra Palace and enjoyed it so much that I’d happily return.
If your cruise begins or ends here, Santa Cruz is the most practical choice. But if you have extra days, you’ll find plenty of good options across the island, whether you want beaches, culture, or just a quieter place to relax.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
Adventour Begins contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For more details, please see our Disclosure Policy
