Best Places To Stay In Tenerife – Area Guide For Every Traveller & Budget!

Located in the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a gorgeous destination for all sorts of travellers.

Many think of it as a destination where you sit on poolside in a tourist resort with a 24/7 buffet available, but it actually has so much more to offer.

In Tenerife you will find loads of exciting things to do, as well as an incredible variety of landscapes. Every part of the island is different from the next, so it’s only normal that it attracts different types of travellers.

If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife but aren’t sure where to stay on the island, this is the guide for you! In this article I listed all the best areas to stay in Tenerife, based on their main attractions and for whom.

Whether you’re searching for a relaxing beach holiday, an active hiking trip, or a beach party vacation, you’ll find the best places to stay for you in Tenerife in this guide!

Best region to stay in Tenerife

The best place to stay in Tenerife ultimately depends on your personal interests and what type of holiday you’re looking for.

My favourite thing about Tenerife is how varied the island is, offering loads of different landscapes and activities. Tenerife caters perfectly to all outdoors fans, but even then there is lots of variety on the things to do.

You could easily spend one week in Tenerife doing only hikes, or only water sports, or just relaxing by the beach, or exploring the cute colonial towns.

The weather in Tenerife also varies massively between regions, and that is something you should take into account when planning where to stay.

Weather in Tenerife

Generally speaking, Tenerife is blessed with a mild and pleasant weather year round, although there are huge differences between different parts of the island.

Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C in the hot summer months, and between 14°C and 20°C in the winter months.

However, being an island that goes from sea level up to 3,700m at the summit of Mount Teide, you can expect to find an even wider range in the mountain regions of Tenerife.

Usually the weather is warmer and sunnier in the south, whilst in the north it tends to be colder and cloudy skies are present more often. Therefore if you’re looking for a beach holiday, you might want to consider the south of Tenerife.

That’s why in the south of the island you will find the majority of the big tourist resorts, as its where travellers go to enjoy some European winter sun.

Besides the various activities and landscapes, you should take into account also the different micro climates of the island when deciding where you want to stay.

Where to stay in Tenerife for nightlife

Las Americas

I spent over two months living in Tenerife and spent the vast majority of that time in Las Americas. Las Americas is the area between Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, and is perfectly located to easily reach both of them.

It’s one of the most touristy and slightly trashy parts of the island, with many pub, bars and huge apartment complexes. Most of the people staying here are young travellers, usually looking for a cheap and fun night out.

However don’t let that deter you from staying in Las Americas! Personally, I really enjoyed staying here since I liked the occasional night out, as well as being able to walk to the beach and to my surf classes.

Las Americas is also one of the best surf spots in Tenerife, so you will find many venues with a chill surfer vibe. I liked being based here and then travelling to other parts of the island for cool hikes and other adventures.

From here you can also join a catamaran whale watching tour, one of the best things to do in Tenerife, and a popular Tenerife shore excursion for cruise travellers.

Here are some accommodation options in Las Americas for every budget.

Budget: Banana Surf House – This cute surf house is perfect for those looking for a cosy stay in a great location, without breaking the bank. It also has a huge rooftop with great sea views.

Click here to book your stay at Banana Surf House!

Mid-range: El Dorado Residence  – I spent my first two months in Tenerife in an apartment in this residence, and loved every day of it. My apartment was spacious, in a great location (close to both the beach and supermarket) and had awesome sea and sunset views. I can highly recommend it.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability for apartments in El Dorado residence!

Luxury: Green Garden Eco Resort & Villas – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so! With their beautiful villas, gardens and pool here you can pamper yourself while still being close to the buzz of Las Americas.

Click here to book your stay at Green Garden Eco Resort & Villas!

Best place to stay in Tenerife for families

Costa Adeje

If you’re coming to Tenerife for a family holiday, Costa Adeje is the perfect place for you to stay. Located in the south of Tenerife, Costa Adeje is just along the coast from Las Americas and is blessed with similar weather.

Generally speaking the weather is usually warm and sunny, perfect for families looking to enjoy a beach vacation. Despite being so close to the young partygoers part of Tenerife, Costa Adeje has a distinctly different vibe.

Costa Adeje is both more laid back and up market. There are still many bars and restaurants present, but they are generally more high-end than the pubs in Los Cristianos.

In Costa Adeje you can enjoy some relaxing family time, away from the chaos and parties of its neighbours.

The architecture and accommodation is also slightly different, and you will find nicer apartments and hotels, more suitable for large families.

I included below some accommodation options for every budget.

Budget: Apartamentos Tinerfe Garden – These apartments are perfect for families looking for a peaceful stay without breaking the bank. They have a huge pool where kids can swim, as well as being perfectly located close to all the Adeje attractions.

Click here to book your stay at Apartamentos Tinerfe Garden!

Mid-range: Apart Hotel Ponderosa – I spent one month living in an apartment in the Ponderosa residence, and can highly recommend it. The location is on the border with Los Cristianos, but their 3-bedroom apartments have huge rooftop terraces that will make your stay there simply magical.

Click here to book your stay at Apart Hotel Ponderosa!

Luxury: Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife – This is considered one of the best hotels in South Tenerife, and it’s easy to see why. With their infinity pool over the sea, spacious rooms and children’s games area, it’s the perfect luxury stay for families.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife!

Where to stay in Tenerife for digital nomads

Puerto de la Cruz

If you’re a digital nomad coming to Tenerife for a longer period of time, chances are you’re looking for somewhere with a community of fellow nomads and slightly less tourists.

Puerto de la Cruz can offer you exactly that! Located on the northern coast of the island, this city has become a popular destination for digital nomads. Prices are slightly cheaper than in the south, and you will find a more relaxed vibe.

There are many bars and restaurants in the city, giving it a friendly and lively vibe. Puerto de la Cruz is located on the sea, close to many of the key attractions in the north of Tenerife, which makes it a great base to explore the island.

Here are some great accommodation options in Puerto de la Cruz for every budget.

Budget: Hotel Tropical – Located in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, this cosy hotel offers spacious rooms, sea views and is within easy walking distance to many bars, restaurants and shops.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Tropical!

Mid-range: Apartamentos Masaru – This apartment complex is perfect for those looking for something nice, which won’t break the bank. The apartments come with equipped kitchens, as well as awesome views.

Click here to book your stay at Apartamentos Masaru!

Luxury: Hotel Best Semiramis – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do so! With tastefully decorated rooms, a huge swimming pool and epic sea views, Best Semiramis is one of coolest places in Puerto de la Cruz.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Hotel Best Semiramis!

El Medano

Located a short 15-minute drive away from Las Americas, El Medano is the perfect place for digital nomads who want to live in the warm and sunny south of Tenerife, but away from the drunk crowds and nightlife of Las Americas.

El Medano is a smaller and more relaxed beach town, with loads of bars and restaurants, as well as a lively digital nomad community. It’s the perfect solution for those searching for a smaller and more peaceful reality.

El Medano is also the place to be for windsurf and kitesurf. The local beaches are always blessed with strong wind, perfect for lovers of these active water sports! Apartments are also much cheaper than in Las Americas.

I listed below some options for every budget.

Budget: Casa Grande Surf Hostel – This hostel is perfect for those searching for a fun and sociable hostel, with big social areas as well as spacious and clean dorms.

Click here to book your stay at Casa Grande Surf Hostel!

Mid-range: Casa Claudia – If you’re looking for a longer stay, this lovely apartment is the perfect place to base yourself in El Medano. Cosy, well furnished, centrally located and with a fully equipped kitchen.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Casa Claudia!

Luxury: Hotel Playa Surf Tenerife – El Medano is famous for its chill vibe, so you won’t find many luxury accommodation options. However for those who want to treat themselves, this lovely hotel is the place to do so!

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Playa Surf Tenerife!

Best region to stay in Tenerife for hikers

San Cristobal de La Laguna

San Cristobal de La Laguna, also known simply as La Laguna, is a city in the northern part of the island. The historical city centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is characterised by gorgeous colonial architecture.

While the city itself is without a doubt beautiful and deserves a visit, what makes it the perfect location to stay in Tenerife for hike lovers is the position. Located in the north of the island, it’s strategically located close to Anaga and Teide.

In the Parque Rural de Anaga and the Parque Nacional del Teide you will find some of the best hikes in Tenerife.

From a jagged green coastline that will resemble Jurassic Park, to a lunar volcanic landscape, you’ll be readily located to explore both. Hiking these gorgeous landscapes is a must on any Spain bucket list!

One thing to bear in mind is that the temperatures in La Laguna are considerably lower than in the south, so bear that in mind when deciding where to stay!

Here are some options for cool places to stay in La Laguna for every budget.

Budget: Estudio La Concepcion – Located in the heart of La Laguna, this cosy apartment is perfect for those who don’t want to break the bank but still be in a great location to explore both the historical city centre and the city surroundings.

Click here to book your stay at Estudio La Concepcion!

Mid-range: Hotel Boutique San Diego – This exquisite boutique hotel is located just on the outskirts of the historical city centre, within easy walking distance of the main attractions of La Laguna. It has a beautiful garden where you can relax after your hikes, as well as beautiful decorated rooms.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Hotel Boutique San Diego!

Luxury: La Laguna Gran Hotel – This sumptuously furnished hotel is perfect for those who want to treat themselves to a relaxing stay at the end of a long day of hiking. The hotel also has a gorgeous rooftop pool and is very centrally located.

Click here to book your stay at La Laguna Gran Hotel!

Other cool places to stay in Tenerife 

Beyond the main tourist hubs and cities in Tenerife, there are many other gorgeous spots on the island where you can stay and find unique properties and villas in Tenerife.

These are often the spots that you can visit during your daily explorations of the island, but if you’re looking for a truly unique vacation, they can make for excellent places to stay.

Arona – Hotel Rural La Correa Del Almendro

Arona is a mountain town just a short 15-minute drive away from Las Americas. It’s perfect for those who want to be close to the beaches and parties of Las Americas, without actually being in the chaos of it all.

Here you can have a peaceful and relaxing mountain stay, with easy access to both mountain hikes and beaches.

After two months in Las Americas, I spent one night at the Hotel Rural La Correa Del Almendro, and it was the perfect weekend getaway.

This hotel is set in a traditional Canarian barn from the 1720s, and it still retains the rugged look, while having modern comforts like a pool. They also have a “bubble hotel” experience for those looking for something truly unique.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Rural La Correa Del Almendro!

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

Location wise this hotel is a bit far from everything, but when you’re located right above one of the best beaches on the island, you don’t really need much more.

This luxury hotel comes with iconic pink architecture, a collection of pools throughout the resort, a fitness centre, onsite dining experience and much more.

It’s the perfect place for those who want to truly pamper themselves on a relaxing island stay. Even if you’re not located in the heart of the action, you can easily drive to many Tenerife attractions if you wish to.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at the Ritz-Carlton, Abama!

Las Galletas

Las Galletas is a small town located a short 15-minute drive away from Las Americas. It’s another of those cute places to stay for those who want to be close to fun nightlife, without being in the heart and chaos of it all.

My friend spent one month in an adorable AirBnb in Las Galletas and she loved every minute of this cute bungalow stay. The peaceful courtyard is perfect for remote workers, or even couples looking for a secluded retreat.

Masca – Casa Berna

Masca is a small mountain village of only 99 inhabitants. Originally a Guanche settlement, the village is surrounded by scenic mountains, which make it one of the most visited attractions of the island.

You will have to drive down a long and winding mountain road to reach Masca, so it’s only really advisable for those who have already seen the highlights of Tenerife and want to spend a few nights in a peaceful and quiet mountain retreat.

The town is very small and there aren’t many accommodation options. With its rustic feel and spectacular views Casa Berna is one of the most popular places to stay in Masca.

Click here to book your stay at Casa Berna in Masca!

Final thoughts on the best area to stay in Tenerife

There you have it, the ultimate guide to the best locations to stay in Tenerife, with some accommodation suggestions for every location and every budget! I hope you find this useful in planning your trip to Tenerife.

One thing to bear in mind is that ultimately, Tenerife is a fairly small island. Regardless of where you’re staying, you will be within easy driving distance of most places on the island.

This overview on the best areas to stay for different types of traveller is to help you feel at home wherever you go, and not just as if your accommodation is a base to escape.

If you have any questions about where to stay in Tenerife let me know in the comments below!

Looking for more Spain travel tips? Check out these guides!

• How to spend 3 days in Seville
• Everything you need to know about spending Christmas in Tenerife!
• The 15 most picture perfect places in Barcelona
• Do a traditional tapas tour in Barcelona!
• Everything you need to know about surfing in Fuerteventura!

Enjoyed reading about where to stay in Tenerife? Pin it!