Canary Islands
Tenerife is two islands in one. The south is dry, sunny and full of beach hotels. The north is green, with old towns and Teide rising above the clouds. Here are the areas, and where we would stay.
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In short: where should you stay on Tenerife?
For sun and beach, stay in Costa Adeje on the south-west coast, where the best hotels line Playa del Duque and Fañabé. For greener surroundings and a real Canarian town, choose Puerto de la Cruz in the north. Our first choice is Bahía del Duque in Costa Adeje.
Our first choice: Bahía del Duque in Costa Adeje. Check availability and prices
Picolo has been to Tenerife many times, and the selection below is our own.
How to choose an area on Tenerife
Costa Adeje: most of the quality hotels, with quiet beaches along a long promenade.
Playa de las Américas: the most nightlife and the most restaurants.
Los Cristianos: an old fishing town with a beach, and the ferry to La Gomera.
Puerto de la Cruz: green and historic, with the Lago Martiánez seawater pools designed by César Manrique.
Santa Cruz and La Laguna: the capital and the university town, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Costa Adeje hotels
Bahía del Duque
Bahía del Duque is built like a small Canarian village, with five outdoor pools and gardens running down to the sea. Breakfast is included, and nearly 600 guests rate it 9.4. This is where to stay if you want space, service and Fañabé beach a few minutes away.
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El Mirador
Palms and calm around the pool at El Mirador in Costa Adeje.
Hotel Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur
La Plantación del Sur sits a little up from the beach, with breakfast included and a rating of 9.4 from more than 900 reviews. A good choice for couples who want calm and a hotel that feels smaller than it is.
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GF Victoria
GF Victoria has seven outdoor pools and sits a few minutes from Fañabé beach. Guests rate it 9.4 and praise the staff. Best for families who want plenty of pools to choose from.
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Hotel Jardines de Nivaria
Jardines de Nivaria sits by the Costa Adeje promenade, with two pools and a classic hotel style. Nearly 600 guests rate it 9.4. A safe choice for couples who want to walk to the beach.
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Hotel Riu Palace Tenerife
Riu Palace is also close to Fañabé, with breakfast included and a guest rating of 9.2. Best if you want a well-known concept with a good standard.
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Gran Tacande Wellness & Relax
Gran Tacande has two outdoor pools and a focus on wellbeing, and every room has a minibar. Guests rate it 9.2. A good choice if spa and calm matter more than a lively pool.
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Puerto de la Cruz
Hotel Tigaiga
Tigaiga sits by Taoro Park above Puerto de la Cruz, with a pool in a tropical garden and views of the mountains. Guests rate it 9.6. This is where to stay if you want to see green Tenerife and walk down to the old town.
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For the most exclusive hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton Abama and Hotel Botánico, see our guide to luxury hotels in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Travelling without children? See adults-only hotels in the Canary Islands.
Tips before you book
Choose your airport by hotel: Tenerife South is close to Costa Adeje, while Tenerife North is close to La Laguna and Puerto de la Cruz.
Car hire: for Teide or the north coast, a hire car is easiest. See our guide to car hire on Tenerife.
Warmest in the south: in winter the south coast is both warmer and drier than the north. See the Canary Islands weather month by month.
Frequently asked questions about Tenerife hotels
Where is the best place to stay on Tenerife?
Costa Adeje for sun and the best hotels. Puerto de la Cruz for a greener, more Canarian Tenerife.
Is the south or north of Tenerife warmer?
The south. In winter the south coast has both higher temperatures and fewer rainy days than the north.
Which airport should you fly into on Tenerife?
Tenerife South for Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. Tenerife North for the north coast and Santa Cruz.
Where should you stay on Tenerife for nightlife?
Playa de las Américas has the most nightlife, while Costa Adeje next door is quieter.
What is the best hotel on Tenerife?
Bahía del Duque in Costa Adeje is our first choice, rated 9.4.