12 Best Things to Do in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Canary Islands | Tenerife | 12 Best Things to Do in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

If you’re going to be in southern Tenerife, I recommend checking out the most popular things to do in Costa Adeje, one of the most interesting parts of the island. Along with Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Playa de Las Américas–Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje is a major tourist hub in Tenerife.

Here, you can find hidden gems like the Barranco del Infierno as well as enjoy water activities like snorkeling, diving, and whale-watching. While Costa Adeje is one of the most touristy towns on the island, it’s among the best places to visit in Tenerife south, and we loved spending time here.

In this guide to Tenerife, I’ll share the top 12 things to do in Costa Adeje so you can plan an amazing vacation. I’m sure you’ll like the town of Costa Adeje as much as we did!

1. Hike the Barranco del Infierno, the best thing to do in Costa Adeje

First, the Barranco del Infierno is one of the best places to visit in Costa Adeje. It’s in a Special Natural Reserve area and has one of the best hiking routes in Tenerife.

The trail starts at the highest part of Calle de los Molinos and goes past several incredible viewpoints as it follows the path along the base of the ravine. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most impressive attractions in Costa Adeje, especially the part of the trail that reaches the waterfall. I also recommend keeping your eyes peeled for hawks, ravens, kestrels, Cinderella shearwaters, and other bird species.

1. Hike the Barranco del Infierno, the best thing to do in Costa Adeje

Before you go to the Barranco del Infierno, keep in mind that only 20 people can access this place every 30 minutes during the opening hours. This regulation helps to maintain the unique landscape and preserve the flora and fauna. You can reserve your ticket in advance here or book this excursion, which includes bus transfer, your entry ticket, snacks, and drinks. You’ll also get to see other landmarks in Costa Adeje, so it’s a good option if you’re short on time.

Take into account that it takes about three hours to complete the hike. The elevation gain is only about 650 feet, so it’s relatively easy, but you should still wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.

2. Siam Park, the best place to go in Costa Adeje with kids

If you’re looking for things to do in Costa Adeje with family, check out Siam Park, a waterpark inspired by the architecture and nature of Thailand. Siam Park has been ranked as the best waterpark in the world on TripAdvisor for several years in a row, so you’re sure to have a blast here.

2. Siam Park, the best place to go in Costa Adeje with kids

The waterpark features several swimming pools, including the world’s largest wave pool. You’ll also find lots of thrilling waterslides, like the Tower of Power, which is 92 feet high. Of course, there are also kiddie attractions and play areas, as well as adults-only pools.

Going to Siam Park is a Costa Adeje activity that you can do with the entire family, so if you plan on going, I suggest getting your tickets in advance.

3. Playa del Duque and other beaches in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

The beaches of Costa Adeje are a must-see, particularly Playa del Duque. This white sand beach is next to some of the most exclusive resorts on the island, as well as all kinds of shops and restaurants. Plus, you can easily get here by car or on foot, and enjoy modern services like restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and umbrella rentals.

Another popular beach in Costa Adeje is Fañabé Beach. With its white sand and calm waters, it’s one of the best beaches in Tenerife for families and water sports enthusiasts. This beach also has restrooms, showers, umbrella rentals, and a children’s play area.

3. Playa del Duque and other beaches in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

I also recommend visiting the beaches of Troya, which are Troya I and Troya II. Here, you can bask in the sun and get away from the crowds and noise. The waters are calm, and the coastline is covered in volcanic sand, so it’s another good place to go snorkeling or swimming. Both beaches have modern facilities and services like the other beaches I mentioned.

Going to the beach is one of the top things to do in Costa Adeje, so if you want more options, you can also consider La Enramada Beach, Torviscas Beach, La Pinta Beach, Bobo Beach, and Las Cuevitas Beach.

4. Whale-watching, an incredible thing to do in Costa Adeje

Of all the activities in Costa Adeje, my absolute favorite is whale and dolphin watching. You can find the best whale-watching tours in Tenerife in our guide, but I’ll tell you now that we did this tour, and loved it.

4. Whale-watching, an incredible thing to do in Costa Adeje

The Costa Adeje excursion departs from Puerto Colón, where you’ll board a catamaran and sail through the waters of southern Tenerife in search of cetaceans. Something that stands out about this tour is that you can use special sound equipment to hear how whales communicate with each other. You’ll also get some time to swim and dive in the water, so it’s a great deal.

The guides are also super knowledgeable and will tell you all about the local marine life here. Up to 21 different species of cetaceans live in the waters surrounding the Canary Islands, although there is no guarantee that you’ll see them. These are wild animals that are free to move around, so their movements are unpredictable. That said, you can repeat the tour for free if you don’t have any luck the first time.

5. Mirador de Fañabé, one of the most beautiful places in Costa Adeje

The Mirador de Fañabé is another spectacular place to visit in Costa Adeje thanks to its panoramic views.

5. Mirador de Fañabé, one of the most beautiful places in Costa Adeje

You can access the viewpoint during the day or at night, although my personal recommendation is that you go at sunset. The glowing colors cascading over the southern Tenerife landscapes is one of the best things to see in Costa Adeje.

From here, you’ll be able to see the town of Costa Adeje and Playa de Las Américas, as well as a bit of Los Cristianos. Bring your camera because the views are incredibly beautiful.

6. Visit the Aqua Club Termal, a relaxing thing to do in Costa Adeje

After a long day of sightseeing in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, the best thing you can do is relax at the Aqua Club Termal.

6. Visit the Aqua Club Termal, a relaxing thing to do in Costa Adeje

This spa offers a variety of wellness treatments and water circuits, so you can rejuvenate your body and mind. Among the facilities, there are hydromassage baths, a relaxation pool, a toning pool, and a flotarium. The spa menu also has couples packages, making this a romantic thing to do in Costa Adeje.

Of course, you can also come here with your family or as a group for a fun spa day. We loved spending a few hours here recharging our batteries, so if you want to go, you can book a ticket in advance here. Also, if you prefer something more private, consider staying in a Tenerife spa hotel.

7. Snorkel with sea turtles, an unforgettable thing to do in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

To make your trip to Costa Adeje super memorable, consider going snorkeling with sea turtles. Along with whale-watching, this is one of the best things to do in Costa Adeje.

7. Snorkel with sea turtles, an unforgettable thing to do in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

I recommend this tour in particular, which goes to an area frequently inhabited by sea turtles. It’s the same excursion we did, and it was an awesome experience that we’ll never forget. Another nice thing about the tour is that you don’t need any diving experience since the certified guides will help you with precise instructions and supervision.

Of course, as with the whales, you should keep in mind that sea turtles are wild animals, so it’s impossible to know how many you’ll see. That said, the odds are very good, and with a bit of luck, you may also see tropical fish, sting rays, octopi, and cetaceans.

8. Go diving, another fun thing to do in Costa Adeje

A diving excursion is an excellent alternative to the snorkeling tour or an accompaniment to it. Off the coast of Costa Adeje, there is an impressive seabed, and it’s well worth diving below the water to see it.

8. Go diving, another fun thing to do in Costa Adeje

I like this tour, especially for first-time divers since it includes all the safety equipment and thorough instructions and supervision. You’ll be with a guide the entire time, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. During the dive, you’ll be able to see several marine species like manta rays, and this particular excursion includes a souvenir photo of the dive.

This is one of the coolest things to do in Costa Adeje, although if you want to do it, be aware that you must wait at least 12 hours before doing high-altitude activities like flying or climbing Mount Teide.

9. Casa Fuerte, an interesting place to visit in Costa Adeje

Back on land, the Casa Fuerte is another cool place to visit in Costa Adeje. This fortification is one of the oldest monuments on the island and was built in 1556 to defend against pirate attacks, which were quite frequent during this time.

9. Casa Fuerte, an interesting place to visit in Costa Adeje

At its peak, the Casa Fuerte was a large fortress with a country house, a stable, and a castle with a keep. There were also warehouses and homes for all the people who worked there. Although the fortification suffered from a fire in 1902, you can still see the remaining structures. Not only is this one of the more interesting things to do in Costa Adeje, but it’s also a great way to learn more about the island’s history.

10. Church of St. Ursula, an important landmark in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

Another place to see in the town of Costa Adeje is the Church of St. Úrsula (la iglesia de Santa Úrsula) which was built over and old hermitage also dedicated to Saint Ursula, making it one of the oldest religious structures in southern Tenerife.

10. Church of St. Ursula, an important landmark in Costa Adeje, Tenerife

The church consists of two naves separated by a row of semicircular arches. One of the naves is the Rosario chapel, which was built in the 16^th century, while the other is the main nave and chapel, which was built in the 17^th century and extended later.

Here, you can see examples of early colonial Baroque architecture as well as a Mudejar-style ceiling, making this one of the best things to see in Costa Adeje.

11. Go to the Caldera del Rey, another thing to do in Costa Adeje

The Caldera del Rey is another intriguing site in Costa Adeje, Tenerife with great geomorphological value. What stands out about this shallow caldera is that it has various plants and crops growing in it, such as bananas and tomatoes. It was formed when the volcano’s magma came into contact with water, setting off a violent explosion and a release of gases.

11. Go to the Caldera del Rey, another thing to do in Costa Adeje

Another curious thing about the Caldera del Rey is that there are hidden caves and Guanche settlements here. The discovery of these places indicates that early inhabitants lived here while cultivating the area. These days, only a handful of families live here, and the area is mostly a tourist attraction in Costa Adeje.

12. Go partying, something to do in Costa Adeje at night

Finally, Costa Adeje is a popular place to party since some of the best clubs in Tenerife are located here. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Costa Adeje at night, I recommend going out for a night of dancing and drinks.

One of the best nightclubs here is the Achamán Discopub, which is open seven days a week and plays a good mix of mainstream and electronic music. This place is super popular, so if you go on a weekend or holiday, expect to wait in line to get in.

12. Go partying, something to do in Costa Adeje at night

The Monkey Beach Club is another club in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. We liked this one because it’s right in front of Troya beach, so you can get great views here. That said, Le Club – Tenerife Beach Club is another oceanfront club that’s by Fañabé Beach. Along with top-tier entertainment in Costa Adeje, it has Balinese beds and a delicious restaurant.

So, no matter what your music preferences are, you’ll find a club, restaurant, or bar in Costa Adeje where you can have a fun night out.

Best hotels in Adeje, Tenerife

With so many things to do in Costa Adeje, it’s a popular place among tourists, so there are lots of great hotels in Costa Adeje.

One of the best hotels in Adeje, Tenerife is the Dreams Jardín Tropical Resort & Spa. As one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Costa Adeje, the resort has a friendly and attentive staff as well as incredible facilities like gardens, five restaurants, and a saltwater pool carved into a cliff. It’s located right on the beach and it’s our favorite place to stay on the island.

Best hotels in Adeje, Tenerife

Another option is staying in a Costa Adeje apartment, which is a great way to save money on meals and enjoy more space and privacy. If that sounds good to you, I recommend the Ramada Residences, which offers all the comforts of a hotel in a more intimate apartment.

If you’re traveling as a group or prefer something more luxurious, Costa Adeje has some of the best villas in Tenerife. One of those is the Royal Garden Villas, a Balinese-style bungalow with a private pool and enough space to accommodate up to six people. For me is my top recommendation if you’re looking for villas in Costa Adeje.

Best places to eat in Costa Adeje

In addition to shops, clubs, and hotels, there are great bars and restaurants in Costa Adeje. Our favorite place to eat is Almar Tenerife, which serves delicious seafood and fish dishes, as well as prepared meats. This restaurant has a dining terrace where you can dine with a view of nearby Puerto Colón, making it one of the top restaurants in Tenerife.

Best places to eat in Costa Adeje

There are other nice places to eat in Costa Adeje, like La Torre del Mirador. It’s near Playa del Duque, and while it’s a bit expensive, the meats, seafood, and paella dishes are out of this world. For something cheaper, I recommend White Tapas, where you can order small plates of sausage, tortillas, grilled prawns, and more. This beachfront restaurant is also by Playa del Duque, so you can get amazing views from its terrace.

Map of Costa Adeje, Tenerife

With that, you have everything you need to plan your visit to Costa Adeje, Tenerife. I’m also sharing this map with all the Costa Adeje attractions, hotels, and restaurants I mentioned:

I hope this guide helps you organize your trip, but if you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. I would also love to hear about your favorite thing to do in Costa Adeje. Until then, have a fantastic trip!