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If you are planning a trip to the Canary Islands, I am going to recommend the best areas to stay in Tenerife, since it’s an island that you shouldn’t miss.
For me, it’s one of the most impressive places because you can go from enjoying the beach to climbing the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, to getting lost in a laurel forest in a matter of minutes.
There are a lot of amazing places to visit in Tenerife. It is undoubtedly an island full of contrasts, and this, added to the fact that it has very good temperatures all year round, makes Tenerife one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. That is why I recommend you not book your hotel in Tenerife at the last minute.
Where to stay in Tenerife, Canary Islands – Efrén Yanes
Although the island is large, you can choose to spend your entire stay in Tenerife at a single hotel, as it will only take up to an hour to get from one point on the island to another. Also, choosing a single accommodation for your entire trip is one of the best hacks to get cheap hotels. There are also quite a few flight + hotel deals in Tenerife that may interest you if you don’t mind staying in the same place.
However, we decided to stay in different areas during our trip to Tenerife: in the Teide refuge, in the middle of the Anaga park, and in charming little towns like the ones you will see below.
To help you choose the best accommodation in Tenerife, in our guide you will find:
- Best areas to stay in Tenerife, Canary Islands
- All-inclusive hotels in Tenerife
- Cheap accommodations in Tenerife
- Holiday Packages in Tenerife (flight + hotel)
- Airbnb in Tenerife
- Best campsites in Tenerife
- Map of the best hotels where to stay in Tenerife
Best areas to stay in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Below, you will find the best areas to stay in Tenerife, Canary Islands.
In general, if you decide to look for places to stay in Tenerife North, you will have nature and adventure close by, but if you decide to look for a hotel in Tenerife South, you can enjoy the beach and the sun. However, this doesn’t mean that, in the north, there are no good beaches or that, in the south, there are no spectacular landscapes. Still, keep in mind that the main all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife are found in the south, and the shelters in the middle of national parks are in the north.
1. Costa Adeje, the best place to stay in Tenerife South
Costa Adeje is one of the most touristy areas of southern Tenerife and is also a very lively town, with bars, restaurants, shops, and shopping centers. In addition, Siam Park, a water park set in Thailand that is undoubtedly one of the main attractions in Tenerife South, is here.
But if I consider Costa Adeje to be one of the best areas to stay in Tenerife, it is because some of the best hotels in Tenerife are here. You will also find here most of the villas in South Tenerife.
1. Costa Adeje, the best place to stay in Tenerife South
If you decide to look for your accommodation in Tenerife South in Costa Adeje, I recommend going to the Puertito de Adeje, a perfect natural reserve for diving or snorkeling, where, with luck, you will be able to see wild sea turtles.
These are the best hotels to stay in Tenerife South, Costa Adeje:
- Premium option: Iberostar Selection Sábila – Adults Only
- Standard option: Jardin Tropical Hotel
- Low-cost option: H10 Costa Adeje Palace
2. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the best region to stay in Tenerife North
A place to stay in Tenerife North that I recommend is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island since 1833. If you are looking for the best things to do in Tenerife North, this city is one of the best options because you can enjoy its historic center, its monuments, its markets, and its nightlife. It’s even better if you travel to the island during Carnival. If this is the case, you must book your accommodation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife many months in advance.
2. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the best region to stay in Tenerife North
If you decide to stay here, you will also have some very nice beaches nearby, such as Benijo, which is one of my favorite ones, or Las Teresitas. Check out our guide on things to do in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
These are, without a doubt, the best hotels in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- Premium option: Iberostar Heritage Grand Mence
- Standard option: Silken Atlántida Santa Cruz
- Low-cost option: Principe Paz Hotel
3. Teide Refuge, my favorite accommodation in Tenerife, Spain
Spending a night at the Altavista Refuge is itself an experience. This hostel is located in the last section of Sendero 7, which allows you to reach the top of Mount Teide by climbing Montaña Blanca (it takes between 4 and 5 hours to get to the top). At 10,696 feet of altitude, it is, without a doubt, the highest accommodation in Spain and an essential place to sleep in Tenerife if you like hiking.
We spent one night here, which is the maximum allowed. The good thing about sleeping in this refuge is that in the morning, you can go to the summit without requesting the necessary permit if you reach the peak before 9 am. The refuge is 1.5 miles from the top of Mount Teide, at an elevation that is 1,509 feet below the summit, so I recommend you start walking at 6 am to arrive in time to see one of the most spectacular sunrises on the island.
3. Teide Refuge, my favorite accommodation in Tenerife, Spain
If you decide to stay here, you will have to bring your own food because the refuge only has drink vending machines. However, be careful with the weight of your backpack, and remember to bring warm clothes and some coins to buy some water up there. It is also important to know that they don’t have showers and that all rooms are shared. What they will give you upon arrival is bedding, so you don’t need a sleeping bag.
For me, this is one of the best places to stay in Tenerife, even if it’s only for one night. Of course, you must be in good shape to get there on foot. You can make the reservation here.
4. Playa de Las Américas, where to find the best hotels in South Tenerife
Playa de Las Américas is next to Costa Adeje and is the perfect area to stay in Tenerife if what you are looking for is, above all, to enjoy the beach and water activities, such as surfing or diving. In addition, in this area, there are quite a few bars, restaurants, and shops, making it quite a touristy and lively area. I highly recommend this area if you are looking for all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife, but you don’t want something as touristy as Costa Adeje.
4. Playa de Las Américas, where to find the best hotels in South Tenerife
The best hotels in Tenerife that are concentrated in this area are:
- Premium option: Cleopatra Palace Hotel
- Standard option: Mediterranean Palace
- Low-cost option: Catalonia Oro Negro
5. Los Cristianos, a great option to sleep in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Los Cristianos, like Las Américas, is next to Costa Adeje, in the south of Tenerife. In fact, I consider this area as good and as popular as Las Americas, since its beach has calm waves, white sand, and lots of water activities. You will also find quite a few bars and restaurants here. I recommend you stay here if you’re looking for nice beaches or you want an all-inclusive hotel in Tenerife South, as they are quite common in this area.
5. Los Cristianos, a great option to sleep in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Here are the best hotels in Tenerife South, Canary Islands, in Los Cristianos:
- Premium option: H10 Big Sur Boutique Hotel – Adults Only
- Standard option: Hollywood Mirage
- Low-cost option: Club Tenerife
6. Puerto de la Cruz, the area with the best hotels in North Tenerife
If you’re looking for a place to stay cheap in Tenerife, I recommend you look at Puerto de la Cruz. This is where the cheapest hotels on the island are concentrated. Additionally, the town is one of the most beautiful in Tenerife and is quite popular for its San Felipe castle, Jardin beach, and Botanical Garden. In our guide, you can find many other things to do in Puerto de La Cruz, Tenerife.
It is also very close to La Orotava, the best place to learn about the island’s colonial history.
6. Puerto de la Cruz, the area with the best hotels in North Tenerife
For all this, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the most popular places to look for accommodation in Tenerife, Canary Islands.
If you are going to book your accommodation in Puerto de la Cruz, I recommend the following hotels:
- Premium option: H10 Tenerife Playa
- Standard option: Smy Hotel Puerto de la Cruz
- Low-cost option: Marte Hotel
7. San Cristóbal de la Laguna, a great place to stay in Tenerife for couples
If I recommend San Cristóbal de la Laguna as a place to stay in Tenerife, it’s because this is the only Canarian city that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. For this reason alone, I consider it to be a good place to look for accommodation in Tenerife North, although, to be honest, I don’t recommend it for more than one night. In our case, we preferred to spend the rest of our trip closer to the sea.
7. San Cristóbal de la Laguna, a great place to stay in Tenerife for couples
What I liked most about this city is its colonial aspect and the history, which can be felt everywhere.. If you visit or stay here, its palaces with wooden balconies and churches made with volcanic stone will amaze you.
These are the hotels in Tenerife North, specifically in San Cristóbal de la Laguna, which I recommend:
- Premium option: La Laguna Gran Hotel
- Standard option: Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa
- Low-cost option: Sogno Di Gio
8. Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago, a popular place to stay in Tenerife
If you want to stay in an apartment in Tenerife, then I recommend Puerto de Santiago, next to Los Gigantes. Here, you will find some of the best holiday apartments in Tenerife.
The most beautiful things in this area are the Los Gigantes cliffs, which belong to Teno Rural Park. These cliffs reach 1,968 feet high and were formed by volcanic rock. They are so impressive that the Guanches considered them sacred.
8. Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago, a popular place to stay in Tenerife
Also, if you book your aparthotel in Tenerife here, don’t miss touring the Barranco de Masca, something that we loved. Another reason I think this is one of the best areas to stay in Tenerife is that it’s a good place to see dolphins in the wild (check our whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife guide) and go scuba diving. And best of all, it’s not such a crowded, touristy area!
If you want your accommodation in Tenerife to be around here, I recommend the following:
- Premium option: Royal Sun Resort
- Standard option: Ona el Marqués
- Low-cost option: Los Dragos del Sur Aparthotel
9. The Medano, a great area to stay in Tenerife, Canary Islands
The Medano is one of the most charming and beautiful beaches in Tenerife. This is one of the best areas to stay in Tenerife if the goal of your trip is to enjoy the beach and, especially, go surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, or other water sports. There is also a beach near the town, ideal for going with children because it has little waves. El Médano can be an excellent option if you are looking for a place to stay in Tenerife with kids. Check our guide on El Médano, Tenerife for more things to do ideas.
9. The Medano, a great area to stay in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Below are the best accommodations in Médano, Tenerife:
- Premium option: Vincci Tenerife Golf
- Standard option: Santa Barbara Golf and Ocean Club By Diamond Resorts
- Low-cost option: Los Amigos Hostel Tenerife
10. Anaga, an excellent option to stay in Tenerife
And the last area that I recommend is Anaga. The Montes de Anaga Hostel is a hostel in Tenerife that is within Anaga Rural Park. It is, without a doubt, a unique place to sleep in Tenerife.
All rooms have views of the park, which makes them some of the most beautiful rooms in Tenerife. Of course, the hostel has very few private rooms; most are shared. In any case, if you intend to sleep here, I recommend you book as soon as possible because they fill up quickly.
10. Anaga, an excellent option to stay in Tenerife
We stayed here and were very lucky to find a private room by booking 4 months in advance. The best thing is that, in the morning, you can visit the park in total tranquility because there are no visitors yet.
If you want to book your stay in this accommodation in Tenerife, you can do it here.
All-inclusive hotels in Tenerife
If what you are looking for in your trip to Tenerife is tranquility and relaxation, then you need to check out the best all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife. Of course, to make it much easier for you, I have compiled the best hotels in Tenerife North and South. And I have good news for you: there are a lot of cheap, all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife, so if you’ve never been able to afford one before, it’s time to pamper yourself.
Best hotels in Tenerife North
If you want to have a dream vacation, I recommend the following all-inclusive hotels in northern Tenerife:
- Landmar Playa La Arena, an all-inclusive hotel in Tenerife North near the beach
- H10 Tenerife Playa, all-inclusive hotel in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
- Catalonia Punta del Rey, an all-inclusive hotel near Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Smy Hotel Puerto de la Cruz, a good all inclusive hotel in Tenerife North
Best hotels in Tenerife South
If you opt for the beautiful beaches in the south of the island, here are the best all-inclusive hotels in southern Tenerife:
- Iberostar Selection Sábila – Adults Only, an all-inclusive hotel to stay in Costa Adeje
- Olé Tropical Tenerife, a good all inclusive hotel in Las Americas beach, southern Tenerife
- Iberostar Bouganville Playa, an all-inclusive hotel to stay in Tenerife South
- H10 Costa Adeje Palace, an all-inclusive hotel in Tenerife South near the beach
- H10 Las Palmeras, an all-inclusive hotel in southern Tenerife that I recommend
- Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria, an all-inclusive luxury hotel in southern Tenerife
In case you prefer to have more privacy but the same luxury, check out the best villas in Tenerife.
Cheap accommodations in Tenerife
If you are traveling on a budget and looking for a cheap hotel in Tenerife, you can find the cheapest accommodations in Tenerife North and Tenerife South here. It is totally possible to find good, nice, and cheap accommodation in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Of course, in this case, I advise you to book well in advance, since budget hotels are the first to fill up.
The cheapest hotels in Tenerife North
These are the best cheap hotels in Tenerife North:
- Marte Hotel, a hotel to stay cheap in Tenerife North
- Sol Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife, cheap accommodation in Tenerife near the beach
- Best Semiramis Hotel, a recommended cheap hotel in north Tenerife
- Principe Paz Hotel, cheap accommodation in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Puerto Palace, a good place to sleep cheap in Tenerife North
The cheapest hotels in Tenerife South
These are the cheap accommodations in southern Tenerife that I recommend:
- Los Amigos Hostel Tenerife, a hostel to stay cheap in southern Tenerife
- Los Dragos del Sur Aparthotel, cheap accommodation in Tenerife South near the beach
- Catalonia Oro Negro, a hotel where to sleep cheap in Tenerife South that I recommend
- Zentral Center Hotel – Adults only, cheap hotel in southern Tenerife near Las Americas beach
- Gara Suites Golf & Spa, one of the best cheap hotels in southern Tenerife
Holiday Packages in Tenerife (flight + hotel)
If you are planning your trip to this Canary island, I recommend you check holiday packages to Tenerife that include flight + hotel, which are offered by websites like Orbitz and Expedia.
Booking a flight plus hotel package to Tenerife has its advantages, and the most striking is that, sometimes, it can be cheaper because you save on commission. By dealing with a single company and buying both products at the same time, you will be paying commission once, not twice, as you do when you buy from different websites. It is also much more comfortable and fast.
However, a con is that the best offers usually have very specific dates, so if you aren’t available to travel those days, it might not be as cheap. My recommendation is that you compare the total price of the vacation package to Tenerife with the total of buying flights and hotels separately to get the best option.
I usually look at flights on Kiwi.com which is where I always find the best deals.
Airbnb in Tenerife
If you prefer to look for an apartment in Tenerife so you can have more space, a kitchen, and other amenities that a hotel won’t offer, I recommend looking at Airbnb. We have used this website to book holiday apartments in various parts of the world, and we have had both good and bad experiences, although we’ve had more good ones than bad. You can check here what is Airbnb and how to get a coupon. So I recommend you look at Airbnb in Tenerife.
If you decide to rent an apartment in Tenerife, I recommend reading the reviews of other travelers who have stayed in that place to avoid unpleasant surprises.
And if you don’t have an Airbnb account yet, you can get one here and get a $ 50 off your first trip.
Best campsites in Tenerife
Camping in Tenerife is also a great option, since the Tenerife Council manages 13 different camping areas where camping is free for a maximum of 7 consecutive days. Some Tenerife campsites only allow camping with tents and others allow RVs too. The camping areas in Tenerife are open all year round.
Of course, you will need to get a special permit through the reservation center in advance. The campsites are very rudimentary, they don’t have showers, and the toilets, if any, are in the recreational area to which the camping areas are usually attached.
We camped in the Chío area the day before climbing Mount Teide, and in the Los Pedregales area, near Teno Rural Park (the latter had wonderful views of Mount Teide).
If you have never camped before, it is not something that I recommend, because you should bring your own tent and equipment. Furthermore, they are possibly some of the most basic campsites we have ever stayed in, and they’re not ideal for your first time camping. However, if you want to sleep in the middle of nature, it’s a fantastic option for where to sleep in Tenerife.
Map of the best hotels to stay in Tenerife
Now that you know both the different accommodation options in Tenerife and the different areas to stay in Tenerife North and South, below is a map with the best hotels and campsites in Tenerife. Besides, you can find a tourist map of Tenerife here.
I hope this article has helped you find a good place to sleep in Tenerife. If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will help you.
Enjoy your trip to Tenerife, Canary Islands!
