Where to stay in Tenerife?

Travel 4 Kids ® shares with you useful tips and information on places to visit with children in the Canary Islands. If you are travelling in Tenerife, you can find attractions on the Travel 4 Kids ® Tenerife Attractions Map.

Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is a popular holiday destination with many towns and resorts suitable for families. Each one offers different activities, beaches and cultural attractions, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your family’s expectations. A very common question is where to stay in Tenerife? How do I choose the right location for a holiday or winter break in Tenerife? We will try to help you make the right choice.

Where to stay in Tenerife?

General tips for choosing a place to spend your holidays or winter holidays in Tenerife

Although the north of Tenerife is very beautiful, green and home to many locals, for those who miss the heat and have children, I recommend the southern part of Tenerife. The northern part of Tenerife will be more suitable for your summer holidays or if you come to the island to spend time being active and travelling a lot.

Practically the whole southern part of Tenerife, from the southern airport to Los Gigantes, is suitable for winter holidays.

When choosing your accommodation, make sure it is in the first area (up to the motorway) or above the motorway. If you live above the highway, a car is essential.

The more windy areas are El Medano, Los Abrigos, La Tejita, and on the other side of the airport – Abades, Arico, Puertito de Guimar.

The most popular resorts are from Los Cristianos to Los Gigantes. Read about each below.

Where to find a rental?

Of course, on airbnb or booking.com platform.

It is also popular among those who own a lot of property or have partners in the country. We recommend being extra careful and making sure you rent from trusted, recommended people, so that you don’t have to not only lose money when you arrive, but also end up on the streets in high season. At a time when the island’s occupancy rate is rising, there has been a particular increase in the number of cases where tourists renting from nationals or impersonators have not only been left without a place to stay, but have also lost money.

Our trusted partners offer apartments in South Tenerife for your family holiday.

Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos is one of the first tourist resort towns in the south of Tenerife, so it has older infrastructure and more economy-type housing, but it’s also a bit quieter, and you can rent a house for a relatively lower price. Of the popular tourist resorts, the closest is the airport.

Who chooses? A quiet and family-friendly resort. Families with children, older people.

Beaches: suitable with children.

Entertainment: fishing, walking along the promenade, playgrounds, playrooms, close to Monkey Park, Jungle Park (accessible by car or taxi). Viking  for ship dolphin watching.

Services: restaurants, shops, smaller supermarkets.

Accommodation: various hotel and apartment options. There are also villas suitable for families.

Las Americas

Las Americas is the noisiest of all the tourist towns, and is a favourite among Brits and young people because of its high concentration of nightclubs and bars. I wouldn’t choose to live with children – but many people appreciate having “everything close at hand”.

Who chooses? Very popular with young people, but also suitable for families who aren’t afraid of nightlife nearby.

Beaches: beaches for both family time and active water sports.

Services: restaurants, shops, supermarkets (Siam mall), outlets (e.g. Benneton).

Entertainment: nightlife, water sports facilities (surfing), golf courses, mini-golf, promenade walking, playgrounds, swimming to watch the whales.

Accommodation: a wide range of options, from luxury to economy hotels and apartments and villas.

Costa Adeje and Adeje

Costa Adeje is a more expensive resort, popular with families. Convenient infrastructure, sandy beaches. Adeje (above the motorway) – area of larger housing, villas. Quiet area, but practically difficult without a car – especially if you want to reach the bigger supermarkets on the other side of the motorway, or conversely if you live in a villa and want to travel comfortably and reach the beaches.

Who chooses? This is one of Tenerife’s more luxurious resorts. However, it’s also much quieter than Las Americas for that reason.

Beaches: excellent, sandy beaches such as Playa del Duque are ideal for families.

Facilities: restaurants, shops, larger supermarkets (X-Sur, Siam mall), Galeon Outlet, Adeje farmers’ market and a Polish-owned vegetable and fruit farm with a shop open all day.

Entertainment: there are many attractions such as Siam Park, Aqualand, shops, promenade walking, playgrounds, sailing, watch whales, bowling.

Accommodation: high quality hotels and holiday rentals are available.

La Caleta

La Caleta is a small fishing village next to the Costa Adeje that has kept its authentic charm. If you’re staying in this town, we think a car is essential.

Who chooses? This is one of Tenerife’s more luxurious resorts. It is frequented by the more affluent Belgians and Brits. La Caleta is a great choice for those who want to avoid the tourist traffic.

Beaches: the beaches of Caleta are small and rocky, while the nearby beaches of Costa Adeje are ideal for families.

Services: restaurants, shops.

Entertainment: There are delicious seafood dishes in the local tavernas, but not much in the way of entertainment; there are a few playgrounds.

Accommodation: Although not as extensive as in the larger resorts, there are cosy hotels and apartments.

Callao Salvaje

A town of villas. A car is essential, as there are not too many activities and attractions.

Who chooses? Callao Salvaje is a small resort offering a peaceful holiday. It is preferred by larger families or tourists who want more privacy.

Beaches: there are no beaches that are particularly child-friendly.

Services: restaurants, shops.

Entertainment: not much to do, you will have to go to other towns. There are some places to play tennis.

Accommodation: A variety of apartments and villas can be found, ideal for families or couples looking for privacy.

Playa Paraiso

Playa Paraíso, located in the south-west of Tenerife, is a popular resort that is ideal for both quiet family holidays. The resort is known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful sunsets. A car is essential as the town itself is rather boring in terms of activities.

Who chooses? Playa Paraíso is a great choice for those looking for relaxation and fairly new-build hotels.

Beaches: Playa Paraíso doesn’t boast very convenient beaches, so many holidaymakers either seek them out in other towns or enjoy the pools.

Services: restaurants and shops. Rosa Shopping Centre is nearby.

Entertainment: there are not many activities outside the hotels and apartments. There is a children’s play centre in Rosa Shopping Centre.

Accommodation: Playa Paraíso offers a wide choice of accommodation, including luxury and relatively newly built hotels and comfortable holiday homes.

El Medano

El Medano is the choice of families where one or more members are socialising and partying. It’s a nice town, lots of locals, but not everyone tolerates the wind. El Medano is close to the southern airport. If you want to travel, a car is essential.

Who chooses? Known for its wind and waves, it’s perfect for extreme sports lovers. It’s also suitable for those who want to live among the locals but don’t fear windy holidays.

Beaches: El Medano and La Tejita are the favourites.

Services: restaurants, shops, larger supermarkets, farmers’ markets both in the centre of town and at weekends a little further out.

Entertainment: kiteboarding, surfing, playgrounds, promenade walks.

Accommodation: modern apartments and cottages.

Costa del Silencio

A favourite with elderly Brits, it’s a bit deserted, with lots of derelict buildings, which can make it uncomfortable when on holiday with children. Car essential.

Who chooses? Quiet resort, popular with elderly Brits and Belgians.

Beaches: The Costa del Silencio doesn’t have large sandy beaches, but there are some lovely rocky shores.

Facilities: restaurants, shops.

Entertainment: It’s a great place to enjoy nature, including diving and hiking. There are padel court in the town. There are no facilities for holidays with children.

Accommodation: many small apartments, studios of economic type.

Las Galletas

Las Galletas is a small fishing town with an authentic character and tranquillity. Car essential.

Who chooses? Las Galletas is the perfect choice for those who want to experience the real Tenerife way of life, away from the big tourist centres. The Costa del Silencio neighbourhood and the Fraile (home to many immigrants from Africa), makes it more popular with tourists looking for economic accommodation, although the centre of Las Galletas itself, with its harbour, is very cosy and charming.

Beaches: Las Galletas is known for its black volcanic sand beaches, which provide a unique and natural seaside landscape.

Activities: fishing, boating – our catamaran departs from here. Children’s playgrounds, promenade.

Services: here you will find many small restaurants and cafés offering fresh seafood and local specialities. There are also lots of small shops for shopping – there is a whole commercial area. There is also a fish market by the harbour.

Accommodation: there are several new hotels and apartments. You will also find budget accommodation.

Los Abrigos

Los Abrigos is characterised by its authentic fishing village charm and tranquillity, offering visitors a true Canarian way of life. Car required.

Who chooses? Los Abrigos is the perfect choice for those looking for a small town holiday.

Beaches: although Los Abrigos doesn’t have any large sandy beaches, small, rocky stretches of coastline can be found here.

Activities: fishing. There are several playgrounds for children.

Services: small restaurants, shops.

Accommodation: the choice of accommodation is not wide, but cosy places to stay can be found. You won’t find large hotels here and swimming pools are unlikely to be found in complexes.

La Tejita

A small town on a beautiful beach. Can be windy. Car essential.

Who chooses? As El Medano is nearby, it’s suitable for water and wind sports enthusiasts.

Beach: La Tejita is famous for its large, unspoilt sandy beach and its stunning views of Montaña Roja (Red Mountain).

Services: There is a supermarket, which includes a grocery shop and some really good restaurants.

Entertainment: kiteboarding, surfing nearby, several good playgrounds and a basketball court, walking on the beach.

Accommodation: as La Tejita is a small town, you can choose from a selection of apartments. The apartments are fairly new and often have a swimming pool. There are no hotels.

Golf del Sur

As the name suggests, this resort is known for its excellent golf courses. Popular with the British. You’ll find English spoken almost everywhere.

Beaches: Golf del Sur does not have any large sandy beaches, but there are some small rocky shores.

Services: restaurants, shops.

Entertainment: golf, golf golf. And Recreation: in addition to golf, the resort offers other activities such as spas and restaurants.

Accommodation: hotels and apartments.

Puerto Santiago

Puerto Santiago is resort near Los Gigantes. The infrastructure is older, but rental prices are a bit lower.

Who chooses? Puerto Santiago is a quiet resort offering beautiful views and a more relaxing holiday.

Beaches: Here you’ll find small, rocky beaches such as Playa de la Arena, famous for its black sand.

Facilities: restaurants, shops.

Entertainment: seaside walks. Several playgrounds.

Accommodation: A wide range of hotels and apartments are available, offering amenities and great views of the ocean. There are many offers in this town for apartments in South Tenerife for your family holiday.

Los Gigantes

The furthest resort from the southernmost airport, but also the warmest in winter. It is quite hilly and can be uncomfortable for holidays with small children. In our opinion, a car is a must when resting here.

Who chooses? This resort is famous for its spectacular cliffs – Los Gigantes – which rise directly from the ocean.

Beaches: Sandy and rocky beaches, such as Playa de los Guios, offer great views of the cliffs but are quite dangerous for swimming. There is also a natural swimming pool, where extra care must be taken on a wavy day.

Services: restaurants, shops.

Entertainment: excellent opportunities for yachting, whale and dolphin watching. The playground in the central square is quite small.

Accommodation: A wide range of accommodation options are available, from luxury hotels to more comfortable apartments. There are many offers in this town for apartments in South Tenerife for your family holiday.

Alcalá

A small, traditional Spanish fishing village. It’s a small town, so in our opinion – you’ll need a car.

Who chooses? Holidaymakers looking for peace and quiet.

Beaches: less crowded than in the larger resorts, offering a great opportunity to relax.

Services: restaurants, shops.

Entertainment: This is a great place to enjoy traditional Spanish restaurants, markets and local culture. There is also a great promenade with playgrounds.

Accommodation: There are luxury hotels and smaller apartments for family holidays.

Abades

Abades is a quiet and relatively non-commercial resort, ideal for those looking for peace and quiet away from the main tourist flows. However, it can be windy and a few degrees cooler than the tourist resorts. Car is essential.

Who chooses? Those looking for peace and quiet, longer winter stays, with a car.

Beaches: less crowded than in the larger resorts, offering a great opportunity to relax.

Services: several restaurants and shops.

Entertainment: Abades offers quiet activities such as diving and snorkelling – we offer one of these activities. Nearby is an abandoned leprosy sanatorium.

Accommodation: The choice of accommodation is limited, but there are some cosy apartments available.

Arico

Arico is another quieter resort, known for its beautiful landscapes and traditional Spanish village atmosphere. It can be windy. Car essential.

Who chooses? Those looking for tranquillity, longer winter stays, with a car.

Beaches: although Arico doesn’t have large sandy beaches, its rocky shores are excellent for diving and fishing.

Servicies: Several restaurants and shops.

Entertainment: scenic hiking trails can be enjoyed.

Accommodation: the choice of accommodation is limited, but some cosy apartments can be found.

Puertito de Güímar

Puertito de Güímar is a small, cosy town known for its peaceful and homely atmosphere. It can be windy.

Who chooses? Those looking for peace and quiet, longer winter stays, those with a car.

Beaches: here you will find sandy beaches that are ideal for families with children.

Entertainment: Puertito de Güímar offers sunbathing and beach walks.

Accommodation: the choice of accommodation is limited as it is a small town.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The capital of Tenerife and one of the main towns on the island. Unlike other tourist resorts, Santa Cruz is a lively, modern city with lots of culture, history and urban attractions. It is not a resort, but tourists sometimes choose it for the ease of travelling around the island, as well as for the Carnival that takes place here in February.

Who chooses? Santa Cruz is the political and cultural centre of the island, offering tourists an authentic Spanish city experience. It is the destination of choice for travellers who don’t prioritise lying on the beach.

Beaches: although Santa Cruz itself doesn’t have any large sandy beaches, there are some great beaches close to the city, such as Las Teresitas.

Services: Modern amenities can be found in the city, including supermarkets, restaurants and bars. Visit the old market, where you can not only buy fresh produce, but also eat fresh fish and seafood made for you.

Entertainment: there are many museums, cultural and artistic events. In Santa Cruz you will also find one of the most beautiful botanical parks on the island, Palmetum Park. The infrastructure is also suitable for families with children, with plenty of playgrounds.

Accommodation: various accommodation options. Santa Cruz offers a wide choice of accommodation, from luxury hotels to more economical options.

Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz in North Tenerife is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, historic buildings and lively cultural atmosphere. It is one of the most popular resorts in North Tenerife, and is a favourite with elderly Germans. We are very fond of this town with our children. We recommend it for your holidays in spring, summer or autumn. It is cooler in winter than southern Tenerife and it can rain more often.

Who chooses? This city is the perfect place for both relaxing holidays by the ocean and active leisure activities.

Beaches: Black volcanic sand beaches.

Services: shops, restaurants.

Entertainment: Loro Park, botanical gardens, playgrounds, natural pool park.

Accommodation: cosy hotels and apartments, ideal for families.

So, which Tenerife city to holiday in? It’s up to you, and we hope our in-depth article will help you decide.

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