Choosing where to stay is the most important decision for a holiday in Tenerife, because the north and the south feel like two different islands. The south is sunny, dry and full of resorts. The north is green, traditional and much more local. Here is how to choose, from someone who has lived here all his life.
Quick answer: for guaranteed sun and beaches, stay in the south: Costa Adeje for comfort, Los Cristianos for families, Las Américas for nightlife, El Médano for wind sports. For local life, history and nature, stay in the north: Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava or La Laguna.
North vs south at a glance
| South | North | |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Sunnier and drier | Milder, more cloud, greener |
| Beaches | Calm golden beaches | Black sand, natural pools, wilder sea |
| Atmosphere | Resorts, international | Local towns, traditional |
| Food | International and Canarian | Guachinches and local restaurants |
| Best for | Beach holidays, families, nightlife | Exploring, hiking, culture |
The best areas in the south
Costa Adeje
The most upmarket area of the island, with big hotels, a long seafront promenade and beaches like Playa del Duque and Fañabe. Ideal for a comfortable, relaxing holiday with good restaurants nearby.
Los Cristianos
A former fishing town that is now a busy resort, with the calm Playa de Las Vistas and the ferry port for La Gomera. Easy, flat and practical, which makes it popular with families and older travellers.
Playa de Las Américas
The liveliest part of the island, with bars, clubs and plenty of restaurants, plus surf schools on the beach. Great if you want nightlife, less so if you want peace and quiet.
El Médano
A relaxed town near the south airport, with a young, local feel and a long beach. It is one of the windiest places on the island, so it is perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and less ideal for lying on the sand.
Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago
On the sunny west coast, below the huge cliffs of Los Gigantes. Quieter than the big resorts, with stunning sunsets and boat trips to see whales and dolphins.
The best areas in the north
Puerto de la Cruz
The classic holiday town of the north, with a pretty old centre, Playa Jardín and the Lago Martiánez pools. It is a great base for exploring the north and Teide, with a more Canarian atmosphere than the south.
La Orotava
A beautiful historic town above Puerto de la Cruz, perfect for a quieter stay in a rural hotel or holiday home, close to the road up to Teide.
La Laguna
My home town. A UNESCO World Heritage city with a lively student atmosphere, close to the Anaga mountains, the north airport and the beach of Las Teresitas. Ideal if you like culture, food and walking around an old town. It is cooler and cloudier than the coast, so bring a jacket for the evenings.
Punta del Hidalgo, Bajamar and Garachico
Small coastal villages for travellers who want peace, the sea and nature. Punta del Hidalgo, where I grew up, and its neighbour Bajamar have natural sea pools, the beautiful beach of El Arenal and the start of hiking trails into Anaga. Garachico is a charming historic town with the lava pools of El Caletón.
Which area for which kind of trip?
- Families with young children: Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje.
- Couples: Costa Adeje, Los Gigantes or La Orotava.
- Nightlife: Playa de Las Américas.
- Surf, windsurf and kitesurf: El Médano or Las Américas.
- Hiking and nature: Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava or Punta del Hidalgo.
- Culture and local life: La Laguna.
Local tip: the island is not huge. Many visitors stay in the south for the sun and rent a car for a few days to explore the north. Read my tips on renting a car and the best things to do in Tenerife.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in the north or the south of Tenerife?
The south if your priority is sun and beaches. The north if you want a more authentic Tenerife, greener landscapes and local food. Both are good bases with a car.
Which airport should I fly to?
Tenerife South airport is closest to the southern resorts. Tenerife North airport, near La Laguna, is closer to Puerto de la Cruz and the north. Check both when you book flights.
Is the north of Tenerife always cloudy?
No, but it has more cloud than the south, especially in summer. That is why it is so green. Many days are sunny, and it is rarely cold on the coast.
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