Where should you stay in Tenerife? It’s a question many travellers ask, and for good reason. This Canary Island is surprisingly large and incredibly diverse. While most visitors automatically gravitate towards the well-known, sunny resorts in the south, such as Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, they’re not necessarily the best places to stay. The guaranteed sunshine and long sandy beaches in the south are certainly tempting, but in our opinion, staying there alone means missing out on the true soul of Tenerife. From characterful colonial towns and rugged volcanic coastlines to enchanting misty forests and traditional vineyards, Tenerife has so many beautiful and unique places to stay.
Our advice: split your stay between two parts of the island
Tenerife is far too diverse to stay in just one place, which is why we recommend splitting your stay between two different parts of the island. If you want to make the most of your trip and stay in places that might just surprise you, this is without a doubt the best way to experience Tenerife.
For your first stay on the island, choose the authentic and lush northern part of Tenerife. From here, you can easily explore the interior, and you’ll be amazed at just how incredibly diverse and multifaceted the area is. Choose a small-scale boutique hotel in La Laguna or La Orotava, or a charming finca nestled among the vineyards or banana plantations. Use your stay in the north to plan fun outings, such as visiting El Teide and a local winery, as well as going on impressive hikes.
After that, stay in the sunny and relaxed south or west of Tenerife. After spending a few days exploring the island, you’ll have plenty of time to fully enjoy the warm climate. And be sure to take that refreshing dip in the ocean!
The best villages to stay in Northern Tenerife
Northern Tenerife is wonderfully green, steeped in history and rich in cultural diversity. While the south is best known for its sunshine and beaches, the north offers charming cobbled streets, colonial mansions, rugged volcanic coastlines and authentic Canarian restaurants. These are our favourite villages and towns to stay in northern Tenerife:
1. Garachico
Garachico is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and authentic towns on the island. In the early 18th century, the town was largely destroyed by a volcanic eruption, which created the iconic natural pools (El Caletón) in the solidified lava along the coast. The town center is cozy, full of historic little squares, and wonderfully peaceful at the end of the day once the day-trippers have left.
Two great places to stay here are:
- Hotel San Roque: a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion.
- La Quinta Roja: a classic Canarian building on the main square.
Hotel San Roque
Stay overnight in an 18th-century mansion.
La Quinta Roja
Accommodations in classic Canarian style.
2. San Cristóbal de La Laguna
La Laguna is the former capital of Tenerife and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. If you visit La Laguna, you’ll experience a lively student atmosphere. You’ll also find fantastic coffee shops, delicious tapas bars, and the island’s most beautiful colorful facades. Because the city is situated at a higher elevation, you might experience fog, rain, and sunshine all in a single day.
Our tip for an authentic stay in La Laguna:
- Casa Rural La Asomada del Gato: a small hotel located in a historic building right in the heart of La Laguna.
Casa Rural La Asomada del Gato
A cozy boutique hotel right in the historic heart of La Laguna.
3. La Orotava
Nestled in the beautiful Orotava Valley, with views of Mount Teide on clear days, lies the historic town of La Orotava. It’s best known for its traditional houses with beautifully preserved wooden balconies, including the famous Casa de los Balcones, as well as its stunning landscaped gardens and steep, cobbled streets. La Orotava is also an excellent base for exploring Mount Teide and the Anaga Mountains, two of the best things to do in Tenerife!
Some great places to stay:
- Hotel Rural Victoria: a charming 16th-century mansion in the heart of the historic center.
- Hotel Jardin Secreto: a unique hotel in the traditional Canarian style.
Hotel Rural Victoria
Historic charm in a 16th-century mansion.
Hotel Jardin Secreto
An old Canarian-style boutique hotel.
The best places to stay in Southern Tenerife
After a few days filled with culture, hiking and exploring in the north, it’s time for the second part of your holiday: unwinding in the sunny south or southwest of Tenerife. Here are our favourite places to stay in southern Tenerife:
1. Costa Adeje and La Caleta
If you’re looking for a place where everything is within easy reach, Costa Adeje is an excellent choice in southern Tenerife. Within this area, we particularly recommend the quieter neighbourhood around La Caleta. This former fishing village is known for its fantastic seafood restaurants, and you’ll also find some lovely hotels here.
Our hotel recommendations are:
- Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur: a beautiful resort built in the classic Canarian colonial style.
- Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife: We actually stayed here ourselves! A unique hotel with a striking music theme. It is, however, on a larger scale than we usually recommend.
- Royal Hideaway Corales Suites: an exclusive design hotel inspired by the shape of a ship.
Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur
Pure luxury and a boutique atmosphere in Costa Adeje.
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
A unique music-themed stay in Tenerife.
Royal Hideaway Corales Suites
A five-star stay at an exclusive design hotel.
2. Los Cristianos
Another popular place to stay in southern Tenerife is Los Cristianos, where a lively atmosphere goes hand in hand with beautiful sandy beaches and stunning sunsets. Even in the busier seaside resorts, we know where to find charming places with plenty of character. One lovely place to stay here is:
- Reverón Plaza Hotel: a small, traditional family-run hotel that has been operated with great passion for generations.
Reverón Plaza Hotel
A classic family hotel with a rooftop terrace and a pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Helpful Tips for Your Vacation in Tenerife
As we mentioned earlier in this article, the Canary Island of Tenerife offers incredible variety, so our best tip for your vacation is to get out and explore. Would you like to hike through the fairytale-like Anaga Mountains, climb the impressive El Teide volcano, or go whale watching? Start planning your vacation to Tenerife with our articles full of tips:
- What to Do in Tenerife? Our Personal Tips and the Best Attractions
- Discover the UNESCO City of La Laguna: The Best Tips and Hotspots
- Carnival in Tenerife: An Incredible Experience in Santa Cruz
Rent a car in Tenerife
If you follow our tip to stay in two different places on the island, a rental car is definitely a good idea. It lets you drive at your own pace from the green north to the sunny south, and discover the most beautiful viewpoints and hidden coves that no bus can reach. Even if you’re staying in just one place on Tenerife, a rental car is highly recommended for exploring the island!
Let Travander create a custom trip of your dreams
Don't feel like spending hours searching for the best small-scale spots, the perfect rental car, and a logical route between the north and the south? We'd be happy to help!
As travel advisors, we’ll put together a unique vacation for you that’s perfectly tailored to your wishes. And it’s not just about great accommodations and a rental car. We’re also happy to recommend exciting excursions, such as kayaking along the cliffs of Los Gigantes and stargazing on Mount Teide. We also know some great spots for a relaxing meditation or yoga class among the banana plantations. Want to know more? Schedule a no-obligation consultation with us at!
