Tenerife places to stay

Place 10

Santiago del Teide

Located

in the northwest of the island, located between the tourist towns of Los Gigantes and Icod de los Vinos

Reachability

• About 70 kilometers from the north of Tenerife
• To be reached by car via TF-82
• By public transport, take bus line 460 from Playa de los Américas, line 325 from Puerto de la Cruz or line 355 from Buenavista del Norte

The special thing abaout Santiago del Teide?

Santiago del Teide is a municipality in the northwest of Tenerife. Situated about 950 metres above sea level, it offers an impressive view of the pine slopes and rock formations of the Teno. In contrast to the tourist towns, Santiago del Teide is a small, tranquil village and an oasis of peace. For tourists, the municipality is known as a starting point for excursions to the mountain village of Masca and the hellish gorge Barraco del Infierno. On hikes you can also explore the Teno Mountains in the west or the Montana Negras and the Pico del Teide National Park in the east.

What type of holiday is Santiago del Teide suitable for?

Active holidaymakers

In itself, Santiago del Teide is a quiet place, but active holidaymakers can take walks in the Teno mountains from here. Probably the most popular route leads to the mountain village of Masca and to the Masca Gorge. In February there is the famous Almendro en Flor ("Ruta del Almendro en Flor"), which leads to the old pottery village Arguayo.

Best time to visit

• Pleasent climate all year around
• Best months are July, August, September and October with an average temperature of 23°C
• With 9 to 10 hours of sunshine there is hardly any precipitation, but it rains more frequently in the winter months from November to February

Beaches nearby:

further away on the north-west coast near Masca are beaches such as Playa de la Galera, Playa de Juan López and Playa de Masca

Popular sights nearby:

• Santiago de Compostela
• Señorío del Valle
• Mountain village Masca
• Barraco del Infierno
• Arguayo
• Teno-Mountains
• Punta de Teno
• Montana Negras

Shopping:

A popular weekly market in Tenerife ist the Mercadillo del Agricultor in Santiago del Teide – every Saturday and Sunday morning.

Activities in Santiago del Teide

Place 9

Garachico

Located: 

Town at the north coast of Tenerife, between Buenavista del Norte and Icod de los Vinos

Reachability:

• About 50 kilometres from the airport in Tenerife north
• By car via the road TF-42 from Buenavista del Norte to Icod de los Vinos or via TF-5 to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• By public tranfer with line 106 and 363 from Puerto de la Cruz and the lines 461, 460, 363 from Santiago del Teide

The special thing abaout Garachico?

This once very important town was almost completely covered by lava at the beginning of the 18th century during an eruption of the Montaña de Trevejo volcano. But even though Garachico has been rebuilt, the traces of the volcanic eruption can still be traced in the town. The best place to see it is on the coast, where you can still see the lava flows that have been poured into the sea. The town is very busy, especially at weekends, as locals also like to come to the quietly situated Garachico - preferably for a swim in the lava-formed sea pool on the coast.

What type of holiday is Garachico suitable for?

• Beach holidays

Garachico shares a pleasant Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 25°C in the summer months. With water temperatures between 20°C and 25°C, Playa de los Roques and the sea swimming pool are perfect for a day (or more) of swimming and beach fun. 

• Family holiday

With older children who are enthusiastic about cultural and hiking excursions, Garachico is an ideal starting point. The sea swimming pool on the coast is also a great experience in a Tenerife holiday with children!

Best time to visit:

• Mild temperatures all year around
• The best time to travel is in summer, as the warmest months are July, August and September with an average of 24° to 25°C and little rainfall
• From November to June the average temperature is 19°C

Beaches nearby:

Playa de los Roques, Playa del Muelle

Sights nearby:

• Roque de Garachico
• Piscinas Naturales de Caletón
• Castillo de San Miguel
• Puerta de Tierra
• Casa de la Cultura
• Chapel San Roque
• Iglesia de Santa Ana
• Convento de San Francisco de Asís
• Plaza de la la Libertad
• Plaza de Abajo

Shopping:

Garachico is a handicraft centre, offering real Canarian handicrafts and an old cigar workshop for unique souvenirs, along the promenade as well as in Esteban de Ponte.

Activities in Garachio

Place 8

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The capital of the island has many tourist attractions, including the auditorium, numerous interesting museums on the history, art and culture of the island and the lively shopping street Calle Castillo.

Located:

Capital of Tenerife on the north coast of the Atlantic Ocean, south of the Anaga Mountains

Reachability:

• Only 12 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport in the neighbouring town of La Laguna, Tenerife South Airport is 70 kilometres away
• By car via TF-1 with the southwest of the island and via TF-5 with the north coast towards Puerto Cruz
• There are buses from all directions to Santa Cruz de Tenerife (lines 14, 15, 26, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 228, 230, 238, 245, 246, 247 and from the south (lines 13, 110, 111, 112, 115, 116, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 127, 131, 138, 139, 140, 142, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237)

The special thing abaout Santa Cruz de Tenerife?

Even though Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island, it is not the most popular tourist destination in Tenerife. However, as the capital city, Santa Cruz offers everything the heart desires: good connections to other cities, airport and motorway, numerous shopping facilities, museums and green areas, as well as the port of Puerto de Tenerife, where ferries regularly depart for Gran Canaria. A highlight in Santa Cruz, which attracts tourists and locals alike, is the carnival, which puts the city in a colourful, cheerful state of emergency for a whole week.

What type of holiday is Santiago del Teide suitable for?

• Family holiday

Santa Cruz is the ideal holiday destination for families with children, because from here you can easily reach all the sights of Tenerife by car or public transport. At the same time, in the capital of the island you have everything you and your family need!

• Individual holiday

The same applies to individual travellers: While you are staying in Santa Cruz, you can start your voyage of discovery of the island from here.

Best time to visit:

• Pleasant climate all year round
• The highest average temperature in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is 23°C in August and the lowest is 18°C in February
• Rainfall is more frequent between October and March than in summer, with very irregular rainfall

Beaches nearby:

Playa San Andrés, further away are Playa de las Teresitas, Playa la Radazul and Playa las Gaviotas

Popular sights nearby:

• Auditorio Tenerifa Adán Martín
• Plaza de Espana
• Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueologia
• Botanical Garden Palmetum
• Castillo de San Juan Bautísta
• Parque Marítimo César Manrique
• Anaga-Mountain

Shopping:

• Calle Cas
• Centro Commercial Meridiano
• El Corte Inglés Tres Mayo
• Centro Commercial Yumbo

Activities in Santa Cruz

Place 7

La Orotava

The city, which is still an insider tip among Tenerife holidaymakers, is known for its beautiful old town, where you can buy traditional Canary Island handicrafts and Canary Island wines.

Located:

Town located in the municipality of the same name in northern Tenerife, high above Puerto de la Cruz in the Orotava Valley

Reachability:

• About 26 kilometres from the Airport Tenerife North
• By car via TF-5 from Santa Cruz (35km), Tenerife North (26km) and La Laguna (26km) and via TF-312 from Puerto de la Cruz (7km)
• By public transport with bus lines 345 and 352 (from Puerto de la Cruz) or line 108 (from Santa Cruz)

The special thing abaout La Orotava?

La Orotava is still an insider tip among Tenerife travellers, but already a popular destination for tourists looking for the original Canarian flair. The old town of La Orotava - UNESCO World Heritage Site - enchants with its typical Canarian townscape. If you want to bring home Canarian handicrafts like hemstitch embroidery, sand carpets and pottery as souvenirs, there is no way around La Orotava. Moreover, La Orotava Valley is one of the two areas where the local wines of Tenerife are produced. At the same time it is a starting point for one of the most demanding hiking routes, which leads through the El Teide National Park and up to 2,727 metres above sea level.

What type of holiday is Santiago del Teide suitable for?

• Culture holidays

Visitors interested in culture will find museums in La Orotava that exhibit typical Canarian handicrafts, including the famous alfombras (sand carpets), wooden hems, pottery and folklore. Especially the old town of La Orotava is a popular destination to go back to colonial times.

Best time to visit:

• Warm, sunny weather all year round
• All year round the temperature in La Orotava is between 19°C and 24°C
• The month of August is the warmest with air and water temperatures of 24°C

Beaches nearby:

Playa de El Bollulo and Playa el Martianez nearby Puerto de la Cruz

Popular sights nearby:

• La Orotava Valley and Mirador Humboldt
• Casa de los Balcones
• Casa Tafuriaste
• Museo de Alfombras
• Iglesia de la Concepción y su Tesoro

Shopping:

• Mercadillo
• La Villa Centro Comercial 

Activities in La Orotava

Place 6

Güímar

The area around Güímar is visited for its breathtaking volcanic landscape from Montana Grande to the coast, a special attraction are the pyramids of Güímar

Located:

Municipality in the province of Santa Cruz, in the southeast of Tenerife, 28 kilometres southwest of Santa Cruz

Reachability:

• About 30 kilometres from Tenerife North Airport and 40 kilometres from Tenerife South
• By car via Autopista del Sur - exit 11 to Güímar
• By public bus: line 120 (Santa Cruz to Puertito), 121 (Santa Cruz to Arafo), 124 (Santa Cruz to Candelaria), 126 (Arafo to Candelaria) and 127 (Santa Cruz to Güímar)

The special thing about Güimar?

Güímar is known beyond the borders of Tenerife for its Güimar Pyramids. While this sight of Tenerife attracts a lot of attention, Güímar itself is an idyllic, cosy place on the south-east coast of Tenerife. Güímar is one of the oldest places on Tenerife and therefore particularly worth a visit for its cultural and historical sights.

Best time to visit:

• Warm, sunny weather all year round
• The warmest months are July, August, September and October with an average of 25° to 28°C and up to 13 hours of sunshine
• Mild, summery temperatures from November to May with 20°C

What type of holiday ist Güímar suitable for?

• Cultural holiday

Güímar is a destination for tourists with a special interest in culture who want to discover the archaeological, historical and ethnographic heritage of Tenerife around the pyramids of Guímar, the archaeological park "Parque Etnográfico Piramides de Güimar" and the nature reserve Malpaís de Güímar.

• Family holidays

Güímar is a perfect holiday destination for families with older children who enjoy exploring museums, exhibitions and nature reserves!

Beaches nearby:

in El Puertito de Güímar Playa de la Entrada, Playa del Soccoro de Güímar, Playa del Cabezo (with dog beach)

Popular sights nearby:

• Parque Etnográfico and Pyramids of Güímar
• Nature Park „Malpaís de Güímar“
• Nature Park “Montana Grande”
• Cueva Honda
• Iglesia de San Pedro
• Valle de Güìmar
• Chinguaro

Shopping:

There are no big shopping centres and promenades in Güímar, only in the new part of the city towards the bus station and in the old town there are small, charming shops and boutiques. The next big shopping centre is the island capital Santa Cruz, which is about 30 minutes away by car.

Activities in Güímar

Place 5

Icod de Los Vinos

This town in the north-west of Tenerife is famous for the world's largest and oldest dragon tree and for one of the most famous caves in Tenerife

Located:

at the north coast of Tenerife

Reachability:

• About 50 kilometres from the Airport Tenerife North
• By car via road TF-5 from Puerto de la Cruz, the TF-82 from Adeje via Santiago del Teide or via coastal road TF-42 towards Buenavista del Norte
• By public bus: lines 106 and 363 from Puerto de la Cruz and lines Linien 461, 460 and 363 from Santiago del Teide

The special thing abaout Icod de los Vinos?

Icod de los Vinos is one of the most famous places on Tenerife, because it is home to the Drago El Milenario - the oldest dragon tree in the world. Many tourists, but also locals visit the almost 1000 year old, 20 meter high dragon tree. But the area is just as popular for a visit to a bodega to taste the wines grown in the region. On 29 November the popular Fieste da San Andrés takes place, which attracts not only wine lovers to Icod de los Vinos.

What type of holidays is Icod de los Vinos suitable for?

• Family holidays

Excursions to Drago El Milenario, the nearby Butterfly House or the Cueva del Viento, one of Tenerife's caves, are made for children! Parents can enjoy a siesta with one of the local wines grown in Icod de los Vinos as a reward.

• Individual holiday

As a city traveller, your holiday in Tenerife should also take you to Icod de Los Vinos, from where you can also go hiking and cycling to Pico del Teide or along the north coast of Tenerife.

Best travel time:

• mild climate all year around
• the warmest months are July, August, September and October with an average of 23°C, around 10 hours of sunshine per day and little rainfall

Beaches nearby:

Playa San Marco

Popular sights nearby:

• Parque del Drago with dragon tree „El Milenario“
• Cueva del Viento
• Plaza de la Pila
• Butterfly park El Mariposario del Drago
• Playa San Marco

Shopping:

As a popular holiday resort and tourist destination, Icod de los Vinos offers numerous shopping facilities. In the city centre around the Plaza de la Pila you will find a variety of brand shops, souvenir shops and boutiques.

Activities in Icod de los Vinos

Place 4

Los Gigantes

Located:

Part of the municipality of Santiago del Teide in southwest Tenerife

Reachability: 

• About 41 kilometres from Airport Tenerife South
• By car via road TF-1 
• By public bus: lines 325 462 473 477 493 to Los Gigantes

Special thing about Los Gigantes?

The landmark of Los Gigantes is its ten-kilometre long cliff, the Acantilados de Los Gigantes, which offers spectacular views from land and sea. Los Gigantes is a popular starting point for whale watching tours. 

Best travel time: 

• mild, sunny climate all year around
• between May and November minimum 21° and maximum 27°C

What type of holiday ist Los Gigantes suitable for?

• Beach holiday

Los Gigantes is an ideal place for a seaside and beach holiday due to the good weather conditions all year round. As the place is rather quiet, you will find here mainly rest and relaxation. 

• Active holidays

Especially popular is Los Gigantes among tourists who love hiking and climbing and who want to discover the rocky scenery on foot. Motorboat, sailing and catamaran excursions are also used to explore the cliffs and the whales and dolphins that can be seen in front of them. 

Beaches nearby:

Playa de la Arena, Playa de los Guíos, Playa de Santiago

Popular sights nearby:

• Acantilados de Los Gigantes
• Cueva La Cava
• Santiago de Teide
• Whale and dolphin watching

Shopping:

• Supermercado Los Gigantes
• Mercadona
• HiperDino Express in Puerto Santiago and Playa la Arena 

Activities in Los Gigantes

Place 3

Los Cristanos and Playa de las Amerícas

Los Cristianos is located in the southwest of the island, about 77 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Together with the directly adjacent Playa de las Américas and other districts of Arona and Adeje, this place has the highest number of tourists in the south of Tenerife.

Located:

Situated in the municipality of Arona, on the southwest coast of Tenerife

Reachability:

• about 15 kilometres west of Tenerife South Airport
• by car via road TF-1
• by public bus: lines 110 and 460 or 473 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, also the lines 460 and 473 from Santiago del Teide

Special thing abaout Los Cristianos?

Nearly imperceptibly, the towns of Los Cristianos and Playa Las Américas - two of Tenerife's tourist strongholds - merge into one another. Los Cristianos is the secret capital of the largest of the Canary Islands, whose hub is its busy port. From here ferries leave for the neighbouring island of La Gomera, and the Puertito de Los Cristianos is also the starting point for boat trips for fishing and diving. In Playa Las Américas, everything happens around the promenade - here you will find Tenerife's nightlife in the many bars and clubs! Together these places also represent the shopping paradise of the island!

What type of holiday are Los Cristianos and Playa Las Américas suitable for?

• All kinds of holiday

Being a tourist resort, Los Cristianos appeals to all Tenerife holidaymakers - young and older travellers, singles and couples as well as families with children. The city on the southwest coast of Tenerife offers everything from beach relaxation to exploring the neighbouring islands, water sports on the sea or in the amusement parks and theme parks of the region!

• Individual holiday

Los Cristianos is the right starting point for tourists who want to organise their own holidays in Tenerife. The good connections, the port and the proximity of the southern airport make the various excursions to the north, west and east of Tenerife easier. There is always something to experience here!

Best travel time:

• warm, sunny weather all year around
• the warmest months are huly, August and September with up to 29°C and up to 11 hours of sunshine
• even in the winter months it remains pleasantly warm with an average of 21°C

Beaches nearby:

Playa de los Cristianos, Playa de las Vistas, Playa de Camison, Playa de Las Américas

Popular sights nearby:

• Monkey Park
• Aqualand
• Siam Park
• Playa Las Américas
• La Gomera

Shopping:

Los Cristianos is a real shopping paradise! Along the promenade in the nearby Los Cristianos market, traders sell traditional Canarian handicrafts and clothing. Away from the promenade you will find countless shops and boutiques that invite you to go on extended shopping trips.

Activities in Los Cristanos and Playa de las Amerícas

Place 2

San Cristóbal de la Laguna

San Cristóbal de La Laguna, pronounced only La Laguna by islanders, is a student town 550 metres above sea level west of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Located:

in the northeast of Tenerife

Reachability:

• about 3 kilometres from Tenerife Airport North, 70 kilometer from Tenerife Airport South
• by car via TF-5 to Puerto de la Cruz (north) and Santa Cruz (south-east), via TF-2 and TF-1 towards Güímar
• by public transport: by tram from Santa Cruz (to Trinidad)

Special thing about La Laguna?

Sán Crisobal de La Laguna is the cultural capital of Tenerife - its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The well-preserved Canarian manor houses in their typical colourful paintings still bear witness to the colonial period. Guided city tours are very popular, where you can trace the history of Tenerife. At the same time La Laguna is a student city, which is anything but quiet in the evening and night hours. In short, in La Laguna you will have no trouble finding any kind of diversion to make your Tenerife holiday exciting!

What type of holiday is La Laguna suitable for?

• Cultural holiday

For those interested in culture, a trip to La Laguna and a tour of the historic city centre is a must! In addition, the resort offers other opportunities to trace Canarian tradition - especially in the many museums in the city.

• Family holiday

Best travel time:

• pleasent temperatures all year around 
• best time to travel is from May to November with mild temperatures, up to 10 hours of sunshine per day and low rainfall
• warmest month is August with 23°C, the lowest temperatures are in January with 19°C

Beaches nearby:

far away at the north east coast and at the south east coast

Popular sights nearby:

• Old town
• Museo de la Ciencia y el Cosmos
• Museo de Historia de Tenerife
• Museo de la Ciena y el Cosmos
• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
• Convento de Santa Catalina
• Palacio Episcopal

Shopping:

Laguna Shopping Centre
Centro Commercial Los Venezolanos
Centro Commercial La Laguna and Galaxia

Activities in San Cristóbal de la Laguna

Place 1

Puerto de la Cruz

The city in the north of Tenerife is a real tourist attraction for cultural, but also bathing and beach holidays, a popular destination is the Loro Parque with the largest parrot collection in the world

Located:

at the north coast of Tenerife

Reachability:

• about 30 kilometres from Airport Tenerife North
• by car via TF-5 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Icod de los Vinos
• by public bus: with all lines, Puerto de la Cruz is the hub for bus services in Tenerife

Special thing abaout Puerto de la Cruz?

Puerto de la Cruz is a unique location: not far from the evergreen Orotava Valley, the majestic Pico del Teide at its back and the Atlantic Ocean with black lava beaches on the doorstep. Especially the beaches are a good argument for Puerto de la Cruz as a holiday resort, especially surfers and other water sports enthusiasts get their money's worth at Playa Martíanez. The city is also known for the largest parrot park in Europe - the Loro-Parque in the west of the city.

What type of holiday ist Puerto de la Cruz suitable for?

• Cultural holiday

If you are looking for cultural diversion during your Tenerife holiday, Puerto de la Cruz may be just the place for you. Its many museums, churches and botanical gardens invite you to discover the culture, nature and religion of Tenerife.

• Family holiday

For families with children, Puerto de la Cruz is a popular holiday destination on Tenerife because there is so much to discover! Not least the Loro-Parque, for which the city and Tenerife are famous, attracts many tourists (and children) every year.

• Beach holiday

Puerto de la Cruz is particularly popular for beach and seaside holidaymakers, as it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Tenerife, such as Playa Martíanez.

Best travel time:

• mild, sunny waether all year around
• annual average temperature 21°C
• the warmest months are from July to October, with an average of 23°C and 10 hours of sunshine per day, and rain is increasingly concentrated only in October and November

Beaches nearby:

Playa Martíanez, Playa Chica, Playa El Rincón, Playa de El Bollulu

Popular sights nearbye:

• Bathing complex Lago Martíanez
• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Eduardo Westerdahl
• Botanical garden Playa Jardin and Jardín Botanico
• Jardin de Orquideas
• Loro-Parque
• Plaza del Charco
• Parque Taoro
• Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia
• Plaza del Charco de los Camarones
• Promenade Avenida Cristobal Colón
• Las Piramides de Martianez
• Centro Comercial La Villa

Activities in Puerto de la Cruz