Tenerife is the absolute dream of an island. Only three hours away by plane lies a paradise full of black sand beaches, tropical weather, and clear water. If you have already booked your flights to Tenerife and are wondering where to stay in Tenerife, you came to the right place. In September 2021, I spent 10 days in Tenerife and got the chance to explore the island and stay in different types of accommodations, from All-Inclusive hotels to Airbnbs and hostels. When it comes to accommodation in Tenerife, you will find options for all budgets and preferences: Tenerife has many hostels, all-inclusive hotels, rural houses, holiday apartments and so much more. The tips I mention in this blog post result from the experiences I had during my visit. And make sure to read until the end. I even included some unique places to stay like a ‘honeymoon van’ or a hotel that is renting out capsules. And I promise I included different accommodation options for ALL budgets. Let’s jump into it:
This Post is part of my Tenerife series. You should check out the following posts as well:
- Tenerife Bucket List: 14 Attractions you cannot miss during your stay
- Spend a perfect day in Puerto de la Cruz
- The ultimate one week Tenerife Itinerary
- 9 Typical Spanish Expressions you need to know before visiting Tenerife
Before deciding where to stay in Tenerife:
Decide how you are getting around the island!
Tenerife seems like a small island, and it is. It won’t take you long to drive from the North of the island to the South. But if you decide to take public transport, it gets a little bit more complicated. Don’t get scared, public transport in Tenerife is very reliable and affordable. But in case you decide to always take a bus to reach another town, make sure you check beforehand how long it is going to take you. You do not want to spend half of the day on a bus!
Renting a car in Tenerife is very affordable as well. You should calculate around 20-30 Euros per day, plus the gasoline you spend. I would definitely recommend renting a car in Tenerife. Of course, the obvious benefit is that you are much more flexible with a car. But another amazing thing is that you can always stop at beautiful view spots or local restaurants during the car ride. That’s why I’d say renting a car for at least one day is a must.
I recommend rentalcars.com in order to compare prices all over the island. They have very cheap options and you can decide where you want to pick up and leave the car. When my boyfriend and I wanted to spontaneously rent a car in Tenerife, we were very surprised as there were no cars available anywhere, only at the airport. Unfortunately, the rental car places at the airport are the most expensive ones. I am still angry about the fact that we had to go with an expensive option just because we did not book a car in advance. That is why I would recommend using Rentalcars.com instead. I have never had problems with them and the whole process is just so easy. When I used them in Portugal, we even got an upgrade on our car!
The Parking Situation in Tenerife
I probably made you very happy when I told you that renting a car in Tenerife is affordable. Unfortunately, parking isn’t. I remember we were in La Laguna when we tried to find a free parking spot, but we were not able to. We ended up paying around 5 Euros for 3 hours. If you end up staying the night in bigger cities, make sure to budget for parking as well. And if you check where to stay, make sure to check if parking is included. It can save you a lot of money!
High Season and Low Season in Tenerife
The good news is that you can visit Tenerife the whole year-round. The weather will be great and you will have an amazing time. But you should know that accommodation tends to get more expensive during the high season, which is in December due to Christmas. Easter is also very important for Spaniards so you can expect the island to be crowded as well. July and August are also very popular months because many Spanish people escape the unbearable cold on the mainland and escape to the islands.
Let’s start with the best places to stay in Tenerife:
1. Stay in Santa Cruz for big city vibes!
Santa Cruz is the capital of Tenerife and a very important harbor city of Tenerife. It is known to be very cosmopolitan and international, but at the same time has many historical buildings and other sights from colonial times. I would not recommend staying longer than two nights here. There is so much more to explore on the island!
€: Tenerife experience hostel
A very cute hostel in the very city center. The owners are really nice and can give you great recommendations about the city. If you are looking for affordable accommodation in Santa Cruz, this is your place to go! Even breakfast is included, and we were able to find free public parking not too far from the hostel
€€: Hotel colon rambla
This hotel will make you forget that you are in the biggest city in Tenerife. It is surrounded by many plants and palm trees making it look like a big garden. In the middle of it is a beautiful outdoor swimming pool where you can go swimming in privacy. The location is perfect since it’s right in the middle between the port of Santa Cruz and Playa Teresitas.
€€: Palacio de Daoiz lofts
This is a 5 Star Hotel and it’s so affordable! The location looks perfect and you will have all the important attractions of Santa Cruz within walking distance. I even saved this place for when I am coming back to Tenerife.
€€€: IBErostar heritage grand mencey
This is another 5 Star Hotel and it is located in a colonial-style building. It looks absolutely stunning and has a very beautiful interior patio. The area of the hotel is quiet and residential. The perfect place to stay in Santa Cruz if you want to relax.
2. Stay in San Andrés for a relaxed weekend and enjoy the beach!
San Andrés is a small village that was built on a hill right next to the beach. It is famous for being close to “Playa de las Teresitas”, which for many tourists is the most beautiful beach in Tenerife. Especially families enjoy staying there because the beach is easily accessible and does not have strong waves. There are no hotels in San Andrés (at least none that I could find), so you will have to choose a holiday apartment.
€€: Casa Julia
This holiday apartment is right at the beach of Playa de las Teresitas, so you will wake up every morning to an absolutely gorgeous view. How about having breakfast on the terrace facing the beach? And once you are leaving the house you are basically at the beach. And the best part: Parking is free of charge. Perfect if you are renting a car.
€€€: Home2Book Sea Front Las Teresitas
This holiday apartment fits up to four people and is facing the beach as well. It looks very well equipped and the furniture looks very new. It is only a 5-minute walk to the beach, but therefore it is closer to the center of San Andrés.
3. The best places to stay in Puerto de la Cruz, a must for your Tenerife trip!
Puerto de la Cruz used to be a small fishing village, but it gained major importance for Tenerife when trade to the Spanish mainland increased. The best thing is that parts of Puerto de la Cruz still look very colonial. I enjoyed walking around the old town and the old harbor a lot. But at the same time, you will find many bars, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. Puerto de la Cruz has many all-inclusive resorts, hotels, and holiday apartments. Here are the best places to stay in Puerto de la Cruz:
€: Puerto NEST HOSTEL
This hostel is located right at the beachfront in Puerto de la Cruz and offers rooms, mixed and female dormitories. The area is very good and what I love about it is that it seems very social. They offer activities in the evenings and it seems like the perfect place to connect with fellow travelers. A very affordable hostel in Puerto de la Cruz.
€€: Hotel Blue SEA Interpalace
We stayed at this all-inclusive hotel for a couple of days during our stay in Puerto de la Cruz. If you keep in mind, that the all-inclusive option includes three meals every day, it is a great value for the price you pay. If you are looking for a family-friendly place, meals included, and activities during the evening, this is your place to go.
€€€: H10 Tenerife Playa
This place is perfect if you want to spoil yourself and just enjoy staying right at the beach at Puerto de la Cruz. It is one of the most beautiful hotels in town and offers everything you could ask from a hotel. Apart from that, it is only a short walk away from the historical center and right at the beachfront. There cannot be a better location than that!
I wrote a complete guide about what you can do in Puerto de la Cruz, that you can find here. Pssst, I even tell you where my favorite sunset spot is.
4. Stay in Tenerife’s historical centre: San Cristobal de la Laguna
I can guarantee you will fall in love with San Cristobal de la Laguna. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and once you stay there you will understand why: This little city is full of museums from colonial times. The historical center has so many narrow streets with colorful buildings. My favorite spot was the museum ‘Casa Museo Felipe Cayetano’. Make sure to check it out!
€: Finca Rural La Casa Verde Shalom Tenerife
Did you ever want to stay in a traditional townhouse in Tenerife? Then this is your chance! I was surprised by how affordable this place is! The only downside is that you should have a car if you want to stay there. It is outside of the city center of La Laguna.
€€: Laguna Nivaria Hotel & Spa
This stunning hotel is located in a gorgeous mansion from the 16th century. Even the furniture and the decoration are very colonial-style. It is located in the historical center of La Laguna, which means that the most important attractions of San Cristobal de la Laguna are only a couple of minutes away. The airport of Tenerife North is very close, too!
€€€: Hotel Boutique San Diego
This luxury boutique hotel in La Laguna looks very classy and the interior looks absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for a place that has a beautiful interior and want to spend some time in the garden (Look at the photos, that garden is perfect!) this is your place to go. Apart from that, it is located in the center of La Laguna. So you can reach all important attractions easily.
5. The best places to stay in Garachico, the hidden gem of Tenerife
Garachico is a small town in the North of Tenerife, and you will be surprised by how beautiful and idyllic it is. It is famous for being attacked by pirates for centuries. Crazy, right? Apart from that, there are great piscinas naturales (natural pools) in Garachico you have to check out. One of the most beautiful natural pools in Tenerife!
€: Trevejo Hostel
You know I love hostels, which is why I want to include this hostel in Garachico. It has shared dorms and family rooms, but you should not be scared. Shared dorms mean you will have no issue meeting new people to travel with. The location is great, too. And you can reach all the important attractions of Garachico on foot.
€€: Hotel La Quinta Roja THe Senses Collection
This hotel looks like it’s from a fairytale: It is located in a townhouse from the 16th century and still has a colonial flair in it, thanks to the classical furniture and detailed decoration. This patio is really stunning as well. And check out the rooms! I am obsessed with the interior.
€€€: Hotel San ROQUE
Another beautiful hotel in Tenerife in a mansion from colonial times. This hotel is located in a townhouse from the 18th century. And it is right next to Playa Garachico. I love the interior patio of this hotel. Imagine having a glass of wine there after a day of exploring Tenerife? And the best: This hotel has free parking!
6. Stay in La Orotava, the most beautiful town of Tenerife
La Orotava is famous for the “casa de balcones“, a beautiful colonial townhouse that is furnished like a traditional townhouse was in colonial times. It has so many beautiful details and that is why it is probably the most important attraction of La Orotava. The town itself is so colorful and well preserved. I am sure you will enjoy it a lot. Here are the best places to stay in La Orotava:
€: Hostel Tenerife
This hostel has so many great reviews, I am sure you will enjoy your stay there. Apart from that, you get access to free bikes, which is amazing, because there are so many attractions around La Orotava that you can explore by bike!
€€: Hotel alhambra
Wow! Make sure to check out this place because it looks absolutely beautiful. This hotel really reminds me of the “Alhambra” in Granada. The interior is absolutely beautiful. The location is impeccable, too. You can reach “la casa de los balcones” walking.
7. Stay in Playa de las Americas and enjoy Tenerife’s nightlife!
Do you really want to go out dancing and explore the nightlife of Tenerife? Then Playa de las Americas is THE place to go. It is famous for its shopping opportunities and vibrant nightlife. Europe’s biggest water park, the Siam Park, is not too far either. Playa de las Americas is full of big hotel complexes and all-inclusive hotels. This is the standard type of accommodation you will find there. By the way, Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofia airport) is only a short drive away.
€€: Alegria Barranco
This is one of the cheapest options I found and they have great reviews as well. It is only a short walk away from Playa de las Americas. Each of the apartments has a kitchen where you can cook food. This place is perfect if you do not feel like booking an all-inclusive place but prefer to cook your own food or go to restaurants instead. A family-friendly choice as well.
€€€: Europe Villa Cortes GL
This hotel is for everyone who really wants to relax and spoil themselves during their stay in Tenerife. It is located right at the beachfront and looks like a castle from the fairytale. The interior is absolutely stunning. It has more than 6 restaurants and the best part: Breakfast is included.
8. The best places to stay in Costa Adeje, Tenerife’s most luxurious area
Costa Adeje is a very dreamy area of Tenerife that is famous for its fancy and luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels. People that stay in Costa Adeje usually go to one of the big hotel complexes and have a relaxing beach vacation. But the location is also perfect if you would like to visit other parts of Tenerife as well. Mount Teide, the national park surrounding Tenerife’s volcano, is only a short drive away. As you can imagine, these places are more of the upper price range. There are so many options when it comes to accommodation in Costa Adeje, that is why I included a couple of more places than in the other areas:
€: Endless summer house
I really wanted to add a budget option for Costa Adeje and found this beautiful hostel with shared dorms. And the best part: Breakfast is included. Imagine having a nice breakfast and coffee on this beautiful terrace It is only a short walk away from the beach. Overall, a great option for Costa Adeje.
€€: Sunset Harbour Club By Diamond Resorts
This is a great mid-range place to stay in Costa Adeje, if you want to stay in the fancy area of Tenerife but do not want to spend too much. It is a hotel that is right at the beachfront that rents out whole studios and apartments. So you can even cook yourself if you do not feel like eating in the hotel’s restaurant.
€€: Antlantic holiday hotel
Another great mid-range option for Adeje that proves that staying in Costa Adeje does not have to be expensive. This hotel is located at the very beach. Imagine the view you will have from the swimming pool. The rocks look very impressive By the way, this place is family-friendly!
€€€: GF Victoria
This is a very popular 5-star hotel with amazing reviews and great value for money. It has the option to book all-inclusive, which means you can get three meals a day at the hotel. It is only 150m away from the next beach. But looking at the hotel picture, I would be already happy just to relax at the pool.
€€€: HARD ROCK HOTEL
If you are a fan of Hard Rock Hotels, you will fall in love with this one. It is located in a quiet area of Adeje to give you a bit of privacy during your stay. The interior looks very modern and stylish. And look at this beautiful blue piano! This hotel is very luxurious and has everything you could ask for during your stay in Tenerife.
€€€€: Hotel River & SPA
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful luxury hotel that I am mentioning in this blog post. The reason why is that it is famous for its luxurious interior and, at the same time, offers maximum privacy for its guests. The hotel complex has several swimming pools, restaurants, and bars. The views from the terraces are incredible. If you want to relax for a couple of days and are looking for a place in Costa Adeje for a special occasion, this is it. Keep in mind: The minimum stay is 3 nights!
€€€€: Iberostar Selection Sábila – Adults Only
Very impressive hotel, right at the beach in Costa Adeje. The whole hotel complex looks so dreamy and modern. And wow, look at the beautiful interior of the rooms! This will be the perfect place to relax in Tenerife. Puerto Colón, the area of Adeje with restaurants and bars is only a short walk away. To me, an absolute dream accommodation!
€€€€: Royal Hideaway Corales Beach
Ok, I have to admit I have an absolute weakness for bathtubs in the bedroom (don’t ask me why!). But this place has everything you could ask from a luxury hotel: A bathtub in the bedroom, a whirlpool on your hotel room terrace, a gorgeous interior, several outdoor swimming pools… The list does not end! And please check the view from the outdoor swimming pool to the ocean. Just take my credit card already…
9. Stay in Los Gigantes and check out one of the most beautiful beaches of Tenerife
The area of Los Gigantes is famous for its high rock formations that you can admire right from the beach. In some parts, these are more than 600m high. I attached a photo here so you can see the beautiful view from Playa los Gigantes. It is a very chill area of Tenerife and perfect if you are a fan of hiking or want to do a day trip to Teide National Park.
€€: Top View Acantilados de Los Gigantes
This is an apartment right at the beachfront and the harbor of Los Gigantes. According to the reviews, it is perfect for couples. Imagine having breakfast at this terrace with views over those huge rock formations! I am saving this place for when I am visiting Los Gigantes.
€€€: Royal Sun Resort
This hotel is one of the best choices in Los Gigantes. It is located on top of the cliffs giving you the best views of all of Tenerife. It is located in a quieter area outside of the center of Los Gigantes. I’d recommend going by car if you decide to stand there. The hotel offers parking spaces that cost 5 euros a day.
€€€€: Red Level at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora – Adults Only
I wanted to add this hotel to this list since the first time I saw it. It is located in the middle between Los Gigantes and San Juan, which means that you will have absolute privacy from other hotels. All rooms have butler service and the interior just looks incredible. It is located right at the beachfront. The perfect place for a beach holiday in Tenerife.
10. The best places to stay in the North of Tenerife to enjoy the island’s natural beauty: Taganana and Almáciga
Last but not least comes my favorite area of Tenerife: The wild north of the island. I definitely recommend going by car as it takes quite a long to go by bus. But the trip is worth it because you will see absolutely beautiful forests, wild beaches, and very few people. It almost feels like you have the whole island for yourself! During your stay in the North of Tenerife, you definitely have to check out Natural Park Anaga, Masca, and Playa de Benijo. In my opinion, of the most beautiful beaches, I have ever been to.
Keep in mind that the very north of Tenerife only has small villages so you won’t find any big hotels. You might have to stay in a holiday apartment or guest house.
€€: Beautiful apartment in Taganana coast
This beautiful apartment is located right at the beach of Taganana. And the best part about it is the balcony facing the ocean. I can already imagine myself having a coffee and taking in those beautiful views. It is perfect if you are a couple and are looking for a place to stay around Taganana.
€€€: Casa Rural El Arbol
This property probably offers the best views of Almáciga. It is a whole house in the hills of Almáciga that offers you incredible views of the ocean. How about inviting your friends and spending a couple of days in the most beautiful region of Tenerife?! If you are able to split the costs, this option is actually quite available. Private parking spaces are included!
11. Extra: 3 unique places to stay in Tenerife. Are you ready for a special experience?
During my research, I came across all different types of accommodations in Tenerife: from all-inclusive hotels, hostels, fancy hotels to holiday apartments. And I found a couple of places to stay that I think are very unique and come with a whole different experience. So, if you are up to trying unusual places to stay in Tenerife, here are three that I found during my research. I even stayed in one of them and can really recommend it!
€: Stay in a studio from the 18th century with a private garden in Bajamar
My boyfriend and I stayed in this beautiful place for a couple of days during our trip and I loved it. The studios are small but have everything you need to sleep and cook there. Super cozy! The best part: The property has a garden with so many fruits. If you like you can get some fruits from the garden for your breakfast. Bananas, passionfruit, mangos and so many more! Perfect if you want to relax for a couple of days in the north of Tenerife on a budget.
€: unique place to Stay in Güimar: A van with a terrace
This looks like an absolutely unique place to stay in Tenerife: This is a camper van on a terrace in the beautiful city of Güimar. It looks like the ultimate ‘glamping’ experience. There is a matrice in the camper where you can sleep. Outside, there is a couch, a beautiful table with chairs, a kitchen, and a bathroom. I saved this place for when I am coming back to Tenerife. And it is so affordable as well.
€€: amazing place to stay in puerto de la cruz: a capsule hotel
I was so surprised when I found out about this place. This brand new hotel in Puerto de la Cruz rents out capsules with beds and TVs inside. At first, I did not know what to think about this, but it looks very cozy and modern. The location is amazing as well as the hotel is located right at the beach. A great option if you would like to try a different accommodation than usual. I am sure you will like it :)
Wow! This blog post is longer than I expected but I really wanted to add the best places to stay in Tenerife I could find. And as promised, I added different types of accommodation for all budgets. What about you? Are you planning to visit Tenerife soon? And what are your favorite areas of Tenerife when you are visiting?
