8 of the best resorts in Tenerife

1. Los Cristianos

Best resort in Tenerife for families

For a family holiday that ticks everyone’s boxes, Los Cristianos is a top choice. As the second-largest resort on Tenerife’s south coast, there is a huge range of accommodation to suit families and budgets of all sizes, including self-catering villas and all-inclusive resorts.

The two main beaches are at the centre of the action, with Los Cristianos Beach offering calm water for little kiddies to learn to swim, and Playa de las Vistas providing watersports that thrill-seeking teenagers will love.

Away from the beach, young animal lovers will be fascinated by the parrots, sea lions and tigers at nearby Jungle Park, while water babies will love both Siam Park and Aqualand waterparks.

If you’ve got a brood of little monkeys, take them to see their namesakes at Monkey Park, or for older kids who like to shop, visit the popular Los Cristianos market (every Tuesday and Sunday).

When it comes to dinner, there are plenty of family-friendly bars and restaurants, so even the fussiest eaters will be happy.

Where to stay in Los Cristianos

With five pools, a spa and gym, a fun-filled kids’ club, and an adults-only rooftop terrace, there’s plenty to please the whole family at Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel. Rooms are simple but modern and the all-inclusive food options come highly rated. If you’re all about the activities, base yourself at H10 Big Sur Tenerife – it’s just a few metres from the seafront and a 15-minute bus ride to Siam Park. For families after a seaside self-catering stay, Paloma Beach Apartments is a top choice.

2. Puerto de la Cruz

Best resort in Tenerife for couples

With magical mountain views, a charming old town and several beaches to choose from, Puerto de la Cruz, located in Tenerife’s quieter north, feels a world away from the big, brash resorts in the south.

There are several bays spread around the rocky coast here, including the pretty Playa Jardin, where sparkling black sand is backed by a tropical garden designed by the famous Canarian artist, César Manrique.

For a beach day of a different kind, pay a visit to the unique Costa Martianez complex. This is Manrique’s answer to a waterpark, with a huge, artificial seawater lake and a series of seawater pools, all interspersed by beautiful sculptures, bars and restaurants.

Couples will also enjoy soaking up the local buzz in Plaza del Charco (ideally with an ice cream or sangria), admiring waterfalls and sea views from up high in Parque Taoro, or if you’re feeling adventurous, hiking in the surrounding Orotava Valley. Trails start near Puerto de la Cruz.

Where to stay in Puerto de la Cruz

Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden is the ultimate relaxation pad for couples seeking a luxury escape. Splash out on this five-star resort surrounded by sub-tropical gardens and you’ll enjoy tons of first-class facilities, including four fine-dining restaurants, an award-winning spa and its own 18-hole putting green. For a sophisticated stay without the price tag, Hotel Tigaiga is a popular hotel option, located in the tranquil area of Taoro Park. Or choose Hotel Las Aguilas Tenerife for peaceful poolside cocktails with views of Mount Teide. You’ll find it in the Orotava Valley.

3. El Medano

Best resort in Tenerife for travellers on a budget (and surfers)

Close to Tenerife South Airport and with a good selection of cheap, self-catering accommodation, the bohemian surf spot of El Medano is one of the best resorts in Tenerife for travellers on a budget.

The taxi from the airport usually comes under €10 and there’s a number of shops in town to stock up on goodies, so you can bank on a budget-friendly stay here.

It’s also a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing, thanks to the reliable conditions throughout summer.

Use your saved pennies to join in on the fun – there are several kit-rental places in El Medano – then follow the crowd towards the town’s bars and restaurants. These are generally geared towards a young, slightly hippy surfer crowd, and you can expect prices to reflect that.

Where to stay in El Medano

All about the waves? Hotel Médano sits right above the sea, so you couldn’t be closer to the surfing action. If you’re looking to keep things really cheap, consider staying in a hostel. Medano Nest Hostel is one of the best – rooms are contemporary, breakfast is included and there are stand-up paddleboards and surfboards for hire. Alternatively, three-star Hotel Playa Sur Tenerife offers great value for money for a beachfront stay. Rooms range from singles to suites and there’s a smart sun deck and pool to make the most of Tenerife’s sunshine. There are also good-value B&B rooms and self-catering flats towards the town’s centre.

4. Playa de las Americas

Best resort in Tenerife for nightlife

Big, bright and boisterous, Playa de las Americas is Tenerife’s undisputed nightlife capital.

This purpose-built resort on the south coast has attracted holidaymakers since the 60s and now boasts a huge array of accommodation, from all-inclusive resorts to affordable self-catering party pads.

There are five sandy beaches to choose from, all lined with bars and restaurants, and for those looking to start early, several party-boat excursions leave from the shore here too.

At night, Playa de las Americas really comes alive, with bars and clubs along Veronicas Strip blaring tunes until the early hours. From Irish bars to the iconic Hard Rock Café, as well as cabaret bars and beach clubs, there is something to suit every kind of party animal here.

Where to stay in Playa de las Americas

Stay at Hotel Cleopatra Palace and your entertainment schedule is sure to be jam-packed. Enjoy poolside sundowners then kick-start the party at La Palapa Beach Club, just 220m away from the hotel, where dance classes, parties and live shows will keep you grooving all week long. Located on the seafront promenade, H10 Las Palmeras is a perfect pick for night owls thanks to its abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs. Aparthotel Udalla Park is equally in the heart of the action, but offers a more budget-friendly option with a range of self-catering studios.

5. Los Gigantes

Best resort in Tenerife for a quieter place to stay

Contrary to its name, lovely Los Gigantes is one of the smaller resorts in Tenerife. In fact, this picturesque resort takes its name from the epic cliffs that tower over the town and stretch out into the sea.

There are a handful of four- and five-star hotels here, and lots of privately owned apartments or villas, so you’ll have a good choice of places to stay.

Paragliding and scenic boat trips are popular activities, as is whale- and dolphin-watching (marine life likes the waters around these parts). As night falls, you’ll want to head to the resort’s black-sand beach for the sunset – it’s legendary in Tenerife.

After dark, you won't find a ton of rowdy nightclubs like in Las Americas. Instead, head down to the marina for dinner and drinks with a view.

Where to stay in Los Gigantes

You get a real sense of peace and quiet at Klayman Diamond Aparthotel. The smart complex has an intimate feel with only 35 apartments, all offering beautiful views of the ocean and the Los Gigantes cliffs. Around the corner, El Sombrero Apartments is a great option for a fuss-free family holiday, offering laidback holiday apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. Elsewhere, you’ll quickly drift into a state of blissful relaxation at Royal Sun Resort thanks to its terraced pools and solarium.

6. Costa Adeje

Best all-rounder

Costa Adeje is one of the best holiday resorts for first timers in Tenerife. There’s great public transport links to get you across the island, and you’ll be close to many of Tenerife’s best beaches – Playa Fañabé and the Blue Flag Playa del Duque are here. As well as sun, sand and sea, staying in Costa Adeje puts you close to the thrill-filled Siam Park, which is widely regarded as the best waterpark in Europe, and Los Cristianos, where you can take a ferry across to La Gomera on a day trip.

When it comes to drinking and dining, head for the upmarket area of Playa del Duque. Here, your culinary journey will take you around the world: there’s Med-meets-Latin-America meals at the Michelin-starred Nub, Japanese fare at Kensei, and local specialties at La Torre del Mirador.

Along the shore you’ll find several restaurants offering freshly caught seafood and tasty tapas with spectacular sea views – ideal if you want to sample Canarian specialities such as papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes).

Where to stay in Costa Adeje

You’re spoilt for choice for hotel options in this south Tenerife resort: Dreams Jardin Tropical has facilities aplenty with a spa, beach club and gourmet dining, and at Iberostar Bouganville Playa, there’s something special for all ages, including a kids pool with waterslides for little ones and a rooftop VIP zone for adults. Still seeking more? Jardines de Nivaria - ADRIAN Hoteles is a five-star paradise worth every penny, while GF Gran Costa Adeje has got all-inclusive holidays down to a tee, with 485 rooms, five restaurants and bars and an entertainment programme running from dawn to dusk.

7. La Caleta

Best resort in Tenerife for an off-the-radar foodie break

The tiny fishing village of La Caleta is a must for seafood lovers. Despite being just along the coast from the big and bustling Costa Adeje, La Caleta remains blissfully quiet and impressively authentic.

There is a smattering of luxurious beachside hotels along the coast to the south of the resort, but the main hub is the pretty central waterfront. Here, you’ll find boats moored up after bringing in the catch of the day, and fishermen and tourists alike enjoying the sunshine in casual restaurants overlooking the water.

Stop for lunch and indulge your taste buds with delicate lemony fish, or paella laden with mussels and huge whole prawns, then wash it down with cool glasses of local white wine.

To walk off the post lunch-slump, head into Costa Adeje. It takes about an hour but you’ll be rewarded with a handful of upmarket restaurants for dinner.

Where to stay in La Caleta

Simple but with Canarian charm, Club El Beril Tenerife offers fully equipped apartments in a small complex close to Playa del Duque. Cook up a storm using local ingredients in your kitchenette or check out the fantastic seafood restaurants on your doorstep. For an ultra-chic stay in La Caleta, the duplex villas at Hotel Suite Villa Maria make kicking back with the whole family a doddle, while the Royal Hideaway Corales Suites’ award-winning restaurants and 115 designer suites tick all the five-star boxes and then some.

8. Golf del Sur

Best resort in Tenerife for sports

Nestled on Tenerife’s southeast coast, Golf del Sur hits the spot for a laidback leisure holiday. There’s an impressive portfolio of upmarket hotels, a charming marina and fantastic golf opportunities ideal for sport enthusiasts.

With multiple 9- and 18-hole courses, each complete with stunning black-sand bunkers, palm-fringed lakes, challenging gradients and ocean views, golfers have plenty of places to practice their swing.

Beyond the green, Amarilla Marina is a hub for other sporting pursuits. You can rent jet-skis or power boats for a whizz on the waves, brush up your sailing skills at Amarilla Sailing Club, or take a submarine safari for something a little different.

After a day of activities, refuel at one of the seafront cafes, bars or restaurants serving up everything from crêpes to crab.

Where to stay in Golf del Sur

Positioned on the seafront within walking distance of the golf courses, three-star Santa Barbara Golf and Ocean Club ticks the box for both location and value. Apartments are spacious and clean, and you can rest easy in the sauna. If you’re travelling with the family, look no further than Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife. This fantasy-themed hotel pulls out all the entertainment stops – think five swimming pools, multi-media shows, a kids’ club and sports ground. Alternatively, opt for a private villa or holiday home such as the well-rated 11 Holiday Homes.