Tenerife: where to stay, north or south of the island?

From Algeria, Google searches for "tenerife" reach about 880 a month, alongside "hotel tenerife sud" or "hotel tenerife all inclusive". The largest of Spain's Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife draws visitors with its mild climate all year round and its volcano, Mount Teide. Before choosing a hotel, choose a side of the island: the north and the south are very different. Here is how to decide.

At a glance

• For sun and beaches: the south, with Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
• With children: Los Cristianos and its calm beaches, or Costa Adeje, close to the Siam Park water park.
• For nightlife: Playa de las Américas.
• For a real town and greener landscapes: the north, with Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz and La Laguna.
• Don't miss: Teide National Park.

North and south, two climates

Mount Teide, which rises to more than 3,700 metres, is the highest point in Spain. It splits the island in two: the south is drier and sunnier; the north, exposed to the trade winds, is wetter and greener. It is mild on both sides all year, but sunshine is more reliable in the south, where most of the big beach hotels are.

The island has two airports: Tenerife South, closest to the southern resorts, and Tenerife North, near Santa Cruz and La Laguna. Check your arrival airport before choosing where to stay: crossing the island with luggage takes time.

Costa Adeje: the comfortable south

Costa Adeje, in the municipality of Adeje, has many upmarket hotels and large resorts with pools, around beaches such as Playa del Duque. It is a good choice for a comfortable stay, for couples and families alike, with restaurants and seafront walks. The Siam Park water park is also in Adeje: handy if your children are expecting a day on the slides.

Los Cristianos: calm and family-friendly

Right next door, Los Cristianos is a quieter town popular with families. Las Vistas beach has calm, shallow water near the shore, ideal with young children. Its seafront promenade is easy to explore on foot.

Playa de las Américas: the nightlife

Between the two, Playa de las Américas is the liveliest area in the evening, with its bars and nightclubs. Convenient for groups of friends, less restful with children. If you stay there, pick a hotel slightly away from the bar streets and ask for a quiet-side room.

Puerto de la Cruz: the historic north

On the north coast, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the island's oldest tourist resorts. The climate is mild, the landscapes greener, and Loro Parque, a large zoological park, is in the town. The north suits travellers who want a real town, walks and sightseeing rather than a beach-only holiday; expect a few more clouds than in the south.

Santa Cruz and La Laguna: city life and heritage

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital, is a city of shops, museums and markets rather than a beach resort. Nearby, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a university town, has a historic centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both are close to the North airport and work well for a short sightseeing stay.

Mount Teide, the trip not to miss

Teide National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, for its volcanic landscapes. From the southern resorts, the drive up takes time: plan a full day. It is much cooler at altitude than by the sea, even in summer: bring a jacket and water.

When to go

Thanks to its mild climate, Tenerife can be visited all year round, which makes it a popular choice for winter holidays, when it is cool in Algeria. In summer, the southern resorts are busier and family hotels sell out fast: book early.

Entry requirements

Tenerife is a Spanish island. In principle, Algerian travellers need a Schengen visa, as for the rest of Spain, and a hotel booking is part of the application: read our guide to hotel bookings for a Spanish visa, then check the current requirements with the consulate or on the official website before you travel. We do not sell any visa service.

Book your hotel in Tenerife

For a hotel in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Puerto de la Cruz or elsewhere on the island, contact us: our team checks availability and price with the property, then offers you the booking. From Algeria, you pay in dinars without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once payment is made. The process is explained in our guide to booking a hotel without a bank card. For Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante or Palma de Mallorca, choose your city on our Spain page.

Reminder: the information above is given for guidance and requirements can change. Always check the latest conditions before you travel.

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