South Coast of Tenerife – Ultimate Tourist Guide

Introduction

The south coast of Tenerife is the most visited region of the island, known for its year-round warm weather, golden beaches, lively nightlife, and high-end resorts. The area consists of three key districts:

Costa Adeje – A luxurious and family-friendly resort area with high-end hotels and pristine beaches.
Playa de las Américas – The entertainment and nightlife capital, perfect for partygoers and thrill-seekers.
Los Cristianos – A charming town with a mix of beaches, shopping, and a relaxed atmosphere.

1. Costa Adeje – Luxury and Family-Friendly Paradise

Costa Adeje is the most upscale district on the south coast, known for high-end resorts, exclusive restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

Beaches

Playa del Duque – The most prestigious beach, with golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and luxury beach clubs.
Playa Fañabé – A popular beach with sunbeds, water sports, and a lively promenade.
Playa de Torviscas – A spacious beach with family-friendly amenities and calm waters.
Playa La Pinta – A smaller, quieter beach, perfect for a relaxed atmosphere.

Accommodation

Costa Adeje offers world-class resorts, including:

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama – A luxurious hotel with a private beach and golf course.
Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador – A 5-star adults-only retreat with an oceanfront setting.
Bahia del Duque – A legendary hotel known for elegance, fine dining, and wellness services.

Attractions & Activities

Siam Park – One of the best water parks in the world, with exciting slides and a tropical atmosphere.
Aqualand Costa Adeje – A family-friendly water park with dolphin shows.
Golf Costa Adeje – A stunning 18-hole golf course with panoramic ocean views.
Luxury Shopping – Plaza del Duque Shopping Centre features high-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Coastal Promenade – A scenic path connecting Costa Adeje to Playa de las Américas.

Dining & Nightlife

Costa Adeje is famous for upscale restaurants and relaxed lounges:

La Caleta – A charming fishing village with top-rated seafood restaurants.
Del Duque Boulevard – A stylish area for fine dining and cocktails.
Nightlife – Mostly chic cocktail bars and beach clubs rather than loud nightclubs.

2. Playa de las Américas – The Entertainment & Party Hub

Playa de las Américas is Tenerife’s most vibrant resort area, famous for its nightlife, water sports, and lively beaches.

Beaches

Playa de Troya – A bustling beach with a fun atmosphere, sunbeds, and bars.
Playa Honda – The best beach for surfing, with great waves and surf schools.
Playa de las Américas Beach – A central beach, great for people-watching and sunbathing.
Playa del Camisón – A calm and scenic beach, perfect for families.

Accommodation

Mediterranean Palace Hotel – A beachfront resort with pools and entertainment.
Hotel Cleopatra Palace – A stylish hotel with a Roman-inspired spa.
Tigotan Lovers & Friends – A trendy adults-only hotel for couples and partygoers.

Attractions & Activities

Siam Park – A must-visit water park, located nearby.
Golf Las Américas – A scenic golf course with tropical landscapes.
Boat Trips & Whale Watching – Excursions to see dolphins and whales in the Atlantic.
Surfing & Water Sports – Playa de las Américas is Tenerife’s surfing hotspot.

Dining & Nightlife

Playa de las Américas is the nightlife capital of Tenerife:

Restaurants – Mesón Castellano (Spanish cuisine), Bianco (Italian), and Imperial Tai-Pan (Asian fusion).
Nightclubs – The best nightlife is at Veronicas Strip, with clubs like Tramps Tenerife and Papagayo Beach Club.
Cocktail Bars – Monkey Beach Club offers a beachfront party experience.

3. Los Cristianos – The Relaxed and Authentic Town

Los Cristianos is a charming and traditional town, offering beautiful beaches, shopping, and ferry connections to nearby islands.

Beaches

Playa de Los Cristianos – A golden sandy beach with calm waters and family-friendly amenities.
Playa de las Vistas – A spacious beach with excellent accessibility and a scenic promenade.

Accommodation

H10 Big Sur – A stylish adults-only hotel by the beach.
Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel – A family-friendly resort with rooftop pools.
Budget Apartments – Plenty of affordable stays for long-term visitors.

Attractions & Activities

Los Cristianos Harbor – The main ferry terminal with boats to La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma.
Shopping – The Los Cristianos Market (held Sundays & Tuesdays) offers great deals.
Boat Excursions – Deep-sea fishing, glass-bottom boat tours, and whale-watching trips.

Dining & Nightlife

Los Cristianos offers a mix of local taverns and relaxed nightlife:

Traditional Canarian Restaurants – El Cine (fresh seafood) and Tasca Casa Paco (local tapas).
Cocktail Bars – More relaxed than Playa de las Américas, with seafront lounges and live music venues.

4. Outdoor Adventures in the South of Tenerife

The south coast is a great base for exploring:

Mount Teide National Park – Take a cable car up Spain’s highest peak.
Masca Village – A scenic hiking spot with breathtaking views.
Los Gigantes Cliffs – Dramatic volcanic cliffs with boat tours available.
La Gomera Day Trip – Ferry from Los Cristianos to a beautiful green island.

The Best of Tenerife’s South Coast

Tenerife’s south coast is the perfect destination for all types of travelers:

Costa Adeje – Luxury, relaxation, and family-friendly beaches.
Playa de las Américas – Party, nightlife, and entertainment.
Los Cristianos – Traditional charm, great beaches, and island excursions.

South Coast of Tenerife - Ultimate Tourist Guide

See also

Explore the Volcanoes Route (Ruta de los Volcanes) - Walking the Spine of La Palma's Fireborn Landscape

Santa Cruz de La Palma - The Colonial Capital of the Green Island

Exploring Lobos Island - A Peaceful Escape into Untouched Nature