Costa Adeje (Las Americas and Los Cristianos)

If Tenerife is divided into three, then Costa Adeja in the southern part of the island was given the lion’s share of both sunshine and nightlife. This is the main tourist area of Tenerife, and encompasses the long stretches of beach that make up the Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. This part of the island gets sunshine nearly year-round-- you'll get nearly perfect beach weather all the time in Costa Adeje, with only a touch of cool weather in late winter.

Tourists from all over flock to the sun and heat of southern Tenerife. Because of this, Las Americas and Los Cristianos have filled up with world-class hotels and resorts, as well as great golf courses, water parks, an a wonderful theatre that looks like it was transplanted from Las Vegas’s famous strip. Young tourists in particular are attracted to this area, as it’s full of great bars and clubs that are open 24 hours a day. Here, the party never stops.

Puerto de la Cruz

In the northern part of the island of Tenerife you’ll find the second major tourist city, Puerto de la Cruz. Puerto de la Cruz, though full of nightlife and fun things to do, strikes quite a contrast with Las Americas and Los Cristianos. This part of the island is greener, quieter, and a great place to enjoy a bit of culture.

The town of Puerto de la Cruz itself charmingly combines the old harbor town it used to be with the culture of the tourists who flock there today. The town has a somewhat Northern European feel to it; both cozy and chic. It’s full of lush gardens, great open air restaurants, and inviting places to simply walk and breathe the night air. If you’re looking for a bit of culture, there are some wonderful pieces of history here, such as the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Peña and the Castillo de San Felipe.

Not all the best sunbathing and swimming spots in Tenerife are on the southern coast. Puerto de la Cruz boasts the Lago Martinez, a group of gorgeous seawater pools designed by the Caesar Manrique, a famous Canarian artist. Also in the Puerto are the pretty volcanic sand beaches, such as Playa Jardin, and wonderfully lush natural parks, such as the Loro Park (home of the world’s largest collection of parrots) and the botanical gardens.

El Teide

Splitting Tenerife down the middle is the gorgeous spike of a mountain called El Teide. This just-barely dormant volcano is both beautiful to look at from any point on the island, and a lot of fun to visit. Taking the cable lift to the top of the mountain gives an eye-popping view of the island, and a hike along the silent and shady El Teide is a wonderful way to cool off and relax after a day of sun and swimming.

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