Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a destination that offers diverse landscapes, vibrant towns, and excellent opportunities for property buyers. Whether you’re looking for an investment property, a holiday retreat, or a permanent residence, Tenerife has something for everyone. Below, we explore some of the island’s standout areas and their unique offerings.
Best Areas for Investment
Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos, located on Tenerife’s southern coast, has transformed from a quiet fishing village into a bustling hub for tourism and leisure. Despite its growth, the area retains a charming blend of traditional Canarian architecture and modern amenities.
The coastline is a major draw, boasting two renowned beaches. Playa de Los Cristianos is sheltered by the port, offering calm waters ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Along its promenade, visitors can enjoy an array of restaurants, ice cream parlours, and cafes with beautiful ocean views. Just a short stroll away lies Playa de Las Vistas, a larger beach celebrated for its golden sands and range of water sports such as jet-skiing and parasailing. This beach is equipped with excellent facilities, including sun loungers, parasols, showers, and access for people with reduced mobility, making it a favourite for families.
Dining in Los Cristianos is a treat for food lovers. The area is renowned for its fresh seafood, with iconic restaurants such as El Cine and La Paloma offering authentic Canarian dishes. Beyond local flavours, the town caters to a wide variety of international tastes, from Italian pizzerias to Indian curry houses. The nightlife here is vibrant yet more laid-back than neighbouring Playa de las Américas, with beachfront bars and live music venues providing an enjoyable and relaxed evening atmosphere.
Playa de las Américas
Purpose-built in the 1960s, Playa de las Américas has grown into one of Tenerife’s most iconic and energetic resort towns. Known for its lively atmosphere, it’s a go-to destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.
The beaches here cater to different preferences. Playa de Troya is the main beach, offering fine golden sand and calm waters and is perfect for families with younger children. Playa del Camisón, with its golden sands and palm-lined edges, offers a more peaceful experience, and is the perfect location for leisurely strolls along the upscale promenade. For surfers, Playa Honda is a prime spot with consistent waves and facilities for equipment rentals and lessons.
Playa de las Américas excels in its culinary and nightlife scenes. Restaurants span everything from authentic Canarian dishes and fresh seafood to international cuisines like Japanese and Italian. By night, the area transforms into Tenerife’s nightlife hub, with the famous Veronicas Strip hosting lively bars, clubs, and late-night entertainment. For those seeking a more refined evening, cocktail lounges and live music venues offer an elegant alternative.
Shoppers will find plenty to enjoy in Playa de las Américas, from luxury boutiques at the Safari Shopping Centre to trendy stores dotted throughout the town. Beyond shopping, the area is packed with entertainment options, including go-karting, bowling, and whale and dolphin-watching excursions. Families will appreciate nearby water parks and themed dinner shows, adding to the destination’s broad appeal.
Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is the epitome of upscale living on Tenerife’s southwestern coast. Known for its luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and family-friendly attractions, it’s a favourite among visitors seeking both relaxation and sophistication.
The area is home to several stunning beaches, each with its own character. Playa del Duque is a standout, featuring fine golden sand, turquoise waters, and a stylish promenade lined with gourmet restaurants and high-end boutiques. Playa Fañabé, on the other hand, offers a lively atmosphere with soft sands, calm waters, and a bustling promenade filled with cafes, bars, and shops. For those seeking a more natural setting, Playa de la Enramada, with its volcanic landscape and gorgeous sunset views, provides a scenic retreat and is popular among surfers.
Costa Adeje’s dining scene matches its luxurious reputation, with a variety of fine dining establishments serving everything from fresh seafood to international gourmet cuisine. Many of these venues boast spectacular ocean views, adding to the experience. The nightlife here is more relaxed compared to Playa de las Américas but offers elegant bars and live music venues for an enjoyable evening.
For entertainment, Costa Adeje doesn’t disappoint. Families can visit the world-renowned Siam Park, often ranked as the best water park globally, or enjoy Aqualand, a favourite among younger children. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Golf Costa Adeje, while boat excursions offer opportunities for dolphin and whale watching.
Best Residential Areas
Playa San Juan
Located on Tenerife’s west coast, Playa San Juan is a charming coastal town where traditional Canarian culture meets modern comforts. The area’s laid-back vibe makes it an appealing choice for residents and visitors alike.
The town’s unusual black sand beach, Playa de San Juan, is a family-friendly spot with calm waters, sun loungers, and showers. The promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, adds to the beach’s appeal. The picturesque harbour is another highlight, providing fresh seafood and scenic views of fishing boats and yachts.
Dining in Playa San Juan offers a delightful mix of flavours. Traditional Canarian tapas bars serve dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, while international restaurants offer Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisine. The nightlife here is understated, perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening by the sea.
Alcalá
Alcalá, also located on Tenerife’s west coast, is celebrated for its natural seawater pools and relaxed atmosphere. These pools, carved from volcanic rock, offer a unique swimming experience with stunning views of the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera. The town also features a small volcanic sand beach and a beautifully designed promenade perfect for walking or jogging.
Dining in Alcalá is centred around fresh seafood, with standout restaurants like Casa Mon and El Rincón Canariooffering specialities such as grilled octopus and traditional Canarian stews. The town also hosts a weekly open-air market where visitors can explore fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.
Torviscas
Torviscas, situated between Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, is a vibrant area with golden beaches, a lively promenade, and family-friendly activities. Playa Torviscas, with its calm waters and excellent facilities, is perfect for families, while Playa Fañabé adds a more energetic vibe with water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing.
The beachfront promenade stretches along the coast, connecting Torviscas to nearby areas and offering a variety of cafes, shops, and entertainment venues. Dining options range from casual seafood spots to upscale venues like Kaluna Beach Club, which combines gourmet dining with DJ-led entertainment and stunning ocean views.
Each of these areas offers something unique, catering to a variety of preferences and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking to make an astute property investment or seeking the laid-back Canarian lifestyle with a permanent residence, there is something here for everyone.
