In a nutshell
- Figuring out where to stay in Tenerife? You can choose between the cultural north with stunning nature, the south with long sandy beaches, or something more special — like a luxury resort or a boutique hotel. We’ll walk you through our 11 favorite picks.
- In the north, we love the Hotel Alhambra with its gorgeous Arabic-Mediterranean décor. In the south, the Flamingo Suites Boutique Hotel is a great choice for families or groups who want space and flexibility.
- For something truly special, check out the Boutique Hotel San Diego — just five individually designed rooms, adults only, with an incredible attention to detail that you’ll notice from the moment you arrive.
Hotels in Northern Tenerife: Nature, Culture & Authentic Charm
The north of Tenerife is less about partying and more about culture.
It’s known for its breathtakingly beautiful nature, authentic coastal towns, and black lava beaches.
In general, most beaches here are quite rocky, with the exception of Playa de las Teresitas, which was filled in with Saharan sand.
The Anaga Mountains, Teide National Park, the stunning coastline — nature lovers, hikers, and water sports enthusiasts will all find something to love here.
There are many small coastal villages that have preserved their historic charm. You’ll find museums, boutiques with Canarian handicrafts, and far more opportunities to connect with locals.
The north is also home to the island’s larger cities — most notably the capital Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, and Puerto de la Cruz. That said, it’s never really quiet here either: during peak season, it fills up fast.
You won’t find as many massive hotel complexes here as in the south — instead, there are more charming boutique hotels and family-run guesthouses.
From the northern port in Santa Cruz, you can also quickly reach the neighboring islands of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria.
These are our favorite places to stay in northern Tenerife:
La Laguna Gran Hotel
The La Laguna Gran Hotel is a 4-star hotel in the town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
The hotel’s standout feature is its décor: here, Mediterranean-tropical flair meets modernity, creating a genuinely vacation-worthy atmosphere. The rooms are bright and nicely spacious, giving you plenty of room to spread out.
On the roof, there’s a pool with a pool bar that offers a great view over the city.
Where is the La Laguna Gran Hotel and what can you do nearby?
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is a former colonial city about 15 minutes’ drive inland from the capital Santa Cruz. The picturesque historic center of La Laguna has even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You’re also right next to the Anaga Mountains to the north, which is one of the top attractions on Tenerife.
Hotel Emblematico San Agustin
With all the massive hotel complexes in the south, it’s easy to miss authentic Tenerife. The Hotel Emblematico San Agustin is a seriously welcome alternative — and one of the island’s best under-the-radar picks.
The San Agustin is housed in an 18th-century townhouse and has managed to preserve its historic charm beautifully.
The heart of the hotel is the classic Canarian courtyard, lined with solid wood balconies and decorated with tropical plants.
All rooms are individually decorated and feature large beds.
Where is the Hotel Emblematico San Agustin and what can you do nearby?
Icod de los Vinos is about a 30-minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz, the tourist hub in northern Tenerife.
The most famous attraction here is the Drago Milenario, an ancient dragon tree. You’ll also find the Playa de San Marcos, a black sand beach, and the lava cave Cueva del Viento nearby.
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Hotel Alhambra
The Hotel Alhambra is decorated in a beautifully harmonious combination of Mediterranean and Arabic elements. It’s housed in an old manor house and genuinely evokes the Alhambra in Granada — which, by the way, is one of the top attractions in Granada in Andalusia.
From many of the rooms, you can look directly out at the Teide and the sea.
The hotel’s highlight is the outdoor area, where you’ll find a lovely pool with sun loungers. There’s also a sauna — because even in Tenerife, the winter months can get quite cool, and a little warm relaxation is always welcome.
In the evenings, you can eat your way through the restaurants of Orotava. The Alhambra is located right in the heart of town, putting you within easy reach of all the sights and restaurants.
Where is the Hotel Alhambra and what can you do nearby?
La Orotava is frequently called the most beautiful town on the island — and for good reason: the old quarter with its narrow cobblestone lanes and well-preserved manor houses is simply picturesque. The top attraction in Orotava is the craft museum Casa de los Balcones.
The majority of Teide National Park also lies within the municipality of Orotava. A trip to the park is therefore a must. You’ll also enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the summit from many spots around town, such as the Plaza de la Construcción.
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Hotels in Southern Tenerife: Long Sandy Beaches and Lively Tourism
The south is the most popular tourist region on Tenerife. Here you’ll find long sandy beaches, shopping strips, theme parks, a lively nightlife, plenty of hotels, and a huge variety of day trips from Tenerife.
The best-known towns in the south are Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos. All three are located right next to each other and essentially blend seamlessly into one another.
If you mainly want to lie on the beach, go out, and don’t mind crowds, the south is where you want to be. Hotels here tend to be large and fully equipped: with pools, tennis courts, wellness areas, kids’ clubs, and on-site restaurants.
That said, it doesn’t always have to be packed: if you travel between November and January, even the south is less crowded and you can still enjoy all the perks of the region.
These are the southern Tenerife hotels we recommend:
Flamingo Suites Boutique Hotel
The Flamingo Suites is a classic apart-hotel — a combination of vacation apartments and a hotel.
You stay in spacious suites with a kitchen and bathroom that can accommodate up to six people. Great for families or groups.
The hotel also has its own spa area with beauty treatments, a sauna, and a whirlpool.
At the front desk, you can also rent bicycles — super handy, since the hotel is only 200 meters from the beach.
Where is the Flamingo Suites Boutique Hotel and what can you do nearby?
The Flamingo Suites is located in Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife. From here, you’re just a few minutes from the resort of Playa de las Américas, where a buzzing nightlife awaits and shops and bars line every street.
If you’re traveling to Tenerife with kids, you’ll also appreciate the nearby theme parks like Aqualand or Siam Park.
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Labranda Reveron Plaza
The Labranda Reveron Plaza is a 4-star all-inclusive hotel, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach at Los Cristianos.
The classic décor transports you back to another era, while at the same time the hotel offers a stylish rooftop pool and a restaurant on the 4th floor with views over the city.
In addition to the pool, there’s also an indoor jacuzzi for relaxing — especially handy during the winter months.
Where is the Labranda Reveron Plaza and what can you do nearby?
The hotel is located in Los Cristianos, one of the most well-known towns in the south, sitting directly next to Playa de las Américas — meaning there’s plenty going on, with lots of shops, restaurants, and a lively nightlife.
Los Cristianos is also ideal if you want a relaxed beach vacation. The town has several calm, shallow beaches, kept wonderfully tranquil by breakwaters.
Atlantic Holiday Hotel
The south of Tenerife has a lot to offer, but not everyone wants to stay surrounded by large hotel chains and nightclubs.
If that sounds like you, take a look at the Atlantic Holiday Hotel. It’s located in the quieter village of Callao Salvaje, right on the beach.
There are two saltwater pools with a pool bar, a fitness room, a ping-pong table, and a dedicated area for yoga and Pilates.
Children are warmly welcome here, and young guests have their own playground in the garden.
At the Sea Soul restaurant, you can enjoy classic Spanish tapas and other dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Where is the Atlantic Holiday Hotel and what can you do nearby?
By car, you’re about 20 minutes from the impressive cliffs of Los Gigantes, and Teide National Park is practically your backyard.
Callao Salvaje started life as a small fishing village and has since grown into a charming vacation spot. You’ll find a handful of shops and restaurants, but nothing close to the hustle and bustle of Playa de las Américas, just 10 kilometers away.
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Find even more family-friendly hotels in Tenerife here!
Tenerife 5-Star Hotels: Luxury and Top-Tier Service
Of course, there’s also a wide selection of luxury hotels in Tenerife. The largest concentration is in the south, between Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos. But you can also find some seriously beautiful 5-star options in northern Tenerife.
The biggest players are Spanish luxury hotel chains such as Iberostar, Vincci, and Bahia Principe, represented by large, palm-lined beach resorts.
These are the 5-star hotels on Tenerife we recommend:
Royal Hideaway Corales Beach
The Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is an adults-only 5-star hotel on Costa Adeje.
It features a huge wellness area with multiple outdoor and indoor pools, saunas and steam rooms, massage treatments, and a beauty salon.
The Royal Hideaway is also just 300 meters from the nearest beach.
When it comes to dining, it really delivers: the hotel offers a wide range of restaurants, from a buffet with traditional dishes to an à la carte restaurant serving Japanese fusion cuisine.
Where is the Royal Hideaway Corales Beach and what can you do nearby?
Costa Adeje is the most popular vacation destination in southern Tenerife. Here you’ll find plenty of beaches for swimming and surfing, shops and venues for a night out, and loads of excursion options.
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Las Terrazas de Abama Suites
The Las Terrazas Suites are perfect for anyone who wants to combine luxury, sports, and nature.
The 5-star hotel consists of several low, white buildings set within a subtropical garden, approximately 1.6 kilometers from the beach.
The hotel’s standout feature is its 18-hole golf course, which ranks among the top three in Spain. The course has 22 lakes, more than 20,000 palm trees, and offers a stunning vista of the sea and the island of La Gomera.
If golf isn’t your thing, there are also seven tennis courts, a fitness center, an infinity pool, and a shuttle to Playa de Abama beach.
Where is the Las Terrazas de Abama Suites and what can you do nearby?
The hotel is located in the municipality of Guía de Isora, though it’s a good 15 minutes’ drive from the town itself. Immediately surrounding the hotel, there isn’t actually much — just fields and other hotels. But if you’re looking to escape the typical tourist areas like Playa de las Américas, this is an ideal base.
Along the coast, some of the most beautiful beaches on the island line up one after another, offering great opportunities for beach days or hiking.
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Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden
At the Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden, you’ll find a wonderful combination of wellness and nature.
The entire hotel is surrounded by subtropical gardens, and sustainability is deeply embedded in the hotel’s philosophy.
Massages with gold-infused oils or volcanic stones, fragrances of roses and sand — the wellness program is inspired by nature and leaves nothing to be desired. There are also multiple pools, both outdoor and indoor, a Japanese sauna, and a Turkish bath.
The hotel also offers its own revitalization program for body and mind called Slim & Wellness, which encompasses nutrition, exercise, and relaxation.
International influences aren’t just found in the gardens and spa — they carry through to the dining as well: from Asian to Mediterranean to steakhouse, the variety is seriously impressive.
Where is the Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden and what can you do nearby?
The Hotel Botanico sits on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz, the tourist hub of northern Tenerife. As you explore the city, you’ll discover beautiful churches, great restaurants, and plenty of shops.
Nearby, you’ll also find Loro Parque, one of the most popular attractions on Tenerife.
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Tenerife Boutique Hotels: Small, Individual & Full of Character
Because the large hotel chains have almost completely taken over popular beach destinations like Costa Adeje, you’ll find boutique hotels further inland or in less crowded coastal villages.
That’s why northern Tenerife also has far more small hotels, where a different kind of tourism takes place.
But even in the island’s interior, among vineyards and the Teide, there are some really lovely boutique options.
These are two boutique hotels on Tenerife we’d recommend:
Hotel Villalba
The adults-only Hotel Villalba is located just a few kilometers from Teide National Park in the highest village in Spain — Vilaflor. Peace and quiet are absolutely guaranteed here.
The hotel offers a generous wellness program: there’s an indoor and outdoor pool, a steam room, a whirlpool, and a sauna. And all of this is set among hills and pine trees, with a beautiful view over the hillside.
The rooms are classically decorated, cozy, and done in light tones — perfectly in keeping with the woodland setting.
Where is the Hotel Villalba and what can you do nearby?
There isn’t a whole lot happening in the small village of Vilaflor. But in return, you’re right in the middle of nature with an ideal base for hiking. And even without attractions in the traditional sense, a stroll through the old houses of Vilaflor is really worth your time.
Boutique Hotel San Diego
The small Hotel San Diego has just five rooms and is an adults-only hotel.
All the more exclusive for it: each room is individually decorated with unique, stylish furniture. Throughout the entire hotel, you can feel the attention to detail and a genuine feel-good atmosphere.
The hotel features a beautiful green garden with a terrace, where breakfast is served.
Where is the Boutique Hotel San Diego and what can you do nearby?
The town of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is right next to Santa Cruz, making it close to the airport. You’re not right on the beach here, but you are in a historic town with plenty of sights to explore. Plus, you can reach the Anaga Mountains in no time from here.
