Best area for luxury travellers: Los Cristianos
- My recommendation: Beverly Hills Suites
- Location: South Tenerife, close to luxury shopping areas and upscale dining, with good public transport connections.
- Pros: Upscale atmosphere, high-end resorts, beautiful beaches.
- Cons: Can be expensive.
The golden sands of Playa de Los Cristianos create a perfect setting for relaxation, while the picturesque Los Cristianos Harbour invites you to enjoy high-end water activities. Nearby, Monkey Park offers a unique experience where you can interact with various primate species in a controlled environment.
The ambience in Los Cristianos exudes elegance and tranquility. Here you can indulge in a spa day at one of the many high-end resorts or take a private yacht tour from the harbor to explore the coastline in style.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate a round at the nearby Golf Las Américas, an 18-hole course with stunning ocean views. For a touch of culture, the town's old quarter offers a glimpse into traditional Canarian architecture and lifestyle.
Unlike its more boisterous neighbors, this area maintains a sophisticated atmosphere with its upscale resorts, boutique shops, and gourmet restaurants.
The streets, lined with palm trees and well-manicured gardens, make for a serene environment perfect for leisurely strolls and al fresco dining.
Why I love it: Los Cristianos perfectly balances luxury and authenticity, offering high-end experiences while maintaining its charming Canarian character.
Best hotels in Los Cristianos
- Best for a boutique stay: Boutique Hotel H10 Big Sur offers a stylish, adults-only retreat near Los Cristianos beach. Its chic, mid-century modern design creates a sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel features a rooftop terrace with stunning ocean views, a poolside bar, and elegant rooms, providing a refined experience in this popular resort town.
- Best for all-inclusive luxury: Beverly Hills Suites provides an upscale all-inclusive experience. Its spacious suites offer comfort and modern amenities. The hotel boasts multiple restaurants, pools, and entertainment options. Its elevated position offers panoramic views of Los Cristianos and the Atlantic, ensuring a luxurious and comprehensive resort stay.
- Best for extended stays: Hotel Estefania Boutique Suites caters to those seeking a home-away-from-home experience. Its well-appointed suites feature kitchenettes and living areas, ideal for longer visits. The hotel's intimate atmosphere, personalized service, and central location make it perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in Los Cristianos' local life.
Browse hundreds of accommodations in Los Cristianos to fit any budget.
Best area for an authentic experience: Garachico
- My recommendation: Hotel El Patio
- Location: Northwestern coast of Tenerife
- Pros: Authentic Canarian atmosphere, rich history, natural rock pools, less touristy
- Cons: Limited nightlife, farther from popular beaches, cooler and cloudier than southern Tenerife
Garachico is a charming coastal town that gives you a peek into Tenerife's authentic past. It was once the island's most important port until a volcanic eruption in 1706 largely destroyed it. But today, it's beautifully restored. You can check out the natural rock pools of El Caleton, formed by that very eruption, and now perfect for a unique swim.
The historic center, especially around Plaza de la Libertad, is a highlight with its well-preserved colonial architecture like the ex-convent of San Francisco and the Castle of San Miguel. The streets are lined with traditional Canarian houses featuring wooden balconies and colorful facades. The sound of Atlantic waves crashing against the rocky shore provides a constant, soothing backdrop. You'll often see locals gathering in the town squares, creating a warm, community-oriented feel. Life here moves at a slow, deliberate pace.
There’s plenty to explore in Garachico beyond its main attractions. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in the old tobacco factory. Take a stroll through the Puerta de Tierra, the last remaining gate from the old city walls. If you’re into nature, the nearby Chinyero Nature Reserve offers hiking trails with stunning views of Mount Teide. The town also makes a great base for exploring the rugged Teno Rural Park, known for its dramatic cliffs and remote villages.
Why I love it: Garachico captures the essence of traditional Tenerife, offering a peaceful retreat from the island's more touristy areas.
Best hotels in Garachico
- Best for a boutique stay: Gara Hotel offers an intimate, stylish experience in a beautifully restored 16th-century building. Its individually decorated rooms blend historic charm with modern comforts. The hotel's rooftop terrace provides stunning views of Garachico and the ocean, while its central location allows easy exploration of the town's cobblestone streets.
- Best for traditional Canarian charm: Hotel El Patio, set in a 17th-century manor house, exudes authentic Canarian atmosphere. Its rooms surround a picturesque central courtyard filled with tropical plants. The hotel's antique furnishings, wooden balconies, and tranquil garden transport guests to a bygone era, offering a truly immersive stay in historic Garachico.
- Best for luxury and history: Hotel San Roque, housed in an 18th-century mansion, combines historical elegance with contemporary luxury. Its individually designed rooms feature artworks and designer furniture. The hotel offers a heated pool, gourmet restaurant, and impeccable service, providing a high-end experience in the heart of Garachico's old town.
Browse hundreds of accommodations in Garachico to fit any budget.