Are you looking for a detailed answer to the question: what to do in Costa Adeje? We’ve put together a selection of the resort‘s best activities for you. In this article, discover a list of 10 must-do experiences for families and friends in this lively destination south of Tenerife! How about watching the island’s whales from a catamaran?
You’ll also find all our practical advice and photos to help you plan your stay in the sunny Canary Islands. We’ve added a few bonus activities nearby.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
1. Enjoy Playa del Duque
Why visit?
This extensive beach is divided into 2 sections: Playa del Duque North and Playa del Duque South. Bordered by the seafront promenade, it is very busy and well-equipped. You’ll find deckchairs and Balinese beds, as well as all the amenities you need in the immediate vicinity (bars, shops, restaurants). For a relaxing day under the Tenerife sun, this is the ideal destination to discover with friends or family. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Adeje! We had great fun strolling along the sand at dusk to enjoy the superb sunsets.
Practical advice
- The first black sand beach north of Costa Adeje.
- Busy tourist area.
- Traffic and parking are difficult in high season.
- Wide choice ofhotels and restaurants nearby.
- Gentle, gradual slope into the water.
- Supervised beach.
- Showers and toilets.
- PMR accessibility.
2. Explore downtown and the lively seaside resort
Why visit?
Costa Adeje’s town center is very busy and dynamic. Although it’s on the same level as Puerto Colón, the seafront promenade ensures its continuity. All along the stroll to Playa del Duque, we saw numerous restaurants, bars, shops and shopping centers. The resort also boasts a lively nightlife. Establishments light up to create a festive atmosphere. Enjoy a memorable evening in the local clubs and bars!
Why not explore Costa Adeje in comfort and style aboard a tuk tuk? A guide will accompany you on this adventure, sharing fascinating anecdotes about the island’s history and culture – see activity details.
Practical advice
- Allow 35 minutes to walk along Puerto Colón’s seafront promenade.
to the north of Playa del Duque. - Busy tourist area.
- Traffic and parking are difficult in high season.
- Wide choice ofhotels and restaurants nearby.
- We recommend parking in the Puerto Colón parking lot.
WHERE TO STAY IN Costa Adeje
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Between La Caleta and Playa del Duque
Hotel La Plantación del Sur – Check photos and availability
Between Playa de Fañabé and Playa del Bobo
Adrián Hotels Jardines de Nivaria – Check photos and availability
On the heights
Hotel Wyndham Residences Costa Adeje – Check photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Costa Adeje.
3. Watch the island’s whales and dolphins
Why take a cruise?
Imagine sailing off the coast of Costa Adeje when suddenly a horde of small whales appears from the waves! How can you not marvel at the beauty of this aquatic ballet and rediscover your inner child? Like us, you’re likely to come across cetaceans on your whale-watching tour, especially whales. From leisurely catamaran excursions to more dynamic motorboat trips, there’s a wide range of options for exploring the Atlantic Ocean at your own pace. We opted for the gentler, more relaxing ecological catamaran cruise.
Practical advice
- Departure and return at Puerto Colón port.
- Allow around 3 hours for this type of outing.
- Some excursions include swimming.
- Some cruises include drinks and snacks.
- Some tours include a free carry-over if you didn’t see any cetaceans on your first trip.
- Book your sea excursion to see the island’s dolphins and whales!
A LITTLE MORE patience
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4. Fun on the Playa de Fañabé
Why visit?
This beach is particularly well-suited to family outings. Here you can enjoy water sports, including pedal-boating with an integrated slide. On the promenade that runs along the sand, you’ll find children’s play equipment. Between the miniature golf course and the trampoline, you won’t have time to get bored! See our full article on Playa de Fañabé for more details. At the end of the day, the beach offered us splendid views of the ocean. The wave-swept black sand and orange sky captivated us. It was a magnificent play of light and reflections.
Practical advice
- Second beach north of Costa Adeje.
- Busy tourist area.
- Traffic and parking are difficult in high season.
- Wide choice ofhotels and restaurants nearby.
- Gentle, gradual slope into the water.
- Supervised beach.
- Showers and toilets.
- PMR accessibility.
- Equipment and games for children.
- Visit Playa de Fañabé and other sights in Costa Adeje on a guided tuktuk tour!
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
5. Family fun at Siam Park
Why visit?
Considered the best water park in the world, Siam Park is an ideal destination for families looking for fun. This huge open-air playground offers a variety of attractions for all ages. You’ll enjoy thrills and spills, but also moments of relaxation by the pools. Its Thai-inspired architecture and lush vegetation took us on a journey. See our dedicated article for more information!
Practical advice
- Allow at least half a day, if not a full day, to make the most of this experience.
- The site is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- The water park offers several on-site catering outlets.
- The park is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
- Price: adults 42€ and children 30€.
- Book your ticket now!
6. Fun with friends at Aqualand
Why visit?
Parc Aqualand is well worth a visit if you’re looking for fun and entertainment in good company. It’s home to fun attractions for all ages, including colorful slides. It’s also a great way to cool off in the Tenerife sunshine. Compared with other water parks, waiting times are shorter, because it’s less crowded. At the time of our visit, we were almost alone on the site! For more information, read our full article here!
Practical advice
- Allow half a day to visit Aqualand and take full advantage of the attractions.
- The site is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- The water park offers several on-site catering outlets.
- The park is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5 or 6pm.
- Price: adults 34€ and children 27€.
- Reserve your ticket now!
7. Hiking in the Barranco del Infierno(≃8km)
Why go hiking?
One of our favorite activities at Adeje, the Barranco del Infierno hike impressed us with its exceptional views over the nature reserve. The course is very well supervised. On arrival, the staff provided us with a helmet in case of falling rocks. After giving us a few details about the circuit, we were ready to set off in small groups. There is a departure every 30 minutes to preserve the local flora and fauna. The path winds its way through the mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views all the way to the ocean!
Practical advice
- It’s about a 15-minute drive from Costa Adeje to reach the hike.
- Park in the Adeje – Casa Fuerte parking lot along Calle Tagoror, then walk 8 minutes (uphill) to the start of the hike.
- Allow 2h30 to 3h for a leisurely round trip and to enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Several guides are positioned at strategic points to ensure the safety of hikers.
- Opening hours: 8am to 10:30am in summer, 8:30am to 11:30am in winter.
- Price: adults 11€, children 5,50€.
- Book your ride in advance here as there are only 20 places available every 30min.
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8. Experience thrills
Why do extreme sports?
If you’re a thrill-seeker, take advantage of your stay at Costa Adeje to push back your limits! Whether you’re exploring the coastline on a jet-ski, or flying over the resort in a paraglider, you’ll enjoy incredible experiences combining adrenaline and excitement! A wide range of options are available to you on land and in the air. We recommend 3 activities in particular, as they are very popular with travelers: paragliding, jet-skiing and parasailing. Don’t miss the chance to experience these unforgettable adventures that will make your stay even more memorable!
Practical advice
- Pregnant women, young children and people with reduced mobility are generally not allowed to take part in these thrilling activities.
- Activity durations vary.
- Puerto Colón is usually the starting point for nautical activities.
- Parasailing flights last around 10 minutes, compared with 20 to 30 minutes for paragliding.
- Find out more about the extreme sports on offer at Costa Adeje and book your activity here!
9. Visit La Caleta de Adeje
Why visit?
Located to the north of Costa Adeje, La Caleta is a charming fishing village by the ocean, surrounded by beaches. Far from the hustle and bustle of the seaside resort, it is less frequented, although its fish and seafood restaurants attract gourmets. There are 2 highlights in the year: the festivities in honor of the Virgen del Carmen in summer and San Sebastian in January. You’ll discover local traditions in a warm, festive atmosphere. The village is also renowned for its wild coastline and turquoise waters. How about exploring the coastline in a kayak? – see activity details.
Practical advice
- Allow 1h30 to 2h to visit La Caleta and take a swim.
- Try out one of the village’s restaurants for an exceptional gastronomic experience and extend your visit. Particularly noteworthy are the one-star Restaurant San-Hô and the 2-star Restaurant El Rincón de Juan Carlos.
- Equip yourself with swimming shoes so you don’t injure yourself while swimming.
- Take a mask and snorkel along the coast.
- Visit La Caleta and other sights in Costa Adeje on a guided tuk tuk tour!
10. Shopping in malls
Why shop?
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, we spotted several shopping centers scattered throughout the resort. The Plaza del Duque shopping center is the temple of luxury, where you’ll find prestigious brands such as Rolex, Dior and Hugo Boss. The most emblematic of these is the Siam Mall, distinguished by its Thai-inspired architecture. It’s home to a multitude of stores ranging from ready-to-wear boutiques to restaurants and children’s play areas.
Practical advice
- Located just outside the city center, Siam Mall offers a free bus service. Find out more here.
- The Siam Mall is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
- The Plaza del Duque shopping center is open daily from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm. Find out more here.
- The resort’s shopping centers are generally equipped with parking facilities.
DISCOVER Costa Adeje
- Attractions in Costa Adeje
- Most beautiful beaches
- In the family
- Best hotels
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
- 5-star hotels
- Aqualand
What to do in Costa Adeje: other ideas
Below is a complementary list of places to visit and things to do in Costa Adeje.
Other beaches in Costa Adeje
In addition to the must-see Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé, the resort is home to a number of other beautiful, smaller-scale beaches:
Read our full article on Costa Adeje’s most beautiful beaches!
What to do in Costa Adeje with children
Costa Adeje offers a multitude of activities to keep children and the whole family entertained. How about a game of mini-golf or a pedalo with a built-in slide? We also suggest a visit to Jungle Park, just a 15-minute drive from the resort. For more inspiration, check out our article on the best family activities at Costa Adeje (coming soon). Some resorts are well-equipped to cater for younger guests, such as the GF Victoria Hotel with its mini water park – see hotel details.
What to do in Costa Adeje when it rains?
Although Costa Adeje generally enjoys a sunny climate, it can sometimes rain. In this situation, opt for indoor activities. Shopping malls offer an excellent opportunity to do some shopping while staying out of harm’s way, with plenty of boutiques and restaurants to discover. Or head to a casino to try your luck and have some fun! The resort also offers a wide variety of spas where you can relax and enjoy treatments.
Excursions around Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje is the starting point for excursions throughout Tenerife. Meet our 2 favorites:
- Teide National Park: this guided tour includes the villages of Arona and Vilaflor, the El Pico Viejo lava field, the Roques de García, the crater of the Sámara volcano, and above all Mount Teide – see activity details.
- Santa Cruz de Ténérife and other emblematic towns: this organized tour makes numerous stops in the island’s capital, Candelaria, San Cristóbal de la Laguna, La Orotava, Puerto de La Cruz, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico, and the cliffs of Los Gigantes – see activity details.
While the first tour is more nature-oriented, the second focuses more on the charming villages in the south of the island. It’s up to you to make the choice that’s right for you!
Is the Costa Adeje resort worth a visit?
Absolutely! With its many black sand beaches and lively atmosphere, Costa Adeje is a popular destination in the south of Tenerife. In fact, it’s one of the most popular places to stay on the island! This lively seaside resort is packed with restaurants, boutiques and shopping centers. It appeals to children and adults alike, offering a wide range of entertainment, relaxation and escape options.
Useful tips for visiting Costa Adeje
Where is the resort located?
- Southwest of the island of Tenerife,
- Next to Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos,
- On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
Our map of the resort’s top tourist attractions will help you find your way around:
How do I get to Costa Adeje?
From mainland Europe or other destinations, the quickest and most convenient way to reach Costa Adeje is by plane. Tenerife South Airport is about a 20-minute drive west of the resort. – see available flights.
You can then take a cab, public transport or rent a car to get there. The local bus network serves the resort directly from the airport. Find out more here.
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Getting around and parking in Costa Adeje
The seaside resort is very lively during the summer months, particularly in July and August. With the influx of tourists, road traffic densifies very quickly, especially at rush hour and near the most popular beaches. Traffic jams are frequent, especially on the roads leading to the main sites of interest such as Siam Park and Siam Mall. To avoid slowdowns, it’s a good idea to plan your journeys outside the busiest periods, such as early morning or late afternoon. For parking, use public pay parking lots or shopping malls. On-street parking spaces are usually overcrowded.
Where to eat in Costa Adeje
Although Costa Adeje is not renowned as a top gastronomic destination, the resort nevertheless offers a quality culinary experience, especially for seafood lovers. Discover our 3 favorite establishments in the seaside resort:
- Restaurant Almar Tenerife: beyond its exceptional location overlooking the bay of Costa Adeje, we enjoyed fine, refined dishes with a taste of the sea. Under the invaluable advice of our waitress, we opted for the tuna tataki and the lobster paella, which was a real treat!
- Restaurant Donaire: located in theGF Victoria Hotel, we were delighted by this culinary exploration from appetizer to dessert. The gourmet cuisine, with its Canarian and French influences, was as beautiful as it was tasty.
- Restaurant Trattoria Portofino: this fine Italian restaurant won us over. The proportions are generous and the dishes fresh. We loved the seafood spaghetti!
For more inspiration, check out our full article on the best restaurants in Costa Adeje (coming soon).
Visiting Costa Adeje in winter
We recommend visiting Costa Adeje in winter. Temperatures remain very mild for the season, around 20°C. The weather is also sunny. In our opinion, it’s the ideal place to soak up the sun in the middle of winter. You’ll also avoid the resort’s busy periods. For more information on what to do in Costa Adeje in winter, read our dedicated article (coming soon).
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO tenerife
- Best of
What to do in Tenerife
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful roads
Amusement parks
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track (coming soon)
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Tenerife
How to get around
How to rent a car in Tenerife
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Where to stay in Tenerife
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 1 week – 10 days
- The must-dos
Dolphin watching in Tenerife (coming soon)
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava (coming soon)
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
