Off to the Canary Islands soon? In the south of Tenerife, Playa de Las Americas stretches between golden beaches, a lively seafront and bright Atlantic light. You can surf the waves, relax on the terrace or take an excursion, just for a break between the city and the ocean.
Discover our ideas for making the most of Playa de Las Americas, with photos to give you a first impression of the place. At the end of the article, we’ll share our practical tips and a few extra activities, depending on what you want to do.
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. Take a surf lesson from Playa de Las Americas beach
Why visit?
Playa de Las Americas beach is one ofthe best surfing spots in the Canaries. Conditions are favorable all year round, with regular waves and good water temperatures. Ideal for beginners or those wishing to improve their skills.
Several surf schools offer courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. The relaxed, often international atmosphere contributes to the resort’s sporty, dynamic character.
Practical advice
- Allow 2 hours for a complete course
- Courses available all day, depending on the school
- From €35 for a beginner’s course
- Direct beach access from town
- Pay parking lots near the beaches
- Numerous beachside restaurants
- Book your course here.
2. Stroll along the paseo maritimo of Playa de Las Americas
Why visit?
The seafront promenade stretches for several kilometers and links the resort’s main beaches, facing the Atlantic Ocean. We really enjoyed this palm-lined alley punctuated by terraces where you can stop for a drink or a look at the scenery.
The view of the horizon, the volcanic rocks and the light at the end of the day create a particularly pleasant atmosphere, especially at sunset. The paseo is also a lively place, where tourists and locals meet in a relaxed atmosphere.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to cover the whole area
- 24-hour access, night lighting
- Fully accessible for PRMs, flat surface
- Free access
- Several entry points from hotels and beaches
- Public parking lots nearby
- Numerous bars and restaurants along the route
WHERE TO STAY IN Tenerife
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Tenerife
- Our favorite: Hotel Corales Beach
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families (coming soon)
Select by city:
- Best hotels in Costa Adeje
- Best hotels in Puerto de La Cruz
- Best hotels in Los Gigantes
- Best hotels in Santa Cruz
- Best hotels in Laguna
- Best hotels in Playa de las Americas
- 5-star hotel in Los Cristianos (coming soon)
3. Relax on the sandy beach of Playa del Camisón
Why visit?
This beach is one of the most pleasant in Playa de Las Americas, a more peaceful alternative to the resort’s busier areas. We loved the golden sands and clear waters, protected by breakwaters that provide excellent swimming conditions.
It’s the perfect place for lounging, reading or simply taking a quiet break overlooking the sea. The beach is well-equipped, with deckchairs, umbrellas and catering service, so you can spend a whole day there without having to move.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour, half a day or a full day
- Accessible at all times, surveillance from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Footbridges adapted for PRMs
- Free access, deckchairs and parasols for hire
- Access between Hotel Cleopatra Palace and Hotel Mare Nostrum
- Pay parking lot Avenida Rafael Puig
- Beach restaurants and hotel bars
4. Spend the night at Hotel Cleopatra Palace, facing the sea
Why visit?
The Hotel Cleopatra Palace is one of the most emblematic addresses on Playa de Las Americas, with its architecture inspired by ancient Egypt and its privileged front-line location facing the sea. We loved the spectacular swimming pool, the heart of the resort.
Withdirect access to the beach and top-of-the-range services, you can enjoy a comfortable stay in a setting that contrasts with traditional Canarian architecture. From our room’s terrace, we were able to watch some beautiful sunsets, a real bonus at the end of the day.
Practical advice
- Minimum one-night stay
- Times: check-in 3pm, check-out 12am
- Hotel with full PRM access
- From €150/night in a double room
- Access Avenida de Las Americas
- Private hotel parking included
- Several restaurants and bars on site
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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. Take a dolphin and whale watching cruise
Why visit?
The waters off Tenerife are among Europe’s best marine sanctuaries for cetacean watching, with over 28 species present all year round. We were impressed by the diversity of marine mammals we saw during the excursion.
Departing from the port of Los Cristianos, this sea outing aboard a pirate-style sailboat allows you to experience nature at its best, while respecting the animals and their environment.
Practical advice
- 2-hour tour
- Multiple departures between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Boat not suitable for PRMs
- From €20 (adult)
- Access to Puerto Los Cristianos, 10min drive from Playa de Las Americas
- Pay parking Puerto Los Cristianos
- Drinks on board
- Book your ticket today
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
6. Book an excursion to Teide National Park
Why visit?
The Teide volcano, Spain’s highest point at 3715 m, remains Tenerife’s must-see excursion, including from Playa de Las Americas. We were struck by the lunar landscapes on the way up, between rocks of varying hues and ancient craters, evidence of the island’s volcanic activity.
Excursions organized from the coast usually include transport, an expert guide and the chance to watch the sunset from the heights, followed by astargazing session under particularly clear skies. A great way to discover the national park in two different lights.
Practical advice
- Allow 9h for the complete excursion
- Depart early afternoon, return overnight
- Trails not accessible to PRM
- 89€ per person
- Pick-up in Playa de Las Americas
- Dinner at restaurant included
- Book your ticket now.
7. Explore the natural pools of Playa de la Carnaça
Why visit?
This secluded beach offers a moment of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the seafront. Volcanic rock forms natural basins of Claire water, carved out by erosion. We took the time to relax there, our feet in the water, almost alone facing the ocean.
Access requires a little effort, but it’s also what protects the site. This discreet spot attracts regulars and curious travelers in search of a simple, unspoilt setting.
Practical advice
- Accessible at all times, best at low tide
- Difficult access, not suitable for wheelchair users, via Playa del Camisón
- Free
- Free parking from the traffic circle above
- Bring a picnic, no on-site services
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
8. Shopping at The Golden Mile
Why visit?
The Golden Mile is an open-air shopping mall, featuring local boutiques and major names (Cartier, Armani, Versace), in a well-kept subtropical setting. We appreciated the relaxed atmosphere of the place, where you can easily move from a shop window to a terrace in the shade of palm trees.
The neighborhood takes on a whole new dimension at sunset, when the lights come on and the restaurants come alive. For a more playful break, there’s a beautifully landscaped mini-golf course (Mini Golf Parque Santiago) nearby, ideal for extending the evening with the family.
Practical advice
- A few hours or the whole day, depending on your shopping needs
- Fully accessible for PRMs, flat promenade
- Avenida Las Americas, near the main hotels
- Pay underground parking lot
- Stores open from 10am to 10pm (some until midnight)
- Numerous cafés and restaurants
- Mini-golf on site
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
9. Climb Montaña Chayofita for a panoramic view
Why visit?
This short hike offers a beautiful view of Playa de Las Américas and Los Cristianos after about 45 minutes of easy climbing. We enjoyed the panoramic view over the Atlantic, with the volcanic relief as a backdrop, and the light was particularly beautiful at the end of the day.
This short interlude in nature allows us to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the coastline. Along the way, we discover frozen lava flows, low vegetation and rocky slopes typical of the island.
Practical advice
- 1h30 round trip
- Accessible at all times, but ideal at sunset
- Rocky path, not suitable for wheelchair users
- Free
- Departure from Calle Finlandia
- Free roadside parking
- Bring water, quick return to the town’s restaurants
10. Perfect your swing at Golf Las Americas, a stone’s throw from the beach
Why visit?
This 18-hole golf course enjoys a privileged setting, just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of maintenance, both on the fairways and the greens, which were always impeccable.
The island’s stable climate means you can play all year round in good conditions. Technical and varied, the layout is suitable for beginners and experienced players alike, with some particularly demanding holes.
Practical advice
- Allow 4 to 5 hours for an 18-hole course
- From 7.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., booking recommended
- PMR adapted carts available
- Prices vary according to route and season
- 5min from downtown, Calle Landa Golf
- Club parking lot
- Panoramic restaurant in the clubhouse
- Visit the official website for more information here
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
What to do in Playa de Las Americas: other ideas
Other beaches in Playa de Las Americas
The resort is directly linked to Los Cristianos, providing easy access to other beaches. For example, we made our way to Playa de Las Vistas, a well-equipped beach with deckchairs and parasols for hire for the day.
Other attractions in Playa de Las Americas
In addition to water-based activities, the seaside resort also boasts a number of nearby amusement parks to delight young and old alike:
- Siam Park: ranked among the best in the world, with giant slides, wave pool and children’s zone. Just a 5-minute drive from the center of Playa de Las Americas. We’ve devoted an entire article to it to tell you all about what you’ll find.
Book your ticket now.
- Aqualand Costa Adeje: with special areas for the little ones. Located 8 minutes by car. Don’t miss our dedicated article for all the details.
Book your ticket now.
- Jungle Park: an adventure park with suspension bridges and toboggans. About a 15-minute drive to the heights of Arona. Find out more in a dedicated article.
Book your ticket today.
- The Barranco del Infierno: one of our favourite activities! An impressive hike through spectacular gorges, a 20-minute drive north of Playa de Las Americas. Accompanied and supervised tour, limited capacity, by reservation only here.
Useful tips for visiting Playa de Las Americas
Where is Playa de Las Americas?
- South-west of Tenerife, on the Costa Adeje
- 15 km from Tenerife South airport
- Here’s a map of Tenerife to help you find your way around:
How do I get to Playa de Las Americas?
- By car: the most practical way to explore the region
- By bus: regular services from the airport and the island’s main towns. Find out more here.
- By cab: service available from the airport (30 minutes)
Parking in Playa de Las Americas
- The resort has several public pay parking lots.
- We recommend underground parking lots to avoid the heat.
- Some hotels offer their guests free parking.
Getting around Playa de Las Americas
- The center of the resort is within easy walking distance.
- City buses and cabs are also available to reach more distant sites.
Where to eat in Playa de Las Americas
Local gastronomy is easily discovered along the seafront, with a varied offer of Canarian, Mediterranean and international cuisine. We tested three restaurants that we recommend:
- Restaurant Asador Goxoa: a friendly address specializing in char-grilled meats, Basque-inspired cuisine and quality products.
- Restaurant Le Comptoir de Damien: a modern French bistro where we tasted carefully prepared dishes with a Mediterranean accent.
- Restaurant Vilaflor: refined fusion cuisine, combining Canarian traditions and inspirations from elsewhere, with panoramic ocean views.
Our full article on our best addresses in Playa de Las Americas will be available soon.
Visiting Playa de Las Americas in winter
The subtropical climate means you can enjoy the resort all year round. Winter offers mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities, with fewer tourists. We chose this period for hiking and whale watching.
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
SHE MADE THE TRIP Elisa
