Volcanic sand beaches, breathtaking cliffs, the Teide mountain towering over the island, colorful villages… Tenerife offers remarkable diversity. But with such a contrasting island, where should you stay: Tenerife North or South?
Here’s our detailed comparison, with photos and practical advice, to help you make the best choice for your stay on this Canary Island!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Tenerife North or South: summary
Understanding the island’s geography
Before comparing, let’s clarify what we mean by Tenerife North and Tenerife South. The island is divided by a mountain range culminating in Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3718m.
In the north of Tenerife, you’ll find the towns of Puerto de la Cruz, La Laguna and the capital Santa Cruz.
In the south, you’ll discover the seaside resorts of Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.
Tenerife North or South – the battle
In this article, we compare these two regions in detail according to several criteria. Here’s a summary of our views:
- Density of magnificent beaches = South
- Natural pools = North
- Most beautiful towns / villages = North
- Cultural sites = North
- Spectacular natural sites = equality (Teide in the center, Anaga in the north, Los Gigantes in the south)
- Urban life and restaurants = North
- Climate = South (drier and sunnier)
- Activities and parks = South
- Authenticity = North
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Where to stay? North or South Tenerife?
Travel time to Tenerife
Whether you’re staying in the north or the south, you can explore the whole island on a day trip.
The farthest you can go is 1h30 away.
A major highway takes you well around the island.
In a nutshell:
Stay in the north if you want more greenery, towns with character and an authentic atmosphere.
Stay in the south if you’re looking for golden sandy beaches, big hotels and guaranteed sun.
In the south
- Costa Adeje for beaches and upscale hotels
- Los Cristianos for a more family-friendly atmosphere
- Playa de las Américas for nightlife
In the north
- Puerto de la Cruz for its historic charm
- La Laguna for a taste of the local way of life
- Santa Cruz for urban living
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 hotels for families
- Best hotels in Seaside
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
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Tenerife: where are the best beaches? North or South?
Let’s start with one of the most frequently asked questions.
Both regions offer beautiful beaches, but with very different characters.
The south of Tenerife is clearly the winner if you’re looking for golden sands, calm waters and guaranteed sunshine.
Here’s our selection of iconic beaches on either side, or see our list of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful beaches.
Tenerife’s southern beaches
Here are our top 3 southern beaches:
Playa El Médano
A popular destination for its ideal wind conditions, Playa del Médano is a renowned spot for water sports. With its fine sand and shallow waters, it’s ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike. We loved the stunning view of Montaña Roja. It’s a beach that invites relaxation and contemplation.
Playa del Duque
This beach is located in Costa Adeje and features golden sand imported from the Sahara. The water is calm and Claire, ideal for swimming. We appreciate the more refined ambience compared to nearby beaches, and the palm trees add a tropical touch. The beach is well equipped and quality restaurants line the waterfront.
Playa del Camison
Playa del Camison, in Los Christianos, pleasantly surprised us with its charm. This small beach of golden sand, nestled between two rocky promontories, offers calm, crystal-clear waters. We appreciated its family atmosphere and proximity to amenities, while remaining away from the hustle and bustle of the big seaside resorts.
Tenerife’s northern beaches
The three most interesting beaches in the north are:
Playa de las Teresitas
Located near Santa Cruz in the northeast, this beach deserves a special mention. Its golden sand was imported from the Sahara in the 1970s. A breakwater protects the bay, making the waters very calm. The nearby village of San Andrés offers excellent fish restaurants. We find this beach particularly photogenic, with the Anaga massif in the background.
Playa Jiménez
Playa Jimenez is our favorite in Puerto de la Cruz. It is the furthest from the center. You can recognize it by the colorful facades at the end of the promenade overlooking it. We went there in the early hours of the morning and really appreciated its peaceful atmosphere. But make no mistake, during the hottest hours of the high season, the beach is packed. It’s right next to one of Tenerife’s most popular attractions, Loro Parque.
Playa de Benijo
This wild beach can be reached via a winding road in the Anaga massif. The black sand contrasts with the rocks emerging from the ocean, creating a dramatic landscape. Swimming here is dangerous due to the currents, but we recommend the visit for the raw beauty of the place. The small El Roque restaurant offers fresh fish and a breathtaking view.
Climate and water temperature: Tenerife North vs South
There’s no real difference in water temperature between the north and south of Tenerife.
Water temperatures remain similar all year round:
- Winter (December to March): 19 to 20°C
- Spring (April to June): 19 to 21°C
- Summer (July to September): 22 to 24°C
- Autumn (October to November): 23 to 24°C
The climate, on the other hand, differs considerably. The south enjoys a drier, warmer climate all year round, protected by the central mountains. The north receives more precipitation, especially in winter. Clouds cling to the mountains, maintaining lush vegetation but reducing sunshine.
If guaranteed sunshine is your priority, the south is the logical choice.
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.
Natural pools
Tenerife boasts several natural pools carved out of volcanic rock. These wave-protected pools offer an interesting alternative to beaches, and are particularly popular with locals. It’s the north that wins with a greater quantity and, in our opinion, the most beautiful. See our list.
Piscines naturelles du Nord
Among the best known:
- Charco de la Laja in San Juan de la Rambla
- The Garachico pools, formed after the eruption of 1706
- Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo swimming pools
Piscines naturelles du Sud
The south has fewer natural pools than the north, but some are well worth a visit:
- Piscinas Los Abrigos near El Medano
- Alcalá pools on the west coast
- Charcos de La Caleta near Adeje
Activities and theme parks
Tenerife offers a wide variety of activities and parks for all ages. The distribution between north and south is fairly unbalanced, with a clear concentration in the south.
For families with children or travelers looking for a variety of activities, the south of Tenerife is clearly better equipped. The concentration of theme parks and water sports activities offers more options to occupy your days.
See our list of theme parks.
Southern theme parks
To the south, think:
Siam Park
Considered one of the best water parks in the world, Siam Park offers spectacular slides in a Thai setting. The Tower of Power, with its vertical descent through an aquarium, remains a star attraction. We appreciated the variety of attractions and the quality of the facilities. The artificial wave pool creates impressive waves. Allow a full day to enjoy the park.
Book your ticket now!
Aqualand Costa Adeje (water park)
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.
Reserve your ticket now!
Jungle Park
We loved strolling along its lush green alleys, which concealed exotic plants and magnificent flowers! But beyond the tropical vegetation, there’s also an orchidarium and cactarium to delight exotic plant lovers. It also offers thrilling attractions such as a bobsleigh run and suspension bridges. We also enjoyed splendid views of the canopy. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the park houses animals in captivity, a practice that raises ethical questions.
Pick up your tickets
Northern theme parks
To the north, think:
Loro Parque
Located in Puerto de la Cruz (technically to the north), this wildlife park is home to an impressive collection of parrots, orcas, dolphins and other animals. The shows are well choreographed and the facilities modern. We recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds and see all the shows. The park combines zoo, aquarium and botanical gardens into a coherent whole.
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Mariposario del Drago (butterfly park)
Close to the famous Drago Milenario, the Mariposario del Drago is a tropical greenhouse home to hundreds of exotic butterflies. We were seduced by this space where butterflies fly freely around visitors. It’s not big, but you learn a lot. And butterflies are always wonderful to watch. The park offers an educational trail through the complete life cycle of butterflies, from egg to hatch. We particularly enjoyed the nursery area, where chrysalises and new butterflies can be seen emerging.
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Most beautiful natural sites
The mountainous interior with Tenerife’s famous Teide is accessible from both sides. However, each region also offers its own distinctive landscapes.
Southern natural sites
To the south, you discover:
- Arid valleys
- Los Gigantes cliffs plunging into the ocean
- The Barranco del Infierno with its waterfall
Natural sites in the North
To the north, with more precipitation, you have:
- Greener landscapes with the Anaga laurel forest
- Impressive cliffs and spectacular viewpoints
- La Esperanza forest with its Canary Island pines
Central sites accessible from both sides
In between, don’t miss the chance to climb the mountains:
- Teide National Park, a UNESCO site with Spain’s highest peak
- The lunar landscapes and Roques de García
- Cable car up to 3555m
- Masca and its spectacular village
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Villages and heritage: North or South?
The question of heritage and traditional villages clearly favors the north. This region has preserved much of its authentic character: towns, churches, architecture, gardens…
See our selection of the most beautiful towns in Tenerife and our article on the most beautiful gardens.
Heritage in the North
Northern towns and villages
The north is rich in architecture. We loved exploring all these old centers. Here you’ll find characterful houses, charming alleyways, special features such as churches and squares, and markets full of local produce.
- La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colonial houses
- Garachico and its natural pools formed by the eruption of 1706
- La Orotava for its carved wooden balconies and gardens
- Icod de los Vinos and its thousand-year-old dragon tree
Heritage in the South
Southern towns and villages
The south has fewer traditional villages, but a few places are well worth a visit. We’ve fallen in love.
- Vilaflor, Spain’s highest village, perched at 1400m above sea level
- Masca in its spectacular canyon (also accessible from the north)
- Los Cristianos retains some traces of its fishing village past
Access – how to get to the north or south of Tenerife
Tenerife has two airports:
In the south:
- Tenerife South Airport (Reina Sofía), main international airport
- Located close to seaside resorts
- Host to the majority of European tourist flights
In the north:
- Tenerife Nord Airport (Los Rodeos)
- Mainly for inter-island and domestic flights
- Located between La Laguna and Santa Cruz
Between airports and cities, you have cabs, buses and shuttles.
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Frequently asked questions
Best region for a car-free vacation
Without a car, the two regions offer different possibilities:
- To the south, Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos are ideal for exploring on foot or by local bus. Organized excursions make it easy to discover the rest of the island.
- To the north, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz offer real urban life with public transport. However, access to villages and natural sites remains more complicated.
Our car-free preference is Puerto de la Cruz for its compact town center and bus connections to the rest of the island.
Best region for family vacations
For families, the south is the obvious choice:
– Quiet, supervised sandy beaches
– Concentration of theme and water parks (Siam Park)
– Many hotels with kids’ clubs
– More stable year-round climate
The north is better suited to families with older children interested in culture and nature rather than theme parks.
Can we combine North and South?
For a stay of 10 days or more, we recommend dividing your time between the two regions. For example:
– 6 nights in the south for sun and beaches
– 4 nights in the north to discover La Laguna and its authentic villages
This formula lets you enjoy the diversity of Tenerife without spending too much time on the road.
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
Teide National Park
Anaga Rural Park (coming soon)
La Orotava
Garachico
Village of Masca
Pyramids of Güimar
