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South Tenerife has much to offer, especially its incredible coastline. Here, one can unwind on beautiful white sands, soak in the sun, and practice various watersports. Of course, there are other entertainingthings to do in southern Tenerife, from exploring charming towns to enjoying nightlife and events.
To completely uncover the story and essence of this island found within the Canary Islands of Spain, you cannot miss the most popular locations in southernTenerife. This guide to traveling in Tenerife will assist you in planning your visit to the southern portion of the island, including sights to see, places to stay, and where to eat. While the activities in northern Tenerife concentrate more on nature, the south is a hub for tourist attractions and beach lovers.
There are several areas to explore across the island, so I suggest renting a vehicle to freely move around independently. We booked ours through DiscoverCars, which proved the ideal way to travel according to our schedule across both Tenerife South and North. Therefore, if you wish to see all the top attractions in Tenerife, a car presents the optimal option.
With that acknowledged, here are the 10 best activities in Tenerife South!
Table of Contents
1. Costa Adeje, one of the best places to visit in south Tenerife
- Recommended accommodation: The Hotel Don Juan Boutique is very good, and has an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a bar lounge. Its location in Úbeda is ideal for those seeking to experience this town fully.
Beyond being a core tourist center, this town is home to some of the most stunning beaches in southernTenerife, such as Playa de Las Américas and Los Cristianos. While they constitute lovely beaches, they are also remarkably crowded, so you`ll need to brave the crowds. If you favor something calmer, check out Costa del Silencio, where you can admire the volcanic landscape and go snorkeling or diving in crystal clear waters.
Another marine activity in Tenerife South is spending the day at Siam Park, a waterpark in Costa Adeje that the text will describe later. You can also go to the Puertito de Adeje, a nature reserve with some exclusive types of sea life. Keep your eyes open for crabs, seahorses, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
There are such a lot of things to do in Costa Adeje, which is why lots of guests opt to remain the night. If you’re thinking of continuing here, verify out our specified guides to the finest Costa Adeje accommodations.
2. Visit Playa de Las Américas and other beautiful beaches in south Tenerife
The beaches of southern Tenerife are incredible and perfect for those who love spending the day by the ocean. Playa de Las Américas is by far the most popular, thanks to its fine golden sands and its nearby activities and attractions. Here, visitors will find convenient services, dining options, a promenade, and watersports.
Another exceptional location in southern Tenerife for a seaside day is Los Cristianos Beach. It’s also encircled by stores and restaurants, and it has gentle waves, so it’s ideal for families with small children. Like Playa Las Américas, this shoreline is regularly crowded with visitors, so if you want more peace and solitude, take into account some other beaches in the vicinity. Diego Hernández Beach and Montaña Pelada Beach are gorgeous, and El Médano Beach is considered one of the premium shorelines in Tenerife.
Finally, if much of your time will be spent near the ocean or engaging in water-based activities, I recommend selecting lodging at one of the top-rated flats in Playa de Las Américas. This way, you’ll be conveniently positioned close to several of the nicest beaches in the vicinity.
3. Dolphin and whale-watching, one of the best activities in Tenerife South
Without question, participating in whale and dolphin watching is one of the finest things to do in southern Tenerife. Every time we travel to the island (or any other place with whale-inhabited waters), we book a tour to see these wild sea creatures. I suggest this in both our one-week itinerary to Tenerife and our 5-day itinerary to Tenerife.
One of the most memorable excursions we recently took was this tour, which I would highly suggest to others. Not only does it provide some of the best chances for seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, but the tour also takes place aboard a glass-bottom catamaran, allowing passengers to enjoy views of the tropical marine life below as they search for cetaceans. During our excursion we observed numerous dolphins and pilot whales, though as many as 21 different species of whales are said to inhabit the waters surrounding the Canary Islands.
Of course, it is important to remember that these are untamed creatures with unforeseen movements and behaviors. While the tour operators have been conducting trips for numerous years and can comparatively anticipate where to find dolphins and whales, they are unable to provide any guarantees. We`ve consistently seen marine mammals throughout our excursions, however if you have no luck with this outing, you can take it again at no cost.
First, the town of Costa Adeje offers a wide array of dining, nightlife and retail options with eateries, bars, shops, and some of the most celebrated nightspots on Tenerife. Essentially, travelers will find activities to suit their interests in Costa Adeje!
4. Go to Siam Park, the best thing to do in south Tenerife for families
Back in Costa Adeje, Siam Park is an amazing attraction in southern Tenerife where you can cool off with friends or family. This waterpark, which draws inspiration from the tropics of Thailand, has regularly ranked as the World`s Best Waterpark by TripAdvisor for several consecutive years.
Siam Park has activities and attractions for all age groups, including toddler and child-friendly slides and play structures. There are also the Mekong Rapids, the Jungle Snake waterslide, and the 92-foot-tall Tower of Power slide. Also, the park has The Wave Palace, the largest artificial wave pool in the world with waves up to nearly 10 feet high.
For those intent on visiting Siam Park during their trip, it`s advisable to obtain entry passes in advance to avoid lengthy wait times.
5. Vilaflor de Chasna, a spectacular place in south Tenerife you can’t miss
For a scenic and tranquil day on the island, make your way to Vilaflor de Chasna. This remote community provides a refreshing change of environment compared to the more tourist-centric regions in southern Tenerife, and it also boasts some truly spectacular attractions.
Vilaflor de Chasna has an elevation of 4,920 feet above sea level, resulting in a mild and pleasant climate year-round. Furthermore, the charming streets and plazas here still maintain some characteristics of their traditional architecture dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s not difficult to understand why this is considered one of the best towns in southern Tenerife where you can take a break for a bit.
Additionally, there is a circular hiking route traversing the , formed by erosion over years. Hiking this path is one of the prime activities in Tenerife South, especially for nature lovers. The trek passes a pine wood before witnessing the peculiar geologic structures of the region.
Walking through here feels like being in a science fiction movie, and it’s well worth the effort. You can even stay in one of the quaint accommodations in Vilaflor after exploring the stellar scenery of this place.
6. Go surfing, a fun thing to do in south Tenerife
Engaging in watersports is another fun activity to do in southern Tenerife, and two of the most popular options are surfing and bodyboarding. The beaches of southern Tenerife have ideal circumstances for surfing, which makes them appealing to both locals and visitors.
If interested in trying these watersports but without any prior experience, there is no need to worry. This three hour surfing tutorial is perfect for beginners. It takes place in Playa de Las Américas, although other lessons and surf schools can be found on numerous additional beaches.
That said, Playa de Las Américas on the southern coast of Tenerife stands as the premier locale for surfing owing to consistent large and small surf as well as convenient equipment rentals and services. The beach comprises a few distinctive surf zones such as El Conquistador and Las Palmeras, though Las Galletas Beach provides a mellower alternative if preferred. It lies next to a charming village where surfers can replenish or dine after catching waves.
7. Barranco del Infierno, the best hike in south Tenerife, Canary Islands
Once back on land, I advise checking out the remarkable scenery by stopping at the Barranco del Infierno Special NatureReserve. This peaceful area in southern Tenerife is a nature lover`s dreamland, also home to one of Tenerife’s finest hiking paths.
The Barranco del Infierno trail spans approximately 5 miles long, so it necessitates around 3 hours to complete. It is suitable for all ability levels since it isn`t too complex, with a maximum drop of only about 650 feet. What makes this one of the top hikes on the island is the scenery you`ll observe along the route. You`ll pass by various viewpoints, and a lovely waterfall will be awaiting you at the conclusion of the path.
The Barranco del Infierno gorge is spectacular to visit, though I should note access allows only 20 people every half hour during opening hours. This policy protects the natural environment, local flora and fauna. Be sure to check the official website for reserve hours and ticket booking.
As an alternative, you could enroll in this guided tour, which incorporates your entry permit, along with meals, beverages, transportation, and a hiking advisor.
8. Scuba diving, an unforgettable experience in Tenerife South
In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, the beaches of southern Tenerife offer ideal conditions for underwater diving. Exploring the marine life and diversity of organisms on the seabed is an unforgettable experience, so I suggest giving it a try.
You can skip scuba diving experience and still enjoy it because there are several guided underwater tours and instructional dives available locally. I suggest looking into this diving activity, which caters to beginners and pairs you with a professional coach for the full experience.
We had no qualms about participating in this activity in southern Tenerife, and cannot envision a more suitable place. The crystal clear waters enabled visibility of an assortment of vibrant fish, reefs, coral, and marine life. My favorite part involved diving among sea turtles; it was a memory that will remain with me always.
If scuba diving raises concerns for you, I suggest giving it a try anyway. However, I recognize this activity does not appeal to everyone, so a good alternative is this snorkeling tour to see sea turtles, or this kayaking excursion, which incorporates a snorkeling session. You can discover even more options in our guide on the best excursions in Tenerife.
9. El Médano, another lovely place to visit in south Tenerife
El Médano is one of the best towns in southern Tenerife, thanks to its pristine beaches and beautiful natural attractions.
Initially, the beaches of El Médano stand out for their ideal conditions for surfing. Year-round, you can find persons surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing on the glorious waves. Whether you engage in watersports or not, I suggest venturing to La Tejita Beach, which lies within the Montaña Roja Natural Reserve. This region presents stunning panoramic perspectives of the volcanic crater, and you can even hike to the summit of Red Mountain, an iconic landmark in southern Tenerife with a unique reddish hue.
This area is also replete with some rare flora and wildlife, as well as native bird species, so it’s quite an experience. While here, it`s worth exploring some other attractions in El Médano, like the Cueva del Hermano Pedro. This Historic Site and Asset of Cultural Interest is dedicated to Santo Hermano Pedro, or Pedro de San José Betancur, a religious figure who utilized the cave as a hideout when he was a child.
10. Mount Teide, a must-see in south Tenerife, Canary Islands
Last among the places that should be visited in south Tenerife and the entire island is the Teide National Park. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Natura 2000 Network, owing to its geological, ecological, and cultural importance.
If you enjoy hiking, then ascending Mount Teide is the best activity to engage in in Tenerife south. Most people reach the mountain by taking the Teide cable car, which is 7,730 feet above sea level and connects to La Rambleta, at 11,665 feet. From there, you can trek the last 650 feet up to the summit by taking Sendero 10 (Telesforo Bravo).
Bear in mind that to access this route, you must request this permit beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll have to take Trail 11 or Trail 12 from La Rambleta, which lead to the Mirador de la Fortaleza and the Pico Viejo Viewpoint, respectively. Even though you won’t be able to go to the summit, these two lookout points are incredible.
Another option for climbing Mount Teide is to complete the entire journey on foot. We did this once, starting at the trailhead of Sendero 7 (Montaña Blanca), and following the path for around 5 miles over 4 hours before arriving at La Rambleta. We opted to spend the night at the Altavista Mountain Refuge, then woke early to reach the summit at dawn to witness the sunrise. Doing so meant we didn`t require a permit since you can access the peak before 9 a.m. without one.
Finally, if self-guiding a hike is not your preference, you can join one of the highly recommended Mount Teide tours. I suggest this excursion, which incorporates your permit and cable car ticket, but this option also exists that merely includes the cable car journey. You might additionally enjoy this complimentary tour (in Spanish), which takes visitors through the Cañadas del Teide region and past the Roques de García and Roque Cinchado scenic spots.
Where to stay in south Tenerife – Best hotels in southern Tenerife
To fully experience all the top attractions in South Tenerife during your trip, we recommend overnighting at one of the highly-rated hotels in South Tenerife.
The southern region of Tenerife boasts many superb hotels, though one of my personal favorites is the Iberostar Selection Sábila, ranked amongst Spain`s top 5-star resorts. Situated directly on Fañabé Beach in Costa Adeje, it offers magnificent rooms, a spa, a buffet eatery, and more amenities.
For additional lodging options in southern Tenerife, such as villas and apartments, check the guides below:
Where to eat in southern Tenerife – Best restaurants in south Tenerife
While exploring the island and trying some of the highly recommended activities in the southern region of Tenerife, you’ll want to regain your energy levels. There are some truly incredible dining establishments in Tenerife South, such as Almar Tenerife in Puerto Colón located in Costa Adeje. It emphasizes seafood and fish dishes but you’ll also discover tasty meat and plant-based choices. Another excellent option for a meal is Taberna Tío Martín in Playa de Las Américas, which serves a wide assortment of small plates from different areas of Spain as well as traditional Canarian cuisine.
For those in El Médano, check out the Family Restaurant. The service is friendly, the atmosphere cozy, and the prices reasonable, making it one of the better places to dine in south Tenerife. Here, you’ll find various dishes from seafood and grilled meats to Mediterranean cuisine and vegetarian-friendly selections.
You can review our full guide to Tenerife’s finest restaurants to find additional places to dine in the south.
Map of south Tenerife
To wrap up, here is a map of southern Tenerife that can be used to plan your route around this part of the island. It includes all the attractions, hotels, and restaurants mentioned:
We also have some maps showing areas of Tenerife that you can view if you want a closer look at a particular region. I hope this guide helped increase your knowledge about all the stunning places in southern Tenerife!
Perhaps the most convenient approach to explore the many attractions throughout the island is to obtain the use of a rented car in Tenerife, but those who prefer not operating a vehicle could consider booking a few of the highly recommended excursions in Tenerife. For example, this particular tour departs from Costa Adeje and tours around the landscape, so it provides a simple way to view all the most iconic places without renting a vehicle.
Please, if you have any questions, or if you wish to share your experience visiting one of the finest Canary Islands, leave me a comment below. I’d love to help you out or hear about your trip to southern Tenerife. Until then, stay safe and have an amazing time!
