The South
Discovering the South
The south of Tenerife is a world of its own. The sun shines here on over 300 days a year, the sky is steel blue, and temperatures rarely drop below 20°C even in January. What was a barren, water-scarce semi-desert until the 1960s is now the most important tourist area in the Canary Islands — with all the advantages and disadvantages that come with it.
The three major towns — Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje — seamlessly merge into one another, forming a continuous coastal zone with an impressive tourist infrastructure: hundreds of hotels, shopping miles, restaurants from around the world, and nightlife that pulses until dawn.
But the south is much more than resorts: The cliffs of Los Gigantes in the west are among the most dramatic landscape formations in Europe, the Masca Gorge is one of the most spectacular hikes in the Canary Islands, and pilot whales and dolphins frolic in the waters off the coast. Those who know the south only from the hotel pool are missing the best.
Orientation
The south stretches from Los Cristianos in the east to Los Gigantes in the west:
- Los Cristianos: The oldest resort in the south, once a fishing village. Today: more relaxed than Playa de las Américas, with a real town center, ferry port (to La Gomera), and the beautiful city beach Playa de las Vistas. Popular with families and older travelers.
- Playa de las Américas: The vibrant center — hotels, bars, clubs, shopping centers. The Veronicas Strip is the party mile. This is where the nightlife is concentrated. During the day: wide beach promenades and water sports.
- Costa Adeje: The upscale neighbor west of Playa de las Américas. 5-star hotels, golf courses, high-quality restaurants, and the most beautiful beaches in the south (Playa del Duque, Playa Fañabé). This is also where Siam Park is located.
- Los Gigantes & Puerto de Santiago: At the western end, under the massive cliffs. Quieter, more authentic, with the best starting point for whale-watching tours.
- El Médano: Further east by the airport: Tenerife's surf and windsurf mecca with one of the island's longest natural beaches.
Beaches in the South
The south has the island's best and sunniest beaches — from man-made golden beaches to wild black coves:
Playa del Duque
The luxury beach of Costa Adeje: 300 meters of golden sand (imported from the Sahara), crystal-clear water, excellent infrastructure. Surrounded by 5-star hotels and upscale restaurants. Sunbeds and umbrellas from 8€/day. The most beautiful city beach in the south — well-maintained, safe, and family-friendly.
Playa de las Vistas
The family beach of Los Cristianos: 850 meters long, golden sand, calm water thanks to breakwaters. Perfect for children. Promenade with restaurants, free showers, and toilets. One of the few beaches in the south that doesn't appear artificially built up.
Playa de El Médano
Tenerife's longest natural beach — over 2 kilometers of golden-brown sand. Also the number one kite and windsurf spot in the Canary Islands: The trade winds provide constant wind. At the foot of Montaña Roja (red volcanic cone), offering a stunning sunset view. Not as sheltered as the tourist beaches — there's always a breeze here.
Playa de la Arena
Black volcanic sand at the foot of the Los Gigantes cliffs near Puerto de Santiago. Small but beautiful: The dark sand against the turquoise water is photogenic, the water quality excellent (Blue Flag). Less touristy than the beaches further east.
Playa de Abama
Hidden insider tip beach at the foot of the Ritz-Carlton Abama Hotel. 300 steps lead down to a sheltered bay with golden sand and crystal-clear water. Although located at the luxury hotel: The beach is public! Ideal for snorkeling.
Tipp
All beaches in Tenerife are legally public — even if they border private hotels. No one can deny you access. Sunbeds and umbrellas cost money, but laying your own towel on the sand is free.
Los Gigantes & Whale Watching
The Cliffs of Los Gigantes
The Acantilados de Los Gigantes (Cliffs of the Giants) are Tenerife's most dramatic natural spectacle: Up to 600 meters the basaltic rock walls plunge vertically into the sea. Viewed from a boat, they seem like the end of the world — especially at sunset when they are bathed in golden light.
The small harbor of Los Gigantes is the starting point for boat tours, kayak excursions, and the famous whale-watching trips. The village itself is pleasantly quiet — a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Playa de las Américas.
Whale Watching
In the strait between Tenerife and La Gomera lives one of the world's largest resident populations of short-finned pilot whales. Over 500 pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are here year-round — the sighting rate is over 95%. In addition, over 20 other cetacean species have been spotted, including sperm whales, Blainville's beaked whales, and with luck, even blue whales and orcas.
The tours start from Los Gigantes, Puerto Colón (Costa Adeje), or Los Cristianos. Duration: 2–4 hours. Prices: 40–75€ (catamaran boat) to 200€+ (private sailing tour). Look for the Yellow Flag seal: Only certified boats maintain the required 60-meter distance from the animals.
Achtung
Book only with providers with the official "Barco Amarillo" (Yellow Flag) certification! They adhere to the protection regulations: at least 60 m distance, no chasing of the animals, a maximum of 3 boats simultaneously per whale group. Cheap providers that get too close to the animals harm the whales and violate Canary law.
Masca Gorge
The Mountain Village of Masca
Masca is one of the Canary Islands' most spectacular villages: Perched on a narrow mountain ridge at 650 meters, white houses cling to steep rock walls, surrounded by deep gorges and palm trees. Until the 1970s, Masca was only accessible on foot or by donkey — the road that now winds down from the Teno Mountains is an adventure in itself (not for the faint-hearted!). The view along the way is breathtaking.
The Hike through the Barranco de Masca
The Masca Gorge is Tenerife's most famous hike: From the village, a narrow path leads 4.5 kilometers through the narrow gorge down to the sea. Dramatic rock walls that narrow to just a few meters, exotic vegetation, waterfalls after rainfalls, and at the end, a small pebble beach from which a boat departs to Los Gigantes.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Route | 4.5 km (only downhill to the sea) |
| Duration | 3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Medium to hard (sturdy footwear required!) |
| Permit | Online reservation required (free) |
| Boat back | From Masca Beach to Los Gigantes (approx. 10€) |
| Best time | Start in the morning (from 8 am), not in the midday heat |
Tipp
A permit for the Masca Gorge has been mandatory and free since 2023. Reserve at caminobarrancodemasca.com at least 1–2 weeks in advance — spots are limited (max. 125 people/day). Without a reservation, you won't be allowed in.
Leisure & Water Parks
Siam Park — The Best Water Park in the World
Siam Park in Costa Adeje is regularly voted the best water park in the world (TripAdvisor, 10 years in a row). On 185,000 m², you will find a breathtaking Thai-style complex: 30+ attractions, including the Tower of Power (28-meter free-fall slide through a shark tank!), the world's largest artificial wave (3.3 meters), and the Mai Thai River as a lazy river through tropical gardens.
Entrance: 40–44€ adults, 28–30€ children. Combo ticket with Loro Parque: 68€. Tip: Booking online saves waiting time. Lockers and towels are available on site.
Aqualand
The cheaper alternative to Siam Park, especially for smaller children: Aqualand Costa Adeje has gentler slides, a dolphinarium (controversial), and a wave pool area. Entrance: approx. 30€ adults.
Golf
The south has several top-class golf courses with year-round playable conditions:
- Golf Costa Adeje: 27-hole course designed by Pepe Gancedo, overlooking the Atlantic and La Gomera. Green fee: from 85€.
- Amarilla Golf: 18-hole course near San Miguel with sea views and whale-watching opportunities from the fairway. Green fee: from 65€.
- Abama Golf: Luxury course at the Ritz-Carlton, one of the best courses in Spain. 18 holes by Dave Thomas. Green fee: from 150€.
Diving & Snorkeling
The waters of the south offer year-round water temperatures of 19–24°C and visibility up to 30 meters. Most popular dive spots: the underwater caves of Alcalá, the wreck of the Tabaiba off Las Galletas, and the rock formations off Los Gigantes. Snorkeling is excellent everywhere along the southwest coast — turtles are regularly seen. Dive schools from 35€ per dive, introductory diving from 60€.
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