{"id":4160,"date":"2017-05-30T09:56:02","date_gmt":"2017-05-30T09:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rentacar.canarias.com\/?p=4160"},"modified":"2026-09-08T15:18:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T15:18:25","slug":"south-tenerife-beaches-things-to-do-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rentacar.canarias.com\/en\/blog\/south-tenerife-beaches-things-to-do-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"South Tenerife: Beaches, Things to Do and a Scenic Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

South Tenerife is the part of the island where it is easiest to combine a beach, promenade, water park, boat trip, sunset and dinner beside the sea without feeling that you have spent the entire day in the car.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Updated in 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

When people talk about South Tenerife, they normally think of sunshine, hotels, pale-sand beaches and tourist life. All of that exists, but the south also has fishing villages, volcanic routes, enormous cliffs, windsurfing areas, black-sand coves, leisure parks and quiet corners that do not always appear in the first search.<\/p>\n\n

This guide is designed to help you organise South Tenerife sensibly: which areas to choose, which beaches are worthwhile, where to go with children, which plans work when you want more than a sun lounger and how to build a road trip without unnecessary driving.<\/p>\n\n

South Tenerife combines beaches, leisure activities, coastal villages and easy road trips.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
South Tenerife in a nutshell<\/h2>\n\n
**General location:<\/strong> see South Tenerife on Google Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n**
The tourist-oriented south of Tenerife is concentrated mainly in municipalities such as Arona<\/strong>, Adeje<\/strong>, Granadilla de Abona<\/strong>, Gu\u00eda de Isora<\/strong> and Santiago del Teide<\/strong>. It is a large area, so do not treat it as though it were all the same: a morning at Las Vistas feels very different from an afternoon in El M\u00e9dano or a sunset opposite Los Gigantes.<\/p>\n\n
\n
**For an easy beach:<\/strong> Las Vistas, El Duque, Torviscas, Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9, La Pinta or Playa de San Juan.<\/li>\n**
**For atmosphere and nightlife:<\/strong> Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas and parts of Costa Adeje.<\/li>\n**
**For families:<\/strong> Las Vistas, La Pinta, Playa de San Juan and sheltered parts of Costa Adeje.<\/li>\n**
**For wind and water sports:<\/strong> El M\u00e9dano and La Tejita.<\/li>\n**
**For dramatic scenery:<\/strong> Los Gigantes, Monta\u00f1a Roja and Punta de Rasca.<\/li>\n**
**For leisure activities:<\/strong> Siam Park, boat trips, snorkelling, golf and family parks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n**Arona: Los Cristianos, Las Vistas and Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas<\/h2>\n\n
**Location:<\/strong>** **see Los Cristianos and Las Vistas on Google Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n**
Arona is one of the south’s main tourist centres. Its coast includes Los Cristianos<\/strong>, Playa de Las Vistas<\/strong> and **Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas<\/strong>, three very different areas even though they are almost next to each other.<\/p>\n\n**
Los Cristianos retains a maritime feel alongside considerable tourist activity. Ferries and excursions depart from its harbour, with restaurants, shops and a promenade around it. Las Vistas is one of South Tenerife’s best family beaches: broad, pale-sanded, well serviced and set in a protected bay. Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas, in contrast, is more about atmosphere, entertainment, terraces and nightlife.<\/p>\n\n
Advice:<\/strong> if you are travelling with children or want an easy beach, begin at Las Vistas. For dinner, a walk and a drink, move towards Los Cristianos or Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas according to the atmosphere you prefer.<\/p>\n\n
**$\"Playa$** Playa de Las Vistas, one of Arona’s most convenient beaches.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
Costa Adeje: beaches, parks and sea excursions<\/h2>\n\n
**Location:<\/strong>** **see Costa Adeje on Google Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n**
Costa Adeje is the part of South Tenerife that becomes most convenient for anyone wanting everything close by: beaches, hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, boat trips and leisure parks. Beaches here include El Duque<\/strong>, Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9<\/strong>, Torviscas<\/strong>, La Pinta<\/strong> and **Puerto Col\u00f3n<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n**
El Duque is more polished and elegant; Torviscas and Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9 are highly practical; La Pinta often works well for families because of its proximity to Puerto Col\u00f3n and more sheltered water. If you have only one day for an easy beach in the south, Costa Adeje rarely disappoints.<\/p>\n\n
It is also a good base for whale-watching excursions. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are known for short-finned pilot whales and dolphins, but choose authorised, responsible companies. Seeing animals should not become chasing animals.<\/p>\n\n
**$\"Costa$** Costa Adeje is one of the most convenient areas for combining beaches and leisure activities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
Siam Park, Aqualand and leisure parks<\/h2>\n\n
**Location:<\/strong>** **see Siam Park on Google Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n**
If you are travelling with children or teenagers, or simply want to exchange the beach for some adrenaline, the south contains several leisure parks. Siam Park<\/strong> remains the biggest name: an enormous water park in Costa Adeje, with family attractions and intense slides such as the 28-metre Tower of Power, according to the park’s official information.<\/p>\n\n
Aqualand Costa Adeje<\/strong> may be a more manageable alternative for some families, while the Arona area also has parks focused on wildlife, shows and family activities. The key is to check opening times and buy tickets in advance during high season, because improvising at midday in August is usually more expensive and more tiring.<\/p>\n\n
**El M\u00e9dano and La Tejita: wind, Monta\u00f1a Roja and a surfing atmosphere<\/h2>\n\n****Location:<\/strong>** **see El M\u00e9dano and Monta\u00f1a Roja on Google Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n**
El M\u00e9dano moves at a different pace. It is close to Tenerife South Airport, but does not feel like a hotel-and-wristband resort. There is wind, boards, caf\u00e9s, people walking barefoot and a very direct relationship with the sea. The town beach is more family-friendly; towards Monta\u00f1a Roja, the setting becomes more open and windy.<\/p>\n\n
La Tejita, on the other side of Monta\u00f1a Roja, is one of the south’s most beautiful beaches if you enjoy a sense of space. It is not the most convenient beach for a day with a pushchair, giant parasol and cool box, but it is one of the most distinctive for walking, looking at the mountain and feeling a more natural Tenerife.<\/p>\n\n
**See our specific guide to El M\u00e9dano in Tenerife<\/a> if you want to plan this area in more detail.<\/p>\n\n**
Gu\u00eda de Isora: Playa San Juan, Alcal\u00e1 and La Jaquita<\/h2>\n\n
**Location:<\/strong>** **see Playa San Juan on Google Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n**
Gu\u00eda de Isora is a good option if you want to leave the busiest Arona and Adeje tourist corridor without travelling too far. Coastal highlights include Playa San Juan<\/strong>, Alcal\u00e1<\/strong> and **La Jaquita<\/strong>, with a more local atmosphere, seafront walks and beautiful sunsets.<\/p>\n\n**
Playa San Juan is convenient for families and has nearby restaurants. Alcal\u00e1 is perfect for a sunset walk, while La Jaquita combines bathing areas with volcanic scenery. It has less entertainment than Costa Adeje, but feels more relaxed in return.<\/p>\n\n
**$\"Gu\u00eda$** Gu\u00eda de Isora combines a quiet coast, towns and excellent sunsets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
Los Gigantes and Puerto Santiago<\/h2>\n\n
**Location:<\/strong>** **see Los Gigantes on Google Maps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n**
Los Gigantes is one of south-west Tenerife’s most powerful sights. Its cliffs fall vertically into the sea in a way that remains impressive even after you have seen many photographs. Enjoy them from the harbour, viewpoints, a boat trip or Los Gu\u00edos Beach when conditions allow.<\/p>\n\n
Very close by are Puerto Santiago<\/strong> and **Playa de La Arena<\/strong>, a serviced black-sand beach that works well if you are staying in the area. It makes a good contrast after the pale-sand beaches of Adeje or Arona.<\/p>\n\n**
**If this part of the coast interests you, also read our guide to** **Playa de La Arena in South Tenerife<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n**
$\"Los$
Los Gigantes is one of south-west Tenerife’s most spectacular stops.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
Recommended South Tenerife beaches for each type of plan<\/h2>\n\n
Not every southern beach is suited to the same purpose. Here is a quick guide:<\/p>\n\n
\n
**With children:<\/strong> Las Vistas, La Pinta, Torviscas, El Duque and Playa San Juan.<\/li>\n**
**For services and a promenade:<\/strong> Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9, Torviscas, Las Vistas, Los Cristianos and El Duque.<\/li>\n**
**For a surfing atmosphere:<\/strong> El M\u00e9dano.<\/li>\n**
**For walking and scenery:<\/strong> La Tejita and Monta\u00f1a Roja.<\/li>\n**
**For black sand:<\/strong> Playa de La Arena in Puerto Santiago.<\/li>\n**
**To escape the busiest tourist areas:<\/strong> Alcal\u00e1, La Jaquita, Las Galletas and Costa del Silencio.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n**If beaches are central to your trip, our general selection of Tenerife beaches<\/a> and guide to Blue Flag beaches in Tenerife in 2026<\/a> may help.<\/p>\n\n
A one-day road trip around South Tenerife<\/h2>\n\n
If you have only one day and want to see plenty without rushing too much, I would do this:<\/p>\n\n
\n
**Morning at Las Vistas or El Duque:<\/strong> easy swimming and services.<\/li>\n**
**Walk around Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos:<\/strong> a simple lunch by the sea.<\/li>\n**
**Afternoon in El M\u00e9dano or La Tejita:<\/strong> a change of atmosphere, wind and Monta\u00f1a Roja.<\/li>\n**
Sunset at Los Gigantes:<\/strong> if you do not mind more driving, finish opposite the cliffs.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
With small children, I would shorten it: Las Vistas in the morning, a walk through Los Cristianos and a relaxed afternoon at La Pinta or Costa Adeje. Fewer kilometres, more enjoyment.<\/p>\n\n
A three-day route around South Tenerife<\/h2>\n\n
Day 1: Arona and Costa Adeje<\/h3>\n\n
Begin at Las Vistas or Los Cristianos, eat beside the promenade and spend the afternoon at El Duque, Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9 or Torviscas. If you want leisure activities, book Siam Park for this day or give it a separate full day.<\/p>\n\n
Day 2: El M\u00e9dano, La Tejita and Granadilla<\/h3>\n\n
Spend the morning in El M\u00e9dano, walk along the promenade and visit La Tejita if the wind is not unbearable. Monta\u00f1a Roja is a beautiful stop, but take footwear and water.<\/p>\n\n
Day 3: Gu\u00eda de Isora and Los Gigantes<\/h3>\n\n
Visit Playa San Juan, Alcal\u00e1 or La Jaquita and continue to Los Gigantes to see the cliffs. If you wish, book an authorised boat excursion or finish with dinner in Puerto Santiago.<\/p>\n\n
Practical advice for enjoying South Tenerife<\/h2>\n\n
\n
**Do not underestimate the sun:<\/strong> it burns even with a breeze. Always take a hat, water and sun protection.<\/li>\n**
**The wind changes your plans:<\/strong> if El M\u00e9dano is uncomfortable, try Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos.<\/li>\n**
**Park early:<\/strong> arriving before mid-morning makes an enormous difference at popular beaches.<\/li>\n**
**Book parks and excursions:<\/strong> improvising in high season usually works out worse.<\/li>\n**
**Choose responsible whale-watching companies:<\/strong> look for authorised operators and respect distances.<\/li>\n**
**Do not fill the day with stops:<\/strong> South Tenerife looks easy on a map, but with heat, parking and children, less is usually more.<\/li>\n**
Have a backup:<\/strong> if one beach is full or the sea is rough, another option is normally only a few kilometres away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Frequently asked questions about South Tenerife<\/h2>\n\n
Which is the best area to stay in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n
It depends on your trip. Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Las Vistas work very well for families. Choose Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas for nightlife, or Playa San Juan, Alcal\u00e1 or Los Gigantes for somewhere quieter.<\/p>\n\n
Which southern beaches are best for children?<\/h3>\n\n
Las Vistas, La Pinta, Torviscas, El Duque and Playa San Juan are usually good options because of their services, access and more sheltered sea. Even so, always check that day’s flag.<\/p>\n\n
Is El M\u00e9dano worthwhile if I do not windsurf?<\/h3>\n\n
Yes. El M\u00e9dano has atmosphere, a promenade, restaurants and views of Monta\u00f1a Roja. Just bear the wind in mind: when it is strong, walking may be more appealing than spending hours on a towel.<\/p>\n\n
Is Los Gigantes in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n
It is in the south-west, in Santiago del Teide. It is not part of the typical Costa Adeje or Arona tourist centre, but fits very well into a route around the south and west of the island.<\/p>\n\n
Do you need a car in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n
Not always if you only plan to travel between your hotel, the beach and promenade. A car gives you much more freedom if you want to combine El M\u00e9dano, Gu\u00eda de Isora, Los Gigantes, beaches and towns.<\/p>\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n
South Tenerife can be as simple or as varied as you want. You can remain in beach-and-restaurant mode, or plan a route with cliffs, parks, wind, coastal villages and sunsets. Both options work.<\/p>\n\n
My advice is to choose one base and not try to see everything in two days. Arona and Costa Adeje for convenience; El M\u00e9dano for atmosphere and scenery; Gu\u00eda de Isora for calm; and Los Gigantes to end the trip with an unforgettable image. South Tenerife offers entertainment, but it is far more enjoyable when you do not turn it into a race.<\/p>\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which is the best area to stay in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Costa Adeje is convenient and family-friendly, Los Cristianos has a practical atmosphere and harbour, Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas is livelier, and El M\u00e9dano better suits travellers looking for local atmosphere and wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do I need a car in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not for getting around the main tourist area, but it is highly recommended if you want to visit Teide, Los Gigantes, El M\u00e9dano, Masca, La Laguna or the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which beaches are recommended in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Playa del Duque, Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9, Las Vistas, Los Cristianos, El M\u00e9dano, La Tejita and Playa de La Arena are popular options, each with a different atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which excursions can I take from South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From the south, you can visit Teide through Vilaflor, Los Gigantes, Masca, El M\u00e9dano, take a whale-watching trip, explore Costa Adeje or La Laguna, or tour the north if you leave early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A three-day route around South Tenerife<\/h2>\n\n

Day 1: Arona and Costa Adeje<\/h3>\n\nBegin at Las Vistas or Los Cristianos, eat beside the promenade and spend the afternoon at El Duque, Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9 or Torviscas. If you want leisure activities, book Siam Park for this day or give it a separate full day.<\/p>\n\n

Day 2: El M\u00e9dano, La Tejita and Granadilla<\/h3>\n\nSpend the morning in El M\u00e9dano, walk along the promenade and visit La Tejita if the wind is not unbearable. Monta\u00f1a Roja is a beautiful stop, but take footwear and water.<\/p>\n\n

Day 3: Gu\u00eda de Isora and Los Gigantes<\/h3>\n\nVisit Playa San Juan, Alcal\u00e1 or La Jaquita and continue to Los Gigantes to see the cliffs. If you wish, book an authorised boat excursion or finish with dinner in Puerto Santiago.<\/p>\n\n

Frequently asked questions about South Tenerife<\/h2>\n\n

Which is the best area to stay in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\nIt depends on your trip. Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Las Vistas work very well for families. Choose Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas for nightlife, or Playa San Juan, Alcal\u00e1 or Los Gigantes for somewhere quieter.<\/p>\n\n

Which southern beaches are best for children?<\/h3>\n\nLas Vistas, La Pinta, Torviscas, El Duque and Playa San Juan are usually good options because of their services, access and more sheltered sea. Even so, always check that day’s flag.<\/p>\n\n

Is El M\u00e9dano worthwhile if I do not windsurf?<\/h3>\n\nYes. El M\u00e9dano has atmosphere, a promenade, restaurants and views of Monta\u00f1a Roja. Just bear the wind in mind: when it is strong, walking may be more appealing than spending hours on a towel.<\/p>\n\n

Is Los Gigantes in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\nIt is in the south-west, in Santiago del Teide. It is not part of the typical Costa Adeje or Arona tourist centre, but fits very well into a route around the south and west of the island.<\/p>\n\n

Do you need a car in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\nNot always if you only plan to travel between your hotel, the beach and promenade. A car gives you much more freedom if you want to combine El M\u00e9dano, Gu\u00eda de Isora, Los Gigantes, beaches and towns.<\/p>\n\n

Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Which is the best area to stay in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCosta Adeje is convenient and family-friendly, Los Cristianos has a practical atmosphere and harbour, Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas is livelier, and El M\u00e9dano better suits travellers looking for local atmosphere and wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need a car in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nNot for getting around the main tourist area, but it is highly recommended if you want to visit Teide, Los Gigantes, El M\u00e9dano, Masca, La Laguna or the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which beaches are recommended in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nPlaya del Duque, Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9, Las Vistas, Los Cristianos, El M\u00e9dano, La Tejita and Playa de La Arena are popular options, each with a different atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1: Arona and Costa Adeje<\/h3>\n\n
Begin at Las Vistas or Los Cristianos, eat beside the promenade and spend the afternoon at El Duque, Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9 or Torviscas. If you want leisure activities, book Siam Park for this day or give it a separate full day.<\/p>\n\n

Day 2: El M\u00e9dano, La Tejita and Granadilla<\/h3>\n\n
Spend the morning in El M\u00e9dano, walk along the promenade and visit La Tejita if the wind is not unbearable. Monta\u00f1a Roja is a beautiful stop, but take footwear and water.<\/p>\n\n

Day 3: Gu\u00eda de Isora and Los Gigantes<\/h3>\n\n
Visit Playa San Juan, Alcal\u00e1 or La Jaquita and continue to Los Gigantes to see the cliffs. If you wish, book an authorised boat excursion or finish with dinner in Puerto Santiago.<\/p>\n\n

Which is the best area to stay in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n
It depends on your trip. Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Las Vistas work very well for families. Choose Playa de las Am\u00e9ricas for nightlife, or Playa San Juan, Alcal\u00e1 or Los Gigantes for somewhere quieter.<\/p>\n\n

Which southern beaches are best for children?<\/h3>\n\n
Las Vistas, La Pinta, Torviscas, El Duque and Playa San Juan are usually good options because of their services, access and more sheltered sea. Even so, always check that day’s flag.<\/p>\n\n

Is El M\u00e9dano worthwhile if I do not windsurf?<\/h3>\n\n
Yes. El M\u00e9dano has atmosphere, a promenade, restaurants and views of Monta\u00f1a Roja. Just bear the wind in mind: when it is strong, walking may be more appealing than spending hours on a towel.<\/p>\n\n

Is Los Gigantes in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n
It is in the south-west, in Santiago del Teide. It is not part of the typical Costa Adeje or Arona tourist centre, but fits very well into a route around the south and west of the island.<\/p>\n\n

Do you need a car in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n
Not always if you only plan to travel between your hotel, the beach and promenade. A car gives you much more freedom if you want to combine El M\u00e9dano, Gu\u00eda de Isora, Los Gigantes, beaches and towns.<\/p>\n\n

Do I need a car in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not for getting around the main tourist area, but it is highly recommended if you want to visit Teide, Los Gigantes, El M\u00e9dano, Masca, La Laguna or the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which beaches are recommended in South Tenerife?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Playa del Duque, Fa\u00f1ab\u00e9, Las Vistas, Los Cristianos, El M\u00e9dano, La Tejita and Playa de La Arena are popular options, each with a different atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n