Southern Tenerife

The towns along the southern and south-eastern coast of Tenerife are characterised by their long sandy beaches, year-round tourism, and excellent hotel infrastructure. The archipelago’s pleasant temperatures allow visitors to sunbathe and enjoy the waters of the Atlantic whatever the season. What’s more, the area boasts several entertainment parks that are the perfect way to round off a holiday with friends or family.

The tourist area of the south stretches from the municipality of Candelaria, bordering the Metropolitan Area, to Santiago del Teide. The long coastal strip is divided up into several areas: Valle de Güímar, the region of Abona, and the area of Costa Adeje.

We begin our journey along the coast in the area closest to the Metropolitan Area, known as Valle de Güímar, which encompasses Güímar, Arafo and Candelaria. The region offers excellent examples of natural spaces, towns and beaches. However, for tourists, the most interesting place is Puertito de Güímar with its black sand and shingle beach, which has become one of the main hubs of the municipality of Güímar. Due to its singularity, another sight that can’t be missed is the Güímar Pyramids Ethnographic Park, a project spearheaded by the Norwegian researcher Thor Heyerdahl. In the neighbouring municipality of Candelaria, admirers of tradition will enjoy visiting the basilica of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria [Our Lady of Candelaria], the patron saint of the Canary Islands.

Continuing along the coast, the next region we come to is Abona, which is made up of the municipalities of Fasnia, Arico, Vilaflor de Chasna, Arona, San Miguel de Abona and Granadilla de Abona. The area, which is ideally located for getting to know the rest of the island, draws together interesting architecture and nature trails. One key feature of the area is that it offers things to do both in the interior and along the coast, as well as wine tourism. Interestingly, Vilaflor is where the highest-altitude vines in Spain are cultivated. Besides wine, those looking to enjoy the summer feeling should head to Arona to visit Playa de las Vistas beach situated in Los Cristianos.

The area that encompasses Adeje, Guía de Isora and Santiago del Teide is one of the most highly regarded in Tenerife. It has internationally-coveted tourist resorts such as Playa de las Américas, where visitors can find sandy coves, water sports and an extensive range of entertainment and places to eat. Similarly popular is Costa Adeje, which by no means is lacking in luxury hotels and shopping areas. It is also home to one of the most visited water parks in the world, Siam Park, which wins over thousands of visitors each year with its Thai theme.

Lastly, you can’t leave southern Tenerife without visiting Santiago del Teide, as it boasts two of the island’s natural wonders: Chinyero volcano, which last erupted in 1909, and Los Gigantes cliffs. The vertical walls of the cliffs reach a height of 600 metres and can be seen up close from the boats that depart from the port of Los Gigantes for whale and dolphin watching or scuba diving.

Southern Tenerife is a safe bet for whatever type of tourism you’re after.