I remember when we decided to move to Tenerife from Malaga, it took us a while to understand which side of the island was better for us where to live, Tenerife North or South.  

But after we arrived and stayed here for a few months, I realized that both are wonderful destinations where to stay and where to live, be it a short Tenerife vacation or a longer stay. None of the sides is better or worse than another one. They are just different and promise to deliver different experiences.

But let’s talk in detail about each of them to find out which one, north or south Tenerife, will better suit your needs!

Main Differences to Know Between North and South Tenerife

Tenerife Weather North vs South

There are many weather differences between Tenerife’s north and south, but the main thing you should know is that the North is always cooler, and it’s here that you’ll find various microclimates. In just 10 minutes, you can go from +22°C to +12°C (mostly in winter, as the temperature difference is smaller in summer).

The south doesn’t have such temperature swings. It’s consistently warm or hot in summer, with dry grass for most of the year and hot winds in some areas.

Northern region has a more humid climate which is why everything looks greener and more lush everywhere (even in the summer). However, that is also a disadvantage in winter when apartments feel incredibly cold, especially if you stay on the other side of Highway TF-5.

It rains quite a lot in winter too (although not like in England, don’t worry), and the fog can be thick and long-lasting, sometimes lasting for several days, but that’s usually in the mountains and forests in uphill areas. During this type of weather, we usually like to go to Anaga or Taide Forest to hike in the mist.

Another important detail is that there is always a difference of a few degrees in temperature between the north and south.

For example, during winter, when temperatures are between 20-25 degrees Celcius in the south, in the north they range between 17-21 degrees. The same is true at night. In the south it is usually between 14-17 degrees C at night, in the north it is on average 11-15 degrees C.

READ MORE: Guide to Northern Tenerife – what you can expect & what to do

Tenerife South Hotels vs Tenerife North Hotels

When deciding which part of the island to choose for a stay in Tenerife, you should consider the following:

Hotels in the south and north of Tenerife differ from each other a lot. First of all, they differ in architecture and size, natural environment, and number of activities. Second, they are also very different in terms of the availability and accessibility of comfortable beaches nearby and number of tourists in the area.

In the south, especially in the areas of Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, you’ll find a lot of large hotels and modern-style resorts with several buildings, swimming pools, and extensive grounds. They are mostly built on hills and offer views of the ocean, beaches, and urban areas.

Hotels in the north on the contrary, due to less tourist saturation, are much smaller. Many of them are made in the traditional Canarian style, decorated with volcanic stone, wood, and ceramics. Some are located near the coast with cliffs and sea harbors while others are more hidden and give a more local vibe.

Almost all hotels on Tenerife’s south coast are located near well-maintained beaches with yellow sand or near pebble (small pebbles) beaches.

Hotels on the north coast usually don’t have direct access to the beach. They can offer some of the best views of the coast and sea (the number of such hotels is huge from 5-star hotels like Hacienda Hotel to more budget-friendly options like Hotel ValleMar in Puerto de la Cruz) and can be close to natural beaches with black sand.

South Tenerife hotels are more focused on organizing beach and sunny holidays, including golf and water sports. They are all about the busy tourist vibe while hotels of the north are aimed at peaceful and secluded holiday where you can connect with nature.

Examples of Hotels in Tenerife South

Vincci Seleccion La Plantacion: Vincci Seleccion La Plantacion is a 5-star hotel with half board right by the famous Duque Beach which offers a great ratio of price and quality.

Iberostar Grand El Mirador: Iberostar Grand El Mirador is a luxury 5-star hotel with all-inclusive option with spacious rooms, two large pools, a relaxing spa, and sea views on all sides. 

Dreams Jardin Tropical: Dreams Jardin Tropical is a 4-star clean well-maintained hotel with gourmet dining and relaxing amenities. It’s a great pick for mid-budget. 

Don’t miss the best hotel savings in Tenerife South here >>

Examples of Hotels in Tenerife North

Hacienda del Conde: Hacienda del Conde – absolutely the best hotel next to Teno Mountains. With outstanding service, beautiful grounds, and recreational amenities, this hotel promotes complete relaxation and well-being. 

San Diego Boutique Hotel: San Diego Boutique Hotel is a great example of a small design hotel with a lot of attention to detail and the ability to help visitors immerse in the local experience. 

Hotel Botanico & Oriental Spa: Hotel Botanico & Oriental Spa is an elegant 5-star hotel with upscale rooms not far from a beautiful pool park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Check more hotels in Tenerife North here >>

Which Part of Tenerife is Better for Beaches?

Beaches in the north of Tenerife are wild and unspoiled, with little infrastructure. The only exception is Puerto de la Cruz, where the city beaches offer sunbeds, showers, and toilets. Playa de las Teresitas in Santa Cruz is another more developed beach, but most others in the north are untouched, with just lifeguards for safety (on some of them) – nothing more.

In the south, it’s a completely different story. Most beaches are surrounded by hotels, meaning they come with proper beach amenities. You’ll find sunbeds (for a fee), lifeguards, showers, and toilets, along with shops nearby where you can grab snacks. In some areas, vendors stroll the sands, selling little items, making it a more convenient, but less natural experience.

Tenerife south beaches for the most part have soft brownish or golden sand, calmer sea, gradual slope into the water, and comfortable and safe swimming conditions for children.

In the north, most beaches are with black volcanic sand and rocks. Some are located in remote areas, in natural or protected zones, and reaching them may require walking along coastal paths or descents.

When you try to choose the side of Tenerife for vacation because a beach holiday is the number one thing you want to get, then consider the differences in weather and sea conditions between the south vs north.

In the north, beaches are great for swimming during the summer (it’s more correct to say from the end of spring to around October) when the sea is calm, and the wind is mild. But in winter, northern coastline becomes much rougher, with strong waves and underwater currents making swimming not only uncomfortable but also dangerous.

From November to March we often see local news of tourists being pulled out by the currents or even tragic drowning incidents (so you need to be careful when choosing where to swim!).

In the south, many beaches are set in coves, with some natural spots tucked between rounded shorelines that shield them from the wind. So, in winter, the south offers better chances for safe swimming.

North or South for Tourist Activities & Top Tourist Attractions

Tenerife offers plenty of activities in both the north and south, with lots of options for every type of traveler. The key difference? Vibe and landscape.

North is best for surfers who love strong waves, hiking, culture (lots of museums here), wine tastings, banana plantations and cheese farms, leisure walks along the coast or on the hilly terrain, and food tastings (in different restaurants and cafes that are quite affordable here as food prices are not high).

South is best for boat trips and lots of different water activities (like adventurous kayaking by the cliffs or whale-watching on a speedboat) as well as for golf, resort-style vacations, and shopping.

But the best part is that the island is small, so if you feel like having a change of scenery, you can always rent a car or join a tour and soon find yourself in a completely different area of the island.

North vs South Tenerife for Entertainment & Nightlife

The nightlife in Tenerife varies quite a bit between the north and south, reflecting the vibe and pace of each area.

In the south, you can count on a busy scene that keeps going year-round for different tastes. Expect an array of shows, live music, and themed parties, with plenty of chances to catch a performance, dance, or enjoy a night out. Theaters like Piramide de Arona in Playa de las Americas and venues such as Magma Arte & Congresos in Costa Adeje often host larger events, while clubs and karaoke bars dot the area. For those feeling lucky, Casino Playa de las Americas offers gambling options.

For something a bit different, night boat excursions and guided night tours give you a unique view of Tenerife’s nightlife beyond the clubs.

You can also read my post on things to do in Tenerife South to get a better understanding of what is there in terms of activities.

In the north, things are a bit more low-key. Places like the Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz and the town of La Laguna offer cultural shows, opera, and street performances, giving a taste of local music and theater. For a more relaxed evening, Puerto de la Cruz has cozy promenades where you can unwind with traditional Canarian dishes and local wines in a peaceful quiet setting.

Northern Tenerife is also a good starting point for night tours, especially stargazing, which is among the must-do things in Northern Tenerife. If you want to go, read my tips for stargazing for beginners to make the most out of it.

Helping You to Decide – Which Side of Tenerife is Best For You?

If I were to summarize, I’d say this:

Choose Southern Tenerife for a Vacation When…

you’re escaping winter from colder places & want to soak up the sun

Southern Tenerife is significantly warmer in winter, meaning you can bask in the sun and feel comfortable in your apartment or hotel. The north, on the other hand, can be overcast, and depending on where you stay, the apartment can be cold or even very cold.

Even in Puerto de la Cruz, which is considered one of the warmer places in Tenerife in winter, it still feels chilly in the apartment (depending on the wind of course, which is unpredictable).

When you prefer places with a strong tourist vibe

The south is where all the tourists gather, and everything is tailored for them. There are even special clinics for tourists, with doctors who speak English (for example, dental clinics, cosmetic surgery, dermatologists, etc.), which is perfect if you want to combine your vacation with check-ups or planned procedures.

In the north, it’s more difficult. While there are plenty of clinics, few people speak English, and they mainly cater to locals.

When You Are Traveling With Kids

It’s not that the north isn’t interesting for kids (it has its own perks, like Loro Parque, which is a must-see), but the south is just much more suited for a family vacation.

There are a couple of great water parks, a monkey park, a camel farm, and several beaches with calm, shallow waters perfect for children.

Many hotels in the south also offer day passes for pool access, so even if you’re not staying there, you can relax by the pool for the day. In Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas, you can rent bikes and cruise around, which is more challenging to do in the north due to the hilly area.

When you want to relax in a good all-inclusive hotel

The South is full of luxurious hotels and apartments to suit every taste, so there’s always plenty to choose from.

The North also has some unique and interesting accommodations, even some interesting budget-friendly all-inclusive, but they’re limited and offer fewer services and amenities.

when you have little time for vacation, don’t have a car & want to see as much as possible

The south is packed with major attractions, and public transport is easily accessible, so you won’t waste time getting around.

Almost everything you want to see (beaches, shops, nightlife, and restaurants) is close by, making it the ideal place for a short trip without a car.

Choose Northern Tenerife for a Holiday When…

When you Like To hike (Or Walk A Lot)

The north of Tenerife is perfect for hiking and exploring trails that bring you to unforgettable views. If you love exploring on foot, this is the place to be – Anaga’s forests, Teno mountains, Teide’s forests, and hidden ravines offer trails for every level.

You can also do some hiking in the south of Tenerife, but the north is just made for this. So if you want to plan an itinerary with easy, scenic walks along the coast or challenging mountain treks, the variety here is endless.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, away from the crowds, and feel like you’re truly in the wild. Thus, if hiking’s your thing, the north will not disappoint.

When You Want to Spend Time on Unique volcanic sandy beaches

The volcanic beaches in the north are something else. South also has some black sand beaches, but they are more narrow, short, and always crowded with people.

Beaches in Northern Tenerife are quieter and many are wild still untouched. Some beaches are inviting for a swim, but others are just perfect for walking, photography, and scenery contemplation.

If you are after places in their pristine beauty and want something different and less crowded, choose to stay in the north and travel around.

When You Are Eager to Learn about the Local Life

In the north, you can really get a sense of what life on Tenerife used to be like. The towns are smaller, more authentic, and not overrun with tourists.

If you want to experience the real Canarian culture, the north is the place to go. Strolling through towns like La Laguna, La Orotava, Santa Cruz, and even Puerto de la Cruz will introduce you to old architecture, local markets, and make you feel like you are in another world distant from Europe. But read my post about small pretty towns to know where else to go for a local vibe.

Choose northern Tenerife if you like to go to places that show local life and away from all the touristy fluff.

When you Want to Experience what Hawaii of Europe is like

When people call the north of Tenerife the “Hawaii of Europe,” they’re not exaggerating. I’ve been to both places and can confirm just that (of course there are big differences in culture and mentality but nature-wise, landscapes and terrain are very similar).

In the north, it will feel exotic and even wild with raw nature. So if you want to see a side of Tenerife that’s full of natural beauty and has that laid-back vibe, the north is the spot.

When you are on a budget

Since northern part of the island is where the locals live, prices for accommodation, cafes, restaurants, and even prices for food in small shops are lower here.

This makes it a great destination for people planning to spend winter in Tenerife or just a few months during any other season.

And when you want to get the best in terms of activities

If you’re an active person who’s coming to Tenerife to explore the island from different perspectives with a lot to do every day (hiking, swimming, exploring cities, and not afraid to try different dishes), then you definitely need to base yourself in the north.

If budget allows, rent a car, as with one you’ll be able to do and see so much in a short amount of time. When renting a car is not an option, it’s not a problem – public transport can get you many places, but be prepared to see less within your planned timeframe.

More Posts on Tenerife to Help You Decide

• Guimar Town in Tenerife North – for a very different feel of life
• Road Trips in Tenerife – scenic drives in both north and south
• Restaurants & Bars With a View – scenic locations where to eat and drink

More Posts on the Canary Islands

• First Time in Gran Canaria – how many days are enough for a holiday? 
• Best 5-star Hotels in Gran Canaria – for families & couples