Choosing Where to Buy Property in Tenerife
Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions you will make when buying property in Tenerife. There is no single area that is right for everyone. The best location depends on how you intend to use the property, your lifestyle, your budget and what you want to be close to.
A property that looks perfect online may not be right for you once you experience the surrounding area. Before making a decision, it is worth spending time in the locations you are considering and seeing how they fit your lifestyle.
South or North Tenerife?
One of the first decisions is whether you prefer the south or north of the island.
South Tenerife
The south is particularly popular with international buyers and includes areas such as Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Golf del Sur.
Buyers are often attracted by the generally drier climate, established tourist infrastructure, beaches, restaurants, entertainment and relatively easy access to Tenerife South Airport.
North Tenerife
The north offers a greener landscape and, in many areas, a more traditional Spanish atmosphere. Puerto de la Cruz is the best-known town for international property buyers in this part of the island.
The north can appeal to buyers looking for a less resort-oriented environment, although the climate is generally cloudier and wetter than the south.
Neither is simply "better" than the other. The right choice depends on how you want to live and use your property.
What Matters Most When Choosing an Area?
Climate
Tenerife has several microclimates. The south is generally warmer, sunnier and drier, while the north is greener and tends to receive more cloud and rainfall.
If year-round sunshine is particularly important to you, this can be a significant consideration.
Lifestyle
Think about how you want to spend your time in Tenerife.
- Do you want a lively resort?
- Would you prefer somewhere quieter?
- Are restaurants and nightlife important?
- Do you want a more traditional Spanish environment?
- Is golf important to you?
- Do you want easy access to beaches?
- Are walking and hiking important?
Walking and Accessibility
This is one of the most overlooked considerations when buying property in Tenerife.
A property may appear close to the beach, shops or restaurants when viewed on a map but may involve a steep hill or a difficult walk.
Visit the area on foot before buying. Walk from the property to the places you expect to use regularly and see whether the location works for you.
Transport
Consider whether you intend to have a car.
Some areas are very convenient without one, while other locations are considerably easier if you have your own transport.
Community and Running Costs
If you are buying an apartment or property within a managed development, investigate the community arrangements carefully.
Annual costs can vary significantly depending on facilities such as:
- swimming pools
- gardens
- lifts
- security
- communal areas
- other shared facilities
For more information, see our Costs of Buying Property in Tenerife guide.
Popular Areas for Property Buyers
Costa Adeje
Good for: Luxury, lifestyle, beaches, restaurants and modern developments.
Costa Adeje is one of the most established areas for international property buyers in Tenerife. It includes a wide range of developments, from apartments to high-end villas, and offers access to beaches, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities.
Advantages:
- Wide range of property
- Excellent choice of restaurants and amenities
- Popular beaches
- Established international community
- Convenient for Tenerife South Airport
Things to consider:
- Property prices can be higher in sought-after areas
- Some locations are hilly
- Busy tourist areas may not suit everyone
Los Cristianos
Good for: Permanent living, holidays, convenience and an established community.
Los Cristianos is one of Tenerife's best-known resort towns. It has a large range of shops, restaurants, services and transport connections, making it attractive to both holiday homeowners and people looking for a more permanent base.
Advantages:
- Excellent range of amenities
- Beaches and harbour
- Good transport connections
- Large established community
- Convenient for the airport
Things to consider:
- Can be busy, particularly during peak periods
- Some properties are in older developments
- Careful consideration of location is important
Playa de las Américas
Good for: Holidays, entertainment, restaurants and a lively lifestyle.
Playa de las Américas is at the heart of Tenerife's main southern resort area. It is particularly suited to people who want restaurants, nightlife, beaches and entertainment close at hand.
Advantages:
- Excellent choice of restaurants and entertainment
- Central location
- Beaches nearby
- Wide range of apartments
- Easy access to neighbouring resorts
Things to consider:
- Some areas can be noisy
- More holiday-oriented than some other locations
- Parking can be an issue in some areas
Golf del Sur
Good for: Golf, quieter surroundings and a relaxed lifestyle.
Golf del Sur is popular with buyers looking for a quieter environment while remaining within easy reach of the main southern resorts.
Advantages:
- Golf facilities
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Good selection of apartments and villas
- Close to Tenerife South Airport
Things to consider:
- A car can be useful
- Less central than Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas
- Windier conditions can occur in some locations
Los Gigantes
Good for: Dramatic scenery, sea views and a quieter lifestyle.
Los Gigantes is famous for its spectacular cliffs and ocean views. It can appeal to buyers who want something different from the larger southern resorts.
Advantages:
- Exceptional scenery
- Sea views
- More relaxed atmosphere
- Good choice of apartments and villas
Things to consider:
- Hilly terrain
- Further from Tenerife South Airport
- A car may be useful depending on location
La Caleta
Good for: High-end lifestyle, restaurants and a quieter environment close to Costa Adeje.
La Caleta has become particularly attractive to buyers looking for higher-end property while remaining close to the amenities of Costa Adeje.
Advantages:
- High-quality restaurants
- Attractive coastal setting
- Close to Costa Adeje
- Luxury property options
Things to consider:
- Property prices can be relatively high
- Limited supply in some parts
Puerto de la Cruz
Good for: Traditional Tenerife, greenery, culture and a less resort-focused lifestyle.
Puerto de la Cruz is the principal tourist town in the north of Tenerife. It offers a very different atmosphere from the main southern resorts, with traditional streets, historic buildings, gardens and a greener surrounding landscape.
Advantages:
- More traditional atmosphere
- Greener surroundings
- Good range of restaurants and services
- Strong local community
Things to consider:
- Different climate from the south
- Further from Tenerife South Airport
- Less focused on the traditional southern resort lifestyle
Which Area Is Right for You?
Rather than asking which part of Tenerife is the "best", think about which area best matches the way you intend to use your property.
For example, someone looking for a lively holiday apartment may have very different requirements from someone planning to retire to Tenerife.
Think about:
- How often will I use the property?
- Will I need a car?
- Do I want a quiet or lively area?
- How important is walking distance to amenities?
- Do I need easy access to beaches?
- Am I planning to rent the property?
- What community fees can I afford?
- How important are restaurants and entertainment?
- Have I visited the area personally?
Visit Before You Buy
Photographs and online property listings can only tell you so much about an area.
Before buying, spend time in the neighbourhood at different times of day. Walk the streets, visit local shops and restaurants, check transport links and see how the area feels.
If possible, visit during different seasons as well. An area that feels ideal during a short holiday may feel very different when you imagine spending several months there each year.
Choosing the Right Property Starts with the Right Location
The right property is not simply the one with the best photographs or the lowest price. Its location, surroundings and suitability for your lifestyle are just as important.
At Tenerife Property Finder, we can help you narrow down the areas that match your requirements, lifestyle and budget before you start viewing individual properties.
Tell us what you are looking for and we can help you take the next step.
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