For most people the best area in Tenerife for a three-month winter is Los Cristianos: it is flat, sunny, walkable and has every service you need. Costa Adeje is the upmarket alternative, Puerto de la Cruz is best if you prefer local life and lower rents, and El Médano suits active people and remote workers.
Areas compared
| Area | Sun | Walkability | Rent level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Cristianos | Very high | Excellent, flat | Medium-high | Most long-stayers |
| Costa Adeje | Very high | Good, some hills | High | Comfort, beaches |
| Playa de las Américas | Very high | Good | Medium-high | Nightlife, sport bars |
| Puerto de la Cruz | Medium | Good, some hills | Medium-low | Local life, value |
| Los Gigantes | High | Steep | Medium | Peace, views |
| El Médano | High, windy | Good | Medium | Kitesurfers, remote workers |
Los Cristianos
The classic winter base. The promenade links Los Cristianos to Playa de las Américas, so you can walk for kilometres on the flat. There are supermarkets, pharmacies, a health centre, a Sunday market and the ferry port for day trips to La Gomera.
Costa Adeje
Newer and more polished, with good beaches and high-quality apartments. It is hillier in places and more expensive, but very comfortable for a long stay.
Puerto de la Cruz
The north’s historic resort has hosted winter visitors for well over a century. It is greener and cooler, with more cloud, but rents are lower and the town has real Canarian character. Ideal if you prefer 20°C and culture to 24°C and sunbeds.
Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago
Spectacular cliffs, sunsets and calm. The streets are steep, so think carefully if mobility is a concern.
El Médano
A relaxed beach town near Tenerife South airport, famous for wind and kitesurfing and popular with younger long-stayers and remote workers.
Monthly costs and getting around
Rent is the biggest cost and rises from December to March. All of these areas are on TITSA bus routes, and Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz are the easiest without a car. See Do You Need a Car for a Winter in Tenerife?.
Our verdict
First winter: Los Cristianos. Second winter or tighter budget: Puerto de la Cruz. Want comfort: Costa Adeje. More in Wintering in Tenerife.