Sunshine South Tenerife

· Travel team
Hey Lykkers! Ready for warm seas, volcanic views, and theme-park thrills? South Tenerife delivers year-round sunshine, long golden beaches, and family-friendly fun anchored around Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, and Los Cristianos.
Here’s a practical, price-packed guide so you can land at TFS, drop your bags, and start making the most of every hour.
Why South
The south enjoys a subtropical climate with the island’s driest weather—think beach days even in winter. You’ll find top attractions within a 15-minute drive, plentiful buses, and resorts ranging from budget apartments to five-star stays.
Getting There
Fly into Tenerife South (TFS). From arrivals, TITSA buses run to the resorts: 111/40 (TFS → Costa Adeje station) and 415/450 (local links). Expect $3–$6 per person. Taxis to Costa Adeje are $28–$40. Rental cars start around $25–$45/day; parking is widely available near beaches and malls.
Siam Park
Often ranked the world’s top waterpark, Siam Park opens daily ~10:00–18:00 (seasonal). Day tickets are ~$46 adults / $33 kids; family bundles save more. Budget $6 for a locker; towels can be rented or bring your own. Highlights include Tower of Power, a lazy river, and a giant wave pool. Arrive at opening or after 15:00 for shorter lines.
Aqualand
Quieter than Siam and great for younger kids, Aqualand Costa Adeje runs ~10:00–17:00. Tickets ~$34 adults / $25 kids. Expect slides, kid zones, and scheduled presentations with trained staff. Combine with nearby shopping or an oceanfront stroll.
Jungle Park
A lush, canyon-style wildlife park near Arona, open ~10:00–17:30. Entry ~$32 adults / $24 kids. Shaded trails, rope bridges, and demonstration areas keep families engaged. Allow 3–4 hours and wear comfy shoes.
Monkey Park
Compact, educational, and easy to pair with Los Cristianos. Open mornings to late afternoon with tickets ~$12 adults / $8 kids. Observe primates and other residents in thoughtfully designed enclosures. Plan 60–90 minutes.
Beach Time
Los Cristianos and Las Vistas offer calm water, lifeguards, and sunbed sets ($15–$22 for two beds + umbrella). Watersports kiosks sell banana-boat rides and pedalo rentals ($12–$25). Glass-bottom or dolphin-watching cruises from the harbor run $22–$38 for 2–3 hours.
Short Hike
Montaña Chayofita gives a no-fuss summit in 15–25 minutes from central Los Cristianos. It’s free, safe in trainers, and best at golden hour. You’ll score panoramic views over the resort coastline.
Infierno Gorge
Barranco del Infierno (Adeje) caps visitor numbers to protect the trail to Tenerife’s highest seasonal waterfall. Pre-book online; entry ~$12, including a required helmet. Slots run ~08:30–14:30; the round trip is 3–3.5 hours on a well-marked path. Carry 1–1.5 L of water and wear grippy footwear.
Night Fountain
At Safari Center (Playa de las Américas), the Light & Music Fountain runs short evening shows—great after dinner. It’s free, and the surrounding boulevard has boutiques and dessert cafés. Aim for 20:00–22:00 for the liveliest vibe.
Shopping Spots
Los Cristianos Market: the area’s largest, held mornings on market days (typically 09:00–14:00) near the bus station. Find crafts, beachwear, and souvenirs—bring small cash and watch your valuables.
Centro Comercial Safari / Plaza del Duque: upscale apparel, jewelers, perfumeries, and casual dining. Many shops offer tax-free refunds for non-EU residents—ask for a digital tax-free form.
Aloe & Dolls
Finca Canarias Aloe Vera has visitor centers around the south (e.g., near Granadilla). Free short tours explain cultivation and uses; products range $6–$28. ARTlandya showcases handcrafted dolls and teddy collections; entry ~$12 with guided insights—allow 90 minutes.
More Beaches
Don’t miss El Camisón (sheltered crescent), Torviscas/Fañabé (long promenades, playgrounds), and Playa del Duque (elegant vibe). Promenade kiosks sell smoothies and fresh juices ($3–$6). Sunsets are spectacular from La Caleta.
Practical Eats
Family-friendly seafront restaurants serve grilled fish, veggie paellas, wood-oven pizzas, and kid menus. Expect $10–$18 for mains, $4–$7 for starters, and $3–$5 for gelato or pastries. Tap water is potable but often filtered for taste; bottled water is $1–$2 at supermarkets.
Scenic View
Mirador Cruz del Carmen (Anaga Rural Park) sits about 1 hr 15 min by car from Costa Adeje—ideal for a cooler-air day trip. Parking is free; short loop trails start at the visitor center with sweeping views and signed lookouts.
Where To Stay
Budget: self-catering apartments in Los Cristianos from $55–$95/night.
Mid-range: Costa Adeje aparthotels with pools $110–$180/night.
Premium: beachfront resorts near Del Duque $240–$420/night.
Book 4–8 weeks ahead for December–April and July–August.
Smart Tips
Sun is strong year-round—use SPF 30+, hats, and refillable bottles. For buses, buy a rechargeable TEN+ card at stations to cut fares. At parks and hikes, reserve morning entries to dodge queues and midday heat. Market mornings are busy—go early.
Conclusion
From record-breaking slides to serene coves and canyon trails, South Tenerife packs a week’s worth of fun into a sunny stretch of coastline. Which will you tackle first—wave pool, waterfall hike, or a sunset stroll along Las Vistas?