When you want an easy escape to somewhere reliably sunny, Costa Adeje in the south-west of Tenerife is ideal. This coastal town, clad in pink buildings is the newest holiday hotspot on the Canary Island and in the last 20 or so years, Costa Adeje has become a must-go destination for holidaymakers in search of romance or family fun in a lively resort.
That’s why Iberostar hotels in Costa Adeje offer a range of both family-friendly and adult-only all-inclusive hotels such as the five-star Iberostar Selection Anthelia just a stone’s throw from Fañabé Beach or the four-star Iberostar Bouganville Playa, where kids can play on the new Aquafun water park and enjoy the kids’ Star Camp activities program. The highlight is The Iberostar Selection Sábila, a seafront haven for adults offering minimalist chic with a range of seven cuisines and a spa with the healing properties of sábila – aloe vera.
When you want to explore, here are suggestions of where to visit:
1Siam Park – Thai-themed water park
Grab your kids and your swimming costumes and head for Siam Park – one of the world’s best waterparks. Siam Park has the longest and highest lazy rivers in the world and the largest man-made waves in Europe. And, simply epic water slides.
There are opportunities to show off too; simply throw yourself down the almost vertical Tower of Power, passing through a shark tank, and not only will you look brave, you will feel exhilarated.
2Swim with Turtles
The unspoiled cove of Playa del Puertito, makes for a peaceful day out. The waters are so clear and inviting yet if you swim past fishing boats you will come upon a posse of friendly turtles who are happy to have you swim in their waters. Keep an eye out for crabs, rays, and trumpet fish.
3Constellations in Teide National Park
Star gazing is always a wonderfully meditative pastime and Teide National Park is a great place to enjoy the experience. The skies are abundant with starry night skies and some tours entail after-dark cable car excursions accompanied by an astronomer.
Perhaps the best experience is to be had at the Tenerife Observatory which holds the accolade for being the largest solar observatory in the world.
4Whale Watching off the Costa Adeje
Whatever time of year you get there, you will have the opportunity to spot sperm, pilot, orca, or minke whales off the Costa Adeje. Catch a whale-watching boat from Puerto Colon accompanied by expert guides. You can snorkel too, equipped with underwater microphones so you can hear the communication between the whales.
5Take a Tuk Tuk
Hail a tuk-tuk for a fun way to zip around Costa Adeje. These three-wheel, open-air motorbikes are driven by a local guide from Puerto Colon and take in key sights such as Plaza and Playa del Duque, Duque Castle and Playa de la Enramada as well as the village of La Caleta and its impressive 16th-century San Sebastian church.
6Plenty of shopping in Costa Adeje
Spend your euros at the Plaza del Duque on high-end designer shopping from Hugo Boss and MaxMara to Desiguel. For mid-range fashion head to Centro Gran Sur and the Siam Mall where you will find Spanish outlets such as Zara, Mango as well as many other European chains.
For something more local try the Costa Adeje Market on Avenida de Bruselas. It is open every Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
7The Beaches
Tenerife is famous for being volcanic, yet the Playa del Duque beach at Costa Adeje, located within a picturesque cove has golden sands gently lapped by the blue Atlantic Ocean. This Blue Badge Beach is replete with facilities including a pretty broadwalk some great restaurants and cafes.
Families with younger children may prefer the calmer waters of Playa Fañabé. This beach also has restroom facilities, showers, and a children’s play area.