Playa de las Américas Travel Guide
Read this comprehensive travel guide for Playa de las Américas in Tenerife, Spain. Find out about all the best places to see, things to do, food and drink options and more.
- Introduction to Playa de las Américas
- List of Places to Visit in Playa de las Américas
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Playa de las Américas
- Best Things to Do in Playa de las Américas: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Playa de las Américas
- Food and Drink Scene of Playa de las Américas
- Where to Stay in Playa de las Américas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Playa de las Américas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Playa de las Américas
- Best Time to Visit Playa de las Américas
- Do’s and Don’ts of Playa de las Américas
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Playa de las Américas: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Playa de las Américas
- Where to Go Next from Playa de las Américas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Playa de las Américas
Playa de las Américas is a vibrant and bustling resort town located on the southern coast of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands in Spain. With its golden sandy beaches, warm sunshine, and beautiful weather, Playa de las Américas is a great place to visit for tourists who like to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy time by the sea.
With an array of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, as well as plenty of cultural and natural attractions, this area is perfect for those looking to explore Tenerife and see what the island has to offer. In this guide, we will offer a comprehensive overview of the best places to visit, food to try, cultural highlights, and things to do in and around Playa de las Américas.
List of Places to Visit in Playa de las Américas
Below is a carefully curated list of some of the best cultural and natural attractions to visit while in Playa de las Américas:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Palmetum Botanical Garden: This botanical garden is one of the most fascinating in Tenerife. You can find hundreds of plant species that come with an interesting research history.
- Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre: Here, you will find exhibitions on natural history, anthropology and archaeology of the Canary Islands with a great variety of animal and plant specimens.
Natural Attractions of Playa de las Américas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Teide National Park: This iconic Mt. Teide peak can be seen from any part of the island, located within a national park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour: Head out on a boat tour where you can spot these magnificent creatures of the sea.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Playa de las Américas
- Anaga Rural Park: The Anaga Rural Park offers an unspoiled verdant landscape, offering walkers, hikers and mountain bikers the opportunity to experience nature in one of the last great Mediterranean rainforests.
- Barranco del Infierno: For keen hikers, this is a must-visit attraction that offers a scenic route through the canyon.
Best Things to Do in Playa de las Américas: Activities and Tours
- Surfing lessons: Take surf lessons at the various surf schools for a more adventurous experience.
- Luxury Catamaran Tour: Sail along the coastline on a luxury catamaran.
Week-Long Itinerary for Playa de las Américas
Here is a week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to Playa de las Américas:
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Relax by the beach and explore the local area |
| 2 | Take a local food tour |
| 3 | Visit the Palmetum Botanical Garden and the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre |
| 4 | Head to Teide National Park and spend the day hiking |
| 5 | Book a whale and dolphin watching tour |
| 6 | Try your hand at surfing or take a catamaran tour |
| 7 | Take a day trip to the Anaga Rural Park |
Food and Drink Scene of Playa de las Américas
Must-Try Dishes
- Papas arrugadas: Potatoes served with a sauce called ‘mojo’.
- Gofio: A traditional Canarian dish made of roasted flour.
Local Beverages
- Ron miel: A local liquer honey rum.
Where to Stay in Playa de las Américas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Here’s a list of some of the best options in the area:
- H10 Las Palmeras: A luxurious hotel with a seafront location, an on-site spa, and multiple restaurants.
- Apartamentos Oro Blanco: A comfortable apartment located in the city center, with friendly staff and easy access to local attractions.
- Hostel La Playa: One of the most affordable options, this hostel is located just a short walk from the beach and offers clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
What to Buy in Playa de las Américas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Artisan handicrafts: Traditional embroidery, glass and/or leather-made products to bring home as a reminder of the warm Spanish sunshine.
- Local wines: Canary Islands have their own wine country, so look for bottles of Tenerife wines.
Local Culture and Customs of Playa de las Américas
The people of Tenerife are very friendly and welcoming, so always take the time to say hello and enjoy your time with the locals. Playa de las Américas attracts a younger crowd, so the atmosphere is lively and energetic.
Best Time to Visit Playa de las Américas
The best time to visit Playa de las Américas is in the spring and autumn months of March, April and November. During this time, the weather is still warm and sunny, but there are fewer tourists than in the peak summer season.
Do’s and Don’ts of Playa de las Américas
Do:
- Try the local culture and foods
- Stay aware of your surroundings at all times
- Treat the locals with respect
Don’t:
- Drink and drive
- Leave valuables unattended
- Ignore the lifeguard’s advice when swimming
Safety and Health
Safety in Playa de las Américas
Playa de las Américas is a safe place for tourists to visit, with plenty of local security patrols and public safety measures in place. However, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.
Health in Playa de las Américas
Visitors to Tenerife should make sure they are up to date with their routine vaccinations before traveling. Visitors should also avoid drinking tap water and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of illness during their stay.
Getting to Playa de las Américas: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Playa de las Américas
The two closest international airports are Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and Tenerife North Airport (TFN). TFS is the more convenient option, as it is only a 20-minute drive to Playa de las Américas.
Bus Stations Near Playa de las Américas
The main bus station of Playa de las Américas is Estación Autobuses Costa Adeje, which offers connections to many other destinations on the island.
Other Options
Taxis and rental cars are widely available in Playa de las Américas for those who prefer private transportation.
How to Get Around in Playa de las Américas
There are plenty of transportation options in Playa de las Américas, including local buses, taxis, rental cars, and bicycles. Walking is another great option, as many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Where to Go Next from Playa de las Américas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Masca: A beautiful village nestled in the mountains with scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- La Gomera: A neighboring island that offers plenty of outdoor activities and picturesque landscapes.
Conclusion
Playa de las Américas is a great place to visit for travelers who crave sunshine, beautiful beaches, and plenty of things to do and see. With a variety of cultural and outdoor attractions, excellent food and drinks and a lively atmosphere, we hope this guide will help you make the most of your trip to this vibrant Canary Islands town.
