Playa de las Américas holidays

How to reach Playa de las Américas

• Flight time: The nearest airport to Playa de las Américas is Tenerife South Airport.

Direct flights from Dublin and other Irish airports take about 4.5 hours.

• Transfer time: It’s a handy 15 to 20-minute journey from the airport to Playa de las Américas by taxi or shuttle bus.

• Price: A taxi will cost around €26–€32, depending on your destination. Shared shuttles are cheaper at about €8 per person, and public buses are even more affordable at around €3–€5.

Best time to visit Playa de las Américas

When you travel depends on the kind of holiday you're after – sun and sand, sightseeing, or a quiet break.

• December to February is perfect for escaping the Irish winter. Temperatures sit comfortably between 18°C and 22°C, making it a popular time to visit.

• March to May is ideal for getting outdoors without the crowds. The weather is warm but not too hot, sitting between 20°C and 25°C.

• June to August is peak season – hot, busy, and buzzing with life. With temperatures often hitting 30°C or more, it’s perfect for beach lovers and nightlife.

• September to November brings cooler air, fewer crowds and sea temperatures still ideal for a swim. You can expect pleasant weather around 24°C.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist spots, so you’ll get by just fine.

• Local habits and customs: Life moves a little slower here – shops may close in the afternoon for a siesta, and don’t be surprised if dinner doesn’t start until after 8 or 9pm.

• Currency: The euro is used across Tenerife. ATMs are easy to find and most places accept cards, but a bit of cash is handy for smaller spots.

• Getting around: The resort itself is very walkable, and there’s a reliable local bus service for exploring further. Car hire is a good option if you plan on discovering more of the island.

• Electricity and plug types: You’ll need a standard European two-pin plug adaptor. Voltage is 220V.

• Time zone: Tenerife is in the same time zone as Ireland, so there’s no need to adjust your watch.

Best things to do in Playa de las Américas

Large and family-friendly, Playa de las Américas offers sun, sea, numerous restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. Holidays to Playa de las Américas can include both excitement-packed days and leisurely moments spent by the pool.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Montaña Chayofita: Climb or take a leisurely stroll up this accessible hill for panoramic views of the resort and the ocean.

• La Caleta coastline walk: Enjoy a scenic walk along the coast from Playa de las Américas to the fishing village of La Caleta; the sunset views here are particularly stunning.

The best districts

• The Golden Mile: At the heart of the resort's bustling lifestyle, the Golden Mile is renowned for its shopping and dining.

• Veronicas Strip: With its abundance of nightlife options including bars, clubs and venues for live music, this is truly "the" spot to come for a good night out.

Parks and gardens

• Santiago Park: This park offers a tranquil escape with lush landscapes, tropical plants and quaint pathways.

• Central Park: Known for its contemporary design, this is a perfect spot for a family picnic or a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Day trips in the area

• Teide National Park: Spain's highest peak and its surrounding national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short drive away. The park offers various walking paths, stunning volcanic landscapes, and unique flora and fauna.

• Los Cristianos: This nearby town is worth a day trip out for its beautiful harbour, beaches and markets. Check out or deals for cheap holidays to Los Cristianos.

• Costa Adeje: Costa Adeje is known for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly attractions like Siam Park. It's a great spot for a relaxing yet fun-filled day out. Discover our deals on holidays to Costa Adeje.

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The capital city offers a mix of cultural attractions, shopping, and stunning architecture. Visit the Auditorio de Tenerife or explore the bustling local markets. Check out our offers for cheap holidays to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

• Puerto de Santiago: A quaint coastal town perfect for a peaceful retreat. Enjoy its black sand beaches and stunning views of the Los Gigantes cliffs. Explore our deals on holidays to Puerto de Santiago.

• Puerto de la Cruz: Known for its botanical gardens, lively promenade, and the famous Loro Parque, Puerto de la Cruz is ideal for a family day out. Find our best offers for cheap holidays to Puerto de la Cruz.

• El Medano: This laid-back beach town is a haven for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Enjoy its relaxed vibe and natural beauty. Check out our offers for cheap holidays to El Medano.

Activities for families in Playa de las Américas

Family holidays in Playa de las Américas are sure to be a hit, thanks to the abundance of fun things to do for all ages. The wide variety of attractions suited to families ranges from water parks to interactive museums.

• Beaches: Playa de las Américas' dark golden sands are popular with children, providing safe swimming, water sports and plenty of space for building sandcastles.

• Water parks: Nearby Siam Park is one of the top water parks in the world, featuring slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. There are lots of water attractions and dolphin performances at Aqualand, another great water park.

• Wildlife encounters: A short drive from Los Cristianos, Monkey Park allows children to feed and interact with a variety of animals, including monkeys, lemurs and iguanas. Taking a boat trip from the harbour to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat offers another memorable wildlife encounter.

• Mini golf: Challenge the family to a round of mini golf at one of the several courses in the area, each offering unique and colourful themes.

• Playgrounds: Many of the beaches and public areas in Playa de las Américas are equipped with modern and well-maintained playgrounds, providing a good opportunity for kids to make new friends.

Free things to do in Playa de las Américas

In Playa de las Américas, making the most of your holiday doesn't have to break the bank; there are plenty of activities and sights available that don't cost a thing.

• The promenade: Stretching for miles, it's free to walk the palm-lined beachfront promenade and enjoy views of the ocean and stunning sunsets, and people-watch. The promenade comes alive in the evenings with free performances by street artists and musicians.

• Cultural events: Watch out for free cultural events, especially during the summer months; these include local festivals and outdoor exhibitions.

• Free guided tours: Local guides often offer free walking tours, which usually operate on a tips-only basis and provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the area.

• Light and Music Fountain: In the heart of the resort, this is a must-see spectacle of water, light and music – and there's no charge.

Nature and outdoor activities in Playa de las Américas

• Water sports: The crystal-clear waters of the area's beaches are perfect for a range of water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling and scuba diving.

• Hiking: Take one of the numerous hiking paths that encircle Playa de las Américas and discover the unique landscape of Tenerife. Whether it's coastal walks or strenuous mountain treks, there's something for any fitness level.

• Paragliding: Take in breathtaking aerial views of the island while experiencing the exhilaration of paragliding along the coast.

• Cycling: Rent a bike or join a cycling tour to get out and about. Coastal paths and mountain trails offer breathtaking views and a fresh perspective on the island's diverse terrains.

• Boat trips: Take a boat excursion from Playa de las Américas to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, a fantastic opportunity to witness the island's marine biodiversity up close.

• Golf: With several well-maintained courses nearby, golfing is a popular outdoor activity in Playa de las Américas.

• Adventure parks: Head to an adventure park close to Playa de las Américas to go ziplining, rock climbing or tackle obstacle courses while taking in the island's beautiful scenery.

Exploring the Beaches of Playa de las Américas

Playa de las Américas is renowned for its beautiful beaches, each offering a unique vibe and set of attractions that cater to different preferences, from serene sunbathing spots to vibrant watersport hubs.

Playa de las Vistas

One of the most popular beaches in the area, Playa de las Vistas is famous for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is well-equipped with amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of beachfront bars and restaurants. It's a great choice for families due to its gentle waves and lifeguard supervision.

Playa de Troya

Located in the heart of Playa de las Américas, Playa de Troya is the perfect spot for those looking to indulge in water sports. With facilities for jet skiing, windsurfing, and more, it's a hub of activity. The beach also boasts a lively promenade lined with shops and cafes, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll or a bite to eat.

Playa del Camison

For those seeking a quieter experience, Playa del Camison offers a more relaxed atmosphere. This small, sheltered bay is surrounded by natural beauty and is less crowded than its neighboring beaches. It's an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing, with soft sand and calm waters.

Playa Honda

Located slightly off the main tourist trail, Playa Honda is a smaller beach known for its tranquility. It's less developed than other beaches in the area, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the crowds.

Each of these beaches in Playa de las Américas offers its own distinct charm, ensuring that every visitor can find their perfect spot by the sea. Whether you're after adventurous water sports, vibrant beach bars, or quiet sunbathing, Playa de las Américas has a beach that suits your needs.

Local dishes in Playa de las Américas

Holidays to Playa de las Américas would be incomplete without sampling the local food, and there are a plethora of restaurants in the resort serving Canarian cuisine to tempt you.

Some typical dishes

• Papas Arrugadas: These small, salty wrinkled potatoes are served with mojo picon, a spicy red sauce, or mojo verde, a herby green sauce.

• Gofio: A symbol of Canarian culture, this versatile foodstuff is a sort of flour made from toasted grains, often used in soups, desserts and even breakfast cereals.

Tapas dishes

• Queso Asado con Mojo: Grilled cheese with mojo sauce is a simple yet delicious local favourite.

• Churros de Pescado: A light and refreshing choice, churros de pescado is fish marinated in lime, similar to ceviche.

Meat dishes

• Conejo en Salmorejo: To produce this tasty dish, rabbit is marinated in a traditional Canarian sauce made with garlic, peppers and herbs.

• Carne Fiesta: An irresistible dish, pork pieces are marinated in garlic, spices and wine, then fried until crispy.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Vieja: A popular local fish typically grilled or baked, vieja is known for its sweet, delicate flavour.

• Calamares a la Romana: Squid rings battered and fried are a common and beloved dish throughout the Canary Islands.

Sweets and desserts

Canarian desserts such as bienmesabe, made from almonds, egg yolk and honey, and frangollo, a milky dessert with maize, cinnamon and lemon zest, are must-tries. Don't miss out on the local ice cream flavours infused with tropical fruits like mango and papaya.

Local drinks

** Ron Miel: Canarian honey rum, sweet and smooth, Ron Miel is perfect as a digestif or a warming nightcap.

• Vino de Malvasía: Produced in the Canary Islands, this wine ranges from dry to sweet, and is perfect for pairing with both meals and desserts.

• Barraquito: Typical to the Canary Islands, this drink layers coffee with condensed milk, cinnamon, lemon and Licor 43.