From surreal lava fields to stunning beaches and fun-filled resort towns, southern Tenerife is a sunny holiday dream come true.
As the municipality that’s home to Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Américas, and its namesake historical town, Arona is one of Tenerife’s holiday hotspots. Spend your days lazing on golden sand and setting sail across turquoise seas. With shopping, sunset cocktail sipping and hopping between idyllic villages, there’s always something fun to do on backdrops of natural beauty.
As for adventure activities, it’s almost always a great time for hiking and scuba diving because Tenerife enjoys sunshine and warm temperatures year round. Visit Arona during the Canary Islands International Music Festival or the San Antonio Abad Festival for folkloric celebrations.
Things to do in Arona
Visit the rural town of Arona to see fascinating carved images in the Church of San Antonio Abad. Wander the streets lined with whitewashed houses to snap photos of colourful windows and doors against mountain backdrops. You’ll see traditional Canarian architecture in houses such as Casa de los Baute and Casa La Bodega.
Base your holiday in Los Cristianos for large doses of all the good things in life. Swaths of soft, golden sand await near the port of Los Cristianos Harbour, where you’ll enjoy water sports and day trips to La Gomera. Backing the beach, streets brim with souvenir shops and restaurants offering terraces where you can enjoy your meal with water views.
To be in the heart of the action, stay in Playa de Las Américas which is within walking distance of Los Cristianos. Stroll along the palm-lined beach promenade and take your pick of boutiques and restaurants after sun-drenched days of swimming and jet skiing. A short drive away, the picturesque village of Las Galletas provides a peaceful escape along a fishing harbour.
Outdoor activities in Arona
Hiking fans are spoilt for choice with trails surrounding volcanic landscapes, such as in the Montaña Roja Nature Reserve. Take a photo with the dramatic rock formation of Roque de Jama and admire the sweeping views from La Centinela lookout. You’ll need to set aside a day to explore the craters and petrified lava rivers of the incredible Teide National Park.
Get out on the water on thrilling boat tours to spot dolphins and whales. Glass-bottom boat trips keep you dry while you’re admiring teeming marine life. Meanwhile, snorkellers and scuba divers can explore volcanic tunnels and shipwrecks along Arona’s coastline. Families with kids love zooming down the slides at Siam Park and golfers tee off among rolling hills at Golf Las Américas.
Dining and nightlife in Arona
Tempt your taste buds with fish casseroles and the famous Canarian potatoes papas arrugadasacross Arona’s atmospheric dining scenes. Fill your picnic baskets with treats from Mercado La Pepa and choose from beachfront restaurants in Los Cristianos. Watch the fishermen bring in the catch of the day at Las Galletas, then buy what you like from the fish market.
Gaze at the brilliant light show of Fountain Las Américas on Avenida Las Américas, a dining and nightlife hub in Playa de las Américas. For karaoke, live music and dancing the night away, Veronica’s Strip is jam-packed with buzzing bars and clubs. Try your luck with poker and blackjack at Playa de las Américas Casino.
Getting to and around Arona
Fly into Tenerife South Airport and rent a car or take a taxi for the drive of about 20 minutes to Arona. For holidays based in Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, beaches, hotels and restaurants are within easy walking distance of each other. To get around Arona and across Tenerife, use local buses, taxis and tour providers.
