HIDDEN GEMS ON TENERIFE
Staying in unique locations
Hidden Gems in Tenerife: unique places to stay
Not everyone is into big resorts or standard hotels. Instead, I’ve picked out a few real Hidden Gems in Tenerife: small, special places to stay that just add that little extra spark to your holiday.
I didn’t just look at unique locations, but also at comfort, accessibility and value for money.
What these places all have in common is that each one feels just a little different, and they’re still off the radar for most people. No standard hotels here – just places you’ll almost want to keep to yourself.
So… shhh! Keep it on the down low and just enjoy it 😉
In this overview, you can see where these Hidden Gems are located:
Hidden Gems for a longer stay
Alcalá
Alcalá is a quiet little coastal village in the Canaries, far away from mass tourism. It has a relaxed vibe, a few great local restaurants, and a setting that’s perfect for coastal walks and a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.
A perfect base for exploring Tenerife, and coming back to a quiet, authentic place in the evening.
The accommodation mentioned here can be booked via Booking.com, a reliable and easy-to-use platform with clear and often flexible booking conditions.
Hotel Rural El Navío – Adults Only
Hidden among the banana plantations, with sea views
- Playa La Jaquita (1,5 km)
- Playa de la Arena (2,8 km)
This Hidden Gem is set right in the middle of a banana plantation, far away from the crowds, yet surprisingly close to everything that makes this region so special. From your spacious terrace you look out over the green plantations, the Atlantic Ocean, and the silhouette of La Gomera — a place where sunsets in the evening are truly something special.
With just 11 rooms and an adults-only concept (16+), it stays small-scale and relaxed. The rooms are simple but clean and fully equipped, perfect for a peaceful stay in a truly unique setting.
In the morning, a lovely breakfast is served with fruit from the property and other local products. In the evening, you can dine on request, or head out to one of the many great restaurants nearby.
Even if you just want to relax for a day, this is the perfect spot: the spacious balconies come with comfortable sun loungers, and there’s a small pool for a refreshing dip.
Insider tip:
A small price difference gets you a superior room with a bit more space – definitely worth it if you’re staying here for more than a few nights.
Los Silos
In the northwest of Tenerife lies Los Silos, a quiet and diverse municipality where you can still experience the island at its most authentic. From the lush mountain landscapes around Erjos and Monte del Agua to the charming village centre of Los Silos, with whitewashed houses, wooden balconies and a cosy village square – everything here still feels truly Canarian.
Along the coast lies El Puertito de Los Silos, a peaceful spot where you can enjoy walks along the rugged northern coastline, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and – on clear days – the majestic peak of Mount Teide.
Along this stretch of coastline, you’ll also come across an impressive whale skeleton displayed as a piece of art – a striking detail that perfectly matches the character of this place.
The accommodation mentioned here can be booked via Booking.com, a reliable and easy-to-use platform with clear and often flexible booking conditions.
Hotel Luz del Mar
Small-scale wellness hotel between mountains and ocean
This charming hotel is set in a quiet spot on the edge of Los Silos, just a few minutes’ walk from the rugged northern coastline. Surrounded by banana plantations and with the Teno mountains in the background, it immediately feels relaxed and authentic.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a terrace and a small kitchenette – handy if you feel like preparing something for yourself now and then.
In the morning, you start the day with an extensive breakfast with fresh products (included). For lunch or dinner, you can head to the hotel’s restaurant, which offers a small but well-curated à la carte menu.
In the tropical garden, you’ll find a large heated 30-metre pool, perfect for a relaxed swim, with views of the mountains and the ocean.
An ideal base for those who love nature, hiking and the peaceful north of Tenerife – far from the crowds, yet with plenty to explore nearby.
Abades
Abades is one of those places that feels like it’s been frozen in time. Whitewashed houses, a few small restaurants, and a laid-back village atmosphere that gives you a glimpse of what the south of Tenerife used to be like.
Within walking distance, you’ll find Playa de los Abriguitos, a quiet bay away from mass tourism. The fine, dark golden sand and its sheltered setting between volcanic rocks create a relaxed atmosphere where you can truly unwind.
The clear water also makes this one of the best spots on the island for snorkelling. With a bit of luck, you might spot colourful fish, a curious octopus, or even a sea turtle.
You can enjoy lovely coastal walks in the area. Just outside the village, you’ll also find an intriguing ghost town: a never-used sanatorium for leprosy patients, with the church ruins as its most unusual and striking feature.
Abades is also very easy to reach. From Tenerife South Airport, you can get here in about 15 minutes by car or taxi. Public transport also makes it fairly easy to get around and explore the island.
The accommodation mentioned here can be booked via Booking.com, a reliable and easy-to-use platform with clear and often flexible booking conditions.
Kora Nivaria Beach
Modern design and seaside tranquility
- Playa de los Abriguitos (600 m)
Kora Nivaria Beach is one of those places where everything just works: modern design, lots of natural light and a peaceful location right by the sea. The architecture is sleek and contemporary, fully focused on comfort and relaxation.
The apartments and villas are spacious and fully equipped, with a complete kitchen and a large terrace. You can easily cook your own meals here, but the village also has a few great restaurants for a relaxed evening out.
In the garden, you’ll find a lovely pool overlooking the ocean, and if you feel like it, you can also use the wellness facilities or join a yoga session. But honestly, what makes this place special is the easy rhythm of it all – you just go with the flow here.
A lovely extra here is the ‘slow breakfast’: a basket of local products you can order and enjoy at your own pace on your terrace. No buffet crowds – just coffee, fresh local flavours, and a slow start to the day.
A perfect choice for those who love peace, space, and a modern stay – with the charm of Abades just around the corner.
Hidden Gems for a short stay
These accommodations fit perfectly into the Hidden Gems selection, but are better suited for a shorter stay. Ideal for a few days away, a stop during a road trip around the island, or just a relaxed weekend.
Caserio Los Partidos
In the heart of nature
- PR-TF 43.2 – Los Partidos de Franquis – Montaña Chinyero (right next to the hotel)
This is the kind of place that feels like more than just a hotel – it’s like stepping into a completely different world. Caserío Los Partidos sits at over 1,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by nature, with hiking trails starting right at the door and views of Mount Teide.
The rooms are simple and rustic, with lots of natural stone and a fireplace that instantly creates a cosy atmosphere in the evening. The hotel provides wood and fire starters every day, so you can easily light the fire after a day outdoors. And that’s no luxury here – at this altitude, evenings can get quite chilly, although heating is also available.
The small-scale atmosphere and shared spaces give it something of a mountain lodge or inn feel. In the evenings, guests gather in the lounge or on the patio, share hiking tips, and enjoy simple but well-prepared meals made with local products.
And once night falls, there’s an extra surprise waiting: an impressive starry sky that you can admire in complete peace, far away from any light pollution.
This is not a place for those looking for luxury or entertainment, but for anyone who loves nature, peace, and a touch of raw charm.
Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide
Staying in the heart of a volcanic landscape
- PNT 04 – Siete Cañadas (starts right at the hotel, see insider tip)
During the day, this is probably one of the busiest spots in Tenerife. Buses, rental cars, and day-trippers stopping for the views or a quick coffee break. Not exactly what you’d expect from a Hidden Gem.
But that’s exactly what makes this place so special.
As soon as the day-trippers leave and the sun slowly sets behind the craters, everything changes. Silence settles in, and suddenly you find yourself in an almost otherworldly landscape.
This is one of those places that truly comes into its own when you stay overnight. The real highlight of your stay only begins after sunset. The night sky above Las Cañadas is incredibly clear and without a doubt one of the most beautiful you’ll see on Tenerife.
If you want to make it extra special, you can combine your stay with a guided stargazing experience at the Parador itself (→ more info).
The Parador itself is a comfortable mountain hotel at over 2,000 metres above sea level, with views of Mount Teide and the vast lava fields. The rooms are simple but well-kept, and inside you’ll find a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There’s also an indoor pool with a sauna – a perfect place to warm up after a day outdoors. You’ll also find a bar and a lounge with a fireplace, exactly the kind of atmosphere that suits this setting.
Insider tip
The Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is without a doubt one of the best starting points for the famous Siete Cañadas trail, an impressive 16.39 km hike through the caldera of Teide National Park.
The hike isn’t technically difficult, but don’t underestimate it: you’re at over 2,000 metres above sea level, so you may get out of breath more quickly.
Allow around 4½ hours to complete the full route from the Parador to the El Portillo visitor centre. Sporty hikers can extend the loop by walking back, but most people choose to take public transport for the return journey.
From the El Portillo visitor centre, several buses head back towards the Parador:
- bus 341 at 12:15 and 13:15
- bus 342 at 15:15
That way, if you have a bit of time left, you can also visit the visitor centre. Just a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll find Restaurant El Portillo, ideal for a simple lunch before catching the bus. There’s also a bus stop right next to the restaurant, so you don’t need to walk back to the visitor centre afterwards.
Please note: parts of the Siete Cañadas trail may be temporarily closed at certain times due to nature management. On the official Tenerife On website, you can check in advance when this applies, so you can plan your hike accordingly.
Questions about an accommodation?
Not quite sure yet, or want me to take a quick look at a hotel you already have in mind? Feel free to send a message to info@tenerifeinsidertips.com — I’m happy to help you think it through.
(If you book through one of my links, I receive a small commission — it doesn’t cost you anything, but it helps me keep this website running.)
