Tenerife Travel

Arona

A sun-soaked municipality in southern Tenerife where lively beaches, traditional villages, volcanic mountains and year-round sunshine create a wonderfully varied island escape.

Explore Things To Do See the Beaches

Arona is one of southern Tenerife’s most diverse municipalities, stretching from the busy coastal resorts of Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas to quiet mountain villages such as Arona and Vilaflor. This contrast makes it ideal for travellers who want beaches and nightlife as well as hiking, local culture and dramatic scenery.

The coast is known for golden beaches, seafood restaurants and easy access to Tenerife South Airport. Inland, the landscape changes rapidly, with banana plantations, pine forests, ravines and traditional Canarian architecture creating a completely different side of the island.

Beaches

Golden sand, calm bays and a long sunny coastline.

Mountains

Pine forests, ravines and trails above the southern coast.

Sunshine

A warm, dry climate makes outdoor plans easy all year.

Airport

Tenerife South Airport is only a short drive from the coast.

Things To Do in Arona

There is no shortage of things to do in Arona. Visitors can spend mornings on the beach, afternoons exploring mountain villages and evenings enjoying restaurants, bars and seafront promenades.

Los Cristianos is the most popular coastal base, with a harbour, sandy beaches and boat trips to see dolphins and pilot whales. Nearby Playa de las Américas offers water sports, shopping, entertainment and a lively holiday atmosphere.

Inland, the village of Arona provides a quieter, more traditional experience. Its church, squares and local cafés offer a glimpse of Canarian life, while the roads toward Vilaflor reveal pine forests and mountain scenery.

Family

Boat Trips

See dolphins and pilot whales on excursions from Los Cristianos harbour.

Find tours

Nature

Mountain Villages

Explore Arona, Vilaflor and scenic roads above the southern coast.

See nature

Nightlife

Coastal Evenings

Enjoy beach bars, restaurants and entertainment in the southern resorts.

See nightlife

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Cultural attractions in Arona are closely connected to Canarian traditions, rural heritage and the history of southern Tenerife. While the coastal resorts are modern, the inland villages preserve a much older island identity.

The village of Arona is the best place to begin. Its church, traditional streets and local squares reflect the municipality’s agricultural and religious roots.

Vilaflor, higher in the mountains, is known for its historic centre, pine forests and connection to Saint Hermano Pedro. For larger museums and cultural venues, travellers can visit nearby Adeje, Los Cristianos or the island capital, Santa Cruz.

Arona Village

A traditional Canarian settlement with churches, squares and local character.

Vilaflor

A mountain village surrounded by pine forest and volcanic scenery.

Local Traditions

Festivals, crafts and religious celebrations reveal the area’s island culture.

Tapas and Restaurants in Arona

Food in Arona reflects its coastal setting and Canarian traditions. Visitors can choose from seafood restaurants, beach bars, international dining and traditional Canarian kitchens across Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.

Tapas are ideal for a relaxed evening. Popular choices include papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, grilled octopus, croquetas, Canarian cheese and fresh fish. Seafood is especially good near the harbour in Los Cristianos.

For a more local experience, visitors should explore the inland village of Arona or smaller restaurants away from the busiest beachfront streets. Canarian stews, goat cheese and locally grown produce are common highlights.

Food

Canarian Classics

Try papas arrugadas, mojo verde, mojo rojo, fresh fish and local goat cheese.

Food

Where To Eat

Los Cristianos suits seafood and harbour views, while inland villages offer traditional Canarian dining.

Local tip: Book harbour-side tables in advance for sunset, especially during the winter high season.

Hotels in Arona

Hotels in Arona cover every style and budget. Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas offer beachfront resorts, apartment complexes and family-friendly hotels, while the inland villages provide quieter guesthouses and rural accommodation.

Beach lovers often choose hotels near Los Cristianos, where restaurants, shops and the harbour are within walking distance. Playa de las Américas is better for travellers seeking nightlife, entertainment and a livelier resort atmosphere.

For a more peaceful stay, consider accommodation in Costa Adeje, Arona village or Vilaflor. These areas offer mountain views, traditional surroundings and easier access to walking trails.

Budget

Value Apartments

Self-catering accommodation offers good value for longer stays.

Family

Resort Hotels

Large properties provide pools, entertainment and easy beach access.

Luxury

Seafront Stays

Upscale hotels offer pools, spas, dining and ocean views.

Hostels and Budget Stays

Budget travellers will find hostels, guesthouses and shared apartments in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and nearby areas. Prices rise during winter, Christmas and school holidays, so early booking is recommended.

Hostels are more common in Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, where they attract backpackers, young travellers and visitors attending events. Shared apartments are often the best option for groups or longer stays.

For the best value, consider accommodation slightly inland from the beach. These properties are often within walking distance of restaurants and transport while offering lower rates and quieter surroundings.

Best for Solo Travellers

Hostels in the resort areas provide social spaces, affordable rooms and easy access to nightlife.

Best for Longer Visits

Apartments near Los Cristianos offer kitchens, space and better value for extended holidays.

Flights to Arona

Tenerife South Airport is the main gateway to Arona and is located only a short drive from Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. It offers direct flights from many European cities, especially during the winter sun season.

The airport is especially convenient for beach holidays, with transfers to the main resorts usually taking around 15 to 25 minutes. Tenerife North Airport is farther away but may be useful for travellers arriving from mainland Spain or combining the trip with other Canary Islands.

Flight availability is strongest from autumn to spring, when visitors from colder European countries travel south for sunshine. Booking early is advisable for Christmas, Easter and school holiday periods.

Metro and Public Transport in Arona

Arona does not have a metro system, but public transport is practical for visitors who prefer not to drive. Green Titsa buses connect Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, the airport, Santa Cruz and other parts of Tenerife.

Local buses serve beaches, shopping areas and nearby resorts, although services can be less frequent in the evenings and on public holidays. The coastal areas are compact enough for walking, particularly around Los Cristianos and the seafront promenades.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available. For travellers planning to explore mountain villages, remote beaches or Teide National Park, car rental offers much greater flexibility.

Buses

Titsa buses link Arona’s resorts with the airport, beaches and island attractions.

Walking

The seafront areas and resort centres are easy to explore on foot.

Day Trips from Arona

Arona is an excellent base for exploring Tenerife. Mount Teide, the island’s dramatic volcanic centre, is within reach for a full-day excursion and offers lunar landscapes, hiking trails and spectacular viewpoints.

Los Gigantes, with its towering cliffs and boat trips, is another popular day trip. The historic town of La Laguna and the island capital, Santa Cruz, provide culture, shopping and architecture on the northern side of the island.

Closer to Arona, visitors can explore the mountain village of Vilaflor, the pine forests of the interior or the coastal towns of Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes. Boat trips from Los Cristianos also make an excellent half-day or full-day excursion.

Nature

Teide National Park

Volcanic scenery, high-altitude trails and unforgettable stargazing.

Coast

Los Gigantes

Dramatic cliffs, boat trips and scenic views on Tenerife’s west coast.

Culture

La Laguna

A historic university town with colonial streets and lively cafés.

Airport to Resort Transport

Getting from Tenerife South Airport to Arona’s main resorts is quick and straightforward. Taxis and pre-booked transfers usually take around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the final destination.

Buses provide a budget-friendly alternative, with Titsa services connecting the airport to Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and other southern resorts. Travellers with heavy luggage may prefer a taxi or private transfer for comfort.

Car rental desks operate at the airport for visitors planning to explore beyond the coast. For a beach-focused holiday, public transport and walking are usually sufficient.

Taxi

The fastest and most convenient option from the airport to the resorts.

Bus

An affordable transfer choice for travellers travelling light.

Rental Car

Best for visitors planning to explore mountains and remote parts of Tenerife.

Beaches in Arona

The beaches are central to any visit to Arona. Los Cristianos has several sandy beaches, including Playa de Los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas, both popular for swimming, sunbathing and family days by the sea.

Playa de las Vistas is one of the largest and most accessible beaches in southern Tenerife. Its wide promenade, calm water and nearby facilities make it especially popular with families.

Toward Playa de las Américas, visitors will find livelier beaches with water sports, beach bars and entertainment. Conditions can vary, so swimmers should always observe flag warnings and local safety advice.

Beach

Playa de las Vistas

A large, family-friendly beach with golden sand and a lively promenade.

Beach

Los Cristianos Beach

A central beach near the harbour, restaurants and boat trip departure points.

Beach

Playa de Troya

A lively beach in Playa de las Américas with water sports and beach bars.

Weather in Arona

Arona enjoys one of Tenerife’s sunniest and most reliable climates. The southern coast is sheltered by the island’s mountains, creating warm, dry conditions that make it popular throughout the year.

Summer temperatures often reach the high 20s or low 30s Celsius, while winter remains mild and sunny. Sea temperatures are comfortable for swimming for much of the year.

Trade winds can make mornings and evenings feel cooler, especially in winter. Visitors planning trips to Vilaflor or Teide National Park should pack layers, as mountain temperatures can be much lower than on the coast.

Best Time To Visit

Spring and autumn offer warm weather, quieter beaches and excellent hiking conditions.

Packing Advice

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a light jacket for evenings or mountain trips.

Car Rental in Arona

Car rental is worthwhile for travellers who want to explore beyond the beaches. A car makes it easier to reach mountain villages, volcanic landscapes, remote viewpoints and the dramatic scenery of Teide National Park.

Rental desks operate at Tenerife South Airport, and many companies also deliver vehicles to hotels in Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. Booking early is advisable during peak season.

Within the coastal resorts, a car is not essential. Parking can be limited, and the main beaches, restaurants and shops are often within walking distance.

“We stayed near Los Cristianos but rented a car for two days. Teide, Vilaflor and the mountain roads became the highlights of our trip.”
A returning Tenerife traveller

Nightlife in Arona

Nightlife in Arona is lively and varied. Playa de las Américas is the main entertainment area, with beach bars, cocktail lounges, clubs, karaoke venues and late-night entertainment.

Los Cristianos offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with harbour-side bars, restaurants and live music. Visitors can enjoy sunset drinks by the sea before heading to the busier nightlife areas nearby.

After Dark

For a party atmosphere, head to Playa de las Américas. For cocktails and a relaxed evening, choose a seafront bar in Los Cristianos.

Parks and Natural Areas

Arona’s natural areas provide a dramatic contrast to its busy coastline. Inland, pine forests, ravines and volcanic slopes create excellent conditions for hiking, photography and scenic drives.

The area around Vilaflor is particularly beautiful, with pine forests, mountain trails and access to the higher landscapes of southern Tenerife. It is noticeably cooler than the coast, especially in winter.

Along the coast, landscaped promenades, beach gardens and seafront paths provide pleasant spaces for walking. These areas connect beaches, restaurants and viewpoints while offering constant views of the Atlantic.

Monuments and Historic Landmarks

Arona’s historic landmarks are concentrated in its inland villages, where traditional Canarian architecture and religious buildings survive away from the modern resorts. The village of Arona is the best place to explore this heritage.

The Church of San Antonio Abad is a key landmark in Arona village. Its setting beside traditional streets and local squares makes it a peaceful stop during a visit to the municipality’s interior.

Vilaflor also has important religious and historic buildings, reflecting its role as one of Tenerife’s highest villages. These areas provide a valuable contrast to the beaches and resorts of the southern coast.

Cathedrals and Churches

Arona does not have a cathedral, but its churches are important cultural landmarks. The Church of San Antonio Abad in Arona village is one of the municipality’s most significant religious buildings.

Visitors will also find churches and chapels in Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Vilaflor. These buildings reflect the strong religious traditions of rural Tenerife and are especially atmospheric during local festivals.

For grander religious architecture, travellers can visit La Laguna Cathedral or the historic churches of La Orotava. Both destinations make rewarding cultural day trips from southern Tenerife.

Tourist Hotspots in Arona

The main tourist hotspots in Arona are Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and the inland village of Arona. Together, they offer beaches, nightlife, local culture and access to some of Tenerife’s finest natural landscapes.

Los Cristianos is ideal for families and travellers seeking a relaxed coastal base. Its harbour, beaches and restaurants make it one of the most convenient places to stay in southern Tenerife.

Playa de las Américas attracts visitors looking for entertainment, water sports and nightlife. For scenery and tradition, the mountain villages and pine forests above the coast reveal a completely different side of the municipality.

Coast

Los Cristianos

A popular seaside town with beaches, a harbour and relaxed dining.

Nightlife

Playa de las Américas

The main resort area for entertainment, beaches and nightlife.

Nature

Vilaflor

A mountain village surrounded by pine forests and volcanic scenery.

Scams To Avoid in Arona

Arona is generally safe, but busy resort areas can attract petty crime and common tourist scams. Visitors should stay alert around beaches, nightlife streets, transport hubs and crowded events.

Stay Alert

Be cautious with unsolicited offers for excursions, timeshares, free gifts or restaurant promotions. If a deal sounds unusually cheap or pressures an immediate decision, walk away and book through a reputable provider.

Keep bags closed and valuables secure on the beach, particularly during busy periods. Use licensed taxis, check prices before accepting services and avoid sharing personal or banking information with strangers.

Most visits are trouble-free, but simple precautions help ensure a relaxed holiday.

Free Things To Do in Arona

Many of the best experiences in Arona are free. Walking the seafront promenades, relaxing on the beaches and watching the sunset over the Atlantic cost nothing.

Exploring Los Cristianos harbour and the quieter streets of the resort is another rewarding free activity. Visitors can enjoy sea views, local atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for photographs.

For travellers willing to travel inland, the mountain roads and villages offer spectacular scenery without expensive attractions. The contrast between coast and mountains is one of Arona’s greatest free pleasures.

Free