Things to Do in Costa Adeje, Tenerife
1. Barranco del Infierno
The Barranco del Infierno (Hell’s Gorge) is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Adeje, Tenerife. Located in the Special Nature Reserve of Barranco del Infierno, this area is a haven for birdwatchers, where you can spot kestrels, ravens, and shearwaters. You’ll also encounter caves with ancient petroglyphs.
The trail begins on Calle de los Molinos in Adeje and leads you through towering rock walls to a stunning waterfall over 200 meters high. Along the way, you’ll see unique flora, including cardons, Canary Island pines, and dragon trees.
To protect the environment, access is limited to 300 visitors per day, with 20 people allowed every 30 minutes. Be sure to book your spot early on the official website. The round-trip hike takes about three hours, with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and note that helmets (provided on arrival) are mandatory.
Entrance Fees
Adults:
- Non-residents: €13
- Residents: €4.50
- Residents of Adeje: €2.50
Children:
- Non-residents: €6.50
- Residents: €2.25
- Residents of Adeje: €1.50
Opening Hours
- Monday to Sunday:
2. Siam Park
Voted the world’s best water park by TripAdvisor for four years in a row, a visit to Siam Park is a must when in Costa Adeje. This Thai-themed park offers a unique mix of fun and adventure for all ages.
With 15 thrilling attractions, highlights include the world’s largest wave pool and the iconic Tower of Power, a 28-meter-high slide that sends you on a near-vertical drop into a shark- and ray-filled aquarium.
For kids, there are specially designed areas like Coco Beach, a massive 7,500-square-meter play zone. Whether with family or friends, Siam Park promises an unforgettable experience. Book your tickets in advance through this link.
Entrance Fees
- General: €42 (€21 for Canary Islands residents)
- Children (ages 3-11): €30 (€15 for Canary Islands residents)
- Children under 3: Free
Opening Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended hours in winter).
Buy your tickets for Siam Park Tenerife
3. Playa del Duque and Other Beaches
Costa Adeje boasts 26 kilometers of coastline with 21 stunning beaches and coves. Here are some of the best beaches in Adeje to enjoy the sun and sea.
Playa del Duque
Known as one of the best beaches in Tenerife, Playa del Duque features white sand and crystal-clear waters. Nearby, you’ll find shopping centers and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to relax under the sun.
Playa de Fañabé
Next to Playa del Duque, Fañabé offers a lively atmosphere with beach clubs, restaurants, and bars. Its calm waters are ideal for families, and you can try water sports like jet skiing and banana boating.
Playa de Torviscas
As an extension of Fañabé, Torviscas offers a similar vibe with plenty of services and activities for families.
Playas de Troya
Troya I and II beaches are family-friendly, with calm waters and a beachfront promenade full of restaurants and bars to sample the local cuisine.
Playa de Diego Hernández
For a more natural experience, head to Playa de Diego Hernández, also known as La Caleta de Adeje. After a 15-minute walk, you’ll find a peaceful, untouched beach. Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no services available.
Playa de La Pinta
Located near Puerto Colón, this golden sand beach is perfect for a quick dip. Though not the most charming, it’s surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Playa de La Enramada
This black gravel beach offers a more laid-back vibe, though the waves can be strong. Be cautious when swimming.
Playa de Ajabo
Situated in Callao Salvaje, this quiet cove is ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Playa de El Bobo
Close to Troya beaches, this small bay is perfect for families looking for a relaxing day.
4 Whale and Dolphin Watching
One of the most exciting activities to do in Adeje (Tenerife) is whale and dolphin watching. The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to over 20 species of cetaceans, including pilot whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins, visible all year round. This is your chance to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Whale and dolphin tours usually depart from Puerto Colón. During these excursions, you’ll board a catamaran to explore Tenerife’s waters. Onboard, you can listen to their unique communication sounds using special equipment and learn about local marine life from the guide. While sightings are frequent, they’re not guaranteed due to weather and sea conditions.
These excursions are animal-friendly. Swimming with the animals is prohibited, and boats must maintain a safe distance. However, many tours allow you to take a refreshing swim in open waters and, in some cases, snorkel.
Here’s a list of the best whale and dolphin tours in Adeje:
Eco-Friendly Whale and Dolphin Cruise with Snacks and Drinks
Spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat aboard an eco-friendly catamaran. Sail through the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, enjoying stunning views of Mount Teide and the coastline. The experience includes food and drinks onboard, plus a chance to swim in the Atlantic.
Book an Eco-Friendly Whale and Dolphin Cruise
Whale and Dolphin Cruise with Food and Pick-Up
Cruise along Tenerife’s southern coast on a catamaran. Spot dolphins, whales, and seabirds while the onboard team shares fun facts about marine life. Swim in the clear waters of Diego Hernández Bay and savor traditional Canarian cuisine. Plus, enjoy unique views of Mount Teide and Adeje’s coast.
Book a Whale and Dolphin Cruise
Catamaran Tour for Whale Watching with Drinks
Experience close encounters with pilot whales and dolphins as you sail along Tenerife’s southwest coast. Pass by fish farms and learn about local marine life. The tour includes drinks and an opportunity to snorkel.
Book a Whale Watching Catamaran Tour
5 Fañabé Viewpoint
The Fañabé Viewpoint is a must-visit spot in Costa Adeje for enjoying some of the best views of southern Tenerife.
You can visit this viewpoint any time of the day, even at night. There are no benches, so you can sit on the curb. At sunset, the vibrant colors of the sky make the view even more magical.
From here, you’ll overlook Costa Adeje, Las Américas, and parts of Los Cristianos. It’s definitely one of the top places to see in Costa Adeje.
6 Snorkeling with Turtles
Snorkeling with turtles is one of the most incredible activities to do in Costa Adeje. You can book a boat excursion to visit areas where sea turtles are commonly spotted.
No prior experience is needed. Your guide will provide all the instructions to ensure you feel comfortable in the water. Although turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, it’s highly likely you’ll encounter them. With some luck, you might also see colorful fish, octopuses, rays, or even dolphins and whales.
Here’s a list of the best snorkeling experiences in Adeje:
Speedboat Snorkel Safari from Puerto Colón
Hop on a speedboat and cruise along Tenerife’s southern coast. Enjoy 50 minutes exploring the underwater world, where you might spot turtles, octopuses, and other marine creatures.
Book a Speedboat Snorkel Safari
7 Diving in Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje offers an underwater world full of wonders in the Canary Islands, known for having some of Europe’s best dive sites. Swimming among marine life is one of the best experiences in Costa Adeje, especially in summer.
If you’re not a certified diver, try an introductory Discover Scuba Diving session in the Protected Natural Reserve of La Caleta. It’s perfect for beginners, with calm waters and a chance to spot green turtles.
For certified divers, exciting dives include:
- Los Gemelos: Explore two shipwrecks in Puerto Colón.
- Punta Rasca Lighthouse: Discover tunnels and caves.
- Palmar Cave: Observe marine life along the walls.
Beginner Dive with Turtle Spotting
Discover Tenerife’s underwater world with a beginner dive. Swim in clear waters alongside octopuses, turtles, and rays. The experience departs from Puerto Colón and includes all equipment.
Book a Beginner Dive
Dive Trip from Puerto Colón
Try scuba diving for the first time with a Discover Scuba Diving course. Learn the basics of diving and breathing underwater under the guidance of a PADI instructor.
Book a Scuba Diving Experience
8 Paragliding in Costa Adeje
Paragliding in Costa Adeje is one of the most thrilling activities in southern Tenerife. The island is a top destination for breathtaking views from above.
Don’t miss the chance to try paragliding in Costa Adeje and admire Tenerife’s beauty from the skies:
Paragliding with a National Champion
Fly over Tenerife with Daniel Crespo, a national paragliding champion. Enjoy a 20-30 minute flight, soaring over canyons and mountain ridges. Try some acrobatics or take control before landing on Adeje’s coast.
Book a Paragliding Flight with a Champion
Tandem Paragliding with Overfly
Take off from 700 meters and glide over Barranco del Infierno and Tejina Mountain. The 15-20 minute flight ends with a beach landing at Playa de la Enramada.
Book a Tandem Paragliding Flight
Tandem Paragliding with Pickup Service
Enjoy a scenic paragliding flight over Costa Adeje, guided by an experienced instructor. After a short briefing, take in spectacular views during a relaxing flight.
Book a Tandem Paragliding Flight with Pickup
9 Casa Fuerte in the Town of Adeje
The Casa Fuerte is one of the oldest landmarks in Tenerife and a must-see in Adeje. Built in 1556, this fortress served as a residence for the wealthy Ponte family and as a defense against pirate attacks.
For over 300 years, Casa Fuerte was the political, economic, and social center of Adeje. It included a castle, a keep, storage rooms, granaries, a stable, a forge, ovens, a prayer room, and a palace where the owners lived, along with housing for their staff.
Although it has suffered damage over the years, including a fire in 1902, a family is currently working on its renovation. Some rooms are open to the public and showcase historical artifacts.
Entrance Fee
- Free
Opening Hours
- Monday to Thursday and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
10 Santa Úrsula Church
The Santa Úrsula Church is another important place to visit in Adeje, Tenerife. It was built on the site of an old hermitage dedicated to the same saint and is one of the oldest religious buildings in the south of the island.
The church has two naves separated by semicircular arches. The left nave, housing the Rosario Chapel and the sacristy, dates back to the 16th century. The main nave and the chapel, from the 17th century, are later additions that enhance its architecture.
Visit the Parish of Santa Úrsula to learn more about the island’s history and admire its architectural beauty. Entry is free, and inside, you can see a beautiful Mudéjar-style ceiling and a wooden sculpture of the Virgin of the Incarnation from the 16th century.
11 Nightlife in Adeje
Costa Adeje is the perfect place to enjoy nightlife in Tenerife. Two of the most popular spots are Achamán Discopub and Papagayo Tenerife, which are open daily, though you might have to wait in line to get in. These are great places to dance to commercial and electronic music. Another club to experience nightlife in Costa Adeje is the Monkey Beach Club, located right above Troya Beach, offering spectacular views while you party.
For a more relaxed vibe, check out Kaluna Beach Club, or Le Club – Tenerife Beach Club, located by Fañabé Beach. These venues feature Balinese beds, great food, and music. For a unique experience, the Scandal Dinner Show offers a burlesque-style performance.
With so many options, you’ll easily find the atmosphere that suits you best. These are just a few of the top places for nightlife in Adeje, Tenerife.
Get Your Tickets for the Scandal Dinner Show
Excursions to Enjoy in Costa Adeje
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of fun activities in Costa Adeje. If you’d like to explore other parts of the island, here are some excursions worth checking out:
Teide Cable Car Experience
You can’t leave Tenerife without visiting Mount Teide. If you’d like a hassle-free experience with a guide, this tour is perfect for you.
Book a Teide Cable Car Excursion
Teide Sunset and Stargazing Tour
Love stargazing? Tenerife is the third-best place in the world to observe the stars, according to NASA. This tour offers an unforgettable night under the stars.
Book a Sunset and Stargazing Tour
Teide Quad Adventure
For thrill-seekers, this quad excursion from Adeje is ideal. Ride through the UNESCO-protected Teide National Park and enjoy stunning panoramic views.
Book a Quad Adventure to Teide
Masca and Los Gigantes
Masca is often called the Machu Picchu of Tenerife, surrounded by breathtaking nature. Nearby, Los Gigantes features cliffs over 500 meters tall.
Book a Masca and Los Gigantes Cruise
Icod de los Vinos and Garachico
This tour takes you to some of the most charming northern towns in Tenerife, including Icod de los Vinos and Garachico, along with Masca and Teide.
Book a Tour to Icod, Garachico, Masca, and Teide
Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga
Visit Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal de La Laguna, two of Tenerife’s most important cities, and explore the stunning landscapes of the Anaga Rural Park.
Book a Tour to Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and Anaga
How to Get to Costa Adeje
Tenerife has two airports, but Tenerife South Airport is much closer to Costa Adeje, about 23 kilometers away, making it the best option. However, if you find a flight deal to Tenerife North Airport, don’t worry—you can still reach Costa Adeje by bus. Just be mindful of your arrival time, as late-night connections might be limited, and a taxi from the north to the south costs around €100.
Renting a car is the best way to get around the island since it gives you more freedom than relying on buses. You’ll find car rental offices at both airports and the port. A trusted option in the Canary Islands is CICAR.
If driving isn’t for you, Tenerife’s bus service, Titsa, is an excellent alternative. Take bus number 40 to Costa Adeje’s bus station in about 30 minutes. From there, you can easily explore the island. Download the Titsa App for schedules and routes.
Where to Stay in Costa Adeje
There are plenty of options for staying in Costa Adeje, as it’s one of the most popular tourist areas in Tenerife. You’ll find all kinds of accommodations here, from luxury hotels to full apartments or shared budget-friendly options.
Since Costa Adeje is quite large, it’s worth researching your accommodation carefully. There are lots of hills, and after a relaxing day, walking back up can be challenging! If you’re not planning to rent a car, it’s best to stay close to the beach.
That said, Costa Adeje is one of the best areas to stay in Tenerife if you want to enjoy great weather and the sea.
Where to Eat in Costa Adeje
The options are endless! You’ll find everything from fancy restaurants to McDonald’s. There’s something for every budget. Some of the most popular places include La Farola del Mar restaurant, Ten O’Clock, and Sebastián restaurant.
FAQs About Costa Adeje
If you still have questions about your trip to Costa Adeje, here’s a quick FAQ to cover the most common ones and highlight the key things to do in Adeje.
What to See in Adeje?
In Costa Adeje, you’ll find beautiful beaches like Playa de Fañabé, Troya Beach, Diego Hernández Beach, and my personal favorite, Playa del Duque. You can also hike the Barranco del Infierno, visit the Church of Santa Úrsula, or explore the Casa Fuerte in Adeje’s old town. Don’t miss the chance to relax while spotting whales and dolphins or snorkeling.
Is Costa Adeje Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Costa Adeje has some of the most stunning beaches in southern Tenerife. Plus, the weather is always great—whether it’s summer or winter, you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine.
How Far is Adeje’s Old Town from Costa Adeje?
The distance is about 6 km. So if you’re thinking of staying in Adeje’s historic center, keep in mind it’s not very close to the beach.
What’s the Name of Adeje’s Shopping Mall?
There are several! Siam Mall, Centro Comercial Plaza del Duque, Galeón Outlet, Centro Comercial El Mirador, The Duke Shops, and X-Sur are all great options.
What’s the Costa Adeje Market?
The Costa Adeje market is at Playa del Duque. It’s open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
What to Do in Costa Adeje at Night?
There are plenty of nightlife options, but my favorite is Achamán.
What to Do in Costa Adeje with Kids?
Thanks to its crystal-clear and calm waters, the beaches are perfect for families with kids. You can also enjoy excursions, boat trips, or snorkeling together.
Map of Places to See in Costa Adeje
Here’s a Google Maps guide to help you easily locate the places mentioned in this guide of things to see in Costa Adeje.
Things to Do in Tenerife for One Week
If you’re planning to visit the largest island of the Canary Islands, here’s a 7-day Tenerife route so you don’t miss the most important places.
7-Day Tenerife Route
