With a name that translates as ‘paradise beach’, Playa Paraiso knows how to market itself as one of Tenerife’s best locations. Although located on the popular Costa Adeje, it’s far less ‘touristy’ than most resorts in the area.
All this makes it the perfect destination if you’re looking for a Canarian holiday with a difference. While there’s lots to do, this article will focus on the excellent food available in and around the town. Read on to learn more.
Canarian Cuisine
The complex history surrounding the Canary Islands has left them with a unique and interesting range of food. Locally sourced fish feature heavily, and Mediterranean influences abound, but many chefs enjoy adding unique twists, either incorporating flavours from Asian cooking or drawing on Latin American and African elements found in traditional island cooking.
Combine this cosmopolitan attitude with a long tradition of doing a lot with relatively few ingredients, and the food is perhaps one of the best reasons to visit these beautiful islands.
El Puertito Café and Ice Cream Shop
Though it bills itself as a cosy Sunday afternoon spot, El Puertito is excellent any time, any day of the week, with great décor complementing tasty Spanish and Italian fusion food.
Best for … Breakfast and Snacks
Relax into the slow rhythms of island life with a long breakfast here, drinking excellent coffee and sampling sweet treats as you watch people go by.
El Puertito boasts a range of snacks, including:
- Pancakes
- Donuts
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Ice cream
The Prince Restaurant
On an island where establishments often compete to attract customers, The Prince stands out for its traditional aesthetic, with plenty of exposed stone, bare wood and a mirror to make things feel more spacious.
Best for … Traditional Seafood
Don’t let the simple surroundings fool you. The food here is incredibly well presented, standing up against the prettiest plates you’re ever likely to see on Instagram.
Happily, the flavour matches. Meat dishes such as bacon-wrapped pork in mushroom sauce are a treat for your taste buds, but it’s the seafood that’s really unmissable. Sea bream with ham mash is just one of the great options available.
Rosso Sul Mare
If you love to enjoy a good view while sampling great food, Rosso Sul Mare is the place for you. Boasting incredible views overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean, you certainly won’t be disappointed with this experience.
Best for … a Classy Evening Dinner
The views from the outdoor terrace would almost be enough to recommend this place on their own. Add in a unique selection of perfectly sourced ingredients and you have an absolute must-visit.
The varied menu shows off the influence of the restaurant’s Italian owners, and visitors are well advised to leave a lot of room for a meal here.
Did You Know? The restaurant is named for the red glow produced when the sun sets over the ocean, emphasising its wild, romantic location.
La Mar de Vinos
In another fun translation, La Mar de Vinos means ‘the sea of wines’. Accordingly, it takes guests on a long voyage through a deep and broad range of wines, with small plates like cheese, gourmet salads and cured meats to fill you up while you drink.
Best for … Tapas and Wines
While they’re available for private bookings, La Mar de Vinos’ Playa Paraiso terrace is the perfect place to enjoy long hours sampling the world-class range of wines.
Top Tip: Look up events ahead of time to catch a tasting workshop or special themed night.
The Horseshoe
Also known as La Herradura, The Horseshoe has a different vibe to most places on this list. While many of these recommendations were chosen for their excellent cooking and elegant surroundings, this place is unapologetically a bar, with pool and football tables, sports on the TV and a good range of national and international beers.
Best for … Late-Night Drinks
The laidback feel here makes it the perfect place to meet new people. It’s open from 1pm till 3am, with music pumping in throughout the day and a huge screen ensuring those who prefer to sit outdoors don’t miss out on the sports.
Top Tip: Order a cocktail to your specifications or take recommendations from staff – while it emulates a US sports bar, the mixed drinks here are not to be missed.
Where to Stay
Duplex Adeje Palace – Each room at this well-located hotel comes with a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen and a sofa area. The outdoor pool offers somewhere to cool off, while those who prefer relaxing in privacy can enjoy their own hot tub in their private bathroom.
Sea View Apartment Paraiso – A restaurant, bar and tennis court provide guests with opportunities to eat, drink and exercise – but it’s the luxurious apartments that make this place so desirable. Each comes with two bedrooms, a flat-screen satellite TV, an equipped kitchen and a private bathroom.
How to Get There
Flights from the UK to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) are reasonably priced, but those who can avoid busy seasons are in luck – off-season flights are usually significantly cheaper. 11 airlines offer the route direct, providing approximately 70 flights per week. Once you land, Tenerife transfersfrom Shuttle Direct are the best way to get from the airport to town on time and without fuss. At just under 30km, our drivers can get you there in less than half an hour.
Overview
- UK to TFS Flight Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- TFS to Playa Paraiso Distance: 29 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 25 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
As Europe and North Africa’s best regarded airport transfer operator, Shuttle Direct is the company to call on for Tenerife transfers and rides to and from other airports. Our friendly drivers are also always happy to share local knowledge, offering tips on things to see and do in the area.
