Planning the perfect day of R&R isn’t easy, especially in Costa Adeje on the island of Tenerife, where there are so many ideal options for stress-free relaxation. To help you out, here is my run-down of the perfect day in this oasis of tranquillity, including a sunny beach morning, an early afternoon activity and an evening of delicious food and drink. Easy and fun!
Morning at the Beach
Tenerife has loads of remarkable beaches with fine golden sand and clear blue water. However, these tend to get busy in the afternoon, even in the colder months, so it’s best to go in the morning for some peaceful seaside lounging. Read on for your best beach options.
Playa del Duque
Surrounded by a charming promenade of top-quality bars and restaurants, this beach has an exclusive feel to it. There are a number of quaint shops nearby if you get too hot while you’re tanning on the beach, or a fantastic on-beach massage service if you fancy it.
Playa Fañabe & Torviscas
Nicknamed the ‘golden beach’, this long stretch of sand has lots of comfortable sun beds, so there’ll be no need to scramble for a seat when you get there. The beach has received a Blue Flag award, meaning that it has pristine water and sand, as well as great facilities such as showers and cleaning areas. There are also many places to shop and buy food in the vicinity.
Playa La Pinta
Slightly busier than the other two beaches, La Pinta is a bustle of restaurants, bars and cafés. The water here is very calm and the prices are reasonable, but – if you’re travelling in peak seasons – be sure to get there early before the crowds of families arrive.
Top Tip: For a guide to enjoying Costa Adeje with a young family, check out this guide.
Golf in the Afternoon
Nothing beats a few holes of golf on a relaxing sunny afternoon. The Golf Costa Adeje club is the finest on the island with a championship course of 18 holes with a par 72. Designed by famous course-architect Pepe Gancedo, the course sticks to the original terrain of the area. This gives the course a very authentic feel, allowing you to marvel at its spectacular scenery as you perfect your putt.
The club also has great facilities for post-golf rejuvenation. A stylish restaurant and equipment shop dominate the club house, but there are also plenty of places to sit, maybe with a G&T, taking in the spectacular views. Wherever you are, the Atlantic Ocean is there too, vast and beautiful.
Evening Entertainment
After a shower and a short siesta, there are plenty of outdoor markets to explore around Costa Adeje. There is a special upscale shopping area called Plaza del Duque, where eagle-eyed visitors can pick out nice gifts for loved ones back home without paying an arm and a leg for them.
If you would rather head straight to the restaurants I don’t blame you! One in particular, Restaurant Sebastian, is a must-visit on your day of R&R. Popular with locals and returning tourists alike, this restaurant provides a traditional Spanish dining experience. Why not try king prawns served in a cream of pineapple chutney and madras? These are some of the freshest prawns you can eat and are served with madras and rice; it’s a quintessentially Spanish dish.
After dinner, live music is on offer in the bars around Calle Colon. This is the place to hear local bands playing everything from reggae to heavy metal. Bars are open until around 1am, serving delicious drinks that you can enjoy as you’re tapping your foot along to the vibrant music.
Where to Stay
GF Fañabe – Only 500 yards from Playa Fañabe, this hotel has easy access to one of Costa Adeje’s highlights. The hotel itself is modern and boasts fantastic facilities, including an outdoor pool and a mini golf course, as well as a spa area with a hot tub, sauna and massage tables.
H10 Costa Adeje Palace – Also a few minutes’ walk from the beach, the Costa Adeje Palace has all your lounging and sunbathing needs covered. Forming part of the hotel, the special Despacio Spa Centre boasts a full spa programme with a Turkish bath and beauty treatments. And, for golf aficionados, Golf Costa Adeje is only 1.2 miles away.
Bahia Principe Tenerife – Multiple outdoor pools, restaurants and sun terraces – what more could you want? The Bahia Principe is a 20-minute drive from the popular resort Playa de las Americas and only 10 minutes from the golf course. Each room is air-conditioned and is equipped with a private balcony and an en suite bathroom, ensuring constant comfort.
How to Get There
Getting to Costa Adeje is quick and easy. Tenerife South Airport is only a 20-minute drive away on the small island. There is a bus service if you can be bothered to haul your luggage from the tarmac to the hotel, but for a better, affordable alternative, Shuttle Direct offers the best transfer service.
Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct have been providing transfers across Europe and North Africa for many years and are considered the go-to transfer provider. The drivers are helpful and punctual, ready to get you to your hotel as soon as possible. Agree a low-cost fee with Shuttle Direct before you leave and tick that off your to-do list straight away. This way, your time in the sun can be spent doing the things you want to do, such as hitting golf balls and sunbathing.
