The Canary Islands have long been a favourite holiday destination with Brits. Whether you’re looking for culture, outdoor activities, beach fun, or just some downtime to eat, drink and relax, the Canaries have it all!
The largest of the islands is Tenerife, which attracts visitors from all over Europe to explore its unique natural beauty and, of course, the delights of its many beaches. In the southwest of the island, the resort of Playa de las Americas is well-loved for its lively atmosphere and plethora of things to do. We’ve created a “Top Ten”, so all you have to do is book a flight, accommodation and get ready for a holiday to remember!
Top Ten Things to Do in Playa de las Americas
Number One: Head to the Beach
The two main beaches are Playa de Troya and Playa del Camisón. The former has lovely fine golden sand, palm trees, watersports, restaurants and sun loungers, while the latter is a little quieter and has beautiful calm waters, great shallows for kids, and is a short walk to amenities.
Number Two: A Round of Golf
Tenerife is a much-loved destination for golf lovers, and there are few places more enjoyable to play a round than the 90-hectare, 18-hole Golf Las Americas. The course, which has been home to numerous Spanish championships, overlooks the ocean and is dotted with lakes, rivers and ravines. Keep your eye on the ball, if you can…
Number Three: Arona Jungle Park (Las Águilas)
This fantastic zoo and botanical park encompasses 7.5 hectares and is an incredible place to visit with or without children! The jungle environment, which is networked with paths, caves, bridges, waterfalls and other natural landmarks, is home to more than 500 animals – including magnificent birds of prey.
Number Four: Whale Watching
Head out on a boat trip to encounter magnificent whales and dolphins, an experience you’ll never forget. Several operators offer small group tours lasting about three hours, including magical sunset trips complete with food and wine.
Number Five: Visit La Masca
La Masca is about an hour away from the resort (on a very windy road), but it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Called “the most remote village in Tenerife”, it really does feel like it’s been forgotten by time, until recently. The landscape in which it’s nestled is nothing short of spectacular, and the tiny cobbled streets hold a wealth of historical secrets.
Number Six: Horse riding
Horse riding along the beach, or inland from the resort on a longer trek, is a fabulous way to get into the outdoors and explore. Various companies offer small group tours for an hour or longer (including sunset rides), and it’s suitable for beginners and children as well as experienced riders.
Number Seven: Monkee Zoo Park
This small but perfectly formed park is, as you’d guess from the name, filled with a wonderful collection of monkeys, as well as reptiles, parrots and other birds. It’s lovely to wander around listening to the calls of the animals as they play and eat, and there are special contact areas where you can get up close and personal. You don’t have to have children to enjoy a visit here.
Number Eight: Tackle Mt Teide
If you’re feeling energetic, Playa De las Americas is the perfect place from which to explore Mt Teide, Spain’s highest point, and the third-largest volcano on Earth. Its lava-covered landscape thrills and intrigues in equal measure and, whether you hike through this fascinating World Heritage site or just admire it from a distance is up to you – but the trails, visitor centre and observatory are highly recommended.
Number Nine: Soak up the Nightlife
The nightlife of this vibrant resort is well-renowned, and is, in fact, much of the appeal for some visitors. The main party area is known as Veronicas, which has a strip of bars, clubs and cocktail bars that are open until the wee hours, and spill over with patrons drinking and dancing. For those just looking for some dining without the party, there are plenty of great restaurants as well, serving up a variety of international cuisine.
Number Ten: Shop the Golden Mile
If a bit of retail therapy is your idea of fun, La Mille De Oro (the Golden Mile) is the place to be! This popular promenade is lined with shops and boutiques selling everything from clothing, and arts and crafts, to souvenirs and luxury goods. Shop ‘til you drop – but only under a beach umbrella!
Where to Stay:
Hotel Cleopatra Palace: Set right opposite the beach, and just a kilometre from the golf course, Hotel Cleopatra Palace offers luxury rooms with superb amenities on site. With marble bathrooms, private balconies, onsite restaurants and a stunning outdoor pool with sun terrace, the hotel is conveniently located just minutes from a popular shopping centre.
Sol Tenerife: Just 200m from the beach, this lovely hotel features three outdoor pools, tennis courts and rooms with gorgeous sea views. As well as an onsite restaurant, hairdressers and supermarket, there are also two bars and the hotel is within easy distance of the golf course.
Hotel Zentral: Right next to a golf club and just a few hundred metres from the beautiful beach, this adults-only hotel is set in the ideal location. Featuring modern, air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour reception, an outdoor swimming pool, and a sauna and hot tub, all you have to take care of is relaxing!
How to Get There:
It’s easy to get to Playa de las Americas from the UK. Numerous airlines offer flights to Tenerife South Airport, starting from about £75. Once you land at the airport, the very best way to get to your accommodation without hassle or delay is on a pre-booked airport transfer to Playa de las Americas. A friendly, professional driver will meet you at the airport then get you to your final destination in around 15 minutes, meaning no waiting around for taxis or public transport. Start your holiday off as you mean to go on!
Overview
UK to TFS Flight Time: 4.5 hours
TFS to Playa de las Americas Distance: 15.5 kms
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: around 15-20 minutes
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we understand everyone travels differently, so we offer several different types of transfers so you can make a choice based on budget, preferences and needs.
Nobody wants to stand around in a taxi queue when they’ve just got off a plane – so we offer the option to pre-book a taxi that will be ready when you land to whisk you the short distance from Tenerife Airport to Playa de las Americas. This is a very convenient Tenerife airport transfer option.
If you’re looking to save a bit of money but don’t want the hassle of navigating public transport, a shared shuttle could be the perfect option to get from Tenerife Airport to Playa de las Americas. You’ll share with other travellers, which makes the cost less, and it’s a very reliable service.
If budget isn’t a consideration and you’re all about the ultimate convenience, then a private transfer is for you. Tenerife Airport to Playa de las Americas is only a short distance, made all the more enjoyable and comfortable in a luxury private transfer.
If you’re travelling with a larger group with lots of luggage, the answer is a minibus airport transfer. Tenerife to Playa de las Americas is a quick and easy ride, and pre-booking a minibus means everyone in your group will be able to travel together and you’ll arrive refreshed and relaxed.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When booking your airport transfer, it’s very important you choose the one that best suits your needs and priorities. For some people, budget is at the top of the list, while for others, convenience is their most important criteria.
Cost: If you’re watching the pennies and don’t mind sharing your transfer from Tenerife to Playa de las Americas with other travellers, you’re probably better off choosing a cheaper shuttle or shared minibus and saving your money for other holiday fun!
Convenience: If convenience and comfort are the things you consider priorities, then a private transfer (Tenerife to Playa de las Americas, direct) offers an option that’s perfect for those who don’t mind paying for the luxury of a door-to-door service in style.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, we’ve been providing reliable airport transport all over the world for many years. We’re renowned for our excellent service, clean, comfortable vehicles, and friendly, knowledgeable drivers. Whether your preference is for a shared shuttle bus or a luxury private, door-to-door service, we take the hassle out of airport transfers and get you to wherever you need to go.
