The Top Things to See and Do in Costa Adeje
Tourists have been flocking to the resort of Costa Adeje for as long as Tenerife has been a holiday destination – and it’s easy to see why. It has some of the island’s best beaches, a wide selection of activities and plenty of family-friendly fun – but there’s more to this lively beach resort than boozy bars and Playa de las Américas. You can climb the towering Mount Teide, swim with sea turtles at Playa del Puertito and float along the world’s longest lazy river at Siam Water Park. Here’s a rundown of the most entertaining ways to spend your time in this popular resort.
1. Ascend Mount Teide
Natural Feature
There are two main routes to the top of Spain’s highest peak, the 3,715 metre-high Teide volcano. Either take the cable car from the Base Station to the Upper Station – an eight-minute cruise over Tenerife’s spiky volcanic landscapes – and walk the remaining 614 metres. Alternatively, for more of a challenge you can hike all the way from Montaña Blanca to the top of the crater, a total distance of 8.3km (5.2mi). Either way, you’ll need a free permit from the National Park authorities.
2. Shop at Plaza del Duque
Shopping Mall
Plaza del Duque is Tenerife’s premier shopping centre, a shiny, circular complex of clothing and accessory outlets, cafes and restaurants, set just back from the beach of the same name. As well as brands including Hackett, Boss and Desigual, there’s a supermarket selling freshly baked bread and pastries, and a kiosk-sized establishment specialising in tobacco and liquor. When you’re done, head to Creperia for an omelette, or to Premium Cafe and Lounge for a cocktail or glass of wine.
3. Swim with sea turtles at Playa del Puertito
Natural Feature
If you’re fed up with the crowds, explore the unspoilt cove of Playa del Puertito, where it’ll be just you and the turtles – and possibly a few locals, who like to camp here overnight in the summer. Swim out past the fishing boats to the clear waters beyond, where you’ll find a resident group of these friendly creatures, who won’t mind your presence or being photographed. Other marine wildlife to admire while you’re swimming includes bull rays, butterfly rays, trumpet fish and crabs.
4. Tuck into seafood at La Masia del Mar
Restaurant, Seafood
For some of the best seafood in Tenerife, book a table at La Caleta’s family-run La Masia del Mar. From a terrace overlooking the bay and its bobbing boats, sample the restaurant’s speciality dishes, which include zarzuela (a crowded seafood casserole made with squid, mussels, prawns, cod and monkfish) and grilled lobster – choose a live one from the tank. Equally delicious are their homemade desserts, especially the Canarian quesillo, one of the islands’ most traditional sweets.
5. Spot constellations in Teide National Park
Park
6. Go whale watching
Architectural Landmark
Over 20 species of whale – including the pilot, sperm, orca and minke varieties – regularly visit Tenerife’s waters, and some are spottable off the Costa Adeje all year round. Whale-watching boat tours depart from Puerto Colon, offering commentary by expert guides, snorkels for off-board jaunts and underwater microphones so you can listen to the mammals communicating with each other. If you’re setting sail with kids, book yourself on one of the Viking-themed outings.
7. Hike through Hell’s Canyon
Natural Feature
8. Take a Tuk Tuk Tour
Architectural Landmark
9. Splash about at Siam Water Park
Market, Park, Shop
Leon Beckenham contributed additional reporting to this article.
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