Adeje is the sunny south-west corner of Tenerife. The municipality, home to about 50,000 people, climbs from a coast of beaches and promenades – Costa Adeje – to an old town at the foot of the hills, where the island’s last native kings once ruled.
Why visit Adeje
For dependable sunshine, golden and dark-sand beaches linked by a long seafront walk, good restaurants, calm water for families and easy trips to Teide and the west coast.
Top things to do in Adeje
Costa Adeje beaches
Playa del Duque, Fañabé and Torviscas are joined by a promenade that runs for kilometres past cafés and gardens. Further north, Playa Paraíso and Playa de la Enramada are quieter.
La Caleta
A small fishing village with fish restaurants on the rocks and coves to swim in, a short walk from Playa del Duque.
Barranco del Infierno
A walk up a green gorge above the old town to a waterfall. Access is limited and must be booked in advance.
Adeje old town
The church of Santa Úrsula and the Casa Fuerte, a fortified 16th-century house, recall the town’s past as a sugar estate.
Whale watching and water parks
Boats from Puerto Colón look for the pilot whales and dolphins that live off the coast, and Siam Park is one of Europe’s best-known water parks.
Day trips from Adeje
The Teide National Park is about an hour’s drive. The cliffs of Los Gigantes and the village of Masca are on the west coast, and ferries to La Gomera leave from nearby Los Cristianos.
Best time to visit Adeje
All year. Winter brings warm, sunny days; summer is hot, with trade winds keeping the coast pleasant.
Getting to and around Adeje
Tenerife South airport is about 20 km away. Buses connect the resorts with the airport, Los Cristianos and Santa Cruz; a car helps for Teide and the west coast.
What to eat in Adeje
Fresh fish and lapas (limpets) in La Caleta, papas arrugadas with mojo, grilled goat’s cheese and wines from Tenerife’s volcanic vineyards.
Adeje FAQ
Is Costa Adeje the same as Adeje?
Costa Adeje is the coastal resort area of the municipality of Adeje; the old town lies a few kilometres inland.
Do you need to book the Barranco del Infierno?
Yes. Places are limited and the walk must be booked in advance.
