Playa las Galgas beach in Playa Paraiso

Playa Paraiso, Tenerife – Things to Do, Hotels & Restaurants

Playa Paraiso is positioned on the west coast of Tenerife and is one of the Canaries’ more relaxed resorts. It offers a selection of luxury hotels with Hard Rock Hotel being one of the most iconic on the whole island.

The main street here offers a decent mix of cafes, restaurants and shops, and accommodation here tends to be of very good quality. While there’s not too much going on by night, there are a few bars, and the Hard Rock Hotel is always a good place to party.

Playa Paraiso also has a pleasant promenade, a saltwater lido and a compact beach. Nearby resorts within easy reach include La Caleta, Costa Adeje and Playa Las Americas to the south. La Caleta offers top-notch restaurants, while Costa Adeje has designer stores and Blue Flag beaches. The large resort of Playa de las Americas is where you can find lively bars, plus all the watersports.

For a peaceful break – where other resorts and local attractions are within a 10-minute drive or short bus trip – Playa Paraiso is a very attractive option.

Weather in Playa Paraiso

Like the rest of southern Tenerife, Playa Paraiso tends to have the warm, sunny and dry climate people associate with the Canary Islands. This is why many people on vacation opt to stay in the south.

July and August are Playa Paraiso’s hottest months, and January and February are the coldest. December tends to see the most rainfall. To enjoy beach life, it’s best to visit between June and November. As with other places in Tenerife, it can get a little windy here during the evening.

Things to Do in Playa Paraiso

Swim & sunbathe at Playa Paraiso beaches

One of the most popular things to do in Playa Paraiso, Tenerife is to enjoy the sun-drenched beaches. There are three to pick between.

Grey sand Las Galgas beach in Playa Paraiso, Tenerife

Playa las Galgas

With grey sand, palm trees for shade and pebbles, Playa las Galgas is the finest of Playa Paraiso’s three beaches. It has recently undergone a complete overhaul and now offers a good kids’ play park, showers, sun loungers and parasols. A selection of cafes and restaurants can be found close by.

Playa El Pinque near Hard Rock hotel complex, Tenerife

Playa el Pinque

Playa el Pinque is a black sand bathing beach with an artificial reef. This sheltered, calm spot is ideal for swimming and diving. If you’re wondering what to do in Playa Paraiso why not try this quiet spot?

Playa las Salinas

This compact, rocky bay also offers warm, calm waters suitable for sea bathing. It tends to be less used and therefore peaceful. While it’s good for families, beach shoes are needed for walking over the stones. There is no lifeguard service, and restricted access for those with mobility issues.

Pay El Puertito a Visit

To see unspoiled Tenerife, take a trip to El Puertito, a nearby village. The picturesque black sandy bay here is flanked by soaring cliffs, and the colourful fishing boats plying the waters only add to its charm.

During your visit you may even get to swim alongside the sea turtles that inhabit the area – an unforgettable experience. Watching the sunset here, drink in hand, is also magical.

Drive or take a 10-minute taxi ride to El Puertito, as there’s no bus service. Alternatively, you could hike to El Puertito, before continuing as far as La Caleta if you like.

Take a Coastal Walk to Callao Salvaje

Callao Salvaje is also relatively undeveloped, and is thus also a tranquil place. The coastal path can lead you here, though do bear in mind that it’s unpaved in parts. En route to Playa de Ajabo beach and Callao Salvaje you may see wildflowers as well as breathtaking coastal scenery.

Promenade in Playa Paraiso, Tenerife

Party at the Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock hotel is home to the pick of the bars in Playa Paraiso, Tenerife. Around once per fortnight, there are special events held here, so check the calendar for what’s going on. Past parties have centred on the 80s, a lagoon party or a heavenly theme.

If you like to bust a few moves while hearing international artists or DJs play, there’s no better place to be in Tenerife. For a more relaxed vibe, kick back and sip a colourful cocktail while gazing at the illuminated lagoon.

Hike or Ride to La Caleta

By car, La Caleta is only 15 minutes from Playa Paraiso. This resort is renowned for its great restaurants, and it’s easy to spend an entire day here.

You can take a moderately challenging hike to La Caleta if you like. Wear sturdy shoes, as you’ll venture off the path in places. The distance is around six miles (10 km) and it takes around two-and-a-half hours to complete the route. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also continue on to Costa Adeje. Afterwards, it’s simplest to get a taxi back to Playa Paraiso, as there’s no direct bus route.

Paint the Town Red in Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas

For the liveliest nightlife in Tenerife, head to Playa de las Américas or Costa Adeje. It takes around 15 minutes by car or taxi to reach either of these vibrant resorts.

Snorkel Blackstone Dive Centre

Blackstone Dive Centre is located close to the Hard Rock Hotel in Playa Paraiso. If you’re keen to try some scuba or snorkeling, the helpful and professional staff here will sort you out. You can rent modern, top-quality equipment to explore on your own, or let the team guide you to Tenerife’s best underwater spots.

All levels from beginner to professional diver are covered by the courses here. You may even get the chance to dive with dolphins or turtles during your stay.

Best Places to Stay

Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife – 5-star

The Hard Rock Hotel is one of the most luxurious and iconic hotels on the island. Playa las Galgas is about five minutes away on foot, and the hotel boasts a trio of swimming pools plus its own saltwater lagoon. A free daily shuttle service transports guests from the hotel to Siam Mall and Playa de las Americas. The popular Siam Park waterpark is close to the mall.

Luxurious Hard Rock Hotel in Tenerife

Every room comes with a furnished terrace, a rainfall sensory shower and an iPod dock. Top-of-the-range Rock Royalty suites also come with free spa and Rock Royalty lounge access,  plus a private concierge service. For service, style, dining and nightlife, the Hard Rock Hotel is impossible to beat.  

World Famous Hard Rock Hotel Swimming Pools

H10 Atlantic Sunset – 5-star

Overlooking the ocean, H10 Atlantic Sunset is an ultra modern five-star resort with a sleek and uber stylish interior. This property offers spacious accommodation and five superb swimming pools, one of which offers a kids’ water play area.

H10 Atlantic Sunset Hotel in Tenerife

H10 Atlantic Sunset also offers a range of themed dining options, a top class spa and a children’s playground. With a full family entertainment programme offered, you won’t need to leave this deluxe resort unless you want to.

Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria – 5-star

If being by the beach is one of the main parts of your trip, then you’ll love the location of Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria. The sand and sea is just a two minute walk away, and there are ocean views from the property.

Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria offers a stunning seaview infinity pool, a luxury spa, a hot tub and a range of restaurants. The jewel in the crown, though, is RoniAventura. This adventure and water park offers suspension bridges and climbing walls, plus a couple of pools with four waterslides.

Hotel Riu Buenavista – All-Inclusive

Downgrade from five stars to four and you can enjoy an all-inclusive break for a very similar room rate. Las Galgas beach is under 200 metres away, and the property is set among beautiful gardens.

Hotel amenities include six pools, bars, restaurants, a children’s club, a gym and an entertainment programme. Accommodation options include clean, air-conditioned double or family rooms with private balconies.

Apartments

As Playa Paraiso has no mid-range and budget-friendly hotels, apartments are a better option for those who want to pay less.

Paraíso del Sur Mar y Teide

This complex is close to the beach and offers balconies, a pool, a bar and a restaurant. Units have full kitchens and a full or partial sea view.

Studio Anna

Studio Anna is conveniently situated for Playa El Pinque and Las Galgas beaches, and has a pool. The rooms come with balconies and fully equipped kitchens.

Paraíso Del Sur

Paraíso Del Sur overlooks the main beach and offers two pools plus a spacious terrace with sunloungers. Rooms here also have kitchens and furnished balconies.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Playa Paraiso

La Libélula Playa Paraíso

For a fun vibe, great cocktails and a good selection of globally-influenced dishes, head to this recently opened cafe by the boardwalk and the beach.

Steak 21 Urban Kitchen

Superb steaks and high quality fine wines are the order of the day at Steak 21. This is one of the best restaurants in Playa Paraiso for that special evening out. 

Spice Garden Indian Restaurant

If you can’t resist an authentic Indian-style curry, bag a table at Spice Garden. This place is also ideal for vegans and vegetarians, as there are plenty of meat-free choices.

L’incontro

As it’s located away from the beach, it would be easy to miss L’incontro – but don’t if you adore Italian food. The pizzas, steak, pastas and salads served here are all very good indeed.

Best Playa Paraiso Bars

The Horseshoe – La Herradura

If you hanker after a few pints while watching the match, head to The Horseshoe in La Herradura. You’ll get a warm welcome, plus the chance to play pool here.

Britannia Inn

Widely regarded as the best pub in Playa Paraiso, the Britannia Inn offers a friendly atmosphere, colourful cocktails and great value prices.

Playa Las Galgas beach in Playa Paraiso, Tenerife

Getting Around

Hiring a rental car is your best choice when staying in Playa Paraiso because the resort itself is small so you will definitely want to venture out to explore more awesome places in Tenerife. However, it is also possible to use taxis or the bus system.

Tenerife South Airport to Playa Paraiso

To get to Playa Paraiso from Tenerife South Airport, you can take bus number 111, which travels towards Los Cristianos. The trip takes about 20 minutes and costs €3.20. From Los Cristianos, catch bus number 471: this will take you to Playa Paraiso. This sector takes about 35 minutes and costs €2.55.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport. This will cost around €35- €45 and take about 20 minutes.

Playa Paraiso to Costa Adeje or Playa de Las Americas

You can take the same bus number from Playa Paraiso to Costa Adeje or from Playa Paraiso to Las Americas. Route 471 takes around 25 minutes, and a ticket costs €2.10. Alternatively, take a taxi for about €20 – €24 and arrive there within 15 minutes.

Parking in Playa Paraiso

Finding a parking space in Playa Paraiso can be quite difficult, but there are a few viable options. There’s a gravel car park at the bottom of the hill. This is free to use, but reaching the centre of the resort involves an uphill slog.

There is also a more convenient paid underground car park near the Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria hotel, or you could try your luck in finding a place right on the street. There are parking spaces, but it can be like looking for a needle in a haystack!

Shopping

Rosa Centre Shopping Mall

Rosa Center Shopping Mall is the closest to Playa Paraiso, and can be found on the outskirts of town, close to Callao Salvaje. The mall is open air and has a spacious top floor terrace with Atlantic ocean views.

This shopping centre should offer everything you need, including clothing, jewellery, electronics and more. Big Spanish and international brands are represented. There’s also restaurants and supermarkets here.

SuperDino Playa Paraíso

This large supermarket can be found within the Rosa Centre Shopping Mall. It’s a lot bigger than the HiperDino express in town, with a greater choice of products. All items are of good quality and the staff are very helpful.

HiperDino Express Playa Paraiso

This clean, well-stocked store is conveniently located and stocks everything you’re likely to need during a vacation. It can be found in the centre of the resort, near the Hard Rock Hotel.

Location: Google Maps

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Jovita

Meet Jovita, co-founder of Enjoy Canary Islands. The archipelago is her favorite place on Earth. She visited all the islands multiple times and lived in Tenerife for a year. She is here to help you plan the best trip of your life.

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