Amazing Things To Do In Playa De Las Americas

Sitting pretty along the southern coast of Tenerife, Playa de las Américas is one of the island’s most reputable resorts.

Sun, sea, sand – Américas has them all. So….just like every other stretch of the coast, then? Well okay clever clogs, sure. Unlike some other areas of the island though, there is a lot more to this resort than just its sunbatheability (new word alert).

Playa de las Américas is a true paradise for novelty seekers, a mecca for adrenaline junkies, and really just medicine for anyone allergic to boredom. Attractions, day excursions, nightlife, eating yourself into a coma – the resort offers all kinds of activities that will stimulate you in ways that drooling in the sun for 9 hours a day cannot.

Any holidaymaker with a penchant for fun and excitement should seriously consider basing themselves in this hub of energy. But before you go shopping for a hotel, you may want to check out the list I’ve put together of the best things to do in the region.

If you feel like there’s more to a vacation than lounging on the beach, then keep reading. If you don’t then err…keep reading anyway.

1 | Work on that tan at Playa Troya & Camison beaches

Okay, let’s get this out of the way – you’re in Tenerife, which means you’re likely going to spend some time unwinding. It’s inevitable, so don’t even fight it. Why not spend that time on one of the area’s beautiful beaches?

Playa Troya is one of the oldest beaches in the region, and is a popular spot for soaking in those Canarian rays. A few kilometers further down the coast, Playa del Camison is equally (if not more) picturesque, making it an ideal chill out spot (in between activities, of course).

Don’t forget the sun tan.

2 | Get wet at Siam Park

Complete with rapids, water roller coasters, and slides that have you travelling up to 80km/h, a visit to Siam Park is a surefire way to get the heart beating again.

If that’s 80km/h too fast for your liking, then don’t fear – this wonderfully designed Thai-themed water park has a range of facilities and attractions to accommodate all ages and operating speeds.

3 | Learn to surf

If you’re like me (a human being) then you’ve likely watched some svelte maniac riding the waves, and thought to yourself: ‘That’s amazing, I wish I could do that.’

Well…you can! Or you can at least give it a go. Tenerife is considered to be one of the finest surfing spots in Europe, with Playa de las Américas itself at the epicenter.

So there’s really no better opportunity to sign up for a lesson, and get your feet wet.

4 | Dance, Dance, Dance

The party capital of Tenerife, las Américas is the place to be if you have any interest in throwing some shapes on the dance floor (or whatever your preferred style).

The resort offers up countless discos and nightclubs, many of which let you get down until the early hours.

5 | Gorge on local delicacies

If there’s one thing you can count on from a tiny spot of land in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s an abundance of fresh seafood. But Tenerife is just as renowned for its “land-based” cuisine – the goat cheese and papas arrugadas (“wrinkled potatoes”) are popular dishes worth sampling.

Playa de las Américas is full of great eateries, making it a suitable spot to give your mouth a workout. When in Tenerife, you are obliged to eat until your stomach is content and….beyond!

(Don’t worry though – the options are healthy enough that you won’t turn into a super heavyweight.)

6 | Check out the impressive Piramide de Arona

Situated to the south of the resort and overlooking the “Golden Mile” strip, Piramide de Arona is a spectacular 1600-seat auditorium that hosts a number of events and shows throughout the year (including the occasional flamenco show).

Even if you have no desire to sit through several hours of dancing, it’s worth visiting the site to take a look at the iconic pyramid-like structure. It’s certainly worth a photo or two. (Or an entire shoot, if that’s your thing).

7 | Hang at Monkey Park Zoo

Interesting fact about Monkey Park Zoo: there are other animals besides monkeys. Wild, right? Literally, yes. You can also see birds and reptiles, amongst other animals that are nothing like monkeys. But of course, the monkeys are the main attraction. Of course.

Admittedly zoos aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But Monkey Park is an ideal activity for those with kids in tow.

8 | Ascend Mount Teide volcano

To climb to the top of the famous Mount Teide is to be a total badass. That is to say: it’s very challenging.

For most, perhaps a little too challenging (we’re talking 12,000 ft). However, you don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy the marvelous scenery and nature atop this volcano; there are a multitude of tours and trips running from Playa de las Americas that’ll get you most of the way to the top (you’ll need to take the cable car to get all the way to the summit).

9 | Go trekking in the Masca Gorge

Want to pay off those three helpings of bienmesabe you had last night? Then you might consider a hiking trip to Masca Gorge.

Traversing this rocky terrain, you can expect jaw dropping scenery, interesting geology, and – at the finale – a couple of legs begging for mercy. Located 35km from Playa de las Américas in the north-west of the island, your best bet is to book the trip or hire a vehicle through an agency in town.

10 | Go on a Whale Watching Catamaran Tour

If monkeys, volcanoes, and “land stuff” isn’t doing it for you, then why not take an expedition out into the ocean?

The opportunity to experience majestic mammoths of the sea – mainly whales and dolphins – in their natural habitat, is one that shouldn’t be missed.

11 | Paragliding

There’s really no better way to unwind after a hard day of sunbathing than throwing yourself off a cliff. Attached to a paraglide, obviously.

Taking off from 1000m altitude, you’ll be flown by an experienced instructor over canyons and across the Adeje coast, giving you a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the island before landing on the beach.

This one is for thrillheads. Paragliding is very much not suitable for children under 6 years old, pregnant women, and adults over 70 years old.

12 | Enter the night

That’s right – so vibrant is the las Américas nightlife, that it had to be mentioned twice.

Simply put, if you plan to stay in (or visit) this part of Tenerife, then partaking in a few beverages (exactly how many is for you to determine) and exploring the vast nightlife is a must have experience.

Let loose…the night is yours!

And there we have it, everything you could need to cure a nasty boredom allergy. Take 12 doses of Playa de las Américas, and call me in the morning.