Tenerife
LT23877
Introduction
For many international buyers, Tenerife starts as a holiday destination. Sunshine in winter, ocean views, volcanic landscapes, relaxed living.
For golf lifestyle buyers in particular, it often becomes something more practical. A place where you can play year round, walk to local cafés, meet an international community, and still feel connected to the rest of Europe.
This guide looks at Tenerife through that lens. Not as a tourist brochure, but as a place to actually live part of the year or long term. If you are considering browsing property listings, these are the areas and lifestyle factors that matter most.
Why Tenerife Appeals to Golf Lifestyle Buyers
Tenerife offers something that mainland Spain cannot always guarantee: stable, playable weather in winter.
For golf lifestyle buyers, that changes everything.
Key lifestyle advantages:
Year round golf conditions
Strong international community
Good flight connections to the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and Germany
Established coastal infrastructure
Walkable resort style areas in the south
The south of the island is where most golf focused buyers look first. The north has its charm, but the microclimate in the south tends to be sunnier and drier, especially in winter.
The Main Golf Areas to Know
Costa Adeje
Often considered the most established and polished area in the south.
Why buyers like it:
Well maintained golf courses
High quality residential developments
Walkability in certain zones
Good restaurants and services
International residents and second home owners
Costa Adeje tends to feel more structured and residential than purely touristic. It attracts retirees and second home buyers who want comfort and reliability rather than nightlife.
Golf del Sur
Built around the golf course itself, this area has a clear identity.
It appeals to buyers who want:
Direct proximity to the course
Apartment complexes with pools
A compact, community feel
Walkable access to restaurants and small supermarkets
It is popular with retirees and seasonal residents who value a slower pace.
Amarilla Golf
Adjacent to Golf del Sur, Amarilla Golf offers dramatic ocean backdrops and a slightly more residential atmosphere.
Many properties here are villas or townhouses, often with terraces and views. It suits buyers who want more space while staying within a golf focused community.
Beyond Golf: Everyday Life in Tenerife
Golf may be the anchor, but most buyers ask the same follow up question: what does daily life actually look like?
Expat Communities
The south of Tenerife has long established British, Irish, German and Scandinavian communities.
Areas such as Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas offer:
English speaking services
International schools nearby
Social clubs and sports groups
Healthcare facilities accustomed to foreign residents
For retirees and second home owners, this reduces friction when settling in.
Climate and Winter Livability
Tenerife’s position in the Atlantic gives it mild winters. In the south, daytime temperatures remain comfortable even in January.
For buyers escaping colder European climates, this is often the decisive factor. You can realistically spend winters outdoors, walk the promenade, and play golf without long interruptions.
The north, including Santa Cruz de Tenerife, feels greener and more local, though also slightly cooler and cloudier at times. Some digital nomads prefer the north for its authentic atmosphere and local Spanish life.
Walkability and Public Transport
While many property owners have a car, certain areas in the south are surprisingly walkable.
Promenade living in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos allows you to reach cafés, shops and beaches on foot.
Tenerife also has:
Public bus network connecting main towns
Tram service in the north between Santa Cruz and La Laguna
Easy access to Tenerife South Airport from golf areas
For digital nomads and retirees who prefer not to drive daily, this matters.
What About Families and Remote Workers?
Families considering Tenerife usually look for:
Proximity to international schools
Safe residential complexes
Access to sports and outdoor activities
Digital nomads often prioritise:
Reliable internet
Café culture
Community and co working spaces
Easy airport access
The south offers infrastructure and sunshine. The north offers culture and authenticity. The right choice depends on whether golf lifestyle or local immersion comes first.
Nature, Space and Balance
Beyond the golf courses and coastal promenades, Tenerife offers volcanic landscapes and hiking terrain, particularly around Teide National Park.
For many second home buyers, this balance is key. Golf in the morning, ocean views in the afternoon, mountain scenery on weekends.
Who Tenerife Suits Best
Tenerife tends to work well for:
Golf focused second home buyers
Retirees wanting winter sun and community
Professionals who split time between countries
Families comfortable with an international environment
It may feel less suitable for those seeking a quiet, traditional Spanish village with minimal tourism. The south in particular is international by nature.
Exploring Property Options
If Tenerife aligns with your lifestyle priorities, the next step is simply to see what is currently available.
You can browse properties in Costa Adeje, Golf del Sur, Amarilla Golf and surrounding areas to get a sense of:
Property types
Community layouts
Proximity to golf courses
Walkability to services
Availability changes throughout the year, and each micro area has its own character. Viewing current listings gives context that general guides cannot fully provide.
Final Thoughts
Tenerife is not just a holiday island. For many golf lifestyle buyers, it becomes a practical winter base or long term home with a strong international network.
The key is choosing the right micro area for your daily rhythm, whether that is promenade living in Costa Adeje, course side apartments in Golf del Sur, or more residential space in Amarilla Golf.
If you are in the research phase, take your time. Explore the areas virtually, compare neighbourhoods, and browse current listings to see how lifestyle and property align.
