Tenerife or Gran Canaria?

We went on coach tours around Gran Canaria, rum factory, towns. I also visited the capital for a day trip which was nice.

Have you considered Malaga, eg Tarifa? Has a big windsurfing community and friendly. Not far from Seville. Friends of family used to own apartment complex near Gibraltar border but on Spanish side. Guadaranque.

Only ever been here.

We stayed at Gloria palace near maspalomas.

Gran Canaria but west side as still being developed.

You’ve clearly done your homework, and honestly, posts like this are the most useful because everyone can share real experiences.😂 All three options are solid but offer slightly different vibes: Gran Canaria’s Marina Suites is relaxed with just B&B, great if you enjoy wandering towns and cafés; Tenerife’s Riu Garoe in Puerto de la Cruz or Hovima Suites in Costa Adeje offer half-board, which is convenient and fuss-free, with Puerto de la Cruz being more traditional and Costa Adeje more modern. Renting a car is very wise—both islands are perfect for exploring at your own pace, enjoying scenic coastal drives and little towns, and it really adds to the holiday experience rather than just staying in the resort. If I had to pick, Tenerife with half-board would be my top recommendation for a first trip abroad, letting you focus on the scenery and relaxation.

I’ve just recently returned from Puerto de La Cruz in Feb and it’s lovely. Very nice resort, views of Mount Teide which you can drive to in about 45 mins and get a cable car up to the top, big marine park and zoo just outside it, pretty villages nearby, a lido right on the beach, plenty of shops and restaurants. The beach has black sand rather than golden sand however. We hired a car for 4 days and travelled around including to the old capital to La Laguna in the north, the lovely town of Oratava etc,

One day when it was a bit overcast in our resort we drove to the south where the weather forecast was sunnier. Headed for Costa Adeje via the coast and mountain road rather than the motorway to stop on route at a few places. Arrived at Costa Adeje and drove around looking for parking (and failing miserably) and saying “Jeez, I thought this was supposed to be an upmarket resort! Are we in the wrong place?” We didn’t even get out of the car as traffic was a nightmare and it looked a bit naff, so we drove on. Maybe there are better bits of it we didn’t see. We drove on to Playa De Las Americas which has had a lot of investment in recent years so not the larger lout place it once was. The centre looks like the Strip at Las Vegas - huge palm tree lined boulevard with lots of shopping centres, Hard Rock Cafe, casinos, etc. Seemed to be lots of stuff going on if you like themed dinner shows etc. it was quite a contrast to where we were staying and ok for a day trip, but we were glad to head back to our much nicer resort.

Only been to Gran Canaria once about 20 years ago, so no recent knowledge, but I remember it as pretty bland with not much to do or see so haven’t been back. Appreciate it may have changed in that time!

If you hire a car, Auto Riesen are a reliable local firm who won't rip you off on insurance or fuel charges like a lot of the other ones.

I think Puerto Rico is a Brits on the Piss place so if so I'd avoid that.

If you go to the Costa Adeje one, you're close to Siam Park, which is a large waterpark, which may be a big draw for DS, at least.

Puerto de la Cruz is probably the nicest area by far, but further from the airport, although I assume you've got a transfer so perhaps not an issue. I think there's plenty to do in the area though.

Costa Adeje might be the easiest for a first trip abroad.

If you want to go up the volcano you need a pass for the cable car, we've made about 3 attempts but always failed due to being fully booked or closed for high winds. Its also freezing up there even when it's 30 C on the coast.

Tenerife is amazing but only if you stay clear of the big resorts.
El Medano is a wonderful area. Get a rental car and don't miss driving up the volcano. The waterparks are spectacular if your DS is into that. There are some cool excursions like kayaking out to see the sea turtles.

I love PR and marina suites is beautiful and right on the sea. It’s not hilly at all where this hotel is as it’s level with the port/ sea. Puerto de Mogan is lovely but you can get the ferry a few mins walk from this hotel for a few quid. There’s more to do in the evenings in PR. Amadores beach is about a 30 minute walk over the cliffs and is beautiful with inflatables / boats on the beach.

Puerto de la Cruz is lovely but often cloudy compared to other parts of the island, if you want sun.

We went to Tenerife last year and I hated ever second of it. I hate smoking and it seemed like every time we left the hotel we had to wade through discarded cigarette butts. It’s a weird phobia of mine so it’s something I notice everywhere but Tenerife was by far the worst place I have noticed it.

Never been to Gran Canaria so can’t comment but I will never go back to Tenerife!

I have been to Riu Garoe three times and would recommend it. Also recommend to e-mail in advance to ask for a room with sea view; does mean balcony in shade for most of the day though.

However, when we have visited (December/January) most guests have been 60+ and there have been very few children, if that is a consideration (the children seemed to be treated very well by staff).

We found the evening buffet disappointing (but fully edible) in January 2026 (happy in December/January 2023/24 and even happier 2022:23).

The hotel has a lot of German-speaking guests. Personally I consider German guests a recommendation (the hotel will be clean, comfortable and value for money) but I have seen British guests complain on review sites (not regarding this particular hotel).

Riu Garoe is in La Paz, a (hilly) bit from central Puerto de la Cruz; but they have a free shuttle bus and the walk into town along the water is beautiful. Also means that the air is a lot fresher than in centre. Local buses are also available and a taxi is about EUR 10, including tip.

Agree with PP that long transfer (about 1.5 hours by bus) to Puerto de la Cruz but well worth it.

We have used CICAR (booked on CICARs website) for car rentals when staying at Riu Garoe. Delivey and return to hotel; good price and we have been happy. Plenty of free parking spaces around the hotel. (We always book for 8 am; collect the car and then have breakfast after long waits with other rental companies when booked for mid-morning.)

if you go to Tenerife I strongly recommend a visit to Loro Parque (zoo; the penguins are my favourites), just outside Puerto de la Cruz.

Hope you have a lovely holiday wherever you go.

I’d still be heading for Cypress.

I stayed in Marina Bayview which is the sister hotel up the hill from Marina suites. Both hotels are lovely. We did a girls 4 day break and chilled out at the hotel. All good.
However the surrounding area is dire. Dated commercial areas, too many Brits abroad crammed into a small space. Beach is rammed. I would never go back. Even for a 4 day girly weekend

We recently stayed in Puerto Mogan. We got the ferry to Puerto Rico one day and I thought it was awful. I definitely wouldn’t want to stay there.
Not been to Costa Adeje.

Kassiopi Corfu is gorgeous

I agree.

Or pick somewhere else.

The Raddison Blu in Puerto Mogan and Lopesan Hotels in Meloneras, both Gran Canaria are very nice. I’d also recommend GF Victoria which is the Bahia del Duque part of Tenerife.

I have been to both Gran Canaria and Tenerife recently. I loved both honestly! Our resort in Tenerife was about twenty mins from Costa Adeje but we got a car and visited a couple of times and really liked it. I would look to stay there if we went again. Some really nice restaurants and shops and beaches.
Gran Canaria again we got a car and found some lovely places, lots of nice marinas and restaurants. Honestly with a car I don’t think it matters much where you stay. We loved both and would definitely go back to either!

Costa Adeje

Costa adeje is great for a teenager, so many great restraunts to eat at, there’s a nice lively atmosphere all day.
so much to do too, water park, monkey park, jet skis, big Inflatable in the sea, gorgeous beaches. Plus lots more.

Majorca is worth a look too

I haven’t stayed in either resort on your list but we did love Tenerife, and almost chose Puerto de la Cruz as Costa Adeje is very built up (we ended up in Los Gigantes which is lovely)

Have you looked at Portugal?