Tenerife or Gran Canaria?

[MessyNDepressy]

Firstly, yes IABU for shamelessly posting for traffic!

DS14 and I are going on our first holiday abroad this summer. I have already booked a great deal that we got for Cyprus but I’m a bit concerned that the troubles there might escalate and I’d rather change now whilst there’s just an admin fee rather than risk losing money. It’s been hard trying to find something within the same budget/same airline/similar dates etc but I’ve decided either Marina Suites in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria, Hotel Riu Garoe in Puerto de La Cruz in Tenerife or Hovima Suites in Costa Adeje in Tenerife. Both in Tenerife are half board and Gran Canaria is bed and breakfast.

I will rent a car for at least a couple of days to visit more of the island regardless of which one.

If anyone has a preference or any advice it would be much appreciated!

Edit - forgot to add images, see below

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’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!

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.

Gran Canaria but west side as still being developed.

We stayed at Gloria palace near maspalomas.

Only ever been here.

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.

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