The best bars and nightlife in Tenerife
If there's one thing the Tenerifians know how to do well, it's party. Enjoying life is a genetic disposition, evident if you venture into one of the many bars and nightclubs frequented by locals – and there are many. Check out the vibrant student scene in the cuadrilátero zone of La Laguna, test your stamina in the bop-till-breakfast clubs of the southern resorts, or limber up for Latin pop and hip-swaying salsa in the Spanish nightclubs of both north and south. Every year brings a new music festival, and this year is no exception, with top-shelf DJs flying in to turn the heat up at open-air club nights.
For more Tenerife inspiration, see our guides for hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Find a bar by area
Playa de las Americas
Papagayo
The Veronicas nightlife strip in Playa de las Americas might seem to some as a place preserved for teenage hedonists only, but there is one neon light that shines bright for those seeking something a little more mature. Papagayo is part Mediterranean restaurant, part beach club, but mostly disco, with two floors overlooking an open-air dancefloor and thatched cabanas offering ocean views with your margaritas. If there’s one club guaranteed to be packed at the weekends, Papagayo is it, but unless you want the dancefloor to just you and your handbag, don’t even think about going until after 1am.
Contact: papagayobeachclub.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: Casual
Tramps
One of the OGs of the southern nightlife scene, Tramps has one of the latest licences for all-night partying in Tenerife. This self-professed King of Clubs blasts out house, afrobeats, hip hop and R&B from 10pm till 6am. Top shelf DJs like Judge Jules and Tom Zanetti have graced the decks, and fire-eaters, podium dancers and confetti cannons help heat up the atmosphere. Entry is free before 2am and drinks packages are available. Central, their adjoining sister club caters for those in-tune with their inner Latin and is the go-to dance floor for the local crowd.
Contact: trampstenerife.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: Casual
Magic Lounge Club
Centre-stage along the Golden Mile, Magic Lounge Club sustains its status as the top see-and-be-seen bar of downtown Playa de las Americas through a smart, evening dress code, an in-house mixologist, a VIP area, and drink prices that encourage slow-sipping. The café side of things opens in the daytime and provides spectator seating across from the upscale Safari shopping centre. On the other side of the road there are several restaurants under the same ownership. Keep your meal receipt, take it to the bar, and you’ll get a free glass of bubbles.
Contact: magicbartenerife.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: Smart casual
Harry’s Bar
Grab a mojito and a grandstand terrace seat overlooking the ‘dancing’ fountains in Safari shopping centre. There's nowhere better to take the weight off after an evening retail excursion. All major sports are shown, though this really is more of a bar for people-watching than televised ball-chasing. The fountain show kicks off at around 9pm every night, by which time all of the good seats are taken, so book a table for 9.30pm at one of the many restaurants nearby, then grab a terrace seat at Harry’s for an aperitif around 8pm.
Contact: 00 34 922 788 868; facebook.com/harrystenerife
Prices: ££
Getting in: Casual
Kong
This jungle-meets-beach bar is part of the Monkey Beach Club restaurant block overlooking the sands of Playa Troya. Exotic animal figurines camp in a safari lodge-type interior that has one of the best sunset views in the southern resorts. The tropical themed cocktails include house specials such as the teeth-rotting Chunky Monkey, involving cocoa, butterscotch, cookies and vanilla liqueur, and the sweet and sour King of the Jungle starring sherry, rum, lemongrass and cinnamon. DJs provide a suitably chilled soundtrack most nights, and beach parties are prevalent in summer.
Contact: kongbymonkey.com
Prices: ££
Getting in: Casual
Los Cristianos
The Vault Bar
It might go against the grain for many, but sometimes you just want a soupçon of familiarity on holiday. No, I’m not talking about the euro-a-pint bar showing Only Fools & Horses reruns to shirtless lobsters. I mean a classy British bar with a smart, industrial-chic vibe, craft beers, efficient staff and British/Tex-Mex bites. The two young owners are true music fans so a variety of bands and acoustic guitarists – not cabaret with backing tracks – perform every night, offering everything from folk to Britpop and hard rock.
Contact: thevaultbartenerife.com
Prices: £
Getting in: Casual
Casablanca
If Latin lights your candle, head to this lively bar in the oceanfront San Telmo restaurants and bar strip of Los Cristianos. Free salsa classes are held from 10pm throughout the week, before the dancefloor fills with lively locals freestyling to mainly Spanish hits. Ask for the Casablanca cocktail, a fruity ensemble of vodka, passion fruit, strawberry and lemon. There’s usually a 10-euro entrance fee on Saturdays (one drink included), but for free entry, just make sure you're through the door before midnight.
Contact: casablancadiscobar.com
Prices: £
Getting in: Casual
Costa Adeje
Zambra SkyBar
Ocean views, a top-rated cocktail shaker, chilled beats and a glass pool that hangs from the side of the building – what’s not to love? This upscale, adults-only lounge bar on the rooftop of the GF Victoria hotel has become Costa Adeje’s classy after-work hangout for both residents and visitors. Expect to sip bellinis next to local dignitaries, business owners, and those simply cool and in the know. Thursday through Sunday sees live music and DJs from 7pm until late playing everything from Jazz to Deep House, and retro-disco to chill. Entry is free, and the lounge bar is accessed through the hotel reception.
Contact: zambraskybar.com
Prices: £££
Getting in: Cocktail
Coqueluche Beach Bar
What says ‘on holiday’ more than drinking a frozen strawberry daquiri at a thatched beach bar watching a band playing chilled covers while the sun sinks slowly beyond the horizon? That’s exactly what you get at Coqueluche, possibly the most chilled bar in Tenerife, possibly the planet. Bands play on the beach every weekend from 5.30pm until 8pm. Naturally, this is the busiest time, especially on Sundays, so you might want to grab yourself a table beforehand and order a plate of sustenance; the blue cheese and walnut salad is particularly good.
Contact: 00 34 922 71 54 83; facebook.com/Coqueluche-beach-bar
Prices: ££
Getting in: Casual
Palm Mar
Bahia Beach
There are several true beach clubs in the south - and by true, I mean they are actually on the beach. Bahia Beach is one of them, but its success isn’t solely owed to having a sandy floor. This sprawling beach club in Palm Mar combines just the right amount of bohemian vibe, upcycled furnishings, thatched shade and live music, plus the food is pretty damn good too (especially the fresh lobster). Sunset DJ sets, signature cocktails and an army of bali beds help distract from the fact that the actual coastline here is very rocky, but imported golden sand provides comfort and aesthetics between the decked paths of the venue itself.
Contact: bahiabeachclub.club
Prices: £
Getting in: Casual
Santa Cruz
Bambú Lounge & Bar
This popular bar and club in the capital only opens Friday through Sunday so it’s no surprise it gets packed to its thatched rafters. Big on Latin and reggaeton, the beats carry from the open-air dance floor to the huge surrounding patio, rooftop terrace and the VIP rooms. Balinese styling prevails, with plenty of bamboo and temple-chic. DJs man the decks every night, and live music is hosted occasionally. The cocktails are inexpensive yet generous in size, and they pack a fair punch, especially the mojitos.
Contact: facebook page
Prices: £
Getting in: Smart casual
Puerto de la Cruz
Blanco Bar
There's a little bit of everything thrown in to keep the drinkers drinking at this popular local's hangout in Puerto de la Cruz. Depending on the night, expect poetry jams, monologue recitals, theatre performances and magic shows, alongside dancers and plenty of live bands. There are two lounge areas, one for club sounds, the other for more rock and pop music. If you're a gin-lover, welcome to your own personal nirvana – there's a whole menu of your favourite tipples on offer, and the vast selection of beer brands isn’t too shabby either.
Contact: blancobar.com
Prices: £
Getting in: Smart casual
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
