As of: July 2026 (updated regularly)
Tenerife’s bar culture is split between two worlds. In the south, in Arona, the BLACKPOOL SPORT BAR serves international guests, whilst El Faro in Puerto de la Cruz calls out like a lighthouse and represents the established north. The 12 best bars on Tenerife explain this difference more clearly than any map. In Alcalá, Nemos is right on the coast; in Las Mercedes, Bar Josefa thrives on the footfall from the neighbourhood. A bar’s location determines whether a visitor sits at the bar as a tourist or as a local.
Bars on Tenerife: North, South, Style
Bars rarely open before 9 pm, and many don’t open until late afternoon. At Bar La Fuentita in Granadilla de Abona or Cafetería Centro in Puerto de la Cruz, it’s best to pay in cash, as card payments aren’t accepted everywhere. A knowledge of Spanish is a great help outside the areas around Arona, and German menus are rare. No one expects a tip, but five to ten per cent is considered standard for good service. At Christmas and in August, it’s worth giving them a call in advance.
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Tips for your visit
Around 480 bars are scattered across the island, from the harbour districts of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Nemos on the coast at Alcalá. At Bar Same1 and Santo Ritual in Puerto de la Cruz, the bars don’t fill up until late, when the heat subsides. Canarian wine from the volcanic slopes is often served with a plate of papas arrugadas and mojo.
Puerto de la Cruz is the place to be like no other. There, the Elements Cocktail Bar serves up drinks, The Roof Burger Bar opens its chill-out area with cocktails, and Bar Del Sheriff holds its own. The island’s 491 cafés also characterise the old town’s narrow streets. During carnival season, the action shifts to the streets of the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get to the bars in Tenerife?
Visitors can easily reach the 480 bars on Tenerife by hire car or on the TITSA bus services, which connect the south with the north. In Puerto de la Cruz, Santo Ritual, Elements Cocktail Bar and Bar Del Sheriff are all within walking distance of the town centre. Taxis are available round the clock in tourist hotspots such as Playa de las Américas.
Are there any bars in Tenerife with outdoor terraces or sea views?
Many of the 480 bars in Tenerife keep their outdoor terraces open all year round, such as The Beach Cabin Bar in Arona or Nemos, right on the coast at Alcalá. The mild climate means that terraces with views of the Atlantic Ocean can be enjoyed throughout the year. Bars on the slopes of the volcano, meanwhile, offer views of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain.
Which bars in Tenerife do the locals frequent?
Locals prefer bars away from the tourist areas, such as Bar Josefa in Las Mercedes or Bar La Fuentita in Granadilla de Abona. There, you’ll find papas arrugadas with mojo and wine from the Canary Islands‘ vineyards on the menu. Small village bars in the interior are considered typical meeting places for the island’s residents.
Opening hours and other details are subject to change; please check before visiting.
All restaurant profiles for the Canary Islands can be found at www.Kanaren-Kleinanzeigen.com.