We get asked the same question most weeks: what should we actually do with seven days here. Guests arrive with a vague plan involving sun and the odd beach day, then realise there is rather more to the south of Tenerife than they expected. Having lived here for years and hosted hundreds of groups, this is the itinerary we tend to recommend, built around the rhythm of a villa holiday rather than a hotel one.
Day One: Arrive and Settle
Don't plan anything for the first evening beyond food and a swim. Flights into the south tend to land in the afternoon, and by the time everyone has collected bags and made the short transfer down to Las Américas, the best use of an evening is the pool, a barbecue, and getting your bearings from the terrace. This is where a private pool and a decent sound system earn their keep. Save the big nights out for later in the week when everyone has adjusted.
Day Two: Walk the Coastal Path
The promenade that runs along the coast from Las Américas through to Los Cristianos is one of the nicest free things to do in the area. It is flat, well shaded in parts, and lined with places to stop for a coffee or a cold drink. Doing this in the morning before the sun gets too strong is the move, and it is a good way for a group to shake off jet lag together without anyone needing much energy.
Day Three: Water Park Day
If your group includes anyone who likes a thrill, or simply the idea of a lazy river with a drink in hand, a day at the water park is worth building in. It gets busy, so arriving close to opening time makes a real difference to queue times. Several of our villas are a short walk from here, which means you can come back mid-afternoon for a nap by the pool rather than losing the whole day to travel.
Day Four: Boat Trip and Whale Watching
The waters off this coast are known for dolphin and whale watching trips, and a half-day boat excursion is a nice change of pace partway through the week. Most trips leave from the harbours nearby and include time for swimming off the boat. It is also, frankly, a good excuse for everyone to have a slower morning afterwards.
Day Five: Surf Lesson or Market Morning
This stretch of coast has some well-regarded surf breaks, and a group lesson is a good laugh even for those who have never tried it. For anyone who would rather skip the paddling, the Saturday market in Los Cristianos or the artisan market in Adeje old town are both worth a wander, with local crafts, food stalls and a much more authentic feel than the main strip.
Day Six: Up the Mountain
It is easy to forget, staying by the coast, that Tenerife has real mountains fifteen minutes inland. A half-day trip up towards Vilaflor or the edges of Teide National Park gives a completely different view of the island, cooler air, and some genuinely good walking trails if anyone fancies stretching their legs properly. Coming back down in the late afternoon for a dip in the pool is the perfect contrast.
Day Seven: Beach Day and a Proper Night Out
Save your final full day for the beach, whether that is the black volcanic sand closer to home or one of the golden imported-sand beaches a short drive away. In the evening, Las Américas has a genuinely good spread of restaurants and bars, and this is the night to book a table somewhere with a view, then head on to wherever your group fancies for the rest of the evening. Having a villa with space to get ready together, rather than cramped hotel rooms, tends to set the tone for a better night.
Day Eight: Departure
Leave the morning free. Pack slowly, have a last swim, and get breakfast together before transfers. Groups who try to squeeze in one more excursion before a flight almost always regret it.
A Few General Notes
The south of the island is reliably warmer and drier than the north, which is why most groups base themselves here rather than trying to split time across the island. Taxis and car hire are both straightforward, though a car gives you more freedom for the mountain day. And whatever the itinerary, build in at least one or two afternoons with nothing planned at all. The villa pool, the terrace and good company are half the reason people come back.
We host groups of friends at The Surf Villa, The Surf Villa 2, The Surf Villa 3 and Villa Black, each set up with the space, pools and amenities to make a week like this one easy to put together. If you would like to see what is available for your dates, our live calendar on the booking page is the best place to check.