Tenerife has a bit of an image problem.

Say Tenerife to a lot of travellers and they’ll instantly picture package holidays, all-inclusive resorts, and people setting alarms to reserve a sun lounger before breakfast.

The reality is a bit different.

Yes, you’ll find all of that if you want it. But you’ll also find volcanoes, hiking trails, surf towns, and a surprisingly good backpacker scene. There’s far more variety to the island than it gets credit for.

The hostel scene is a good example. Some places are all about surfing and beach life, others are geared towards hikers, digital nomads, or travellers simply looking for a good base without spending a fortune.

I’ve picked out the hostels that stand out for the right reasons, so you can spend less time scrolling through reviews and more time planning the fun part.

Let’s get into it.

In a hurry? Here are my top hostel picks in Tenerife

Best Hostels in Tenerife

Ready to see which Tenerife hostels made my list and why? Let’s dive in…

1. Puerto Nest Hostel – Best Budget Hostel

Puerto Nest Hostel best hostels in Tenerife

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  • Price: $
  • Best for: Travellers looking for a chilled, social hostel near the beach without the full-on party vibe.
  • Highlights: Rooftop terrace with views of Mount Teide, regular BBQ and movie nights, and Playa Jardín just a few minutes away.
  • Dorms from: $30
  • Private rooms from: N/A
  • Location: Punta Brava, Puerto de la Cruz.

I planned to stay at Puerto Nest for just a couple of nights, but I could easily have stayed longer. It’s tucked away in Punta Brava, a quieter local neighbourhood on the edge of Puerto de la Cruz, just a short walk from Playa Jardín and right opposite Loro Parque. What I loved here was that, after a day exploring the island, everyone naturally ends up on the rooftop terrace for a beer and a chat.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • The Rooftop Terrace: With views of the sea and Mount Teide on a clear day, this is where everyone seems to end up in the evening.
  • Easy Social Vibe: They regularly organise movie nights and BBQs, so meeting people feels natural rather than forced.
  • Staff Who Care: From local tips to helping with anything you need, the team creates the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to extend your stay.

The beds are genuinely comfortable, the rooms are clean, and the whole place feels relaxed without being boring. It is a little outside the centre, so expect a bit of walking if you’re heading into town for restaurants and supermarkets, and some of the dorms are on the smaller side. The privacy curtains are a great touch, though the green colour scheme does give the rooms a slightly hospital vibe. Still, if you’re wondering where to stay in Tenerife and want somewhere near the beach with a social atmosphere and a decent night’s sleep, Puerto Nest is a great shout.

2. Los Amigos Backpackers Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers

Los Amigos Backpackers Hostel best hostels in Tenerife
  • Price: $
  • Best for: Solo travellers and digital nomads looking for a social hostel near Tenerife South Airport
  • Highlights: Swimming pool, gym, surf and diving activities, and a strong community vibe
  • Dorms from: $25
  • Private rooms from: $52
  • Location: La Mareta, South Tenerife

I booked Los Amigos Nest for the convenience of being close to the airport, but it quickly turned into one of those places where you start wondering whether you should push your flight back a few days. Situated in La Mareta, a quiet coastal village in the south of Tenerife, the hostel has a laid-back, slightly hippie vibe with travellers lounging by the pool, cooking together in the communal kitchen, and swapping plans for surf lessons and diving trips.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Everything You Need: There’s a swimming pool, gym, strong Wi-Fi, and a well-equipped kitchen, making it very easy to settle in.
  • A Proper Social Atmosphere: The outdoor spaces make it easy to meet people, and there always seems to be something going on.
  • Great for Active Travellers: Surfing, diving, hiking, and natural pools are all close by.

The atmosphere here is friendly and relaxed, and the two resident cats only add to the homely feel. La Mareta is definitely on the quieter side, so this is better suited to beach days and sunset chats than bar-hopping. The bunk beds can be a little squeaky, but that’s part of the hostel experience, right? If you want a laid-back hostel with great facilities and an easy-going community, Los Amigos Nest is a fantastic choice.

3. Hostel Tenerife – Best Adventure Hostel

hostel tenerife
  • Price: $$
  • Best for: Hikers, surfers, and outdoor lovers exploring North Tenerife
  • Highlights: Incredible rooftop views, free hiking gear, and expert local advice from the owner
  • Dorms from: $77
  • Private rooms from: $181
  • Location: La Orotava, North Tenerife

I stayed here while exploring the north of Tenerife and felt right at home. Set in a 100-year-old Canarian house in the historic centre of La Orotava, this is not like any hostel I’ve stayed in before. After a day hiking in Teide National Park or surfing at Playa del Socorro, the rooftop terrace is the kind of place where you naturally end up with a coffee or beer, chatting about where to head next.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Built for Adventure: The owner is a hiking guide with brilliant local knowledge, and you can borrow hiking boots, warm clothes, and even a mountain bike.
  • Perfect Base for Exploring: Teide, Anaga, and Teno are all within easy reach, making this one of the best hostels in Tenerife for outdoor lovers.
  • A Proper Home Away From Home: The communal kitchen, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly crowd make it easy to settle in and stay longer than planned.

This definitely isn’t a party hostel. Most people are here for early starts and big days outdoors, so things naturally quieten down after midnight. The house has plenty of character, which does mean a few quirks, and the steep streets of La Orotava will give your legs a workout before you’ve even reached the trailhead. But if your idea of a great trip involves hiking boots, mountain views, and staying somewhere with real personality, this is the best adventure hostel in Tenerife.

4. Endless Summer Hostel – Best Surf Hostel

Endless Summer Hostel best hostels in Tenerife
  • Price: $
  • Best for: Surfers and beach lovers looking for a clean, social base in South Tenerife
  • Highlights: Daily surf sessions, spotless facilities, and a rooftop terrace for sunset hangs
  • Dorms from: $24
  • Private rooms from: N/A
  • Location: Playa de las Américas, South Tenerife

If your Tenerife plans revolve around chasing waves and spending as much time as possible in the ocean, Endless Summer is a very easy hostel to like. Set in a quieter part of Playa de las Américas, it’s close enough to the beach and nightlife to have everything within easy reach, but far enough away that you can still get a decent night’s sleep. After a morning surf, the terrace is the sort of place where people naturally end up to dry off, compare wipeouts, and figure out where to eat.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Surf Is the Main Event: Daily surf sessions make this one of the best hostels in Tenerife for anyone keen to get in the water.
  • Spotlessly Clean: The team work incredibly hard to keep the rooms, bathrooms, and common areas looking great.
  • Social but Relaxed: It’s easy to meet people through organised activities, but the atmosphere stays friendly rather than rowdy.

The staff are genuinely welcoming and always happy to help, whether you need local tips or help booking activities. Some dorms are a little noisier if they’re near the kitchen, but the terrace closes at 11 PM, which helps keep things peaceful. There aren’t private rooms, but the rates are reasonable, and the laid-back surf vibe makes it a great option if you don’t mind staying in a dorm. And, if you’re escaping grey skies in search of a bit of winter sun, Endless Summer very much lives up to its name.

5. La Tortuga Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples

La Tortuga Hostel best hostels in Tenerife
  • Price: $$
  • Best for: Couples and mature travellers looking for a relaxed, community-focused stay in Costa Adeje
  • Highlights: Private rooms with en-suites, a small pool and garden, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a shared home
  • Dorms from: $32
  • Private rooms from: $66
  • Location: El Duque, Costa Adeje

If you’re travelling as a couple and want something a little more comfortable than the average backpacker hostel, La Tortuga is a gem of a find. Perched in El Duque, close to the beach and the lovely fishing village of La Caleta, it has the kind of warm, inclusive atmosphere that makes you feel settled almost immediately. Between the garden, terrace, and small pool, it’s very easy to slip into holiday mode here.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Great Private Rooms: If you want the social feel of a hostel without sharing a dorm, the private rooms are clean, comfortable, and surprisingly peaceful.
  • A Genuine Community Feel: BBQ nights, organised activities, and an incredibly friendly team make it easy to meet people if you want to.
  • Relaxed Facilities: With two kitchens, a cosy lounge, and plenty of outdoor space, there’s always somewhere comfortable to hang out.

What stood out to me most was how welcoming the whole place felt. The staff and volunteers go out of their way to help, whether that’s sharing restaurant recommendations, arranging activities, or simply making sure you feel at home. It’s not right on the beachfront, but everything is within walking distance, and the laid-back atmosphere more than makes up for the extra few minutes on foot. For couples in particular, it strikes a really nice balance between the social side of hostel life and the comfort and privacy you usually only get in a hotel.

Right, before you head off, sort your travel insurance, because spraining your ankle on a volcano is a much better story when someone else is paying the bill.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Picking the right hostel in Tenerife

Hopefully by now you’ve found the Tenerife hostel that feels right for your trip, whether you’re here to surf, hike, work remotely, or just chase a bit of sunshine. If I had to pick one overall favourite, La Tortuga Hostel would get my vote for its warm atmosphere, great facilities, and the kind of vibe that makes it very easy to stay a little longer than planned.

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