Challenges and Reviews of Playa de las Américas Resort
Playa de las Américas, a popular resort on Tenerife known for its sunny weather and vibrant nightlife, was placed last in a ranking of the 15 largest resorts across the Canary Islands, according to readers of the British publication Which?. Leading the list was Puerto de Mogán on Gran Canaria. Despite its appeal to sunseekers and party-goers, Playa de las Américas faces significant issues such as overcrowded beaches, poor value for money, and reports of cockroach infestations.
Accommodation in Playa de las Américas received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. However, a Mumsnet forum member shared a vivid memory:
“One of the most striking experiences was the sheer number of cockroaches. They were everywhere.”Visitors also frequently mention that the beaches remain packed throughout the day, as noted by the travel guide Wikivoyage. A Swedish travel blogger, drawing comparisons between Tenerife and Benidorm, expressed concern that “Tenerife is gradually turning into Benidorm.”
Development History and Alternatives for Visitors
The southern coast of Tenerife, including Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, has evolved since the late 1960s following a simple formula: sun, sand, and affordable beer. To maintain profitability, the resort continuously expanded. Journalist Ava Hughes commented,
“Developers have claimed every inch of the coastline, building upwards and outwards until the natural beauty of the volcanic landscape was buried beneath layers of asphalt and concrete blocks.”
Travelers from the UK can reach Tenerife easily with direct flights operated by EasyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair from numerous British airports. In December, flight tickets to Tenerife start at just £28. Meanwhile, the demand for tourist accommodation across Europe is expected to surge by 32% between 2026 and 2036, adding 1.6 billion overnight stays annually. Hotel demand is projected to increase by 33% during the same period.
For visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the overcrowded Playa de las Américas, there are five other options available, including the tranquil Playa del Camisón beach. It is advisable to avoid Playa de las Américas’ beach if you prefer not to be surrounded by surfers.
This recent ranking highlights the intensifying competition among Canary Islands resorts and shifting traveler preferences. With rising demand for tourist accommodations and services, local resorts must prioritize improving service quality and infrastructure to stay attractive. Adapting strategies to enhance living conditions and reduce beach overcrowding will be essential for these destinations to continue drawing visitors in the future.
As tourism continues to evolve, destinations across Europe are poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a 32% increase in visitor numbers by 2036. This trend highlights the competition among resorts, including those in the Canary Islands, where issues like overcrowding in Playa de las Américas may impact its appeal compared to emerging hotspots.