Living in Adeje gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll have all the convenience and buzz of a working town—think markets, banks, sports centres and schools—while only being minutes from the island’s famous coastline. The town itself is known for its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming community, with a near 50/50 split between Spanish residents and international newcomers who have chosen Tenerife’s reliably warm weather and laid-back way of life.
Just beyond the town centre, you can lose yourself in nature. Mount Teide, Spain’s tallest peak, looms on the horizon, and the Barranco del Infierno gorge offers an unforgettable hiking trail through lush ravines to the island’s highest waterfall. For those who prefer their leisure time with a little more comfort, there are 14 beaches within easy reach, plus golf courses, yacht marinas and sophisticated dining scenes in nearby Costa Adeje.
Adeje has retained its historic charm even as it has grown, with handsome colonial-style buildings sitting comfortably alongside striking modern architecture. The town’s Plaza España is home to the Sacred Museum of Adeje, an award-winning minimalist landmark that’s well worth a visit.
In the evenings, you can stroll through the old streets and enjoy traditional Canarian restaurants, or head to the coast for cocktails and live music. Whether you’re after sunshine-filled days or a more practical base for family life, Adeje offers a varied and vibrant lifestyle.
Living in Adeje: Essential Information
Typical Canary style holiday apartments in Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Population According to the most recent figures from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), Adeje has a permanent population of around 50,000 people, with a fairly even split between Spanish nationals and foreign residents. The expat community here is well established, with newcomers arriving from the UK, Germany and other European countries. A growing number of younger families and digital nomads have also been drawn by the town’s excellent infrastructure, fast internet and year-round good weather.
Healthcare in Adeje Adeje is well equipped with both public and private healthcare facilities. The Centro de Salud de Adeje provides primary care, routine appointments and a small emergency department. For more serious issues, Hospiten Sur, a large private hospital with English-speaking staff, is just a 10-minute drive away in Playa de las Américas. Another popular option is Hospital Quirón Costa Adeje, which offers a range of specialist services and modern facilities.
Public healthcare is free for residents registered with Spain’s social security system. Pharmacies are plentiful and operate on a rota to ensure 24-hour service across the area.
Beach in Adeje, Tenerife
Working in Adeje Unsurprisingly for a town on Tenerife’s busy southwest coast, most job opportunities in Adeje revolve around tourism, hospitality, and services. Hotels, restaurants, excursion companies and real estate agencies are major employers. Seasonal work peaks from October through April, when the island is particularly popular with northern Europeans escaping winter.
Spanish language skills are often necessary for most roles, though some international companies and tourist-focused businesses are happy to hire English speakers.
For remote workers, Adeje offers:
Excellent internet connectivity with fibre optic broadband widely available.
Coworking spaces: While there’s no large dedicated coworking hub in Adeje itself, many professionals use café spaces or shared offices in Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas.
Good transport links: making it easy to balance work and island exploration.
If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need a suitable visa—like the digital nomad visa—to work legally. You can learn more about Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa in our article.
Schools and Education in Adeje Adeje has a good range of public and private schools offering education in Spanish, with options to suit children of all ages. Younger children can attend local guarderías (nurseries) and colegios de infantil y primaria, which provide early years and primary education.
For older children, there are several secondary schools and bachillerato colleges in the area, where lessons are taught in Spanish and students follow the national curriculum. Some of these schools offer bilingual programmes that include additional English language classes, which can be helpful for expat families.
Families looking for English-language education often choose:
Wingate School in Cabo Blanco (around 15 minutes by car), a respected British curriculum school catering for students from preschool to sixth form.
Colegio Costa Adeje, a bilingual school following the Spanish curriculum with some English instruction.
In addition to mainstream schools, there are various after-school clubs, sports academies and summer camps available, offering activities in Spanish and English.
If you are new to Spain and unsure where to start, have a look at our guide to finding the right school in Spain for more tips on choosing the best option for your family.
Beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Transport in Adeje Adeje is exceptionally well connected. The TF-1 motorway runs along the coast and links the town directly with Tenerife South Airport (just 20 km away), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and the main tourist areas.
Buses: Green TITSA buses (known locally as guaguas) run frequently between Adeje, Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and further afield.
Taxis: Licensed white taxis are readily available.
Ferry connections: From nearby Los Cristianos, you can hop on ferries to La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.
Car hire: Popular for exploring Tenerife’s mountain villages and hidden beaches.
While you can live comfortably without a car, many residents prefer the flexibility of owning one, especially if they plan to travel further inland or explore less accessible coastal spots.
Cost of Living in Adeje
Adeje offers a more affordable lifestyle than the high-end resorts along the coast. Groceries, local produce and services are reasonably priced, and you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly cafés and markets in the town centre. However, prices for property and long-term rentals have risen in recent years as more expats and remote workers have discovered the area.
Things to Do in Adeje
Barranco del Infierno hike
Hike through Tenerife’s wild heart The Barranco del Infierno, which means "Hell’s Ravine", is Adeje’s most famous natural attraction. Despite its ominous name, it is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. This spectacular gorge cuts deep into the mountains above the town, creating a lush landscape that feels a world away from the sunny coast.
The well-marked trail is about 6.5 kilometres there and back. Most walkers complete it in around three hours at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you will follow a winding path through high cliffs, shaded by laurel trees and dotted with caves once used by the Guanches, Tenerife’s indigenous people.
Keep your eyes open for native plants and wildlife, including wild fig trees, giant ferns and kestrels gliding overhead. The highlight of the hike is the 200 metre waterfall, the tallest on the island, which cascades into a clear rock pool at the end of the trail.
To protect this fragile ecosystem, daily access is limited to 300 visitors. Permits must be booked in advance through the official website. Entry includes a safety briefing and the use of a helmet, which is mandatory for all hikers.
Whether you are an experienced walker or simply keen to explore another side of Tenerife, Barranco del Infierno is an unmissable day out and a chance to experience the island’s wild heart up close.
Hit the beaches Adeje is perfectly placed for beach hopping, with some of Tenerife’s most beautiful stretches of coastline right on your doorstep. Whether you are after golden sand, volcanic shores or lively waterfront promenades, you will find plenty to explore.
Playa del Duque is an upmarket golden-sand beach known for its relaxed atmosphere and exclusive feel. Here you can rent a luxury lounger, sip cocktails from stylish beachfront bars or browse the designer shops along the promenade. The water is calm and clear, perfect for swimming.
Playa Fañabé is a popular family-friendly spot with soft sand, safe shallows and a lively promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and ice cream parlours. It is also one of the best beaches for water sports, including jet-skiing, parasailing and paddle boarding.
Playa de la Enramada offers a more tranquil setting. This volcanic-sand beach has a wilder, more natural feel and is a favourite for locals who want to escape the busier resort areas. It is also a great place to watch the sunset over La Gomera.
Many beaches in Adeje are Blue Flag rated, which means they meet high standards for cleanliness, safety and facilities. Lifeguards are on duty year-round, and most beaches have sunbeds, showers and accessible walkways.
If you prefer quieter spots, you can explore the smaller coves tucked between the main beaches or walk along the scenic coastal paths that link Adeje with neighbouring resorts.
Playa del Duque, Costa Adeje
Whale watching and diving The stretch of ocean off Adeje is considered one of the world’s top spots for whale and dolphin watching. A large resident population of pilot whales lives in the deep channel between Tenerife and La Gomera all year round, so sightings are almost guaranteed. You will also often see playful bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside the boats, sometimes leaping out of the water or racing in the wake.
Daily boat tours depart from Puerto Colón marina, offering everything from small catamaran excursions with underwater viewing panels to luxurious private charters with lunch and snorkelling stops. Many operators hold the official Blue Boat flag, which means they follow strict guidelines to protect marine life and avoid disturbing the animals. Tours typically last between two and five hours, and sunset trips are especially memorable.
For those keen to explore below the surface, Adeje’s coast is dotted with dozens of exceptional dive sites. Underwater volcanic rock formations, caves and reefs are home to an incredible variety of marine life. You might spot angel sharks, moray eels, rays, barracudas, colourful nudibranchs and even sea turtles gliding through the clear Atlantic water.
Dive centres in Adeje cater to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced divers. Many offer PADI certification courses, refresher dives, and guided trips to well-known sites such as El Puertito and Palm Mar Wall. Visibility is excellent for much of the year, often reaching up to 30 metres.
Whether you prefer to watch wildlife from the deck of a boat or explore the ocean floor up close, Adeje is a fantastic base for discovering the rich marine life of Tenerife’s southwest coast.
Tee off in style Golf lovers can test their skills at Golf Costa Adeje, an 18-hole championship course with immaculate fairways framed by palm trees and panoramic Atlantic views. Designed by Pepe Gancedo, the course makes the most of the natural terrain, incorporating old banana plantation terraces into its layout.
There’s also a 9-hole course for quicker rounds and a large practice area with a driving range and putting greens. After a day on the fairway, you can relax in the elegant clubhouse restaurant or enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the ocean.
Other nearby options include Abama Golf, an exclusive resort course around 25 minutes’ drive from Adeje, known for its challenging layout and five-star facilities.
Discover local history Stroll the historic centre of Adeje and you’ll be surrounded by centuries of heritage. The Iglesia de Santa Úrsula, built in the 1500s, is a striking blend of Gothic and Mudéjar architecture, with an impressive carved wooden ceiling and an altarpiece dating to the 16th century.
Nearby, the Sacred Museum of Adeje (Museo Sacro) in Plaza España offers a modern take on the town’s cultural legacy. Housed in an award-winning minimalist building, the museum displays religious art, historical artefacts and temporary exhibitions exploring local traditions.
For more history, walk along Calle Grande and admire the elegant colonial houses, many of which have been carefully restored. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to pause for a coffee and take in the timeless atmosphere.
Canary Islands dish Papas Arrugadas wrinkly salty potatoes with and Mojo picon red spicy sauce
Enjoy the food scene Adeje is a fantastic place to discover authentic Canarian cuisine. Local restaurants serve up classic dishes such as papas arrugadas, the famous wrinkled potatoes with red and green mojo sauces, freshly caught seafood platters, and rich goat’s cheese from the island’s farms.
Tapas bars line the streets of the old town, perfect for casual evenings of small plates and local wine. For something special, head to the coast where fine dining establishments in Costa Adeje serve international and creative Canarian menus with ocean views.
Market days are another highlight, with stalls piled high with tropical fruit, cheeses and artisan delicacies. Whether you’re after a traditional menu del día or an elegant tasting menu, Adeje’s food scene won’t disappoint.
Majestic red volcanic terrain in the Teide national park with Mount Teide on the blue sky background in Tenerife
Join the fiestas From colourful Carnival celebrations in February, complete with flamboyant costumes, parades and live music, to the Fiestas Patronales in October, Adeje’s cultural calendar is packed with processions, live music and community gatherings.
Easter week (Semana Santa) brings solemn processions through the town’s historic streets, while summer events like the Romería de Adeje celebrate Canarian heritage with folk music, dancing and traditional dress.
Throughout the year, the town also hosts open-air concerts, food festivals and artisan markets. Whether you prefer a lively party or a cultural showcase, there’s always something happening to bring the community together.
Expat Community and Clubs
Beach of Fanabe in Costa Adeje town
Adeje has a thriving expat community, particularly in the coastal areas and newer developments around Costa Adeje. Facebook groups such as Living in Tenerife, Tenerife Expats and Adeje Community are good places to connect, swap tips, and find events. From hiking groups to yoga classes, there are countless ways to meet people and settle in.
If you’d like help finding your ideal property in Adeje, take a look at our listings. Whether you’re drawn by the dramatic landscapes, warm climate, or relaxed lifestyle, Adeje is a place where life feels a little sunnier all year round.
