What are the top activities and recommended accommodations for families traveling to Tenerife?

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Reworded: Tenerife boasts year-round sunny weather, minimal rainfall, and pristine blue waters bustling with diverse marine life, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat.

This also applies to tired parents who crave some sunshine but are uncertain of how their young children will handle a lengthy flight. The biggest of the Canary Islands is a four-hour flight away from London – but the assurance of sunny weather at the destination makes up for constant snack demands, multiple trips to the restroom, and repeated requests to refrain from kicking the seats in front.

As a mother of four young children, I knew I would be outnumbered on the airplane. My 16-month-old, who had just learned to walk, would want to roam the aisle. However, I also knew that Tenerife had great weather, beaches, and plenty of room for relaxation. I had previously visited during the winter with my first child when he was one year old and was able to enjoy some time at the hotel’s baby club while my husband, who loves triathlons, was able to explore the island and its volcanic terrain on his bike.

Learn more about traveling to the Canary Islands.

I had a serious worry about childcare as my children were now seven, six, three, and one. I spent a lot of time searching for hotels that not only had a kids club but also a baby club. It was challenging as some hotels only provided childcare for children above four years old. I knew swimming with four young kids would be difficult, so I made it my aim to find a hotel with a shallow pool for the toddlers to play in, and maybe another pool for the older kids to dive underwater. It was not an easy feat.

Due to our continuous cycle of having children for seven years, my spouse and I are constantly lacking sufficient sleep, thus making the lively party spots of Los Cristianos and Las Americas in Tenerife unappealing. As an alternative, we chose to visit the more peaceful regions of Costa Adeje and Guia de Isora on the west coast. These areas offer less populated beaches with tranquil waters and natural rock pools. They also feature numerous restaurants that specialize in serving traditional Canarian dishes and fresh seafood, as opposed to the standard English breakfasts and Irish pubs found in other parts of Tenerife.

Overall, this provided the perfect escape from the British winter for our family of six.

Close to the base of the renowned Mount Teide in Tenerife, and located on the peaceful western coast where the gentle ocean gently caresses the shoreline, Gran Melia Palacio de Isora presents a luxurious and calming experience for individuals of all ages. Those who have a passion for swimming, diving, or relaxing on oversized floatation devices resembling flamingos will be delighted to learn that this hotel boasts the longest saltwater infinity pool in all of Europe. With a length of 400 meters, the pool stretches across the entire resort, allowing guests to take in the stunning views of the seven restaurants, seven bars, and Clarins spa while they decide how to spend their day.

The baby and mini clubs offer a variety of daily changing entertainment options such as crafts, sports, and music for children between the ages of eight months and 12 years. For a more luxurious experience, families can upgrade to the Red Level, which provides access to a lounge with a dedicated family concierge. This concierge can assist with various needs including reserving sun loungers, getting the best tables at family-friendly restaurants, and arranging excursions and airport transfers. The lounge also offers complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day for guests. To make things more convenient, the concierge provides a mobile number for guests to WhatsApp their requests from anywhere on the resort.

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The southwest coast of Tenerife has calm, crystal-clear waters that are ideal for introducing children to marine life. Inside the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora, a PADI-registered scuba centre offers courses and excursions for kids as young as eight. Younger children can borrow life vests and masks to explore the diverse ecosystem below the surface. Even at shallow depths, you can observe intricate coral formations and spot octopuses in crevices and colorful sea anemones gently swaying in the currents.

Visiting Siam Water Park is a must for families with children. If you’re staying in Costa Adeje or Guia de Isora, it’s only a 20-minute drive away. The park is designed with a Thai theme and offers a variety of attractions for all ages. From thrilling water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone. Families can also enjoy the enormous artificial wave pool and after a fun-filled day in the sun, kids will surely sleep soundly.

Admission prices: €42 for adults and €30 for children at Siampark.net.

The beach in front of Gran Melia Palacio De Isora, known as Alcala beach, has tranquil and shallow waters perfect for children to have fun and play safely. If you’re unsure about allowing them to swim in the ocean, there are two natural pools on the beach that are enclosed by volcanic rock, shielding swimmers from the stronger waves. The sand is dark, which is a unique experience for kids accustomed to golden beaches. Additionally, there are numerous rocks to climb and play on, providing a great outlet for excess energy.

The beach at Playa de Fanabe, located near Costa Adeje, offers smooth sand made from volcanic eruptions and a gentle sea. The lively atmosphere of the beachfront includes a variety of activities such as volleyball and bounce houses, providing endless fun. In addition, there are many family-friendly cafes and ice cream shops along the promenade, guaranteeing you can easily find a spot to grab a snack within a five-minute walk.

Though known for its abundance of culinary options targeting English and Irish package travelers with deep-fried meals and burgers, the island also offers a variety of affordable, authentic Spanish and Mediterranean fare.

Sauco in Guia de Isora is a popular spot known for its mouth-watering seafood and affordable bottles of wine starting at 10 euros. Their menu offers something for everyone, including pizza, pasta, and meat options for those who don’t prefer fish. But, the real standout dishes are their perfectly cooked seafood with juicy prawns, large mussels, and tender fish.

If you want to introduce the children to typical Canarian cuisine, Las Goteras offers a relaxed dining environment and huge portions. These hearty servings will satisfy all tummies. There’s everything from rabbit stew to huge chunks of chicken in creamy sauces, quail and juicy steaks.

If your hotel has a babysitting service, we highly recommend taking the kids to an early buffet seating and sneaking out later for a meal a deux. Mums and dads seeking a romantic dining experience will enjoy L’Olio at the Gran Melia Palacio De Isora, offering freshly-made pasta dishes and salted sea bass that flakes off the bone in a glass-fronted restaurant overlooking the sea.

Unfortunately, shopping is not a popular activity in Tenerife, so you won’t come across any shopping centers or commercial areas. Nevertheless, if you need a break from the beach and are interested in purchasing some native souvenirs, the Costa Adeje market near Playa de Fanabe beach is worth checking out. It operates on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm, and offers a selection of goods, including clothing, jewelry, keepsakes, and specialty foods, all made by local artisans.

Tenerife enjoys a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, so there’s never a bad time to visit. However, it’s particularly popular for tourists in the UK in autumn and winter. In October, average temperatures are 24C; in January and February it tops out around 20C, making it an appealing option for half-term and Christmas school holidays.

Euros.

Spanish.

The suggested amount for tipping is approximately 10 percent.

Tenerife shares the same GMT timezone as England and Ireland, meaning there is no time difference between them.

After a four-hour journey from London.

For those who enjoy taking risks, consider biking or trekking up Mount Teide and admiring the view of the island below.

“Travel4Baby, a rental service for children’s equipment, offers essential items such as double strollers from Bugaboo and Yoyo for those traveling with babies or toddlers who prefer not to pack a formula maker or car seat. With the option to prepay, everything will be conveniently delivered to your hotel and ready for use upon your arrival.”

Discover the top hotels in Tenerife by reading further.

Source: independent.co.uk