Take the Family holiday rating 
| Flying Time | 4.25 hours  |
|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint | 4.25 tonnes CO2 |
| Timezone | GMT |
| Local Currency | Euro |
Tenerife is one of the most popular destinations for family holidays, especially during the winter and spring. And you can visit the largest of the Canary Islands, located 200 miles off the coast of Africa, all year round. It's a four to five hour flight from the UK.
Beaches and sun are Tenerife's main draws, though the island has other striking attractions. Not least of which is Spain's highest peak (3700 metres), Mount Teide. Your kids will enjoy a cable car ride and snowball fight before returning to the hot beach. Other highlights include the terrific Loro Parque and getting away from the crowds to explore the scenery and atmospheric old towns in the North.
If you're travelling with young kids in the summer prepare well for a hot midday sun. And note that parts of Tenerife are very developed (lots of appropriate accommodation and activities for kids, at least).
The Canary Islands have great weather all year, temperatures rarely rise above 30°C, or drop below 20°C. Be prepared for a hot sun in the summer.
There are two airports in Tenerife – North and South. Most flights from the UK land at the South airport (Tenerife Sur Reina Sofia). There are regular charter flights from most UK airports, as well as scheduled flights with British Airways and Iberia from Gatwick. The flights take around four hours from London, and under five hours from Glasgow.
Most families visiting Tenerife descend on the South West. It's heavily developed which has advantages and drawbacks. If you've got kids you'll benefit from being near loads of activities. Consider Costa Adeje, (for example the Sheraton La Caleta), and Los Cristianos over noisier Playa de las Americas. Thomson have many family friendly accommodations from budget aparments Villa Mandi, Tenerife to the fabulous five star Gran Melia Bahia Del Duque. Try further up the unspoilt west coast, such as the fabulous 5 star coastal ABAMA Golf and Spa resort in the Guia De Isora region.
Also well worth considering and a terrific value for money option is a self catering villa. Browse villas in Tenerife with partners James Villas . The majority of their villas are on the South West of the island, all with pools, sleeping up to 8, and a short distance from beaches and entertainment, whilst still offering a peaceful retreat for relaxing in secluded grounds or by your private pool.
Warmth in the winter and the beaches all year round are the most compelling reasons for visiting Tenerife. You'll find dramatic black sand beaches throughout the island, except where it’s been imported from the Sahara.
Loro Parque is Tenerife’s impressive wildlife park located in Puerto de la Cruz in the Orotava valley. You'll find a large dolphinarium, aquarium, sharks and a range of other exotic animals.
Aqualand Aquapark Tenerife in Costa Adeje, near Playa de las Americas offers water slides, rapids, lots of swimming pools and dolpinarium. There is a free Shuttle Bus from Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, and it is also on other bus routes. (For autumn kids can get in free with each paying adult if you print their voucher.)
Parque Nacional del Teide has Spain’s highest mountain at 3718m. The park itself is mostly above 2000m. and is an amazing moon-like spectacle. Your kids will probably love taking the cable car to within 200 metres of the summit, where you'll enjoy outstanding views, including four of the other Canary Islands. Or you'll be surrounded by clouds! Go early in the day to avoid crowds. There are two public bus routes: the 348, from Puerto de la Cruz, and line 342, from Playa de las Américas.
Other day trips include a visit to the Botanical Gardens in Puerto de la Cruz, the Camel Centre in El Tanque or the Eagle Park in Adeje.
You'll find plenty of Canarian specialties and Spanish tapas served in restaurants on the island. If you've opted for a self catering break supermarkets are well stocked with just about everything you'll need. Samu is a local fish baked on a bed of salt and served with small jacket potatoes and ‘mojo’, a spicy garlic sauce.
From £1,500 to £3,500 for a family of four including flights and accommodation. Exact prices depend on standard of accommodation and time of departure.
Click to View the Thomson.co.uk Video Tour of Tenerife
by Sarah Andrews
Buy from Amazon.co.uk - Save 34%
A comprehensive guide to the seven Canary Islands.
by Ruth Koeppel
Inventive bilingual book featuring 4 Dora stories. The book comes with a removable, carry-anywhere electronic "translator" and 20 double-sided word cards, which include 40 different words and phrases. Ideal for ages 4 to 8 years.
A four star Costa Adeje property in spacious grounds More
* per adult in May, including flights and transfers
The Hotel Guayarmina Princess is exclusive to Thomson Platinum More
* from £295 per person for 4 nights, includes breakfast, dinner, flights and transfers.
Gorgeous terracotta five star citadel on the unspoilt western coast of Tenerife More
* per person for 7 nights on a B&B basis in May, including flights and private transfers.
Contemporary hotel offering luxury and privacy within its gated grounds More
* per person staying in a Deluxe Room for 7 nights in April including breakfast, flights and private return transfers.
Unique and luxurious five star hotel overlooking the sea, with kid's clubs, ten restaurants and elegant rooms More
* Based in 7 nights, 2 adults and 2 children sharing 2 connecting garden view rooms including breakfast, transfers and return flights to London.
Stylish hotel in the north, situated in the residential area of Puerto de la Cruz at foot of Mount Teide More
* from �687 per adult, including flights and transfers
