Juliet WilliamsTenerife with Kids – BFB’s Travel Guide
The largest of Spain’s sun-drenched Canary Islands, Tenerife might be the most developed but it’s still a fantastic place to hide away and relax with the family. Our luxurious child-friendly villas provide the perfect base to lie back and enjoy as much peace as the kids will allow, or provide a cosy retreat after an action-packed family day out.
Things to do
Head to the beach
If you’re after long stretches of golden sands on which to be typically touristy (sun beds, inflatables, buckets and spades!) you’ll be spoilt for choice. Watersports are also hugely popular around the Tenerife coastline – great for the adventurous big kids of the group. For family-friendly highlights, head to Blue Flag beaches: Playa El Medano (South), Playa Fañabe (South), or Playa Jardín (North).
Explore inland
The beaches are wonderful but don’t miss the delights of Tenerife inland. Explore the views around Mount Teide and Masca Gorge, or head to the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Centre, La Laguna, with its eclectic mix of architecture.
Take a boat ride
Let your children enjoy the thrill of playing captain, with a boat ride to explore the beauty of Tenerife from the seas. Popular excursions include whale and dolphin watching as well as day trips to nearby La Gomera island.
Be one with nature
Birdwatching, hiking, horse rides, stargazing… there are lots of ways to get closer to nature on your Tenerife stay. Why not pretend you are explorers discovering new lands as you wander the volcanic scenery.
Local food
Trying new food has to be a holiday highlight, but we know fussy eaters aren’t easily swayed… Perhaps Tenerife’s culinary delights will do the trick; the locals love to keep things simple with dishes of grilled meat, fish and salad accompaniments. For the more daring diner, there’s hearty stews and fresh seafood.
Popular dishes to try
Rancho canario
A traditional peasant dish that varies from restaurant to restaurant across the island. It’s stew featuring salted ribs, Spanish chorizo, chickpeas, noodles and potato.
Pulpo is the rather fun term for ‘octopus’ and one you’ll spot on many a Tenerife tapas menu. Pulpo A La Gallega is boiled octopus sprinkled with paprika and sea salt. A brave pick that must be tried.
Ropa Vieja
Translated to mean ‘old clothes’, Ropa Vieja is a dish traditionally made from ‘second hand’ scraps (leftovers). Nowadays you’ll find it made fresh in many a Canary eatery. It’s made up of: chickpeas, beef or pork, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, stock, herbs and lashings of wine.
Tenerife honeys
Get ready to rival Pooh bear’s love of honey as you sample the abundance of different sweet honeys on the island! The diversity of terrain and flora on Tenerife makes for many unique flavours. The Chestnut Honey will make a particularly distinctive addition drizzled on your breakfast yogurt.
Barraquito coffee
Tenerife’s signature coffee, you won’t find this in Starbucks. A grown-up tipple, it has a striped appearance thanks to the layers of sweet condensed milk, espresso, liquor, and milk froth.
Places to eat
La Casita De Taby – Playa de las Americas
This little gem is a must try if you’re looking for authentic Spanish tapas on your holiday to Tenerife. La Casita De Taby is an intimate restaurant with brilliant food, friendly staff, and wonderful views. A lovely place for a family dinner you can pick and share.
Price: £
Cuisine: Spanish
Rendezvous Restaurant – Golf del Sul
If your children will sit through multiple courses, you’ll want to try this sophisticated stop known for its delicious food and attentive customer service. Rendezvous will be one of your more expensive nights out, but worth every penny. Amazing steaks, fantastic seafood, and indulgent deserts to finish the night off. What a treat.
Price: ££-£££
Cuisine: International
Pizzeria Fuoco & Pizza – Costa del Silencio
Pizza, if it’s a family favourite at home then Pizzeria Fuoco & Pizza will be a welcome stop off. Located at Calle Olimpia, this pizzeria is known for its beautiful wood fired pizza and affordable prices.
Price: £
Cuisine: Pizza, Mediterranean
Delhi Darbar – Costa Adeje
Enjoy a family curry night with traditional Indian dishes and welcoming service. Delhi Darbar is highly rated with local and English tourists alike, known for its flexibility and options for vegetarians and vegans.
Price: ££-£££
Cuisine: Indian, Asian
Pancake Café – Golf del Sur
If you fancy brunch out, then why not try the huge pancakes at the Pancake Café. Savoury or sweet you’ll be served up a delicious treat bigger than your head!
Price: £
Cuisine: European
Gems for the kids
Make a splash at Siam Water Park, Adeje
It doesn’t get much more exciting than Tenerife’s huge waterpark Siam Park. Here you’ll find rapids, slides, and splashtastic opportunities for the whole family – including a lazy river for grownups and the Sawasdee zone for younger children (with the adult slides in child size)!
Marvel at creation at Loro Parque, Puerto de la Cruz
It’s many a child’s dream to swim with dolphins, and while you’re not invited to get in the water yourself, at Loro Parque you can come and marvel at how intelligent these friendly creatures really are. Dolphin, Orca whales, sea lions, pelicans, chimps, tigers… the park has them all. The Katadra Treetop walkway is another must see at this family attraction.
Ride beneath the waves with a Submarine Safari, San Miguel de Abona
Uncover the amazing sea life surrounding Tenerife with a family ride in a Submarine (yes, really!). The modern submarines have 48 seats and can dive up to 60 metres allowing you to uncover a wealth of underwater treasures – from mero to barracudas. For safety reasons, sadly this is only suitable for children over two years old.
Suggested villas
If you want to do Tenerife in the lap of luxury (and tranquillity) then book an escape to one of the fabulous Baobab suites. Each of Baobab’s resorts offers pure relaxation for the whole family. Stunning modern design, glorious Blue Flag sands, private terraces, and a programme of activities for all the kids. Self-catering needn’t be stressful.
Browse more child-friendly Canary Island villas now.
Tom McLoughlin
Juliet Williams
Sian Williams