Family Holiday Tenerife
Is Tenerife suitable for a family holiday? Absolutely. What many people don’t realise is that the north of the Canary Island, in particular, is a vast natural playground – ideal for families who enjoy being active, even while on holiday. From easy hikes and volcanic landscapes to exciting nature experiences, there is plenty to discover for children and teenagers alike. We have put together a wide range of family-friendly tips and inspiring excursion ideas to help you create unforgettable holiday memories in Tenerife with your family.
- Family-friendly Spain
- Pleasant climate all year round
- Short and convenient flight connections from Europe
- Minimal time difference within Europe
- Nature, sports, adventure and relaxation
- Happy children. Happy parents.
Why choose Tenerife for a family holiday?
One of Tenerife’s greatest advantages is its climate: the island offers mild, family-friendly temperatures all year round. In most cases, you can even swim during the winter months – without having to book a long-haul flight for European travellers.
The island is wonderfully compact, meaning you can reach almost any destination within about an hour. Every drive becomes an experience, with new photo opportunities waiting around each bend. And thanks to the different climate zones, sunshine is often just a few kilometres away, even on a cloudy day.
From toddlers to teenagers, Tenerife has something for every member of the family: sea and beaches, mountains, volcanoes, water parks, sports, zoos, museums, local markets, great restaurants – and so much more.
Family Holiday Tenerife: North or South?
Tenerife is an island of contrasts. Many families are familiar only with the south of the island, known for its large all-inclusive hotels and resort-style apartment complexes. But the lush, green north – with its authentic coastal villages and breathtaking natural scenery – is the true paradise for a family holiday in Tenerife.
For everyone who doesn’t need a large family hotel with an all-inclusive package. For those who want to make the most of their precious time together, beyond beaches and pool areas. For experience seekers. For little and big explorers alike. A holiday that guarantees variety – without boredom.
Planning a family holiday in Tenerife and looking for a family-friendly place to stay on the north coast?
Family Holiday Tip #1: The most beautiful beaches in Tenerife
Black or golden sand, perfect for paddling or surfing, calm or wild – in Tenerife, every family will find their favourite beach. It all depends on what you would like to do at the beach and how old your children are. Most sandy beaches are located in the south of the island. In the north, the coastline is rockier and the waves are often stronger, but the experience is all the more exciting. In some places, natural swimming pools formed by solidified lava can be found – for example El Caletón in Garachico, just a short walk from Villa ARTE. As Tenerife is a relatively small island, you can easily choose a different swimming spot each day or combine an excursion with a few relaxing hours at the beach.
Special beaches and natural swimming spots
Please note
Due to strong currents, Playa de Benijo is not suitable for small children. However, it is incredibly beautiful and a real photo hotspot, especially at sunset – occasionally even used for professional photo shoots.
Our favourite sandy beach
Playa Las Teresitas, located in the southeast of Tenerife, is a long, golden sandy beach that instantly creates a holiday feeling. There is plenty of parking, palm trees, sun loungers and parasols for rent, sanitary facilities and beach kiosks offering food, drinks, ice cream for the kids and a glass of wine for the parents. The view of the colourful houses of San Andrés is postcard-perfect. If spending the whole day at the beach feels too long, a visit to Playa Las Teresitas can easily be combined with a drive through the Anaga Mountains or a stroll through the island’s capital, Santa Cruz.
Toddler-friendly beaches around Costa Adeje and El Médano
- Playa de las Américas
- Playa La Tejita
- Playa del Médano
Tip for those with a sweet tooth: Right next to the natural lava pools of El Caletón in Garachico, a visit to Heladería Artesanal Italiana Fragola is well worth it – widely regarded as the best ice cream parlour on the island and officially ranked as the twelfth best ice cream shop in all of Spain. And best of all: it’s just a one-minute walk from the Villa ARTE holiday apartments.
Family Holiday Tip #2: Extraordinary outdoor swimming pools
The impressive 18,000 m² complex Lago Martiánez is located right in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, a charming harbour town on Tenerife’s north coast. This spectacular seawater pool complex was designed by César Manrique and built directly by the ocean – on days with strong waves, sea spray even splashes over the outer walls. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with palm trees, quiet relaxation areas, fountains, bars, children’s pools and much more.
A comparable swimming complex, the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, covers an even larger area of 22,000 m² and is located in the south of Tenerife, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with views of the Auditorio and the Palmetum.
Family Holiday Tip #3: Coastal walks, mountains and volcanoes
- Families travelling with younger children will love the many coastal walking paths along Tenerife’s north coast. We particularly recommend the trail along the golf course of Buenavista del Norte, the coastal section from El Rosario to San Juan de la Rambla, as well as the well-known seaside promenade Rambla de Castro, starting at the Mirador de San Pedro.
- In the centre of the island rises the majestic Pico del Teide, at 3,715 metres the highest mountain in Spain. A ride on the Teide cable car takes you comfortably close to the summit – booking tickets in advance is highly recommended. Alternatively, there are countless discovery routes within the national park, where a breathtaking lunar landscape of solidified lava unfolds – an experience that fascinates not only young geology enthusiasts.
- A short, less elevated but equally beautiful hike through volcanic scenery is the circular walk around Chinyero.
- In the lush northeast of the island, the Anaga Mountains entice visitors with spectacular ridges and deep ravines. Families will find an extensive network of hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoints (miradores) or through misty, almost mystical laurel forests – proving that a high summit isn’t always necessary.
- The Teno Mountains in the northwest are another highlight for nature-loving families. Those who prefer less walking can, for example, take the bus to the remote mountain village of Masca or to the lighthouse Punta de Teno. From here, the view of the cliffs of Los Gigantes is truly spectacular.
Planning your hikes
On the website TenerifeON, you’ll find the official hiking trail network as well as numerous route suggestions for different difficulty levels.
Your children aren’t keen on hiking, but you still want to experience as much nature as possible? Then we highly recommend a Jeep safari in Tenerife. The island offers many routes approved for off-road vehicles – and we don’t mean loud quad bikes, but relaxed 4×4 discovery tours. You can either rent a vehicle yourself or book a guided jeep safari with one of the local providers. We’re happy to help – and we bet even the most reluctant teenagers will think it’s cool.
A very special family excursion is a visit to the Cueva del Viento: Explore the largest lava tube in Europe by torchlight – exclusively as part of a private guided tour for Villa ARTE guests. Your guide, Jochen Isler, explains volcanology in an age-appropriate and engaging way, actively involving children and teenagers throughout the tour. A true adventure for the whole family!
Family Holiday Tip #4: On the water. Under the water.
Paddling, surfing, kitesurfing or sailing – Tenerife is a true paradise for water sports, where even teenagers are guaranteed not to get bored. Experienced divers love the fascinating underwater world with caves and shipwrecks. And what about snorkelling for the kids or an internationally recognised diving licence such as the PADI Junior Open Water Diver? Deep-sea fishing enthusiasts will find a wide range of guided fishing trips for marlin, tuna, bonito or dorado, or can charter a private boat. A real highlight for the whole family are boat excursions for whale watching, a catamaran tour or even a submarine safari.
Fancy a bit of island hopping? Then take a day trip to La Gomera. The island lies within sight of Tenerife, and the ferry crossing takes just 50 minutes. Families with an interest in history can also follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus here: the famous navigator replenished his supplies on his journey to the “New World”. There is a Columbus museum, and you can visit the church where he prayed for a safe crossing.
Family Holiday Tip #5: Theme parks & museums in Tenerife
Small island, big experiences. Families visiting Tenerife with children will find world-class theme parks and fascinating museums here. Animal or botanical, for explorers or adrenaline seekers, with or without water – the only question is: where to start?
- Loro Parque: One of Europe’s most renowned zoos and home to more than 10,000 exotic and endangered animals.
- Siam Park: Europe’s largest water park – spectacular, thrilling and fun for all ages.
- Jungle Park Las Águilas: A fantastic animal and botanical park with tunnels, suspension bridges, waterfalls, lagoons and caves.
- Forestal Park Tenerife: Located among Canary Island pine trees in the protected landscape of Las Lagunetas, this is the largest treetop and zipline adventure park in the Canary Islands.
- Mariposario del Drago: A tropical butterfly park where more than 800 exotic butterflies flutter freely. Just around the corner: one of Tenerife’s landmarks, the ancient dragon tree Drago Milenario.
- Casa del Plátano: Modest from the outside, surprisingly informative inside – an engaging visitor centre about banana cultivation, complete with a mini plantation and shop.
- Museum of Illusions in Santa Cruz: An interactive museum full of optical illusions. We’ve been there ourselves – it’s truly mind-blowing.
- Teide Cable Car Visitor Centre: The Teide Legend exhibition tells the captivating story of the Teide volcano. Set in a recreated volcanic cave, you’ll learn about the legend of Guayota, the demon of Teide, and experience a reconstruction of the eruption that shaped today’s summit.
Feeling inspired to plan a family holiday in Tenerife? We look forward to welcoming you and your children!
Five family-friendly apartments in North Tenerife
Instead of anonymous hotel complexes, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and the charm of a historic building in the five apartments of Villa ARTE. Located right in the heart of Garachico, Villa ARTE is just a few steps from the natural lava pools on the Atlantic on one side and the historic old town on the other. A real highlight is the spacious panoramic rooftop terrace with views over the sea and the town.
Garachico is an ideal base for exploring Tenerife with children. The town offers everything you need for a relaxed family holiday – calm and authentic, without party tourism, yet full of atmosphere. If you’re travelling with teenagers or young adults who enjoy going out in the evenings, Puerto de la Cruz is only about 30 minutes away and offers a wide choice of bars and clubs for night owls.
- Sustainable, healthy building design
- Spacious layout – plenty of room for children
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Filtered drinking water tap – no need to carry plastic bottles
- Many restaurants within walking distance
- Baby cot & high chair available
Apartamento Amarillo
- SIze: 59 m²
- Floor: 1st
- Guests: ~4
- Outdoor: Balcony
Suite Azul
- Size: 44 m²
- Floor: Ground floor
- Guests: ~2
- Outdoor: Patio
Ático Exclusivo
- Size: 60 m²
- Floor: 1st
- Guests: ~4
- Outdoor: 2 Terraces