Where to stay, what to do and how to keep multiple generations happy on a Tenerife family holiday.
Tenerife is among Europe's best family destinations: year-round sun, calm beaches, world-class waterparks and short flights from most northern European cities. Here's the complete plan.
Where to stay. Costa Adeje has the best concentration of family resorts, with H10 Costa Adeje Palace, Iberostar Anthelia and Bahía del Duque all standing out. For multi-gen groups, look at GF Victoria's family suites or two-bedroom residences at Baobab Suites.
Best beaches. Las Teresitas (Santa Cruz) and Las Vistas (Los Cristianos) have the calmest, safest swimming. Playa del Duque is luxe family. Playa Jardín is the only safe family beach in the north.
Days out. Siam Park is the world's best water park, period — book a full day. Loro Parque (north coast) is Europe's best zoo. Aqualand for younger kids. Mount Teide cable car works from age 4 (cold-tolerant).
Active days. Whale and dolphin catamarans run from Costa Adeje and almost guarantee sightings — magical for kids 5+. Snorkelling at El Puertito to see green turtles is unforgettable. Camel safaris in the south are touristy but kids love them.
Eating with kids. Spanish dining culture is family-friendly to an extreme; restaurants welcome children at any hour. Order menus del día for value. Most resort restaurants offer dedicated kids' menus, and tapas is a parent's secret weapon for fussy eaters.
Practicalities. Most major resorts have dedicated kids' clubs. Pharmacies are excellent. Tap water is safe to drink (though most locals stick to bottled). Buggies need to be off-roaders for old-town cobbles. Bring high-factor sun cream — UV here is intense year-round.
