Dad likes to go for a walk, Mum prefers shopping and relaxing on the beach, the kids want to do as much as possible and discover new things. Everyone knows that:going on holiday with the whole family and fulfilling all your wishes can be a real challenge. Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a place that offers unique experiences in nature and at the same time countless recreational opportunities. Here are ten reasons why your next family vacation should definitely be there…
1. An island for nature lovers
Bright sun, white and black sand beaches, azure sea water and a color of the sky that merges with the color of the sea – the natural beauty of Tenerife leaves nothing to be desired. The island has 43 nature reserves, which at 48 percent make up about half of the surface of the island. The Teide National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is particularly notable because it houses the highest mountain in Spain, Mount Teide at 3,718 meters. The nature reserves include 800 endemic plant and animal species that are unique in the world:the Teno Natural Park with its rugged landscape and the Anaga Natural Park, overgrown with a huge laurel forest, a remnant of the Tertiary. The Anaga Massif in the northeast of the island was designated a Biosphere Reserve on June 9, 2015. With 1,900 species, the area has a particularly wide variety of reptiles, birds, fish and invertebrates.
Overall, the island impresses with more than 1,500 kilometers of hiking trails. It also impresses with the sheer cliffs of Los Gigantes, which protrude up to 600 meters from the sea. With the numerous sports offers from Tenerife No Limits, the natural spectacle can be enjoyed all over the island. With an annual average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, the island has a perfect climate for all kinds of activities. Moreover, any kind of sport is possible in the nature of the island:from hiking and cycling on land to snorkelling in the water, to paragliding in the air!
2. Beaches and natural pools
Tenerife's varied beaches satisfy every imagination with a wide variety of colors and shapes. Several beaches and stretches of coastline are decorated with the “Blue Flag”. The ecolabel is awarded annually and provides information on water quality, environmental management, environmental education and service quality. But Tenerife does not only convince with its diverse range of beaches. Tenerife's natural pools, created by solidified lava, are well worth a visit. Nature lovers of all ages can enjoy the cool waters and watch the waves crash on the rock face. Due to the good water quality, the natural pool Punta del Hidalgo on the coast of San Cristóbal de La Laguna has been certified with the blue flag, therefore swimming in its crystal clear waters is particularly suitable for the whole family. The rock formations of the El Caletón natural watershed in Garachico also attract locals and tourists alike. Depending on the pool you will find different water temperatures and waves.
3. Zoos and Theme Parks
The most famous park on the holiday island is Loro Parque. It has been voted number 1 in the “Ten Best Zoos in the World” several times. In addition to its great biodiversity and animal breeding stations, the park is also very popular for its orchid garden, Zen-style underwater garden, and Thai village. Species protection is a top priority at Loro Parque and that is why it receives attention. It is a magical place and home to over 10,000 exotic, endangered animals representing over 500 species from around the world. In Loro Parque, the animal world can also be brought closer to the little ones in an understandable way. Another highlight for all families is Siam Park. This huge aqua adventure park, which has been voted the best water park in the world several times, is something for all water lovers. Adrenaline junkies will find their challenge in the Tower of Power, whose 28-meter slide drops almost vertically. The 240-meter Singha water coaster is also something for the intrepid, as it goes up at eight meters per second and down at 18 meters per second. But Siam Park also offers plenty of attractions for younger visitors. The Mai Thai River, from which you have an exotic view of the entire park, is a must for relaxation. There is also a beach with a wave pool in Siam Park.
The Forestal Park adventure park in Las Lagunetas offers acrobatic challenges amid the high treetops of the Teno Mountains. 90 varied courses with breathtaking views await at a height of up to 30 meters. Ziplines, numerous suspension bridges and games of skill of varying difficulty become unforgettable sports experiences for the whole family. Other highlights include Las Águilas Jungle Park, Aqualand Costa Adeje, Karting Club Tenerife and the Pyramids of Güímar.
4. Look at the stars
Tenerife is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, as the night sky over the largest Canary Island is far from Europe's metropolises and exceptionally clear. Optimal conditions for viewing the luminescent celestial bodies are especially available in the area around El Teide National Park, where astronomical facilities can also be used by the public. For anyone interested in astronomy, there are several viewpoints in Tenerife to discover infinite galaxies, for example in the area around Parador in Teide National Park. On the route to the planets and stars and the tour through the national park, a total of seven other viewpoints await stargazers. Numerous signs throughout the park point the way and provide detailed information about this special connection between the sky and Teide. If you don't want to explore the stars above Tenerife on your own, you can join a guided tour of the Teide Observatory or enjoy the sunset and the starry sky high on the Pico de Teide overlooking the neighboring island of La Gomera with the Volcano Life Experience.
5. Whale watching
The warming sun, the sea breeze and the rising waves give you the feeling of absolute relaxation. Suddenly the boat stops, everyone grabs their camera, stands at the edge of the boat and takes a good look at the water:a dolphin and whale safari is guaranteed to make the eyes of the whole family shine! Since a colony of about 400 pilot whales is native to the waters about 5 kilometers off the south coast of Tenerife, the free-swimming whales can be seen particularly well from a boat. The strip of sea Teno-Rasca has been one of the three certified whale sanctuaries worldwide since the beginning of the year and some companies have also committed themselves to the quality charter, so that interested parties can approach the impressive animals in a respectful way.
6. Real Spanish life in charming historic towns
Numerous historic towns in Tenerife invite you to stroll. For example, the old town of La Laguna has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque La Orotava has an old town center, cobbled streets and famous wooden balconies, the capital of the island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is close to the sea and is home to a large number of historic buildings, as well as the important industrial port. A visit to the market in Santa Cruz, a stroll through the shady streets of La Laguna or a visit to the botanical garden in Puerto de la Cruz – the cities of Tenerife are exciting for the whole family.
7. Exceptional cuisine
In recent years, Tenerife has developed a vibrant, creative cuisine using regional products, reinterpreting traditional recipes. Since the base consists of fish and meat, the famous “papas arrugadas” (in English:wrinkled potatoes), cheese, tropical fruits and confectionery, it is certain that every member of the family will find what they are looking for. If you want to try the local cuisine, the red or green mojo sauce (consisting of paprika or chili and fresh coriander), the “Puchero Canario” (stew made from various vegetables and meat), “Gofio” (consisting of roasted, ground grain) and cheese made from goat's milk. Tenerife is also known for the Canary banana – the only banana in the world to bear the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) seal. Numerous restaurants, typical Spanish bodegas and traditional guachinches are waiting to pamper the guests and are very child and family friendly.
8. Accommodation for everyone
Tenerife offers an exceptionally wide range of accommodation:hotels of all categories with family rooms and children's clubs can be found all over the island. Elegant accommodations are particularly suitable for families of up to six people and are a fun and affordable home from home. Young families in particular can relax in cozy apartments and families are welcomed in cozy guest houses under the motto "Mi casa es su casa". Those who prefer to be completely on their own can choose from one of the many holiday homes or houses. If the subject of sustainability is also important on holiday, you can opt for one of the special bioclimatic houses. In short:in Tenerife there is exactly the right accommodation for every family, which corresponds to the respective individual needs and fits into the respective budget.
9. Art
Many museums offer historical and artistic variety for the whole family. If you want to learn more about the history of origin or the indigenous people of Tenerife, you should visit the Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueologia in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Interesting insights into the history and flora and fauna of the Canary Island can be found on several floors. The mummies on display in particular are worth seeing for intrepid visitors. Currently, the museum is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The museum is open on Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With an incomparable taste and a long tradition, honey has an important meaning for Tenerife. To learn more about the specialty, the Casa de la Miel visitor center was built. Here you can taste and get to know the honey. Gorse honey, which comes from the gorse flowers on the Teide, at an altitude of more than 1,500 meters, is especially recommended.
10. Parties and culture
There is a festival celebrated in Tenerife almost every day of the year. Tradition lives here. The pilgrimages of Tegueste and La Laguna must be mentioned among many others. For the Bailes de Magos, the islanders dress in their typical costumes and party with traditional music and typical food. At Easter, the island celebrates the famous “Semana Santa”. The feast of Corpus Christi in La Orotava is just as original and spectacular. There, the main streets are decorated with carpets made of flowers and colored sand from the volcano Teide to celebrate. At the same time, lively Tenerife convinces with music festivals and concerts in all styles. Eólica, Aguaviva or the Festival Internacional de Música de Canarias are just a few.
