Tenerife With the Family

Naama and Amit Cohen
6 days ago
5 min read

This time, our family chose Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands. We’ve traveled together many times before, but Tenerife turned out to be one of those destinations that truly has everything: beaches, volcanoes, extreme activities, great food, and short driving distances that make traveling with kids easy and enjoyable.

Day 1: Arrival, Car Rental, and Getting Our Bearings

We arrived in Tenerife on a flight from Madrid, picked up our rental car at the airport, and drove straight to Regency Country Club Apartments & Suites.

From the moment we arrived, the hotel felt perfect for a family:

Spacious apartment
Comfortable beds
A great balcony
A beautiful pool
Mini golf
Excellent and varied breakfast

We were welcomed with champagne and an amazing view.

The afternoon was spent by the pool. Later, we stopped at the supermarket to stock up and headed out to Las Américas promenade. We wandered around, stopped at the illuminated fountain near Hard Rock Cafe, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere. The promenade reminded us a bit of La Rambla in Barcelona, full of shops, street stalls, and great restaurants.

Day 2: Downhill Biking From Mount Teide

We had booked in advance a downhill mountain biking tour with Mr. Bike.

At 10:00 AM, we were picked up from the hotel and driven up toward Mount Teide. The ride itself lasted about 5 hours, entirely downhill, passing through breathtaking landscapes.

We rode through volcanic terrain, forests, and open roads, enjoying every moment. It was pure fun and worked surprisingly well as a family activity.

After returning to the hotel, we relaxed, cooked dinner in the apartment, and spent the evening in the pool.

Day 3: Canyoning (Snapling) and Evening in Las Américas

Being a family that enjoys a high adrenaline level, we booked a challenging 6-hour canyoning route with Adrenaline Adventure Tenerife.

At 9:00 AM, we met near Siam Mall and were picked up by our excellent guides, Igor and Roberto, along with their incredible dog, V. We traveled by jeep to the canyon area.

The route included:

Moderate-level hiking
Several demanding rappels
Long descents down steep cliffs

Even the dog descended the cliffs safely in a special backpack.

Igor took countless photos throughout the day and later sent us all of them at no extra cost. It was a long, intense, and unforgettable day.

In the evening, after recovering at the pool, we returned to Las Américas promenade for shopping and a great dinner.

Day 4: Mount Teide National Park and Quad Biking

We drove to Teide National Park, stopping at Roques de García. The hiking trail was partially closed, so we walked what was accessible, climbed on the rocks, and took plenty of photos.

From there, we visited the visitor center, picked up maps, and explored the museum. The explanations about volcanic activity and the short film on the formation of the Canary Islands were fascinating and added real depth to the visit.

Later that day, we headed to the nearby forest area for quad biking in Santiago del Teide. Even Ido got a chance to drive. For 20 euros, we received a DVD with photos and videos of the ride. It was fast, dusty, and incredibly fun.

Day 5: Jet Skis and Shopping in Santa Cruz

We drove to Colón Beach, walked along the activity stalls, and rented jet skis for two hours.

The jet skis were powerful. We rode fast, took photos, and everyone drove. It was pure adrenaline and a huge highlight for the whole family.

After lunch and showers, we drove to Santa Cruz and spent the evening at Meridien Mall, where everyone found great (and affordable) items. We had dinner there before returning to the hotel.

Day 6: Siam Park – Absolute Perfection

Siam Park. Enough said.

We’ve visited many water parks around the world, but nothing compares to this one. The rides were outstanding, queues were reasonable, the park was beautifully designed, and the weather was perfect.

It was one of the best family park experiences we’ve ever had.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed the pool, played mini golf, cooked dinner, and ended the night with a family board game. Saying goodbye to this amazing hotel was genuinely hard.

Day 7: Los Gigantes, Masca, Garachico, and Cueva del Viento

We packed our bags and headed out for a full road-trip day.

Our route included:

Los Gigantes – dramatic cliffs rising straight from the ocean
Masca – one of the most beautiful villages on the island
Garachico – charming streets and natural pools

We also visited Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind), a volcanic lava tube system that was fascinating for both kids and adults.

Day 8: Stepping Into a Fairytale – The Anaga Rainforest

The northern part of the island holds a secret that feels worlds away from the sunny beaches: The Anaga Rainforest. Covering most of the northern tip, this ancient forest is a lush, emerald kingdom that looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.

The Journey In

The drive itself is part of the experience. As you climb higher, the roads become narrow and winding, forcing you to slow down and take in the enchanting views.

Traveler’s Tip: The temperature drops significantly as you enter the forest canopy. Even if it’s sweltering at the coast, make sure to pack a light jacket or sweater!

Starting the Adventure

We kicked off our morning at the Mirador Cruz Del Carmen Observation Deck. From this vantage point, you get a breathtaking sense of the scale of the greenery.

From there, we headed to the Visitor Center for some local advice. Based on their recommendation, we set out on a two-and-a-half-hour trek through the heart of the woods.

Wandering Through the Mist

The hike was nothing short of magical. There is a unique thrill in walking through dense, moss-covered trees while catching glimpses of the wild, pristine coastline below. The contrast between the deep green of the forest and the turquoise blue of the ocean is a sight I’ll never forget.

We took our time with the trail, stopping at the numerous lookout points to: