There is nothing better than escaping the doom and gloom of the UK during winter and jetting off somewhere to soak up some sun with the family. You are sure to return home happy, refreshed, tanned… and to a number of envious friends!
If you are looking for a sunny winter holiday but you or somebody that you are travelling with has mobility issues, it’s a given that you’ll have to pick a destination that’s highly accessible. I propose Puerto de la Cruz to the north of Tenerife – here you will find flat surfaces, accessible accommodation and beaches, a friendly atmosphere and plenty to keep the little ones entertained. Due to its geographical position at the tip of the largest Canary Island, there is year-round sunshine to enjoy here, too!
Read our guide to the perfect, chilled-out day in Puerto de la Cruz here!
Beaches
The most important part of a winter sun holiday is finding a beautiful stretch of sand where the kids can play and paddle whilst you soak up some sun. Puerto de la Cruz has a handful of enticing beaches, but the Playa Jardín Complex encompasses Jardín, Chica and Punta Brava beaches, and is well-suited to both those with mobility issues and kids.
These beaches have received Blue Flag awards, so they are guaranteed to be brilliantly maintained, and are certain to be clean and fun places for you and your family to relax. Close by, you’ll find children’s play areas, sports areas, sun loungers and parasol hire, toilets, showers, bars and restaurants… and everything else you could possibly need. All three beaches have disabled access and can be reached either on foot or by car.
Whether you are catching sun rays, splashing in the water, playing games or enjoying the local cuisine, you are sure to feel a million miles from home and enjoy quality time with your family.
Accessible Accommodation
H10 Tenerife Playa – This hotel is only a one-minute walk from the beach and situated close to the heart of the city. It is also highly accessible throughout, with four adapted rooms available and staff on hand to assist when needed. They also have hoists, scooters, commode shower curtains and more equipment available for hire.
Although it is easy to get out and explore, you will find that there is more than enough to keep the whole family happy in the hotel. There are on-site swimming pools (including a heated kids’ pool), a Jacuzzi, solariums, a rooftop terrace, sports facilities and a gym. H10 Tenerife Playa also has two restaurants and a bar, so you never have to venture far for meals and drinks.
Be Live Experience Orotava – This accommodation is a five-minute walk from the beach and has lots to offer in and around the hotel, making it ideal for those who want everything to be easily accessible. Most notably, the hotel has disabled access: there is a lift so that you can reach every floor, the toilets have grab rails and, if you ask, the staff will happily assist in any way they can.
The spacious rooms have balconies with lovely views, and also come with a TV and free Wi-Fi. What’s more, the hotel has a swimming pool, a fitness centre, sun loungers, a sun terrace and a host of other facilities. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in the on-site buffet restaurant, but there is also a poolside snack bar and an à la carte restaurant.
Accessible Day Out
If you want to switch things up, I highly suggest that you take the short trip to Loro Parque, which is one of the main attractions in Puerto de la Cruz. Loro Parque is rated as the best zoo in Europe on TripAdvisor, so any animal-loving family will have a blast here. There are dolphins, orcas, pelicans, gorillas, tigers, sharks and chimps, but the park is famed for the amazing collection of parrots which can be seen all around the park. It also has the biggest collection of penguins outside of the Arctic!
There are animal shows throughout the day, as well as a kids’ playground, a market and a handful of restaurants and cafés – you can happily spend the whole day here. In terms of accessibility, the majority of the highlights are wheelchair accessible, and the site also allows you to rent wheelchairs and motorised trolley (just be sure to reserve in advance).
How to Get There
You will want to make the most of your winter sun holiday, so the quickest way to get to Puerto de la Cruz is to fly from London into Tenerife North (TFN). This will take a little under six hours, and flights are available for affordable prices with Iberia Express and Air Europa. You are then just a 25-minute drive away from Puerto de la Cruz.
Alternatively, you could fly into Tenerife South (TFS), which takes around the same amount of time, but is serviced by more airlines from the UK, such as easyJet and British Airways. However, the airport is about an hour away from the resort.
Whichever airport you fly into, the most convenient way to reach your accommodation is via a Shuttle Direct transfer. This allows you to skip the queues and easily transport the entire family and your luggage to your hotel in a stress-free and comfortable manner.
About Shuttle Direct
Onwards travel can be tricky to arrange, especially if you or someone you are travelling with has mobility issues. We are one of Europe’s most trusted transfer providers and we pride ourselves on our efficient service, helping people travel between airports, hotels, train stations and other areas throughout Europe.
Book now and we will handle the logistics, enabling you to focus on enjoying your holiday.
