With the summer holidays coming up, it’s about time to start planning where you and your family are going to travel this year. If you’re looking for a destination with beautiful weather and lots to do (so the kids don’t start whining about their boredom) I’ve got four little words for you: Puerto de la Cruz. Read on for animal adventures, balmy beaches and more – I guarantee Mum and Dad will love this Tenerife paradise just as much as the little ones.
Loro Parque
If you’ve got kids who are certified animal lovers, you’ve got to visit Loro Parque during your time in Puerto de la Cruz. This adventure park is known for its stunning fauna-based performances, including shows featuring acrobatic dolphins, silly parrots, talented sea lions and more. Aside from the amazing displays, you and your little ones can have a look at creatures living in conditions that mimic their natural habitats. Some of the species you can see here are tigers, giant tortoises, chimpanzees, sloths, over 300 different kinds of birds, jaguars, meerkats… and the list could continue!
Top Tip: Feeling fishy? Don’t forget to check out the aquarium to see what’s hiding under the sea.
Playa Jardin
Playa Jardin (which, quite rightly, means ‘Garden Beach’ in English) is one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Puerto de la Cruz. It was designed by the artist Cesar Manrique and features long stretches of dark, soft volcanic sand, colourful botanical gardens, cascading waterfalls and small pools filled with marine life.
Don’t worry, parents, this beach is more than just a pretty face – the kids, especially the older ones, will be well entertained by all the water sports on offer here. From swimming and surfing to snorkelling and paddle boating, they’ll have endless ways to burn off their energy. Who knows, it might even look so fun that Mum and Dad are tempted to play too!
The Acclimatisation Gardens of La Orotava
If you haven’t gotten your fill of nature from Playa Jardin, you’ll definitely get it from the Acclimatisation Gardens of La Orotava. Better known as Puerto de la Cruz’s botanical gardens, it has been wowing guests with its enormous variety of plants, flowers and ancient trees for over 200 years.
Creative children who enjoy make-believe will especially love these gardens. Many areas feel like a jungle and some of the flora (such as a fig tree with humongous roots) looks as though it’s come straight from the pages of a fairy tale. You’ll love to see your little ones’ faces light up with wonder as the gardens ignite their imaginations.
Where to Stay
Catalonia Las Vegas – The most attractive feature of this hotel is perhaps its location. It’s situated right in the city centre, giving guests an enviably central base, but still offers gorgeous views of Teide Mountain and the Martianez Lakes. While it has a host of lovely and modern facilities, families tend to be particularly fond of the family rooms and onsite swimming pool.
Hotel Best Semiramis – From its two outdoor swimming pools to its rooms that feature satellite TVs and minibars, this hotel is a certified family favourite. Its restaurants and buffets, which serve both international and Mediterranean cuisine, are perhaps its best features… there are so many food choices that even the pickiest kids will find something they’re happy to eat!
Sol Costa Atlantis Tenerife – This hotel is ideally located in the city centre near a selection of cafes and shops; it’s also nearby Loro Parque so you and the kids can get there in record time. Rooms feature flat-screen satellite TVs and, if you venture throughout the rest of Sol Costa Atlantis Tenerife, you’ll find an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant (the children will love the buffet breakfast) and a spa where Mum and Dad can relax.
How to Get There
It takes just over four hours to reach Tenerife South Airport (TFS) from the UK – so make sure to bring toys, games and other entertainment for the kids. Once you land, it’ll take another hour to get from the airport to Puerto de la Cruz. To make this journey as simple as possible, I always recommend that families pre-book a transfer to their accommodation with Shuttle Direct.
Shuttle offers a high selection of vehicle types and prices, so you’ll be able to find a ride that’s big enough for the entire brood and fits well within your budget. You can easily get a private transfer as well, meaning you won’t have to worry about sharing with strangers. Plus, when you book in advance, your driver will be waiting for you as soon as you land – so all you’ll need to do is grab your luggage and you can get moving. That certainly beats waiting around or having to figure out public transportation while towing a few cranky kids around!
Overview
- UK to TFS Flight Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- TFS to Puerto de la Cruz Distance: 91 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct, we are proud of the fact that we’re one of the top transfer services in all of Europe and North Africa. We offer reliable, efficient and affordable shuttles that will take you directly from the airport to your accommodation (or vice versa). Get in touch with our friendly team for more information or to book a journey with us.
