Tenerife’s reputation as a fun, relaxing and fulfilling holiday destination is well-established, thanks to its soft, sandy beaches, picturesque landscape, and fabulous all-inclusive resorts. Although many tourists flock to the island for the party scene, it’s also a firm favourite amongst families.
Family Fun on Tenerife
One of the best spots for anyone looking for non-stop, inclusive family fun is, without a doubt, Playa de las Américas. Located in the south of the island, this resort destination is great for beach days, of course, but there’s also plenty more in terms of kid-friendly activities and attractions. Here are a few of my top recommendations to guarantee fun for every age on a short break to this wonderful place.
The Beach
A summer holiday in Tenerife is not complete without adding a few beach days to the itinerary, and Playa de las Américas is home to one of the best beaches on the island. Playa de Troya boasts long stretches of golden sand and sparkling clear water that’s wonderful for even the most timid swimmers in the family. It’s my favourite spot for family fun in the sun, as the artificial bay keeps waves to a minimum so everyone can have a paddle or a swim in the shallows. Some of the other easily accessible beaches in the area are also well worth checking out, and feature the famous black lava sand that Tenerife is known for.
Siam Kingdom
When your little ones need a change from all the beach activity, it’s a good idea to have a few options up your sleeve for some alternative fun. Introducing Siam Park, which has been awarded the title of the world’s best water park for ten years running! There truly is something for all ages (including the parents) to enjoy at this world-famous park — from daredevil slides to peaceful, lazy lagoons and, of course, plenty of fun activities for the very young visitors looking to have a splashing good time. Make memories on a full day out in this fabulous park.
Teide National Park
If you’re looking for something a little different, why not surprise the kids and book a thrilling Jeep safari around Teide National Park? Choose from half or full-day guided excursions, where you’ll experience the fascinating features of this beautiful national park from the comfort of a Jeep with a driver. As you travel through the landscape, you’ll encounter lava plains, volcanic cones, and strange villages along the way. This activity is an absolute crowd-pleaser with children of all ages.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
If you and your family are wildlife lovers then you must make time for a whale and dolphin-watching tour. Discover the sights of this beautiful island from a different perspective as you take a leisurely cruise along the coast. As you travel you’ll encounter dolphins and whales at various points, and seeing these magnificent creatures of the deep ocean at such close proximity could be one of the most memorable experiences of the entire holiday.
These are just a few of my top recommendations for families visiting Playa de las Américas, but there is plenty more to discover and enjoy during your next getaway. It really is one of the most ideal family-friendly destinations in the Canary Islands.
Where to Stay
Parque Santiago III: Just a short stroll away from Camison Beach is the perfect base for those travelling with kids. Not only do the apartments have their own living room and dining areas, but the property treats guests to a private garden, onsite water park, and a fantastic family-friendly restaurant.
Hotel Apartmentos Andorra: Not only is this hotel within walking distance from the beautiful beach, it also offers guests two child-friendly onsite swimming pools and a host of other appealing amenities. The accommodation is complete with a well-equipped kitchen for those days when you want to stay in for some home-cooked comfort.
Vinas del Mar: These spacious, airy apartments offer a fantastic location with excellent access to the airport, the beaches, and Aqualand. The well-appointed apartments feature kitchens, generous bedroom and living space, and a balcony with garden, sea or pool views. Enjoy the onsite pool or stroll the beach just 400m away.
How to Get There
Tenerife is a popular destination so you’ll find plenty of options in terms of flight times, service providers and deals. In order to get to Playa de las Américas, you’ll want to fly to Tenerife South. While the cheapest time to fly does tend to be in the off-season, you can still find some good deals during the Easter holidays, with flights in April at about £77, but prices peak in August at about £162.
There are plenty of airlines to choose from, such as Easyjet, British Airways, and Ryanair and I would highly recommend pre-booking your Tenerife South airport transfer as soon as you book a flight. Pre-booking a transfer from Tenerife South Airport to Playa de las Américas will not only save you time, but it will ensure that you get to your accommodation as soon as possible, which is essential when travelling with tired little ones.
Overview
UK to TFS Flight Time: 4 hours 38 minutes
TFS to Playa de las Américas: 20 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 18 minutes
Types of Transfer
I’ve been using Shuttle Direct for years and I love it because it offers me a great variety of transport options to suit each trip. Plus, they can guarantee a reliable airport transfer, Tenerife South Airport to Playa de las Américas, or anywhere else!
Taxi: Just like your usual airport taxi, Tenerife South Airport to Playa de las Américas with a Shuttle Direct pre-book taxi is a great way to get to your accommodation in comfort. The benefit of pre-booking your airport transfer is that you can avoid the long queues at the airport and know the price before your ride.
Shuttle Bus: This Playa de las Américas transfer is one of the shared transport options, which is a little more cost-effective but not door-to-door. Since the airport transfer is only about 20 minutes this can be a great option for families that don’t mind sharing their space. You’ll meet at a designated pick-up point at the airport, then you’ll be taken to a central drop-off point.
Private Transfer: Travelling with children can be stressful and sometimes you might wish you had a little bit of privacy. This is where I’d recommend booking a private transfer. Tenerife South airport to Playa de las Américas is, luckily, a quick trip so you can sit back and relax and you’ll be at your hotel in no time.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re travelling with a larger family group, a Tenerife South airport transfer by minibus is the perfect option. The large capacity vehicle means there’s plenty of room for all the luggage associated with a family holiday, and the service is door-to-door for the ultimate convenience.
Choosing the Right Transfer
With so many options to choose from, deciding on what is right for you can be a little daunting. There are generally two main things to consider before booking an airport transfer and once these are clarified, decision-making should be a lot easier.
Cost: If you’re focused on saving money, then a shared service will be your best option. Start with a clear budget when choosing your Tenerife South Airport to Playa de las Américas transfer and this will narrow down your options from the get-go.
Convenience: The second most important thing to consider is your specific needs. If you’re a larger family and know that you’ll have extra luggage and convenience is non-negotiable, you should choose a door-to-door option that allows for more space, such as the minibus or private transfer.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct has decades of experience in offering excellent service and a wide variety of airport transfers, from economical shared shuttles to high-end luxury private vehicles. No matter where you need to be or how you prefer to travel, our friendly, professional drivers will ensure you have a comfortable, pleasant and safe journey to your destination, with no stress, no waiting around, and no logistical headaches.
