Time in Tenerife seems to go by very, very slowly - and that's a good thing! Parents will relish the opportunity to kick back and relax in the glorious sunshine while the kids will be having just as much of a great time on their very own Canary Islands adventure. Tenerife gently melds together the very best of undeniably Spanish culture with a unique, slow-paced island atmosphere and lifestyle that will help even the most frazzled families relax and unwind.
As Tenerife is the largest and most populated island in the Canaries, you'll find the widest choice of great things to do and see whilst visiting its shores. Whatever mix of guided tours for the family, organised activities for the kids or the best of island evenings out for Mum and Dad you're searching for - you'll find it all in Tenerife.
You know you can all benefit from a bit of activity and a bit of adventure. Get the kids out of the house and into the sun, sand and sea of Tenerife. You'll be amazed at how much a little activity and sunshine will brighten up everyone in the family...
Some resorts and package holiday companies offer dedicated kids' clubs, swimming schools, specially trained supervisory staff and lifeguards. It is recommended that parents take these factors into account when selecting a Tenerife holiday, as having a break to relax is just as important for Mum and Dad.
Tenerife offers an incredible array of activities for all ages and interests. Many will be available at or nearby your resort or offered as part of a guided tour. Some examples of the most popular activities include swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat tours, fishing, golf, tennis and guided island tours.
Your travel agent or package provider will be able to advise you on activities offered and how to book where reservations are required.
Don't just go on holiday for the sun. Use this as a great opportunity to introduce your kids to a range of new and exciting cuisine. Try to stay away from fast food and typically British food and make the most of Tenerife's fantastic fresh seafood, and the kids will love the delectable choices available with tapas. New culinary delights will really enrich their island holiday experience. Though it's easier to find British pubs and international cuisine with heavy influences from the Spanish mainland and Africa, there are some local traditional specialties, including soups, stews and grilled fish dishes, which are worth searching out in order to experience traditional Canary Islands cuisine.
Though almost everyone on the island speaks at least some English and you'll have no problem getting around and getting organised, especially in the main tourist areas, how about going to a little effort and make life easier and enjoyable? Why not set your kids a challenge to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish before you go and you'll be amazed at how much this simple little gesture will open up doors for you with the locals.
Use the trip to Tenerife to spark some interest in learning a language before you go. Free Spanish courses are available from BBC online at bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/
Also, you and the kids can get a free Spanish phrase translator for your iPods to take with you from coolgorilla.com
Vistas, rock formations and volcanic activity abound on a daytrip to Mount Teide and surroundings. A visit to the mountain, the tallest point in the whole of the Canary Islands, should not be missed. The Loro Park features the world's largest parrot collection, dolphin and sea-lion shows. There are many other options for day trips including theme parks, nature reserves and historical sites.
Rental cars are available in all major tourist areas and can generally be organised as part of your tour or through your tour organiser. Renting a car in Tenerife offers more adventurous visitors the opportunity to escape the confines of the resort and experience a bit more of what the island has to offer. Be prepared, as in Tenerife, cars are driven on the right-hand side of the road.
Buses or ‘guaguas' run frequently between major centres and points of interest and are also a very economical and convenient way to get around the island when venturing out.
Enough excuses! There are literally thousands of holiday options in Tenerife, and any good travel agent will be able to help you find and plan the perfect holiday for you and your family on this fabulous island.
As many European beaches are not patrolled as much as those at home, it is important that parents fully supervise their children at beaches and pools at all times. Better yet, use the trip to Tenerife as a springboard for your child's learn-to-swim lessons or advanced swimming lessons so that they can make the most of the water without a worry in the world.
My name is...
Me llamo... me yamo...
What's your name?
Cómo te llamas? como ti yamas
Good morning
Buenos días bwaynos dayus
Good afternoon
Buenas tardes bwaynos tardis
Until we meet again
Hasta la vista aasta la vista
