Itineraries
7 days with kids
Calm beaches, a water park, dolphins and Teide without the stress – all within an hour's drive of Ponderosa
Day 1
Arrival and a first swim
- 1
afternoon
Playa de La Pinta
A beach sheltered by a breakwater next to Puerto Colón, with a gentle slope into the water – ideal for little ones (owner's tip).
- 2
early evening
Water Sports Tenerife – jet skis and parasailing
A stroll around the marina among the yachts and excursion boats. While you're here, you can pick your dolphin trip for day 3.
- 3
sunset
Playa de El Bobo
The closest beach to Ponderosa (about 350 m), perfect for an evening walk along the promenade.
Our tip
Don't plan anything for day one. Stock up at Mercadona in San Eugenio or at the Lidl near your accommodation. Mercadona is closed on Sundays, but Hiperdino in Siam Mall, for example, is open.
Day 2
Siam Park – a whole day in the water
- 1
10:00–17:00
Siam Park
One of the best water parks in Europe is just a few minutes from Ponderosa. Younger children have the Lost City and the gentle Mai Thai River; older ones get the wave pool and the slides.
- 2
evening
Siam Mall
An air-conditioned shopping centre right next to the park, with children's attractions and a supermarket.
Our tip
Arrive 20–30 minutes before opening and buy your tickets and sunbeds online. After 12:00 the queues for the slides get long. Bring water shoes – the paving gets scorching in summer.
Day 3
Dolphins, whales and the beach
- 1
9:30–12:00
Freebird – whale watching by catamaran
The trip lasts 2–3 hours, and pilot whales (calderones) and dolphins live here all year round. Choose a boat with the “Barco Azul” certificate, which guarantees responsible whale watching.
- 2
afternoon
Playa de Fañabé
A long beach with light sand, sunbeds and a lifeguard. When the waves are up, only swim close to the shore.
- 3
sunset
La Caleta – beach and snorkelling
A fishing village with seafront restaurants, an easy walk along the promenade.
Our tip
Take the boat in the morning, when the sea is calmer. If your children get seasick, give them a travel-sickness tablet half an hour before sailing and choose a larger catamaran.
Day 4
Loro Parque and pools in the north
- 1
9:30–15:00
Loro Parque
A zoo in Puerto de la Cruz with penguins in the icy Planet Penguin enclosure, gorillas, an aquarium and shows. It's about 1 h 15 min from Ponderosa via the TF-1 and TF-5.
- 2
15:30–18:00
Lago Martiánez
César Manrique's complex of seawater pools in Puerto de la Cruz (owner's tip). Safe swimming with ocean views.
Our tip
The north is often cloudy even when the sun is shining in the south, so pack a hoodie. Loro Parque is cheaper as part of a combined ticket with Siam Park (Twin Ticket).
Day 5
Teide for young and old
- 1
8:30
Teide driving loop (Chío – Las Cañadas – Vilaflor)
The highest village in Spain (1,400 m) – a quick stop for coffee and the toilet on the way up.
- 2
10:00–12:00
Teide cable car (Teleférico del Teide)
The cable car takes you from 2,356 m up to 3,555 m; children aged 3–13 pay €21. Buy a timed ticket online. Going up to this altitude isn't recommended for children under 3 or for pregnant women.
- 3
12:30–13:30
Roques de García and Llano de Ucanca
Bizarre rock towers and a short loop (3.5 km) whose first section is manageable even with an all-terrain pushchair. Picnic with a view of Teide.
Our tip
At the top it's 15–20 °C colder than by the sea, so bring jackets, hats and SPF 50. The cable car doesn't run in strong winds – check its status in the morning at volcanoteide.com.
Day 6
Animals and water fun
- 1
10:00–14:00
Aqualand Costa Adeje
A smaller water park with a dolphin show, easier for young children than Siam Park (owner's tip).
- 2
15:00–17:30
Monkey Park Tenerife
Monkey Park is small and quick to see, and children get to feed the lemurs (owner's tip). Jungle Park near Los Cristianos is a bigger zoo with a birds-of-prey show.
Our tip
Half a day is enough for each park. If the kids are tired, swap the second half of the day for a quiet afternoon on Playa La Pinta.
Day 7
The west coast and the Los Gigantes cliffs
- 1
10:00–12:00
Flipper Uno & Masca Express – by boat to the cliffs and Masca Bay
Cliffs up to 600 m high, often with dolphins and a swim in Masca Bay. About 35 minutes' drive from Ponderosa.
- 2
12:30–14:00
Playa de San Juan
A small fishing town with restaurants serving fresh fish (the owner recommends Agua y Sal).
- 3
14:30–16:30
Alcalá natural pools
Easy sea swimming with ladders into the water (owner's tip). Best when the sea is calm; bring water shoes.
- 4
evening
Avenida de las Américas
A farewell stroll along the lively promenade with its shops and ice cream (owner's tip).
Our tip
The natural pools are only safe when the sea is calm. If waves are washing over the edge, stay out of the water and away from the edge.
Stay in the heart of it
The whole island within reach
Our Ponderosa apartments are 350 m from El Bobo beach, and Sun Rays Bay house is 100 m from Ajabo beach. Book direct — no portal fees.
- Book direct — no Booking/Airbnb fees
- Guest rating 4.7–4.9 ★ on Airbnb
- Pools, free parking and on-site help
- 7-seat car with bike rack for rent
