Perfect TEN
Dominic Herbert finds Tenerife is the ideal location to take his young son for his first holiday abroad
disappoint and while it catered for hungry children, it also had plenty of choice for the adults.
But as soon as Harry had polished off his ice cream he was pointing towards the Show Bar, which hosted the evening’s mini disco.
So Sunwing Fanabe is a brilliant family resort, offering loads of fun in a safe and spotlessly clean environment. But that is only half the story. However impressive the hotel complex, you must, of course, venture out and explore Tenerife.
With its all-year sunshine it is a very popular holiday destination and it is easy to see why. Whether you stay local in Costa Adeje or go further afield on organised trips, there is plenty to do.
Within five minutes we were at the beach and after a further 10-minute stroll along the headland, we found a gem. Tucked into the shelter of a small bay is Playa del Duque.
The sandy beach comes with blue and white striped changing booths and is backed by boutique shops, top restaurants and five-star hotels.
Teide By Night is an organised family trip to the volcanic national park where you can map out the stars at the highest point in Spanish territory. You head up to 7000ft and the climate, altitude, clear skies and proximity to the equator make it perfect for stargazing.
Tenerife is famous for its water parks and one of the most popular is Siam Park, a Thai-themed playground of slides and rides (siampark.net adult €34/child €23).
Nearby is Aqualand Costa Adeje (aqualand.es/costa-adeje/en adult €23, child €15.50), another popular family day out – and the vast park also includes a zone for younger kids.
Tenerife’s longest-established attraction is Loro Parque, near Puerto de la Cruz, which features the world’s largest collection of parrots (loroparque.com adult €34/ child €23).
On a similar theme is Las Aguilas Jungle Park near Los Cristianos, home to big cats, hippos and penguins.
It has three acres of lagoons, a dry toboggan run and rope bridges if older kids want to emulate Indiana Jones for the afternoon (junglepark.es €23/child €15.50).
It was our first experience of Tenerife and we would certainly come back. As for Harry, he managed to fit Lollo and Bernie (the mini versions, of course) into his suitcase and they now live in his cot to remind him of his first holiday abroad.