A Family Trip to Tenerife Without the Stress: San Miguel de Abona as a Peaceful Base in the South

Tenerife looks simple enough on a map - until you start travelling with children. That’s when the important questions arise: How long is the transfer from the airport? Is the pool heated? Is there shade at midday? Does the restaurant open early? Will the plan to “see half the island” end with everyone arguing in the car before even reaching Mount Teide?

The island offers beaches, volcanoes, historic towns, water parks, and boat excursions, but a successful family getaway isn’t about doing it all—it’s about choosing wisely.

San Miguel de Abona, particularly the Golf del Sur area, is an excellent choice for this type of trip. It’s close to Tenerife South Airport and features family-friendly resorts, a volcanic coastline, peaceful walking paths, and golf courses. You’ll also find Los Abrigos - a great spot for seafood - and convenient road links to El Médano, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Teide National Park.

For those wondering where to take their children on holiday in the Canary Islands, this area has a major advantage: it makes daily life much simpler.

Why San Miguel de Abona works well for families with children

The south of Tenerife generally enjoys a drier, sunnier climate than the north - a detail families truly appreciate. It’s not that you need constant sunshine to have a good time, but rather that when you’re traveling with kids, any change in plans carries more weight. A day spent at the pool, taking a leisurely stroll, and enjoying an easy dinner might just be what saves your holiday.

Golf del Sur is a convenient area for families looking for resorts, swimming pools, relaxed schedules, and short travel times. The transfer from Tenerife South Airport, whether by car or taxi, is quick compared to other parts of the island. This matters more than you might think: after a flight, getting to the hotel quickly can be the difference between starting your holiday calmly or dealing with a minor “mutiny” from the children in the back.

Additionally, San Miguel allows you to plan your Tenerife activities without being based in an overly busy or crowded area. You can enjoy quiet days at the hotel and, whenever the mood strikes, head out to explore beaches, local towns, or embark on longer excursions.

Swimming pools, beaches, and the volcanic coastline: how to plan your days

On a family holiday, the swimming pool is far from a minor detail - it’s your home base. Children can come and go, rest, grab a bite to eat nearby, and jump back into play without every move requiring bags, dealing with sand, hunting for parking, or engaging in complex negotiations. In San Miguel de Abona, it’s best to think of the beach as a short excursion, while the pool serves as your reliable daily ally.

The nearby coastline features a mix of rocky areas, small coves, and volcanic landscapes. If you’re looking for a spacious beach with a lively atmosphere, El Médano is a great choice, offering sand, wind, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and plenty of action for older children to watch. For a more traditional beach experience with full amenities, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Vistas are practical options. If you prefer something more natural, La Tejita offers a large, open stretch of beach, though be aware that it can get quite windy.

When considering the best beaches in Tenerife, it’s helpful to think in terms of age groups and your family’s energy levels, rather than just scenic beauty:

• Small children - look for beaches with amenities, easy access, restrooms, and nearby restaurants.
• Older children - El Médano is a great fit, thanks to its sports-oriented vibe and ample space.
• Teenagers - seek out spots with water sports, long walking paths, and proximity to livelier areas.
• Tired parents - prioritise the pool, shade, a good cup of coffee, and avoid any unnecessary heroics.

Family life is much more enjoyable when you accept that not every beautiful beach is necessarily a good choice for families.

Los Abrigos: dining outside the resort

Located very close by, Los Abrigos is well worth an evening visit. This small fishing village is famous for its fish and seafood restaurants, and it’s a great way to step outside the "hotel bubble." If you’re visiting with children, it’s best to arrive early; if it’s high season, be sure to make a reservation. Keep your order simple: grilled fish, octopus, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce, local Canarian cheese, or, if the budget allows, some fresh seafood.

A helpful tip: don’t turn every dinner into an "adventure." One or two well-chosen outings are enough to make a trip feel more like a local experience, without disrupting your usual routines.

Visiting Mount Teide with children is spectacular, but it requires careful planning

Mount Teide is a top recommendation for anyone visiting Tenerife. As Spain’s highest peak, reaching 3,718 meters, it sits within a national park that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. For children, it can be an unforgettable experience: lava fields, craters, roads that look like they belong on another planet, and a dramatic change in landscape compared to the coast. However, you need to prepare well.

The altitude affects the temperature, so bring layers, even if it’s hot down at sea level. The sun is intense, distances can feel longer, and the winding roads may be difficult for those prone to motion sickness. If you plan to use the cable car, check availability in advance; if you dream of reaching the very summit, you will need a special permit.

The best strategy for families is to make Mount Teide the main event of the day and avoid adding too many other stops. Afterward, plan for a relaxing afternoon or a day by the pool. The volcano is far more impressive when you don’t arrive there completely exhausted.

Choosing activities based on children’s ages

Tenerife offers plenty of options, but not all are equally well-suited for every age group.

• With babies or toddlers: prioritize a comfortable hotel, a swimming pool, nap times, and short walks.
• With children aged 4 to 8: alternate between the pool, beaches with full amenities, and one major excursion every other day.
• With children aged 9 to 12: a trip to Mount Teide, boat excursions from Los Cristianos, visiting El Médano, or heading to water parks can be excellent choices.
• With teenagers: consider water sports, Siam Park, longer excursions, or perhaps a day trip to the north of the island.

Siam Park, near Costa Adeje, is usually the go-to water park experience. It’s fun and action-packed, but also tiring—so avoid scheduling it right after a trip to Mount Teide if you want to keep the peace. Boat excursions for whale or dolphin watching from Los Cristianos can also be memorable; just be sure to choose a responsible operator and check the duration before booking; three hours on a boat with a bored child can feel like an endless medieval sea voyage.

Where to stay in Tenerife with children

Choosing a family-friendly hotel shouldn’t just be about photos of the swimming pool. In Tenerife, especially when traveling with kids, your accommodation should help prevent potential issues before they arise, covering needs like sleep, meals, transportation, shade, entertainment, and downtime for the adults.

Before booking, check:

• whether the pool is heated during the winter or shoulder seasons;
• the minimum age, operating hours, and rules for the kids' club;
• whether there is actual shade around the pool area (beyond just a few decorative palm trees);
• the room type (a suite or a separate bedroom is a huge help if the children go to bed early);
• buffet hours and whether it’s possible to dine early;
• the actual distance to Tenerife South Airport;
• whether you’ll need a car to go out for dinner or take excursions;
• how easy it is to park if you decide to rent a car;
• whether the evening entertainment ends at a reasonable hour
• if the resort allows children to have their own activities without the adults feeling trapped in a giant playground.

In the Golf del Sur area, a stay at a place like Bahia Principe Explore might make sense for families looking to base themselves in southern Tenerife, with access to a pool, kids' entertainment, and convenient connections to excursions like El Médano, Los Abrigos, Costa Adeje, or Mount Teide.

It’s all about the pace

A family trip to Tenerife works best when you give it some breathing room. A good one-week itinerary might combine two days by the pool, a trip to Mount Teide, an afternoon in Los Abrigos, a relaxing beach visit, a water park, and - if energy levels permit - an excursion to the north. There is no need to try to conquer the island; it is enough to return home feeling rested, having seen something new, and still speaking to one another by the time you reach the airport.