Easily the most well-known resort in Tenerife, Playa De Las Americas has welcomed tourists since the 1960s. It’s always been popular and it’s easy to see why. Short transfer, lots of bars restaurants and shopping areas, a BIG range of accommodation choices and a white sandy beach
The appeal for families is huge. The beaches are sandy, there is a HUGE range of bars and restaurants, the shopping is brilliant and it is home to the largest waterpark in Europe, Siam Park. the beautifully paved promenade and main shopping area are all very flat making it extremely accessible for all too. And to top it off, it’s just a 4.5-hour flight from the UK and average temperatures are always over 22°C. Whether you’re chasing the winter sun or planning a summer escape, Playa de las Americas offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for families.
Getting to Playa de las Americas
One of the reasons Playa de Las Americas is so popular is the ease of getting there. Direct flights from the UK to Tenerife depart multiple times a day for a short 4-4.5 hour flight. Once you’ve arrived at Tenerife Reina Sofia South Airport the transfer time is around 20 minutes in a taxi. Most package holidays will include a coach transfer which can take longer depending on drop-offs. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and the fare to Las Americas is around €45. If you are travelling on a budget and haven’t pre-booked a transfer, a one-way bus is available and will cost around €4pp.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Playa de Las Americas has a HUGE range of accommodation to suit everyone. If you are looking for a 5 Star all singing, all dancing, All Inclusive there is a choice of them. If you want a small and friendly Self-catering apartment, there are plenty of those too. Beachfront or next to a golf course, they are all in Las Americas!
We stayed at the Whala! Tenerife in August 2024. It was a last-minute trip and found a 2-bedroom apartment available here. The apartment was really nice, we were on the top floor with a big wrap-around balcony. A balcony big enough for a table for 6 with a parasol plus space to lay out and soak up the Tenerife sun. A fully equipped kitchenette, a spacious bathroom with 2 bedrooms and a double sofa bed in the lounge. Location-wise, it was really nicely situated a short walk from the centre of Las Americas and a short walk to Los Cristianos too. I’d highly recommend it.
Top Activities and Attractions for Families
Families will never get bored on a trip to Playa de Las Americas. There are so many things to do. At the top of everyone’s list is a trip to the beach, and there is a choice of sandy beaches in Las Americas. Unusually for the volcanic Canary Islands, the beaches have imported white sand to make them more appealing! Whether you want to spend the day digging sandcastles or go to a beach with waves great for surfing, the choice is yours.
Attractions
Tenerife’s best-known attraction is Siam Park, it’s the biggest water park in Europe. The Thai-themed waterpark has something for everyone, whether you want to relax, spend time with the kids or are an adrenaline junkie – there’s something for you. Loro Parque is another popular day out for families – It’s an animal park/zoo with over 400 animal species. Often you can find combination tickets for Siam Park and Loro Parque. If you plan on visiting both it’s worth watching out for these to save some cash.
Natural Beauty
If you are less into man-made attractions and nature is your thing – Tenerife has lots for you too. The magnificent Mount Teide is a great place to start. The volcano is the highest peak not only in the Canary Islands but also in Spain. Lots of excursions to Teide National Park leave from Las Americas making it an accessible day trip. The options of things to do here are varied, For those who want to hike you can hike to the summit – this is only recommended for experienced Hikers though. There’s a cable car for those who want to enjoy the views and relax. Or why not head out in the evening and do a stargazing trip?
If the land isn’t your thing there’s lots of opportunity to get out to sea. Whether you want to go deep sea fishing or spot wildlife – there’s a trip for you. The Whale and Dolphin spotting boat trips are very popular and will make your trip very memorable. Costa Adeje is home to resident populations of Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins – they can be seen 365 days a year.
Best Beaches for Families
Las Americas Beach
Playa de Las Americas and neighbouring Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos have quite a few golden beaches for you to choose from. All easily accessible along the main promenade, you can spend each day at a different beach. The main beach in Playa de Las Americas is called Las Americas Beach. With imported Saharan sand, the beach appeals to pretty much everyone. With a lifeguard on duty, sunbeds and parasols for hire and of course refreshments available. Las Americas Beach has everything you need for the day.
Costa Adeje Beaches
On the edge of Las Americas and Cosa Adeje is Troya beach. this is another extremely popular beach. With the promenade running along the side with its shopping centres, ATMs and restaurants, it’s very accessible. This Blue Flag beach has calm waters making it perfect for families. Further into Costa Adeje is Fanabe Beach, another fine white sand beach with calm waters, sunbeds and a lifeguard on duty. There’s nothing not to like here – perfect for a day with the family.
Los Cristianos Beach
Heading down towards Los Cristianos, Las Vistas beach is probably my favourite beach of them all. The beach is around 1 kilometre long, the flat promenade runs alongside it. Accessible for everyone including wheelchairs and pushchairs, it’s so easy to get to. the sand is fine golden sands and the water is calm. The kids loved it with its gently shelving waters. Directly opposite is a selection of shops, bars and restaurants including every kid’s favourite – Mcdonald’s – and mum’s favourite – any that serve €1.50 pints!
Dining with Kids
Eating out with a family is so easy in Playa de Las Americas. The choices are endless. Whether you want to play it safe and have a McDonalds, or head to Michelin-starred restaurants you can do it. There’s lots in between too. Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife never fails to disappoint a crowd. We found quite a lot of restaurants did set menus and early diner discounts which might be worth keeping an eye out. One thing that you can be sure of is that you’ll find something to suit even the fussiest of eaters.
Tips for Exploring Beyond Playa de las Americas
Playa De Las Americas is so well places. Right between Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos. the Promenade runs along the coast through all 3 resorts. We walked both ways and found lots of positives to all 3 resorts. What I did find was that if you are going to walk from Los Cristianos to Costa Adeje, comfy shoes are needed! Flip flops just don’t cut it – well they cut my feet but that’s about it! there are now lots of opportunities to hire e-bikes and e-scooters along the promenade too, you can hop on one, pay via the app and drop it off somewhere else. Perfect!
Why Playa de las Americas is Perfect for Families
I genuinely think it’s the ideal destination for families. no matter what time of year you go you can pretty much guarantee that the weather will be better than it is at home. The flight is relatively short at 4.5 hours. The transfer is short (if you are in a taxi). the beaches are beautiful. The water is calm. There’s entertainment and food for everyone. Accommodation to suit everyone. you just can’t go wrong.
My Top Tip
My tip for a family to save hassle would be to do a taxi transfer instead of the coach. When we went in Summer 2024, we opted for the coach transfer to save money but after driving around Las Americas for almost 2 hours it wasn’t much fun – a taxi takes 20-30 minutes tops. Less time on a coach and more time on holiday is a winner for me.
I’d love to hear about your trips to Tenerife. I am tied between this feeling of wanting to see different places and wanting to go back. Next time I go back, a star gazing trip at Teide and a whale spotting trip. I know the kids are itching to get to Siam Park as we missed it last time. And let’s be right, I always wish I was sat by the beach with one of those €1.50 beers and some chips!
As always, thanks for reading. I hope that it’s helped with your planning, please help a girl out and share with your friends.
Becky x