FamilyRoamDestinations

Best Family Resorts in Tenerife for Kids and Teenagers

FamilyRoam ·

🇪🇸eSIM for Spainfrom $1.99

Choosing the best family resorts in Tenerife depends on your children's ages: Costa Adeje is perfect for luxury and proximity to water parks, while Playa de las Américas offers the vibrant energy that teenagers crave. For the best experience, look for resorts like the Hard Rock Hotel for teens or the Bahia Principe Fantasia for younger children, ensuring they have both high-end amenities and reliable connectivity.

Why Tenerife is the Ultimate Family Destination

Tenerife isn't just about year-round sunshine; it is a diverse island that caters to every family dynamic. Whether you are coming from the USA or the UK, the transition is relatively seamless, but the logistics of keeping a family of four or five connected can be a challenge. We have all been there—the moment you check into a beautiful resort, and the first question isn't 'Where is the pool?' but 'What is the Wi-Fi password?'

In Tenerife, resort Wi-Fi can be patchy, especially by the pool or in the lush gardens of a sprawling complex. To avoid the inevitable 'Mom, is the hotspot on?' every time you leave the hotel lobby, equipping each family member with their own data plan is a game-changer. You can see plans for Spain that cover the entire Canary Island archipelago, ensuring that your teenagers can stream their playlists while you navigate the winding roads of Mount Teide.

Top Family Resorts in Tenerife

1. Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife (Playa Paraíso)

This is a paradise for families with teenagers. The 'Roxity Youth Club' and 'Teen Spirit' areas are designed to keep older kids engaged with music workshops, gaming, and themed parties. Located on the sunny southern coast, it offers a cool, rock-and-roll vibe that feels far more grown-up than a traditional kids' club.

2. Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife (San Miguel de Abona)

If you have younger children or fans of fairy tales, this is the spot. With a massive castle in the middle of the resort and themed evening shows, it feels like a slice of Orlando in the Atlantic. It is an all-inclusive dream where the kids are constantly entertained, giving parents a well-deserved break.

3. The Ritz-Carlton Abama (Guía de Isora)

For families seeking luxury, the Abama is unmatched. It features a secluded beach reached by a funicular, world-class dining, and the Ritz Kids program which focuses on the natural history of the Canary Islands. It is quieter and more spread out, making it ideal for families who want to escape the crowds.

4. Gran Melia Palacio de Isora (Alcalá)

Home to one of the largest salt-water infinity pools in Europe, this resort has a dedicated 'RedLevel for Families' service. This provides extra perks like a family lounge and specialized concierge services, perfect for navigating the island's many activities.

Connectivity in Tenerife: What to Expect

When you land at Tenerife South (TFS) or Tenerife North (TFN), you want your maps and messaging apps to work immediately. Tenerife has excellent infrastructure, with Orange and Movistar providing robust 5G coverage across most of the coastal resort areas. However, as you head into the rural interior or the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park, signals can drop to 4G or even 3G.

Local Carriers vs. Roaming

Using your home carrier from the USA or UK can result in eye-watering roaming charges. While some UK providers still offer 'Roam Like at Home' for a daily fee, these costs add up quickly for a family of four. Local physical SIM cards are an option, but they require finding a shop, providing your passport, and swapping out your tiny plastic SIM card—a recipe for losing your primary card.

FamilyRoam offers a simpler way. By using a travel eSIM, you can set everyone up before you even leave home. Our plans are data-only, which means they do not come with a local phone number, but they work perfectly with WhatsApp, FaceTime, and iMessage calls. This allows your kids to stay in touch with friends back home without any surprise bills.

Comparison of Connectivity Options

Feature Home Roaming (US/UK) Local Physical SIM FamilyRoam eSIM
Setup Automatic (but expensive) Manual (find a shop) Instant (QR code)
Cost High daily fees Low Affordable & Fixed
Multi-Device Expensive per person Requires swapping One for every member
Network Varies Orange/Movistar Orange/Movistar 5G
Phone Number Keep your own New local number Keep your own (via Data)

How Much Data Does Your Family Need?

Understanding your family's data consumption is key to a stress-free holiday.

  • The Casual User (Parents): If you are mainly using Google Maps, checking restaurant reviews, and sending a few photos, a 3GB or 5GB plan for 30 days is usually plenty.
  • The Social Media Star (Teenagers): TikTok and Instagram are data-hungry. For teens, consider our 10GB or 20GB plans, or even a daily pass that provides 1GB or 2GB per day.
  • The Long Drive: If you are planning a road trip around the island, you might want to stop iCloud Photos from eating your data to ensure your navigation doesn't cut out mid-journey.

We offer a variety of fixed plans, ranging from 1GB for a quick week-long break to 50GB for heavy users. If you run out, top-ups are available instantly, so you're never stranded without a connection.

Setting Up Your Family for Success

To make things easy, we recommend you renaming eSIMs on iPhone for each family member. Labeling them as 'Tenerife - Dad' or 'Tenerife - Sarah' prevents any confusion in the settings menu.

How to Install on iPhone and Android

  1. Check Compatibility: Ensure everyone's phone is unlocked and check device compatibility on our site.
  2. Purchase & Receive: Choose your see plans and receive a QR code via email.
  3. Scan: On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
  4. Activate: Follow the setup guide to activate the data plan. We recommend doing this at the airport before you depart or using the airport Wi-Fi upon arrival.
  5. Set as Data Only: Ensure your primary SIM is still set for calls/SMS (if you need them) and the eSIM is selected for 'Cellular Data'.

Navigating Tenerife with Kids

With everyone connected, exploring the island becomes a breeze. You can book tickets for Siam Park (the world's #1 water park) while standing in line for breakfast, or use Google Maps to find the hidden 'charcos' (natural tide pools) in Garachico.

Teenagers can use their data to stay connected on Snapchat or Discord, meaning you won't have to hear the dreaded 'I'm bored' during the hour-long drive to the Masca Valley. Since our eSIMs work with Orange and Movistar, you'll have the best possible 5G speeds available in the Canary Islands.

The bottom line

Tenerife is a world-class family destination, but its beauty is best enjoyed when everyone is happy and connected. By skipping the expensive roaming fees and the 'hotspot wars,' you can focus on making memories. Grab an eSIM for every device, from the iPads to the latest iPhones, and enjoy a stress-free holiday in the sun.

Frequently asked questions

Which part of Tenerife is best for families with teenagers?+

Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas are the best areas for teenagers due to the high concentration of water parks, shopping centers, and vibrant beaches with water sports.

Do I need a local Spanish phone number in Tenerife?+

Generally, no. Most tourists find that a data-only eSIM is sufficient since apps like WhatsApp and Google Maps are the primary tools for communication and navigation.

Is 5G available in Tenerife resorts?+

Yes, major carriers like Orange and Movistar have rolled out 5G across the main resort towns in the south and the capital, Santa Cruz, though coverage may be 4G in the mountains.

Can I use my eSIM for tablets and iPads?+

Yes, as long as your tablet or iPad is a cellular model that supports eSIM, you can install a data plan to keep the kids entertained during long car rides.

How do I top up my data if I run out?+

You can easily top up your FamilyRoam plan through our website, and the extra data will be added to your existing eSIM profile without needing a new QR code.