There are holidays where you spend every minute sightseeing, and then there are holidays where you simply slow down and enjoy life. Our Tenerife family holiday was exactly that. Unlike our Central Europe winter trip, which was packed with trains, Christmas markets and historic cities, Tenerife was all about sunshine, warm evenings, beautiful coastlines and spending quality family time together.

We travelled during June, when temperatures stayed comfortably between 22°C and 25°C – warm enough for swimming every day without the intense summer heat.

Before this trip, Switzerland had always been our favourite destination in Europe. After spending five days in Tenerife, however, Spain has become a serious contender. The island surprised us with its clean beaches, crystal-clear water, relaxed atmosphere and spectacular Atlantic sunsets.

It is definitely somewhere we would love to return.

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Trip Snapshot

Destination
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Travel Dates
18–22 June

Duration
5 days / 4 nights

Departure Airport
Glasgow Airport

Accommodation
Hilton Grand Vacations resort in Golf del Sur

Travel Style
Relaxed family holiday

Best For
Families, couples and anyone looking for a stress-free sunshine break

Temperature During Our Visit
22–25°C

Transport
Taxi

Cash Needed
None

Why We Fell in Love with Tenerife Family Holiday

Before visiting Tenerife, Switzerland had always been our favourite destination in Europe. We had travelled through its breathtaking mountains, crystal-clear lakes and picturesque villages, and we genuinely believed it would always remain at the top of our list.

Then we visited Tenerife.

At first glance, the two destinations couldn’t be more different. Switzerland is known for its dramatic Alpine scenery and scenic train journeys, while Tenerife is famous for its sunshine, volcanic landscapes and Atlantic coastline.

Yet by the end of our holiday, we found ourselves saying something we never expected:

“Tenerife is now competing with Switzerland as our favourite place in Europe.”

What surprised us most wasn’t just the weather or the beaches—it was the feeling the island gave us.Life seemed to slow down.

There was no pressure to rush from one attraction to another. Instead, we found ourselves enjoying simple moments: having breakfast on our sea-view balcony, watching the children play happily in the pool, walking along the coastline in the evening, and ending the day with spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.

The island also felt incredibly welcoming. Everywhere we went, people were friendly, restaurants and cafés had a relaxed atmosphere, and paying by card was effortless. Whether we were taking a taxi, enjoying an ice cream by the beach, shopping for souvenirs or having dinner, everything felt easy and stress-free.

The weather was another pleasant surprise. During our visit in June, temperatures stayed between 22°C and 25°C, making it warm enough for swimming every day without the uncomfortable heat that some summer destinations experience.

Even after four full days, we never felt bored.

One day we enjoyed the peaceful surroundings of Golf del Sur. Another day we explored the lively atmosphere of Playa de las Vistas and Playa de las Américas. Some afternoons were spent entirely by the pool, while others were filled with seaside walks, local food and simply appreciating the island’s relaxed pace of life.

Perhaps that’s what makes Tenerife so special. It gives you permission to slow down. You don’t need an ambitious itinerary to enjoy it. You don’t have to tick off dozens of attractions. Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply having time to relax with your family in beautiful surroundings, and Tenerife offers that effortlessly.

Will Tenerife replace Switzerland as our number one destination?

We’re still not entirely sure.

Switzerland will always hold a special place in our hearts for its mountains, lakes and unforgettable rail journeys.

But Tenerife has earned its place right beside it.

For completely different reasons.

And that’s probably the biggest compliment we can give this beautiful Canary Island.

Why We Chose Tenerife

Sometimes you don’t need a busy itinerary. You simply need sunshine.

After months of unpredictable Scottish weather, we wanted somewhere warm, relaxing and easy to reach.

Tenerife ticked every box.

Around four and a half hours from Glasgow
Warm weather throughout the year
Beautiful coastline
Excellent hotels
Safe for families
Fantastic food
Amazing sunsets

Most importantly, it allowed us to completely switch off.

Instead of rushing between attractions, we wanted to enjoy slow mornings, swimming pools, beach walks and long evenings watching the sun disappear into the Atlantic Ocean.

That is exactly what Tenerife gave us.

Flying from Glasgow: A Surprisingly Smooth Start

Our holiday started on Thursday afternoon with a Jet2 direct flight from Glasgow, departing around 3:00 pm. Rather than using public transport, we decided to drive to Glasgow Airport and park our car.

This made travelling with children much easier, especially as our return flight landed late after midnight.

One thing that really impressed us was how quick everything was.

We parked in the airport’s multi-storey car park, which connects directly to the terminal.

From the second floor, there is direct access to security.

Because we had also purchased fast track parking, we avoided the main queues altogether.

From locking the car to completing security checks took less than five minutes, making it one of the smoothest airport experiences we’ve had.

It was a fantastic start to the holiday.

Packing Tips That Made Our Journey Easier

One of the best decisions we made was travelling with hand luggage only.

Each of us carried a 10 kg cabin suitcase together with a small backpack.

Not having checked luggage meant we could leave the airport immediately after landing without waiting at baggage reclaim.

Remember that both Glasgow and Tenerife South Airport still enforce the 100 ml liquid rule for cabin baggage.

Before travelling, we bought around 15–16 reusable 100 ml bottles from Primark and filled them with everything we needed, including:

Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Moisturiser
Mouthwash
Sunscreen for the journey

This simple preparation saved space, reduced costs and meant we had everything we needed for the entire holiday.

If you’re travelling as a family, it’s a tip we’d highly recommend.

Arrival in Tenerife

After landing at Tenerife South Airport, collecting our cabin luggage and leaving the arrivals hall, we walked straight outside. There are usually several people inside the terminal offering taxis. Although convenient, we noticed their prices were significantly higher. For our hotel, one representative quoted €30.

Instead, we simply walked outside to the official taxi rank. There was no queue. Within minutes we were in a licensed taxi. The driver accepted card payment without any problem, and the journey to our hotel cost approximately €18.

The drive took around 15–20 minutes.

Our first tip for Tenerife is therefore simple:

Always use the official taxi rank outside the airport rather than pre-booking through sales representatives inside the terminal.

Tenerife family holiday: Our Stay at Golf del Sur

For this holiday, We stayed at a Hilton Grand Vacations resort in Golf del Sur, just 10 minutes from Tenerife South Airport. The resort exceeded our expectations. We were allocated a spacious villa-style apartment overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the swimming pools from our own private balcony.

The accommodation had everything a family could need:

Bedrooms
Living room
Fully equipped kitchen
Spacious bathroom
Dining area
Private balcony

Having the extra space made a huge difference compared with a standard hotel room. Instead of feeling confined, it genuinely felt like having our own holiday home by the sea. The resort itself was equally impressive.

There were several swimming pools, a dedicated children’s pool, spa facilities, restaurants, bars and evening entertainment. It became the perfect base for a relaxing family holiday.

Day 1 – Arrival, Dinner and Our First Evening in Tenerife

By the time we checked into the hotel and settled into our villa, it was already around 8:30 pm.

Rather than venturing too far, we decided to enjoy our first evening at a gentle pace.

We walked around the nearby streets before having dinner at a local Chinese restaurant just outside the resort.

After dinner, we returned to the hotel where live music was being performed in the open-air bar overlooking the sea.

Sitting outside with a drink, listening to live singing and feeling the warm evening breeze was the perfect introduction to Tenerife.

There was no rush.

No sightseeing.

Just the relaxing atmosphere we had been hoping for.

It was the ideal way to begin our holiday.

Day 2 – A Day to Relax and Enjoy the Resort

After the previous day’s travel, we deliberately kept our second day free.

Sometimes the best holiday memories are created not by rushing around but simply enjoying where you’re staying.

We spent most of the day around the hotel’s beautiful swimming pools.

The resort catered brilliantly for families, with separate pools for children, larger pools for adults and a spa area for those looking to unwind.

Throughout the day, the hotel organised complimentary activities around the pool, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere.

Our children loved moving between the different pools, while we enjoyed simply sitting back and taking in the views of the Atlantic.

For lunch, we stayed within the resort before spending the late afternoon walking along the coastal promenade in Golf del Sur.

The rugged volcanic coastline was completely different from the sandy beaches many people associate with Tenerife, yet it had its own unique beauty.

As evening approached, we found a quiet place overlooking the ocean to watch our first Tenerife sunset.

Dinner that evening was at the hotel restaurant, bringing another wonderfully relaxed day to a close.

Day 3 – Playa de las Vistas, Shopping & the Best Sunset in Tenerife

After a leisurely breakfast, we decided to enjoy another relaxed morning at the resort.

We spent some time on the small beach beside the hotel before returning to the swimming pool. The children loved the water, while we enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and the warm June sunshine. By lunchtime, we settled at the hotel’s poolside restaurant, where we enjoyed freshly prepared meals, refreshing fruit juices and a chance to simply slow down.

One of the things we loved most about this holiday was that there was no pressure to rush from one attraction to another. Tenerife encourages you to relax.

Later in the afternoon, at around 5:30 pm, we took a taxi to Playa de las Vistas, one of Tenerife’s most famous sandy beaches.

Unlike the volcanic coastline around Golf del Sur, Playa de las Vistas offers soft golden sand, calm clear water and a lively atmosphere that makes it ideal for families.

The taxi journey took around 20–25 minutes.

After arriving, we spent some time walking along the beach, watching families enjoying the sea and children building sandcastles. The water was exceptionally clean and inviting, while the promenade was lined with cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops.

This became our main shopping stop during the holiday. We picked up souvenirs, gifts for family and friends, and enjoyed some delicious ice cream before continuing our evening walk.

From Playa de las Vistas, we walked along the beautiful seafront promenade towards Playa de las Américas.

This easy, flat coastal walk is one of the nicest we’ve experienced anywhere in Europe.

The Atlantic Ocean remains beside you almost the entire way, with restaurants, palm trees and cafés creating a wonderful holiday atmosphere.

The Best Sunset in Tenerife

In our opinion, Playa de las Américas is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset.

Sunset during our visit was around 9:15 pm, giving us plenty of daylight to enjoy the beach before finding the perfect viewpoint.

Watching the sun slowly disappear into the Atlantic Ocean while sitting beside the sea was one of the highlights of our entire trip.

It was one of those travel moments that photographs simply cannot fully capture.

If you only watch one sunset during your Tenerife holiday, make it here.

After sunset, it was just a short five-minute walk to the taxi rank, where we easily found a taxi back to Golf del Sur.

Day 4 – Enjoying Golf del Sur

By our fourth day, we had settled into the relaxed pace of island life.

Rather than planning another busy day, we decided to make the most of the resort and the surrounding Golf del Sur area.

The morning was spent by the pool before taking another leisurely walk along the coastline.

Golf del Sur is much quieter than the busy resort towns further south, making it perfect for families looking for a peaceful base.

Later, we visited several local shops and purchased one of Tenerife’s best-known products—Aloe Vera skincare products.

Because of the island’s volcanic soil and sunny climate, locally produced Aloe Vera is considered some of the best in Europe. We brought several products home as gifts and also kept a few for ourselves.

Sometimes the most enjoyable holidays are not about doing more, but about enjoying where you are.

That perfectly sums up our fourth day.

Day 5 – Making the Most of the Final Day

Our return flight to Glasgow wasn’t until 8:00 pm, so we had almost an entire day left to enjoy Tenerife. Although hotel check-out was at 10:00 am, we requested a late check-out and were kindly allowed to stay until 10:40 am.

After checking out, the hotel stored all of our luggage safely at reception. One feature we really appreciated was that Hilton allowed guests to continue using all hotel facilities after check-out.

This meant our holiday didn’t end at 10:40 am. Instead, we spent another wonderful day enjoying the resort. For the first couple of hours, we relaxed beside the sea before returning to the swimming pools. We enjoyed another leisurely lunch, had one last ice cream, and simply made the most of every remaining moment.

Later in the afternoon, the hotel provided us with a complimentary courtesy room for one hour.

This was a fantastic service.

Between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, we showered, changed into fresh clothes and repacked our bags before leaving for the airport.

Feeling refreshed before an evening flight made the journey home far more comfortable.

At around 6:00 pm, we took a taxi back to Tenerife South Airport.

Security was quick and straightforward, giving us plenty of time before boarding our flight.

Dinner was served during the flight, and after landing in Glasgow we collected our car and drove home, arriving at around 2:00 am.

Although it was a long travel day, the memories we brought home made every mile worthwhile.

Practical Travel Tips for Tenerife

After spending five days on the island, here are a few things we learned that may help other travellers.

Airport Transfers

Always use the official taxi rank outside Tenerife South Airport.

It is well organised, accepts card payments and is considerably cheaper than booking with taxi representatives inside the terminal.

Useful Apps

Before travelling, we recommend installing these apps:

Jet2 – Flight updates and boarding passes
Google Maps – Navigation and offline maps
Uber (limited availability in some areas)
Booking.com (if booking accommodation)

Cards Instead of Cash

One of the biggest surprises during our holiday was how little cash we needed.

We paid for virtually everything by card, including:

Taxis
Restaurants
Cafés
Ice cream
Shopping
Souvenirs
Supermarkets

We didn’t need cash at all.

If possible, use a card with no foreign transaction fees, such as the Barclays Rewards Visa that we used throughout the trip.

For extra peace of mind, it’s always worth carrying a second backup card, such as Chase or Monzo, just as we recommended in our Central Europe Winter Trip guide.

Pack SPF 50+

The sunshine is stronger than many visitors expect.

Even though temperatures were only 22–25°C, the UV index was high.

A good SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential, especially for children.

Beware of Mosquitoes

One thing we weren’t expecting was mosquitoes. Although they weren’t everywhere, we did notice them, particularly during the evenings. Carrying insect repellent is definitely worthwhile.

Travelling with Cabin Luggage

Travelling with cabin luggage only made our entire journey much easier. If you plan carefully, four people can comfortably manage a five-day holiday without checking any bags. Our reusable 100 ml travel bottles from Primark worked perfectly.

Beach Culture

Visitors should be aware that topless sunbathing is quite common in parts of Tenerife, particularly around hotel pools and some beaches. There are also a small number of designated beaches where naturism is permitted.

For many visitors, this is simply part of local beach culture and is generally approached in a relaxed and respectful way. As a family, it wasn’t something that affected our holiday, but it’s useful to know in advance so you know what to expect.

Is Tenerife Worth Visiting?

Without any doubt.

When we booked this trip, we expected sunshine, beaches and a relaxing few days away.

What we didn’t expect was to fall in love with the island.

Tenerife gave us exactly what we needed—a chance to slow down, spend quality time together as a family and enjoy every moment without constantly checking a schedule.

Whether we were watching the sunset over the Atlantic, walking along the promenade at Playa de las Américas, relaxing by the pool, or simply enjoying breakfast on our sea-view balcony, every day felt effortless.

One of the biggest surprises was just how easy everything was. From paying by card almost everywhere to quick airport transfers, friendly people and excellent facilities, travelling around Tenerife was completely stress-free.

Before this holiday, Switzerland had always been our favourite destination in Europe.

Now?

Tenerife sits right beside it.

Not because it’s similar—they’re completely different—but because both places gave us unforgettable family memories.

If you’re looking for a destination that combines sunshine, beautiful scenery, excellent food and a genuinely relaxing atmosphere, we couldn’t recommend Tenerife more highly.

We arrived expecting a holiday.

We left already talking about when we’d return.

Triplogs Verdict

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall Experience

☀️ Weather: ★★★★★

🏖️ Beaches: ★★★★★

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly: ★★★★★

🏨 Accommodation: ★★★★★

🍽️ Food: ★★★★☆

🚕 Getting Around: ★★★★★

💳 Cashless Travel: ★★★★★

🌅 Sunsets: ★★★★★

Would we visit again?

Absolutely.

In fact, before leaving Tenerife, we were already discussing our next visit. If you’re looking for sunshine, relaxation and quality family time just a few hours from Scotland, Tenerife is hard to beat.

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