Playa de Las America holidays

Families also have a lot to look forward – and entertainment goes way beyond building sandcastles on the beach. Hop just up the road to one of Europe’s best waterparks by day, play a round of mini-golf in the evening, and enjoy all sorts of watersports in between. With so much to do within a short walk or bus ride, you’ll have no trouble keeping little holidaymakers busy for a week or two.

After a little adventure? Playa de las Americas is the ideal base to explore more of Tenerife, so don’t just stick to the resort during your break. Take a boat to see dolphins and whales, stand at the top of a volcano, or hire a car and visit the capital, Santa Cruz. With hiking, biking and diving all popular in Tenerife, a holiday to Playa de las Americas can be as much about being active as it is about relaxing.

If you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Playa de las Americas, the shoulder seasons are your best bet. Easter and February see the island’s Semana Santa celebrations and famous carnival so prices are at a premium but October or March to early June often have good deals for a sunshine break.

Families and thrill-seekers alike flock to this popular waterpark just outside Playa de las Americas. Hurl yourself down the 28m-high (92ft) Tower of Power water slide, splash through the Mekong Rapids or simply relax and float down the lazy river.

The Thai theme adds colour, with temples, dragons and a floating market where you can buy souvenirs. Plus, there’s a sandy beach, cabanas for hire and plenty of fun attractions for kids.

Mount Teide

Rising up behind Playa de las Americas, and just an hour’s drive away, is Tenerife’s most striking feature – Mount Teide.

This volcano is part of the protected Teide National Park, and at 3,718m (12,198ft) high, it has spectacular views on a clear day. You don’t have to hike to the top to experience them (although you can with a permit) – a cable car regularly whisks visitors up to an area just short of the summit in less than ten minutes.

Diving

The warm waters around Tenerife are swarming with marine life, and calm waves make diving here a great experience for both experienced and novice divers – particularly in summer.

There are numerous dive schools operating in the area, and boat trips leave from nearby Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos harbour. Keep an eye out for turtles, stingrays, barracudas and seahorses under the waves.

Piramide de Arona

Lit up like a Las Vegas casino at night, the Piramide de Arona – part of the Mare Nostrum Resort – is the place to see traditional Spanish dance. The shows here include energetic performances of tango and flamenco choreographed by Carmen Mota, and make for a great way to start any evening.

While many shows are in Spanish, it’s not too difficult to follow as the expressive dancing and colourful costumes usually speak for themselves.

The Safari Centre

For a retail fix, the Safari Centre has all the designer boutiques and Spanish fashion chains you could wish for – Christmas shopping in the sun, anyone?

This luxury mall is part of the ‘golden mile’ for shopping in Playa de las Americas and has pedestrian walkways lined with palm trees. Visit in the evening to enjoy the light and fountain show and stop for a drink in one of the restaurants or bars.