Dozens of flights take off from Ireland every week to the Canarian island of Tenerife. What is it about this volcanic outcrop that keeps Irish travellers coming back?

Sure, because of its location, off the northwest coast of Africa, the climate offers warm waters and plenty of sunshine. Surely there is nothing much to do except visit Mount Tide and laze in the all-year-round sun? And does Tenerife cater to all ages? Again, curiosity had me booking a flight back to explore.

Based in the Playa de Las Americas area, walking is the best way to get around the different strips or, like many locals and tourists do, hire a seated scooter. There are many whizzing by and I understand why, as getting to each end of the coastline can take a lot of walking. We did well over 12,000 steps per day.

If you are not a daily beach person, there are many things to do on the island. Mount Teide is an active volcano and hasn’t erupted since 1909.  You can take an excursion to see it, it is very out worldly and well worth visiting. The national park there is like being on another planet, you can get a cable car up to the top of the volcano but be warned it depends on the winds if it is accessible or you can always hike up (for the very fit) The landscape on this trip reminded me of the movie ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ with rock features and caves you could easily get lost in.

Another trip you can do is take a local bus to El Médano, where you will go through the quieter towns of Golf del Sur, Los Abrigos and Los Galletas.  El Médano is a very local area, and you won’t see many tourists here. If you want to get close to nature, a visit here is worth taking. The restaurants, if you can get into one, are superb. There are also plenty of coves along the boardwalk for swimming and the sand is quite black, which was strange to see. You will also see the infamous Red Rock along the journey, and I believe there is a beautiful beach there. There is also a huge water park called Siam Park on Tenerife, which families and adults will love.

Day trips to the island of La Gomera are another great option. Just a short ferry ride from the port of Los Cristianos, it feels like stepping into a completely different world, it’s quieter, greener and unspoilt. La Gomera is famous for Silbo Gomero, its incredible whistling language that was traditionally used to communicate across the island’s valleys. Dating back centuries and still taught in schools today, it’s one of the most unique and fascinating parts of the island’s culture.

Back on Tenerife, we retreated to Spring Hotel Bitacora. Spring Hotels is a Tenerife-based hotel group that’s been part of the island’s tourism scene for decades. They’re locally run, with their headquarters on Tenerife, with a local focus on owning and operating hotels on the island rather than being a big international chain. Over the years, they’ve built up a strong reputation, starting with a few well-known four-star hotels and later expanding with larger resort properties. Overall, they are very much rooted in Tenerife and committed to the local tourism industry. I visited three hotels with four-star ratings.

Spring Hotel Bitacora is in the heart of South Tenerife in the popular area of Playa de las Américas, just 20 minutes from the airport, which costs approx. €30 in a taxi.  This is a nine-story hotel that isn’t a high-rise but with a layout that feels pleasantly open and well spread out, rather than the usual high-rise hotel feeling of tall and imposing.

This is a popular family hotel with five pool areas, two dedicated for children with twisty, tube slides and double slides for a complete fun factor. There are ample lounges around the pools so parents can observe while also relaxing in the glorious sunshine. This hotel is well-suited for families and also has a games room, a shop in the hotel lobby with all the knick-knacks kids love to buy and there is also a vending machine lunch area outside.

The location is excellent and the view from one of the family rooms is instantly calming. You can walk out the door and onto the beach or promenade in minutes. Spring Hotel Bitacora is lively and has a lovely energy. As well as suited to families, multigenerational groups will enjoy it too. Rooms can also accommodate solo-parent families, with sofa beds, easily sleeping up to four people. The hotel is close to the buzzy strip full of shops, restaurants, live music venues, or take a walk along the beachfront and breathe it all in – that Tenerife vibe.

Conveniently located right across the street is the Spring Hotel Vulcano. Leaving the family vibe behind, this one feels much more grown-up, though it’s still perfectly suitable for families too. The striking exterior is even more impressive once you step inside. A calming water feature greets you on arrival, along with a welcome glass of prosecco – a lovely holiday touch that instantly sets the tone. The spacious marble-floored reception area has a tropical feel, with lush green foliage cascading from the balconies above and comfy, colourful seating scattered around the ground floor. It’s the perfect spot for a bit of people-watching while sipping your prosecco… and maybe even going back for another!

The rooms are pristine, with bright furnishings and plenty of storage. The balconies have enough room to enjoy the sunshine while gazing out at the sea. Again, the hotel is expansive and spread outwards instead of upwards. Throughout the hotel, there are quiet areas away from the pool area. The hotel also offers the option of ground-floor hotel rooms right beside the pool and restaurant level for anyone with mobility issues. The Spring Hotel Vulcano definitely leans more towards a party vibe, with its popular ‘Bed and Brunch’ concept and regular entertainment, including DJs, pool parties and fun daytime events.

A third option, the Arona Gran Hotel, is adult-only and enjoys a prime location right on the beautiful Los Cristianos beachfront – a real standout feature and, without doubt, its biggest selling point. If you’re feeling energetic, you can also enjoy a lovely walk along the beachfront from Playa de Las Américas to Los Cristianos or vice versa, which is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. I absolutely loved the vibe in Los Cristianos – it felt busy and full of life, but without the hustle and bustle of Playa de Las Américas, making it much more relaxed and laid-back.

The beach in Los Cristianos is perfect for a chilled day, with plenty of sun loungers available. Or, if you want to do as the locals do, simply bring a towel or chair, settle into the sand and watch the world go by. The beachfront promenade is lined with gorgeous cafés and bars, ideal for stopping off for a mid-day snack, a coffee or a refreshing drink in the sun. It’s the kind of place where hours can slip by without you even noticing.

As you walk into the Spring Hotel Arona Gran, you’re met with a huge open space rather than a traditional reception desk, creating more of a relaxed, ‘take a seat and sip your prosecco while we take care of everything’ kind of welcome. The rooms feel extra plush, complete with plumped-up pillows and stunning views overlooking Los Cristianos beach. Sitting on the balcony each evening, listening to the waves and watching the sun set was pure bliss. Tenerife sunsets are truly breathtaking, with vibrant colours lighting up the sky. Overall, the food across all three hotels was fantastic, with generous buffets offering something to suit every palate.

What is unique to all of the hotels is the UP! experience, which is the ultimate holiday experience and an add-on you didn’t think you needed, but you do. It is an additional charge; the more days you include, the cheaper it is and it includes unlimited drinks, food and a quieter area with stunning views to soak up the rays on a beautiful rooftop area which also has infinity pools and Jacuzzis. As one of the team, Andreas said to me, “When you go UP! You will not want to come down,” – he is correct!

Whether it’s a summer break or a winter sun destination, the choice of hotels with Spring Hotels all have something unique. Excursions are plentiful or you can do nothing at all. The choice is yours.

Travel Facts

Everything can be booked, including flights from Dublin, accommodation and transfers on their site – www.springhoteles.com. Excursions are all additional and can be booked from the many excursion booths along the strip and located at most shops.