First-Time Tenerife Holidays for Older Visitors
If you’ve never been to Tenerife before, you might be wondering whether it’s the right destination for you.
Perhaps friends have been recommending it for years. Perhaps you’re looking for somewhere warmer during the British winter. Or maybe you’ve finally decided that a little sunshine and a change of scenery are long overdue.
Whatever brings you here, Tenerife can be a wonderful destination for older holidaymakers.
But your first visit is always easier when you know a little about the island before arriving.
From choosing a resort to getting around and arranging occasional assistance, here are some practical tips for enjoying your first Tenerife holiday as an older visitor.
Start by choosing the right resort
Tenerife isn’t one enormous holiday resort. It’s an island with different towns, landscapes and holiday experiences.
For many first-time older visitors, the south is a natural starting point because of its established tourist facilities and generally sunnier, drier climate.
Los Cristianos is particularly popular with mature holidaymakers. It has a busy town centre, a harbour, beaches, restaurants and a long seafront promenade.
Costa Adeje offers attractive beaches, smart hotels and pleasant coastal areas. However, some accommodation is located uphill, so it’s important to check the exact location.
Playa de las Américas has plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment, although some areas are livelier than others.
None of these resorts is entirely flat, and accessibility can vary considerably between individual streets and properties.
If walking is difficult, don’t rely solely on the resort name. Check the surroundings of the actual hotel or apartment.
Think about comfort before booking
A lovely sea view is always appealing, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of everyday convenience.
For older visitors, particularly those with mobility difficulties, a comfortable holiday often begins with practical accommodation choices.
Before booking, check:
- Whether there are steps at the entrance or inside the property.
- Whether lifts serve all necessary floors.
- How far the nearest shops and restaurants are.
- Whether the bathroom has a suitable shower.
- Whether air conditioning or fans are available when needed.
- How easily taxis can reach the entrance.
If you use a wheelchair, walking frame or other mobility equipment, ask specific questions rather than assuming a property described as accessible will meet your requirements.
Tenerife Carers offers holiday planning services for visitors who would benefit from considering care and practical requirements before travelling.
Getting from the airport to your accommodation
Most visitors staying in southern Tenerife arrive at Tenerife South Airport.
After a flight, collecting luggage and finding transport can feel tiring, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the airport.
It’s worth arranging your onward journey in advance.
If you need assistance moving through the airport, contact your airline and arrange the appropriate reduced-mobility assistance before travelling.
For visitors who need additional practical help with arrival arrangements, Tenerife Carers also provides information about Tenerife airport assistance.
Don’t try to see everything in the first week
Tenerife has plenty to explore, from the dramatic landscapes around Mount Teide to traditional towns, coastal villages and scenic viewpoints.
But there’s no reason to turn your first holiday into an endurance test.
One of the great pleasures of Tenerife is simply enjoying the atmosphere.
A morning stroll, lunch overlooking the sea and an afternoon sitting somewhere comfortable can be every bit as enjoyable as a full-day excursion.
For ideas about attractions, places to visit and island experiences, the official Tenerife tourism website is a useful starting point.
Choose activities that suit your energy levels and allow time to relax between outings.
What if you need help with everyday activities?
Some visitors are completely independent at home but find unfamiliar accommodation and holiday routines more challenging.
Others already receive assistance from relatives or carers and need to consider how those arrangements will work while abroad.
Depending on individual needs, temporary support might include help with personal care, preparing meals or managing suitable everyday tasks.
Tenerife Carers provides elderly care services for residents and holidaymakers, with arrangements discussed according to the assistance required.
It’s always best to make enquiries before travelling, particularly if you have specific personal care or mobility needs.
Travelling alone doesn’t mean being lonely
Many older people enjoy travelling independently, and Tenerife can be a sociable place to spend time.
Established resorts have welcoming cafés, restaurants and promenades where it’s easy to settle into a relaxed routine.
But if you’re travelling alone for the first time, you might occasionally appreciate some company.
Perhaps you’d enjoy somebody accompanying you to a café, helping with a shopping trip or simply spending an afternoon chatting.
Our companionship services can be discussed for visitors who would appreciate friendly company and agreed practical assistance.
Remember the little practical details
Before leaving home, make sure your passport and travel documents meet the applicable entry requirements.
Arrange suitable travel insurance, particularly if you have existing medical conditions, and check that you have sufficient medication for your stay.
It’s also sensible to keep important contact numbers somewhere easily accessible.
Remember that Tenerife uses the euro, and although English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few Spanish phrases can be useful.
And one detail that catches out some first-time visitors: Tenerife is on the same time as the UK throughout the year, so there’s no time difference to worry about.
Give yourself permission to enjoy it
For some older visitors, especially those who haven’t travelled abroad for several years, the idea of a new destination can feel a little daunting.
That’s perfectly understandable.
But with suitable accommodation, sensible planning and the option of assistance where needed, a first Tenerife holiday can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
You don’t need to climb mountains, hire a car or fill every day with excursions.
Sometimes the best holiday memories come from finding a favourite café, watching the world go by and realising you’ve got absolutely nowhere you need to be.
If you’re planning your first visit and would like to discuss practical care or holiday assistance, contact Tenerife Carers to explore what support may be available.
Who knows? Like so many visitors before you, your first Tenerife holiday might turn out to be the beginning of a very enjoyable annual tradition.