Enjoying Tenerife When Walking Is Difficult
One of the pleasures of visiting Tenerife is being able to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and explore somewhere different.
But what happens when walking long distances isn’t as easy as it used to be?
Perhaps your knees become uncomfortable after a few minutes. Maybe you find hills particularly tiring, or you’ve simply reached the stage where spending an entire afternoon on your feet no longer sounds especially appealing.
The good news is that you don’t need to be an enthusiastic walker to enjoy a wonderful Tenerife holiday.
With the right accommodation, sensible transport arrangements and a little practical planning, Tenerife holidays with limited mobility can still be relaxing, enjoyable and full of memorable experiences.
Choose your resort carefully
Tenerife has some spectacular scenery, but it’s also a volcanic island with plenty of hills.
Two hotels in the same resort can offer very different experiences. One might be beside a relatively level promenade, while another is reached by a steep uphill walk.
For visitors who find walking difficult, location matters enormously.
Los Cristianos is a popular choice because much of its central seafront area offers convenient access to cafés, restaurants and shops.
Parts of Costa Adeje also have attractive promenades and well-developed tourist facilities, although several neighbourhoods are noticeably hilly.
Playa de las Américas has lively, established areas with restaurants and entertainment close together.
However, no resort should be assumed to be entirely accessible. Pavement conditions, slopes, kerbs and individual building entrances can all make a difference.
Before booking, check the exact route between your accommodation and the places you’re likely to visit.
A good hotel location can transform your holiday
Imagine two otherwise identical apartments.
One is a ten-minute walk uphill from the nearest restaurant. The other is beside a pleasant seafront area with cafés and shops just a short distance away.
For somebody who enjoys walking, the difference might seem insignificant.
For somebody with reduced mobility, it could determine how often they feel comfortable leaving the accommodation.
Look for properties with:
- Convenient ground-level access or a reliable lift.
- Restaurants and shops within a manageable distance.
- Suitable bathroom facilities.
- Comfortable seating and shaded outdoor areas.
- Easy access for taxis.
- Enough space for any mobility equipment you use.
Don’t be afraid to contact the accommodation directly and ask detailed questions.
A property described as accessible may not necessarily meet your particular requirements.
Use taxis to save your energy
One of the simplest ways to make Tenerife more enjoyable is to stop treating every journey as a walking challenge.
If you’re heading to a restaurant, shopping centre or attraction, taking a taxi can help preserve your energy for the enjoyable part of the outing.
There’s no need to arrive exhausted before you’ve even ordered lunch.
For visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility equipment, suitable accessible transport should be arranged in advance where necessary.
Not every ordinary taxi can accommodate every type of equipment, so it’s important to explain your requirements when booking.
Enjoy Tenerife at a gentler pace
Some of the nicest Tenerife experiences involve very little walking.
A relaxed lunch overlooking the ocean, a coffee on a sunny terrace or an afternoon watching the activity around a harbour can be thoroughly enjoyable.
You might also consider a scenic drive, a short visit to a viewpoint or an attraction where suitable accessibility arrangements are available.
The key is to plan around what you can comfortably manage rather than trying to fit too much into one day.
Allow plenty of time for rest, and don’t feel obliged to keep up with somebody else’s itinerary.
Think about the beach before you arrive
Tenerife has some lovely beaches, but getting onto the sand can be difficult for visitors with reduced mobility.
Some established beach areas have accessible routes and facilities, although provision varies and may change.
Before making plans, check whether the beach offers suitable access, nearby toilets, accessible parking and any assistance you might require.
If walking on sand is uncomfortable, you may prefer a nearby promenade or beachfront café where you can still enjoy the sea without needing to reach the shoreline.
Sometimes a comfortable seat with a beautiful view is exactly what a holiday needs.
Don’t forget the airport journey
Airports can involve considerable walking, particularly when travelling through large terminals or reaching distant departure gates.
If you have difficulty walking long distances, request appropriate airport assistance through your airline before travelling.
Assistance may be available for passengers who can walk short distances but struggle with longer journeys through the airport.
For additional practical arrangements, Tenerife Carers provides information about Tenerife airport help.
Planning the journey properly can make the beginning and end of your holiday considerably less tiring.
What if you need help getting ready?
Reduced mobility doesn’t always mean needing regular personal care.
However, some visitors may find that unfamiliar bathrooms, lower beds or different accommodation layouts make everyday routines more challenging.
Perhaps you usually receive assistance with washing and dressing at home, or you would simply appreciate some temporary support during your holiday.
Tenerife Carers offers elderly care services in Tenerife that can be discussed according to individual requirements.
Arranging appropriate assistance may make it easier to maintain your usual routines while enjoying a change of scenery.
Enjoy outings with a little company
For some older visitors, the difficulty isn’t necessarily getting around. It’s feeling confident about going out alone.
When you’re unfamiliar with a destination, even a relatively short journey can seem daunting.
Having somebody accompany you to a café, local shop or suitable attraction may make outings more enjoyable.
Our companionship services can provide friendly company and agreed practical assistance for visitors who would appreciate some support.
It’s about helping people enjoy their holiday while maintaining as much independence as possible.
Consider mobility equipment if appropriate
Some visitors who normally manage without mobility aids at home find that using suitable equipment during a holiday gives them more freedom.
A walking stick, rollator or wheelchair may help with particular activities, depending on individual circumstances.
If you’re considering unfamiliar equipment, seek appropriate professional advice to make sure it is suitable and safe for you.
Check rental arrangements carefully, including delivery, collection and the equipment’s suitability for your accommodation.
For more information about accessible travel and planning journeys with mobility requirements, the Accessible Spain Travel website offers resources for travellers exploring accessible holiday options in Spain.
And remember that using an aid doesn’t mean you’ve somehow failed at being independent.
Quite the opposite: the right equipment can sometimes make it possible to enjoy places you might otherwise avoid.
Make your holiday work for you
Tenerife doesn’t have to mean long walks, exhausting excursions or struggling up hills in the afternoon sunshine.
For many older visitors, the real appeal is much simpler.
Warm weather, a comfortable place to stay, pleasant surroundings and the freedom to enjoy life at a gentler pace.
With sensible accommodation choices, convenient transport and practical support where needed, limited mobility doesn’t have to prevent a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.
If you’re planning a visit and would like to discuss personal care, companionship or other everyday assistance, contact Tenerife Carers to explore what support may be available.
After all, a good holiday isn’t measured by how far you walk. It’s measured by how much you enjoy yourself.