Tenerife/Cyprus/Lanzarote

[MessyNDepressy]

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I am looking at booking a holiday for DS (13) and I for next June. It’s our first holiday abroad together and my first since I was very small. I am looking at Costa Adeje and Callao Salvaje in Tenerife - I like the look of Siam park, Lori Parque, Mount Teide etc. I don’t have the largest budget, probably around £2.3k max for one week, preferably half board. I have shortlisted Iberostar Dalias and Bouganville, GF Isobel and Gran, Hard Rock Hotel and Tropical Park for Tenerife - does anyone have any experience of these hotels with a teenager?

I also really like the look of the H10 Rubicon Horizons in Lanzarote and the Mare Paphos in Cyprus but I know less about these areas. There looks to be a good water park in Cyprus and some really cool ruins/archaeological sites there which we would love.

Any advice would be most welcome!

There is surfing, trail-biking and snorkeling at various places on the island though as well as the theme parks - I guess it depends on the teen. Nice to see more Lanzarote appreciation - I remember when people used to call it lanza-grotty which was dreadfully unfair considering how clean and eco-conscious it is - they even collect morning dew in the vineyards fgs.

Cyprus for us. We love it and have been several times. We’ve also been to each of the main Canaries only once and not interested in going again when we can go to Cyprus. No contest, weather generally better though too hot in Summer, far more history, ruins, churches, etc. The interest and sights of the no man’s land through the middle of Nicosia, and more recently being able to cross border points to visit the occupied Northern Turkish areas. Then visits to the mountains and monasteries.

Is he a rock fan? The shows in the hard rock, tenerife are good. We were there earlier this month. The hotel itself is worth the money for adults, not sure I'd spend out for a young teen. List what he wants to do and see which fits better. I'd say Tenerife, but I haven't been to Cyprus in years.

Just back from Adeje in Tenerife, bloody awful place and never again. Sorry to those that love it, and fully aware that I probably chose the wrong area, but full of people pushing drugs and drunk teenagers. Cyprus - Paphos in particular was fab in comparison

I’ve been to the Hard Rock Hotel in Tenerife after Covid. It’s a lovely hotel but I’d say it’s more for couples. There are plenty of relaxing pools there but can’t remember seeing water slides on site. What I didn’t like about Tenerife is that it’s windy at night especially and you can have days where it just isn’t that sunny.

I went to Feurteventura in August a few years back, will never go back, was so windy and we couldn’t go into the sea because of the waves - we tried once but ended up under water . I really don’t like the Canary Islands tbh but I did like Lanzarote. @MessyNDepressy have you considered Turkey, it’s exceptionally good value for money and they usually have water parks on site. Also guaranteed good weather. Check the Alanya area if interested.

Have stayed in the Rubicon, back when I was a teen! It was ok but wouldn’t return to lanzarote, it was windy and a bit boring. Have been going to Tenerife since I was 17 and love it. We stayed in Las Dalias last time and it’s perfect for teens, great food, good entertainment and central location. Have also stayed in GF Gran and would say it’s fine but not as good for teens in regards to location or entertainment. Siam park is fantastic, easily the best water park we’ve been to and that includes Florida. Honestly, I would book Las Dalias! We will definitely return there. Haven’t been to Cyprus though so can’t compare.

This, Cyprus has a lot to offer and imo is very pretty. I haven’t been to Lanzarote but was not impressed with either Tenerife or Gran Canaria, very barren with not very nice beaches, I won’t be going back, just my opinion.

Cyprus alll day long.

Definitely Cyprus, lots to do and see, mountains, beaches, water parks, various boat trips turtles, water sports, Nicosia is good to visit, lots of history, weather is very consistent and the food is good. The Cypriots also really like us!

Tenerife.

Having been to all 3 I’d say Cyprus. Lanzarote is cold in the evenings due to the wind. Tenerife is too busy. Fuertuventura is lovely though as mentioned by a pp. I’d also recommend going AI to make your budget stretch. You can eat out once or twice but eating out every night and buying drinks/ice cream outside your half board really adds up.
We did Kos last year and ate in town about twice a week. The food was amazing.

Thanks so much for all the replies! Really helpful. Fuertuventura looks lovely but there are no flights from my local airport and with it being our first time abroad, I want to keep it as simple as possible. I do know lots of people who go to Lanzarote every year and love it, I guess everyone just has different tastes.

I’ve narrowed it down to either the Iberostar Waves Las Dalias in Costa Adeje, Tenerife or the Mare Paphos in Cyprus. Both all inclusive, Cyprus is slightly more expensive but is a 5 star hotel. Going to mull it over for a few days then book.

I also loved Lanzarote. The volcanic rocks were amazing and I appreciated how the island had adapted to its landscape and climate by growing cacti for cochineal and by using drystone walls to protect plants. I was also impressed by how they conserved and protected vulnerable volcanic landscapes from too much tourist footfall.