tenerife in april - what to do if not hot enough to swim

[lu9months]

hi, we are thinking of going to tenerife at easter with kids aged 12, 10 and 5. i hear the water wont be warm enough to swim? what is there to do for kids of these ages if not? we are staying at sheraton la caleta, thanks

'I hear'.... always something to be ignored. The place is on the same latitude as northern Africa, the sea is the Atlantic but it's fine. What you don't get is tropical warm water.

La Caleta is a lovely peaceful spot, and you can walk all along the promenade for miles. Hire a car and go up to the volcano, also plenty of other walking. There are a couple of waterparks too, as well as the huge pool in the hotel. Sea always nicer than pool - walk half a mile to El Duque beach.

We took our 6 to Tenerife last April and although it wasn't quite as warm as I had hoped (I am a bit of a reptile) it was still warm enough for the kids to swim, between 21 and 25 every day.

I've been to Tenerife many times - at various times of year.

The sea is often chilly as it is the Atlantic. However once you are in, it's fine Most hotels have heated pools.

April should be warm. I have been in mid April - it was glorious weather.

There is loads to do in Tenerife.

Mount Teide is a must. You can hire a car and drive up, or take a bus trip. If yourDC are happy to sit for a few hours, it is very educational on the coach. Younger children might be free/cheap. We have done it both self-drive and coach. The cable car to the top of Teide is fab- a bit pricey perhaps for all the family but really worth it. Get there early as the queues can be long (and take a jumper, it's cold up there!).

I have stayed at Sheraton La Caleta - went for our honey moon actually. Nice hotel. There isn't too much to do in the immediate area, but a short walk to the small beach and then further on to Del Duque area, with beach.

If you like seafood then turn right out of the hotel and walk up to La Caleta itself. Some great fresh seafood - one right on the point, with outdoor plastic tables and chairs is fab. Can't get a better view - or chipirones!

Restaurants in Playa Del Duque area are a bit expensive - and there aren't many, but things may have changed since I was there.

Also if you do hire a car- then take time to drive up to the North of the island. It's a totally different place. much greener and less crowded.

Take shorty wetsuits for kids. Decathlon have great shorty snorkeling suits that are thinner/lighter than usual and zip up the front so they're easier to get on and off themselves. They'll be fine.

thanks all, very helpful

I went to Tenerife on holiday at the end of April every year for 12 years ( we owned a timeshare) and it was always hot enough to swim in the non heated pool and lots of people seemed to be enjoying the sea too.

But we always did get a few cloudy days and would usually go off walking somewhere. ( be warned though that the sun comes through the clouds as I learned to my cost one day when I didn't think it was worth putting sun cream on)

The Zoo is really good and a drive up to the top of Mount Teide or a Day trip to the north of the island was always nice to do.

There is a small town called Adeje a short taxi ride from the main coastal resorts where you can follow a mountain path that leads to a waterfall. Not for people with a fear of heights though!