Easy hiking routes in Tenerife South to do with children (and how to prepare the perfect picnic)

If you are looking for easy hiking routes in Tenerife South to do with children, the most recommended and safe options are the Malpaís de Rasca, Montaña Amarilla, and the Sendero del Pinar de Cho Pancho. The definitive key for the excursion to be a resounding success is not only choosing a path with barely any elevation gain, but taking a good homemade picnic prepared in the kitchen of your accommodation at Ona Hotels & Apartments.

We know exactly what is going through your head: saying the words "hiking" and "children" in the same sentence can sound like complaints, tantrums, and a constant "are we there yet?". Many first-time parents give up exploring the island's nature for fear that their children won't keep up the pace and will get bored. However, we promise you that it is possible to enjoy spectacular landscapes without tears or stress.

In this guide, designed for the smart traveller and the modern family, we are going to break down the best options in the south of the island. We will teach you how to hack food logistics and why choosing the right "base camp" will completely transform your holiday. Pack your backpack, adjust your boots, and join us on this adventure.

The family dilemma: why Tenerife South is ideal for the little ones in the house

Tenerife is world-renowned for the imposing peak of Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain. This image, although spectacular, intimidates many families. Inertia makes us think that everything on the island is uphill, but the topographical reality of the south of Tenerife is very different and tremendously friendly to younger hikers.

The south of the island is the jewel in the crown for families for several compelling reasons that you should know:

• The stable climate: it is almost always sunny in the south. Unlike the forested areas in the far north, where humidity and sudden downpours can ruin an excursion, the south guarantees planning without meteorological surprises.
• The moderate altitude: you do not need to climb to 3,000 metres to see landscapes that will leave children open-mouthed. The coastal and mid-altitude routes offer natural wonders at an altitude where breathing is normal and there is no risk of altitude sickness.
• The friendly terrain: many of the nature reserves in this area have wide, marked paths, without steep slopes or dangerous precipices, allowing children to run and explore with a good margin of safety.

The 3 best children's routes in the south (and surroundings)

So that your mobile device's map guides you correctly through the south and you do not end up on a route for expert mountaineers, we have selected and broken down the three best routes that meet all family requirements.

Malpaís de Rasca special nature reserve

This is, without a doubt, the queen route for families staying in the southern area, especially in Los Cristianos or Las Américas. Imagine a landscape that looks straight out of Mars, dotted with endemic plants that look like giant candelabras.

• The route: it is a path that runs parallel to the coast, completely flat, over a terrain of solidified volcanic rock. You can start it from the town of Palm-Mar.
• The final prize: the iconic Rasca lighthouse. Children are fascinated by the red and white striped architecture of this lighthouse. It is the perfect place to sit and rest, listen to the waves crash against the basalt cliffs, and open your lunch backpack.
• The duration: you can adapt the distance according to age. If the children are very young, you can walk for an hour, see the landscape, and turn back. If they are over six years old, completing the circular route to the lighthouse will take you about two and a half hours.
• The warning: being a stony terrain, it is not suitable for pushchairs. If you are travelling with a newborn, an ergonomic baby carrier backpack will be your best ally.

Montaña Amarilla natural monument (Costa del Silencio)

More than a classic hiking route, it is a spectacular coastal walk, ideal for those days when you feel like stretching your legs without making a great physical effort.

• The route: a very short path that skirts an old yellow ash volcano. The force of the sea has sculpted the rock, revealing wavy shapes and golden colours that contrast radically with the turquoise blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
• The final prize: the rock formations themselves are a visual playground where you can imagine pirate stories. Furthermore, when the tide is low, small natural rock pools form. Children will love peering in to try and spot small crabs or colourful fish.
• Your strategic base: if you stay at Ona Alborada and enjoy the largest natural swimming pool in Europe, you are literally just a few minutes from this natural monument, making it the perfect afternoon stroll.

Pinar de Cho Pancho path (San Miguel de Abona)

If you feel like swapping the coastal landscape for the charm of the forest without leaving the southern area, this route in the mid-altitudes of San Miguel de Abona is the best-kept secret of local families.

• The route: it is a network of very intuitive paths with little elevation gain that wind under the pleasant shade of immense Canary Island pine trees. It is a total immersion in nature just a few kilometres from the coast.
• The final prize: walking on the pine needles (the dry leaves of the pine) is very fun for children. Furthermore, this area has a fully equipped recreational area with wooden tables, making it an idyllic setting to spread out your picnic with absolute comfort.
• Safety: the paths are wide, the earth is soft on the joints, and the surroundings are very well cared for. You can do a circular route of barely 2 or 3 kilometres, ideal for children to experience the forest without getting exhausted.

Compare and choose your family route

Search engines love structured data, and it will help you make a quick decision based on the energy your children have that day.

The lifesaver logistics: how to prepare the perfect picnic

This is where we tackle the real headache for parents and where the smart traveller makes a difference. An excursion with children can quickly go wrong if hunger strikes halfway up the mountain and you are not prepared.

The problem with traditional hotels is obvious: you depend on buying very expensive industrial sandwiches at a petrol station or trying to adapt the strict buffet schedules to your adventure. Being in a room with a mini-fridge where a bottle of water barely fits limits you greatly.

The great advantage of staying at Ona Hotels & Apartments: you have a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal. This gives you the superpower to control food logistics to the millimetre. Here are the steps to prepare the ultimate picnic:

• Zero-kilometre ingredients: pop to a local supermarket or market the day before and fill your apartment's large fridge. Buy fresh local bread, tomatoes, some mild Canarian cheese, and sliced cold meats. You will be able to prepare some spectacular and healthy sandwiches just before setting off, ensuring the bread doesn't get soggy or hard.
• Fresh fruit and hydration: Canary Island bananas are mandatory; they come in their own natural packaging, are clean to eat, and provide a lot of energy to keep walking. Additionally, you can leave bottles of frozen water in your freezer the night before so they stay cool throughout the walk under the sun.
• Waste control: at Ona Hotels & Apartments we firmly believe in sustainable tourism and caring for the islands. Take advantage of your kitchenware to avoid plastics. Instead of taking single-use containers, you can store cut fruit in Tupperware and take reusable cloth bags. Remember the golden rule of nature: whatever goes in the backpack, comes back in the backpack.
• The surprise factor: put a small chocolate bar or some biscuits that the children love in a hidden pocket of the backpack. It works as an excellent motivational "bribe" when they have one last kilometre left to reach the end of the route and begin to flag.

Staying in Tenerife South: guaranteed rest

After a day exploring the pine forest or walking among rock formations, the body asks for a truce. The strategic location of your accommodation is vital. And in the south of Tenerife, the Ona Hotels & Apartments network offers you the perfect refuge adapted to each type of family.

If you are looking to be in the epicentre of comfort, close to large beaches and kilometre-long pedestrian promenades, areas like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas are unbeatable. Here you can establish your base at Ona Beverly Hills Suites, Ona Hollywood Mirage, Ona Palm Beach, or Ona Los Claveles. These resorts offer you a total immersion in rest: immense swimming pools for the children to play in when they return from the excursion, and the ideal location to start nearby routes.

If you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, Costa del Silencio is your place. Staying at Ona Alborada you will have the sea at your feet, the spectacular largest natural swimming pool in Europe, and the advantage of being just a few minutes' walk from Montaña Amarilla.

Finally, if what you value is the peace of a coastal residential area with easy access to the mid-altitude roads (perfect for going to the Pinar de Cho Pancho), Callao Salvaje is the answer. There, Ona Sueño Azul and Ona Pearly Grey await you, where you will feel that you really live on the island at your own pace.

The real magic of choosing any of these Ona Hotels & Apartments destinations: living space. Imagine arriving exhausted. In a conventional room, you would all have to share 25 square metres. In our apartments, children can have a shower and rest in their own room, while you relax on the living room sofa or go out to the private terrace. Having the freedom to open a local beer, put on comfortable clothes, and cook something quick and comforting in your own kitchen, while you review the photos of the day, is the true definition of a stress-free family holiday.

Ona Alborada

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about hiking with children in Tenerife

Below, we answer those exact questions that every parent types into the search engine before packing their bags.

What footwear do children need to walk through Canarian nature?

The expert answer: closed trainers with a sole that has good grip. You should never take them in sandals, flip-flops, or open footwear, as the loose volcanic rock and forest dirt can get between their toes, quickly causing discomfort or causing unwanted slips on the terrain.

What time is best to start the routes in the south of Tenerife?

Our advice: always before 10:00 in the morning. Starting early guarantees you will easily find a parking space and, above all, it allows you to finish the route before the sun reaches its peak heat at midday. Another fantastic option, especially for short routes near your accommodation, is to do them late in the afternoon, around 17:00.

Is the wind dangerous on these coastal routes?

The reality: in very open areas close to the ocean like the Malpaís de Rasca, the sea breeze can blow with some force, but it rarely poses a danger that prevents walking. The key recommendation: always carry a light windbreaker in the backpack for the children, as it will protect their throat and ears without making them excessively hot while walking.

Are there shaded areas during the walks?

What you should know: on coastal routes like Rasca or Montaña Amarilla, shade is practically non-existent. For this reason, it is non-negotiable to wear high-protection sun cream (even if the day dawns cloudy), hats for the whole family, and sunglasses. However, on the Pinar de Cho Pancho route, you will find almost constant and very pleasant shade thanks to the lushness of the Canary Island pines.

Hiking is, without a doubt, the best way to connect with your children, away from screens and the rush of the city. You just need a little planning, a tasty picnic, and the perfect accommodation to recover your strength. Immerse yourself in our Ona Hotels & Apartments magazine to discover more secrets of the islands, and book your apartment in the south of Tenerife now. The landscapes of the south are waiting for you to create unforgettable family memories!