Tenerife often gets filed under a generic 'beach holiday' label and, while yes, the beaches here are absolutely stunning, the island offers so much more than that. From breathtaking volcanic peaks to adventure parks, Tenerife is packed full of attractions and fun days out, perfect for a family holiday.

So, without further ado, here's what your 7-day itinerary could look like in this Canarian gem!

Day 1: Touching Down in the South

Most flights from the UK and EU land at Tenerife South Airport, so base the first few nights around Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos rather than fighting the drive north straight away. The scenery here is drier and more dramatic than most people expect, with dusty hills, cactus and volcanic rock running almost to the shoreline.

Pick up a hire car or a transfer at arrivals, settle in and keep the first evening to little more than a walk along the harbour. There's plenty of time for the rest of the island!

Day 2: Full Throttle at Siam Park

Once everyone's well-rested, a day at Siam Park is the perfect way to let some energy out after sitting on a long flight, particularly for the kids.

Named the number one water park in the world for ten consecutive times by Tripadvisor, Siam Park has it all: exhilarating rides for the adrenaline junkies, family-friendly pools and slides, dedicated relaxation areas with restaurants and even VIP Areas for those who want to treat themselves a little extra.

Day 3: Chasing Clouds up Mount Teide

Next up, one of the major attractions on the island – Mount Teide, an active stratovolcano and the highest peak in Spain, reaching a whopping 3,715 metres above sea level. UNESCO ranks it as the world's third-tallest volcanic structure once you measure the whole length from its base on the Atlantic seabed (around 7,500 metres in total).

The road up to Mount Teide from the south climbs through lush pine forests before the landscape turns almost Mars-like, with barely any vegetation and red rock as far as the eye can see.

Just remember to book the cable car slot in advance, as it fills up fast, especially during the peak season!

Day 4: Crossing Into the Old North

A visit to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which was once Tenerife's official capital until Santa Cruz took over the job in 1723, is a must.

The city's old grid of colonial streets and timber balconies retain their historic character, and the layout became an inspiration behind colonial town planning across the Americas – hence the city has made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Spend a few hours wandering around the colourful 16th-century centre and have a coffee in one of its charming courtyards, before pushing on towards the coast.

Day 5: Puerto de la Cruz and Loro Parque

Day 5 is all about Puerto de la Cruz, an old banana-shipping port turned resort town with a magnificent black-sand seafront, a seafront lido built into volcanic rock and a botanical garden planted back in 1788. After spending a morning exploring the town, plan your afternoon around a visit to Loro Parque.

Featuring hundreds of animal species, among them parrots, gorillas, penguins, lions, capybaras, dolphins and killer whales as well as an incredible selection of subtropical plant species and immersive experiences, it calls itself the best modern zoo in the world for a reason.

Day 6: The Forest at the Edge of the Map

Sitting right on the island's northernmost tip, Anaga Nature Reserve feels like a different country entirely, covered in deep ravines with carpets of laurel forests, sharp mountain peaks and fishing hamlets.

It's a UNESCO biosphere reserve and, walking through it, that classification starts to make sense very quickly, once you see ferns taller than the kids and take in the air that smells faintly of damp bark all around.

The paths linking villages like Taganana and Chamorga are steep in places but manageable for most families with older children.

Day 7: Making Your Way Back South

Give the last day to the drive back towards the airport, broken up rather than rushed in one go. Keep the final evening free for one last treat – a proper Canarian meal wherever you're staying.

Some of the absolute must-tries include papas arrugadas with mojo (authentic Canarian wrinkled potatoes with pepper and garlic sauces), queso asado con mojo (thick cuts of local goat's cheese drizzled with a garlic sauce), ropa vieja Canaria (a comforting beef and chicken stew with chickpeas and potatoes) and the local seafood specialities like wreckfish or parrotfish (usually caught fresh that very morning).

More Than Just a Beach Holiday

For any adventurous families thinking about their holiday getaway for December or January, Tenerife could not be a more perfect destination.

It truly has all bases covered, from the best adventure parks and zoos in the world, to fascinating nature, historic towns and, of course, stunning, sunny beaches.