Enjoy year-round sunshine on a family holiday in the Canary Islands

Enjoy year-round sunshine on a family holiday in the Canary Islands

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Explore Spain’s most-loved islands with a family holiday in the Canaries

The Canary Islands offer year-round fun in the sun. These gorgeous, subtropical Spanish islands are a great destination for families at any time, with fabulous weather, beautiful beaches, and endless things to do for families. Choose the island that best suits you - do you want the calm, friendly resorts of Gran Canaria, the dramatic volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, or the adventurous terrain of Tenerife, or would you rather explore one of the smaller islands? Whatever your family is looking for, you'll find a Canary Island that suits you.

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Planning things to do for families in the Canary Islands

What attractions are suitable for families in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands are full of fun activities for youngsters. Naturally, there are dozens of great beaches on every island - but there are also other exciting, adventurous places to go. On Tenerife, you can enjoy a very outdoorsy family holiday in the Canary Islands. Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, is a challenging climb for anyone, and young kids will not be able to tackle it - but there's a cable car that will take you to the top, where you'll enjoy truly spectacular views. Keep in mind that infants under the age of 3 cannot take the cable car, due to the thin air at the top. Gran Canaria has theme parks, water parks, and some thrilling walks, such as the hike to Roque Nublo, the island's iconic, wild west-esque rock formation. Visit the small island of La Palma for a trip to the Starlight Reserve, where the clear night sky lets kids discover the magic of stargazing. The Canary Islands are ideal for a family holiday for nature lovers. Whales and dolphins can be seen all year round, with every island offering boat trips to spot these majestic creatures.

Where should I stay on a family trip to the Canary Islands?

Every Canary Island is different, so choosing where to go for holiday lettings in the Canary Islands can be tricky! Many seasoned Canary veterans say that Gran Canaria is the best choice for a family holiday in the Canary Islands, as it has the perfect mix of family-friendly beaches and fun attractions. Stay in Playa del Inglés, a popular family resort, or Puerto Rico; the noisy nightlife of Maspalomas might be too much for young children, although there are some great waterparks nearby! South Tenerife is also popular with families, thanks to its water parks and beaches. As an island, Tenerife offers lots of adventurous activities, with hiking trails that are best for older children. For a quieter holiday, try Lanzarote or La Palma. These have less of the crazy nightlife that the bigger Canaries have, so they're good for relaxed, laid-back family trips.

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FAQs: Family holidays in the Canaries

What's the best time of year to visit the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands are a popular year-round destination, as they offer sunshine throughout the year. They are at their busiest in July and August - but keep in mind that the temperatures during the summer can be suffocatingly hot. Tenerife sees daily average highs of 31°C in August, for example. What's more, the islands are crowded in the summertime; you may prefer to visit in the spring or autumn instead. The Canaries are a good choice for winter sunshine, but do bring jackets for the evening. Lanzarote, in particular, is known for its chilly winds.

Where are the best family beaches in the Canary Islands?

Some of the best beaches for families can be found on Gran Canaria. Playa de las Canteras and Playa de las Amadores both have safe, shallow waters that are suitable for young kids to play. Families visiting Tenerife flock to beaches like Las Vistas, Abades, and Playa San Juan, while Lanzarote's Playa Blanca is always a popular choice. Lanzarote also has the Costa Teguise, where the beaches are near playgrounds, public toilets, and other handy amenities.

What are the most popular family attractions in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands have a number of great waterparks, theme parks, and adventure parks for youngsters. Tenerife's Siam Park is considered by many to be one of the best waterparks in Europe, while Gran Canaria's Sioux City Park is a lively, wild west-themed amusement park with some thrill rides and great live shows. Fuerteventura has a smaller waterpark of its own, the delightful Corralejo Park (Acua Water Park).

How easy is it to find family-friendly restaurants in the Canary Islands?

It's very easy, particularly on the main islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Generally, if you're in a resort area, you'll always find some restaurants with international food that will appeal to fussy eaters. However, most Spanish restaurants and bars also serve child-friendly fare. Tapas portions are suitable for youngsters, and bars will always have some simple fried food that even fussy kids like, such as plain chips (skip the bravas sauce if your kids are picky) or creamy croquetas de jamón.

What can I do with my kids in the Canary Islands if the weather's bad?

Yes, even the sunkissed Canary Islands get rain occasionally! If you're staying in or near a city, it's worth looking for the nearest shopping centre, or centro comercial. They usually have attractions like bowling, video game arcades, and so on. For something more exciting, visitors to Tenerife can go to the Cueva del Viento. This volcanic attraction is the longest lava tunnel in Europe. As it's totally covered by rock-hard lava, this fascinating attraction is perfect for rainy days.

Destinations in the Canaries for Family holidays