Why visit the Canary Islands for your next family holiday? BritMums Instagrammers recently shared their best family holiday experiences in the Canaries (or images of their family doing an activity they’d like to experience there)! We were bowled over by how many parents and children, from babies to teenagers, love visiting. Here, we share the best reasons to vacation in the Canary Islands with kids!
Are the Canary Islands worth it for families?
With clement temperatures all year round, sand, sea and stunning volcanic landscapes, there’s plenty to recommend the Canaries for every kind of family. The islands — Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa — each offer a whole range of ways to enjoy the Canary Islands with kids. They’re perfect for island hopping, water sports, eating out, exploring or just hanging out on a sun lounger at one of the many luxury resorts. Check out our separate guide to the best resorts the islands have to offer.
Here, see the top 8 reasons to visit the Canary Islands for your next family holiday.
1. Great hiking and biking
With its dramatic rocky volcanic landscape, The Canaries is a great place for hiking, biking, even camel trekking.
2. Fabulous beaches
With its choice of golden sandy beaches and blue sea, the Canaries are home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Because these are volcanic islands, you not only have pale blonde beaches but also exotic black sand versions (great for Instagramming!). You can choose from secluded coves to bustling beachfronts. Just check out the inviting sands at these beaches!
3. World-class resorts
Luxury resorts are one of the areas where the Canary Islands excel. They are ideal for sitting on a sun lounger sipping cocktails or indulging in some relaxing beauty treatments while the kids are entertained (and happily exhausted) by trained professionals. Discover the best all-inclusive family resorts in the Canary Islands in our guide.
4. It’s baby, child and teen friendly
The Islands’ many restaurants and resorts are accustomed to catering for the needs of families with babies and small children along with options for older children. With baby-friendly pools and safe spaces to play and menus created for tiny palettes, it’s a no-brainer choice for these families. Because the temperatures tend to range from 18C to 24C (64F to 75F), you don’t have to worry about little ones overheating or getting a chill. You’re still in a European time zone and the scenery includes natural parks and coastlines.
Older kids will love the exciting watersports, teen discos and opportunities to chill with (and without) their parents. Book some of the accommodation that ranges from budget to boo-yah and you’re set!
5. Great tapas!
Naturally you can sample a selection of mouth-watering cheeses (including Fuerteventura goat’s cheese), chorizo and other traditional tapas at some of the Canary Islands’ best restaurants. Canarian dishes centre around fresh fish, soups and stews, and vegetables, with PDO wines and Canarian signature dishes like ropa viejo (shredded beef and vegetables) and papas arrugadas (potatoes served with mojo sauce).
And as @morrighani points out, tapas are perfect for baby-led weaning too!
6. Inspiring art and architecture
It’s not just sun, sea and sand that makes the Canary Islands with kids a great holiday (although that’s certainly reason enough to pay a visit). There are also outstanding sculptures and architectural gems to be seen, from Santa Ana’s Cathedral (Gran Canaria) and Tilos Bridge (La Palma) to the National Parque Maconia (Lanzarote) (pictured below).
Get some culture along with the sun.
7. Perfect pools
As well as the sea, there are pools aplenty all over the island for splashing and floating fun! Some resorts feature family-only or adult-only pools, which ensures you’ll be swimming with like-minded travellers.
8. It makes long-lasting memories
Visiting the Canary Islands with kids will make for a family break that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons. Plus, you get the fabulous weather only a few hours’ flight from the UK, making getaways easy. It’s the kind of ideal destination to make happy family memories that last forever!
More ideas for family travel in Spain and beyond
34 of the best family hotels and resorts in the Canary Islands
6 parents review their favourite Lanzarote activities
11 best family destinations in Spain
7 best short breaks to Spain with kids
10 brilliant ideas for teens’ post-GCSE holidays
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