With its perfect climate, stunning scenery and a wide variety of activities for all ages, it's hard to go wrong. But which is the best island to travel to in the Canary Islands with children?
In this article, we help you discover the best of the islands so you can decide which one is the most suitable for your family holiday.
Tenerife: fun for the whole family
We start with Tenerife, a paradise for all tastes that offers a unique mix of activities that delight children and adults alike, and you can stay in one of the best family hotels in Tenerife.
Unique theme parks and water parks in the Canary Islands
In Tenerife, you won't get bored for a second with water parks like Siam Park, considered one of the best water parks in the world, where you can experience exciting adventures for the whole family. With giant slides, lazy rivers and artificial beaches, it's a day of fun guaranteed.
Nature and animal lovers can't miss the largest zoo in the Canary Islands. Loro Parque is famous for its incredible collection of animals and its dolphin, killer whale and parrot shows. It’s an educational and entertaining visit that will fascinate the youngest visitors.
Nature and outdoor adventures
Visiting the island of Tenerife is the best way to introduce the youngest members of the family to the world of adventure and nature. An ideal setting for this is Mount Teide. A visit to the Teide National Park is a must during your stay on the island. You can take the cable car to almost the top of Spain's highest volcano and enjoy spectacular views. There are hiking trails suitable for families with children.
If you want to spend a day in Tenerife's greatest natural treasure, the Sendero de los Sentidos (Path of the Senses) awaits you with open arms. This trail in the Anaga Rural Park is perfect for kids. It offers a sensory experience through the laurel forest with interactive activities along the way.
Beaches and water activities
Tenerife not only hides dreamy natural landscapes, it has a wide variety of beaches and water activities for the little ones. One example of this is Playa de las Teresitas. This beach of golden sand and calm waters is ideal for children. In addition, there are bars and restaurants nearby to enjoy the best local gastronomy with the family.
If you want to discover the coast and enjoy a family day out at sea, boat trips are ideal. From the ports of Los Cristianos or Puerto Colón, you can take boat trips to see dolphins and whales, an unforgettable experience for children.
Gran Canaria: adventure and relaxation
Gran Canaria is a miniature continent in its diversity of landscapes and activities, offering something for everyone.
Fun is guaranteed
As well as enjoying the best hotels for families in Gran Canaria, the island offers the best leisure plans. Discover one of the largest flora and fauna reserves in the Canary Islands, Palmitos Park. A fantastic place for children to learn about animals and plants while enjoying bird and dolphin shows.
If you want to cool off and spend a fun-filled day with the family, Aqualand Maspalomas is the place to be. A water park with a wide variety of slides and pools for all ages, perfect for a fun-filled day under the Maspalomas sun.
Mountains and nature: landscapes of contrasts
The island's diverse landscape won’t leave you indifferent. Every step you take, you’ll discover a magical space, different from the previous one and no less spectacular than the next. An example of this is Roque Nublo. One of the most emblematic natural monuments of Gran Canaria. An easy hike to the top offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Dare you discover a place full of history? In the southern municipality of Agüimes you’ll find the network of footpaths that run through the Barranco de Guayadeque ravine. This picturesque valley is ideal for family excursions and for exploring the inhabited caves.
If after a day of cultural activities you want to enjoy the best local gastronomy, don't hesitate to visit the Cuevas de Guayadeque. A restaurant offering the best of Canarian cuisine, such as papas arrugadas, gofio escaldado or specialities such as grilled meat, in an incomparable setting.
Sun and beach on one of the best urban beaches in Europe
Sun and beach are a must during your stay in Gran Canaria. Throughout the length and breadth of the island, you’ll find beaches such as Playa de las Canteras. With its family atmosphere and calm waters, this beach in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is perfect for a day of relaxation.
You can't say goodbye to Gran Canaria without visiting one of its most important natural monuments, the Maspalomas Dunes. A walk through the sand dunes is a unique experience. Children will enjoy exploring this mini desert by the sea.
Lanzarote: wild nature
Lanzarote is the island with a difference. With the most unique volcanic landscape of all the Canaries and a cultural attraction, it’s an excellent choice for a family holiday in a family hotel in Costa Teguise.
Explore the wildest nature
The wildest nature in the Canary Islands awaits you on the island of the Canaries. The best way to discover its natural charms is a visit to the Timanfaya National Park. A place where children will be fascinated by the volcanic landscapes and geothermal demonstrations. You can take a bus tour or even ride a camel.
And Lanzarote's rich natural heritage doesn’t end here. The Cueva de los Verdes, a unique formation with a rich heritage value. A grotto almost 8 km long, it’s made up of tunnels and nooks and crannies with fascinating cellars and interior lagoons that children will find fascinating.
Paradise beaches
Who said Lanzarote is just an island of volcanic landscapes? The island has places like Playa Blanca, with its calm and clean waters, ideal for children. There are also many restaurants and shops nearby.
Not only will you enjoy the sun and the beach, one of the best plans to enjoy with the little ones in Lanzarote is surfing and water sports in Famara. Active families can enjoy surfing lessons and other water sports at Famara Beach.
Discover the local culture
Culture is one of the fundamental pillars and its hallmark. A clear example of this is the César Manrique Foundation. An inspiring place that combines art and nature. Children can learn about Manrique's art and architecture while exploring his house-museum.
Undoubtedly, the jewel in the crown when it comes to culture in Lanzarote is the Cactus Garden. A garden designed by César Manrique that houses an impressive collection of cacti from all over the world.
HD Hotels: your perfect home in the Canary Islands
At HD Hoteles, we offer a wide variety of hotels and resorts in Tenerife, such as the HD Parque Cristóbal Tenerife; in Gran Canaria, with the HD Parque Cristóbal Gran Canaria and HD Acuario Lifestyle hotels; and in Lanzarote, with the HD Beach & Resorts Spa, specially designed for families.
Our hotels have children's pools, playgrounds, entertainers, children's clubs and a wide variety of activities for the whole family.
Book your family holidays at HD Hotels and live an unforgettable experience!