Each of the Canary Islands offers a very different experience for families. Some focus on complete tourist infrastructures and renowned theme parks, others on sandy beaches or nature trails accessible to younger visitors.
To help you choose the island best suited to your family and children, we’ve selected the archipelago’s most suitable destinations, activities and accommodation. And if you want a more general comparison of the islands: see our article.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our opinion: which Canary Island is best for families?
The answer depends above all on your family’s profile. Depending on whether you prefer theme parks, quiet beaches or nature hikes, the ideal island won’t be the same. The age of your children also comes into play: an infant or toddler has different needs from an 8-year-old or an adrenalin-seeking teenager.
Here’s our ranking of the Canary Islands for families:
- Tenerife
The ultimate family destination. Theme parks, supervised southern beaches, wide range of hotels. Ideal for ages 3 and up.
See where to stay in Tenerife - Gran Canaria
Dunes, quiet southern beaches, parks and boat trips. Very versatile. Perfect for all ages. A wide variety of activities.
See where to stay in Gran Canaria - Lanzarote
Fascinating volcanic landscapes for curious children. Well-equipped beaches to the south. From ages 5-6. Good variety of activities and little driving time between.
See where to stay in Lanzarote - Fuerteventura
The best for beach-loving families. Natural lagoons, white sand, shallow waters. Ideal from an early age.
See where to stay in Fuerteventura
- El Hierro
The most confidential island. Natural swimming pools, hiking and lava fields. Ideal for families connected to nature and walking.
Where to stay in El Hierro - La Palma
Unspoiled nature, accessible hiking, absolute peace and quiet. Ideal for families with nature-conscious children over 8. - La Gomera
Island of hiking and discovery. Few tourist facilities. More for teenagers and adventurous families.
Best hotels for families in the Canary Islands
Here are our 6 favorite family-friendly hotels in the Canaries. This gives you an idea of what you can expect.
But you can also go directly to our selections by island
- Best hotels for families in Lanzarote
- Best hotels for families in Fuerteventura
- Best hotels for families in Tenerife
- Best hotels for families in Gran Canaria
1. Hotel GF Victoria (Tenerife)
Designed for families, this unusual resort impressed us with the quality of its leisure facilities. It boasts a water park that children love, and a mini-adventure park where they can try their hand at rock climbing. Certain areas of the resort are reserved exclusively for adults, so you can spend some quality time together during your vacation.
- several indoor and outdoor pools
- a mini-waterpark with slides of all sizes and colors, water jets and bridges
- an artificial surfing pool
- Entertainment, mini-golf, table tennis, open-air children’s park
- See prices, photos and availability – and book now!
2. Hotel Princesa Yaiza (Lanzarote)
We really enjoyed our stay at this resort. It’s located just a few steps from the beach, and offers magnificent sea views. The quality of the services offered is excellent. It offers activities and options for all members of the family, whatever their age. Ideal for families with young children and teenagers.
- 6 pools to choose from! Some are child-friendly, others less so.
- Kikoland: children’s park
- Babykikoland for the little ones
- Club for teenagers
- Mini disco
- Games room (darts, table tennis…)
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
3. Radisson Blu Hotel (Gran Canaria)
The Radisson Blu is a modern hotel surrounded by the arid mountains of the Puerto de Mogan valley.
The hotel offers a wide range of facilities. This is one of the Mogan hotels with the widest choice of activities. And we particularly liked the impression of space and unobstructed views, as the buildings weren’t too tall.
Swimming pool, beach and children’s activities
- 15-minute walk from Puerto de Mogan beach
- Several pools
- Children’s pools with colorful games
- Kids’ Club
- Sports fields
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
4. Hotel Maspalomas Princess (Gran Canaria)
With its large swimming pools, water games and numerous facilities, the Hotel Maspalomas Princess is the perfect children’s hotel.
The rooms are comfortable and spacious, surrounded by palm trees. The pools are ideal for relaxing or having fun. Something to delight adults and children alike!
The hotel also offers a wide range of activities for younger guests, including evening entertainment and a children’s club.
- 5 swimming pools (with water games, small baths…). Only one is reserved for adults.
- Kids’ Club
- Entertainment, parties
- Activities: archery, darts, playground, games room…
- Playa de Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés within a 10-minute drive
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
5. Hotel Aequora Suites (Lanzarote with little ones)
If you come to Puerto del Carmen with young children, we highly recommend this hotel. The water sports areas are just perfect, with pools for all ages. We particularly liked the ones with the fish and the giant turtle.
Rooms are spacious and modern, with terraces of varying sizes.
We liked the brightness and good atmosphere of the hotel, with plenty of space for everyone.
- 2 outdoor pools for everyone
- 1 outdoor swimming pool for adults only
- 1 outdoor children’s pool with waterslides and games
- 10-minute walk from the Playa de los Pocillos beach
- adapted pools with slides
- theme rooms
- miniclub
- play area
- children’s buffet
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
6. Barcelo Corralejo Sands Hotel (Fuerteventura)
The Barcelo Corralejo Sands hotel offers a pleasant stay thanks to its central location, making it easy to enjoy the charms of the city. The spacious rooms are a haven of comfort, offering all the space you need to relax after a busy day. What we liked most was the careful design of the hotel, which avoids the massive appearance often associated with large properties. This creates a welcoming, convivial atmosphere.
- zone dedicated to young children
- With its own swimming pool and playground, parents can easily keep an eye on their children while enjoying a relaxing day out.
- 2 outdoor pools: one for adults and teenagers and another in a dedicated area for young children with a pirate ship and slides.
- The Playa de los Verilitos beach is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Best theme parks and water parks in the Canaries
The Canaries are home to some of Europe’s most popular leisure parks. They are concentrated mainly on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the two islands with the best tourist infrastructure.
Here is our selection of the best parks, but you can also find them in our articles:
- Best theme parks in Lanzarote
- Best theme parks in Fuerteventura
- Best theme parks in Tenerife
- Best amusement parks in Gran Canaria
1. Siam Park (Tenerife)
Regularly ranked Europe’s best water park. Giant slides, wave river, children’s area. From age 3. Located in Costa Adeje.
Book your ticket now!
2. Loro Parque (Tenerife)
Zoo and wildlife park in Puerto de la Cruz. Orcas, penguins, gorillas, parrots. A full day for families.
See ticket sales
3. Aqualand Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)
Well-equipped water park in the south of Gran Canaria. Suitable for all ages. Slides, wave pools, toddler area.
Save time, buy your ticket now!
4. Holiday World Maspalomas Center (Gran Canaria)
The little ones will love the Ferris wheel, the pony rides, the carousel and the bumper cars on the water, while the older ones will enjoy the thrill rides and escape games.
Avoid the queues and take your ticket!
5. Rancho Texas park Lanzarote
Rancho Texas is not a pure water park. This zoological and botanical park has a pool, kayak and waterslide section, so you can cool off after admiring all the animals.
Buy your ticket to save time
6. Acua Waterpark Fuerteventura
The water park is excellent for family fun. It’s a pretty cool place, with a whole series of slides facing the volcanoes.
Book your tickets
Lanzarote with your family
Lanzarote is an island that fascinates children from the very first kilometers. Volcanic landscapes, lava tubes and black rock fields form a backdrop found nowhere else in the Canaries. We’ve visited the island several times and find that young travelers are particularly captivated by this lunar environment. The tourist offer in the south of the island is also well structured, making it easy to organize a family holiday.
See the best attractions in Lanzarote.
Visiting Lanzarote with children
Lanzarote offers families the chance to make extraordinary discoveries. A visit to the Jameos del Agua, a volcanic cave with an underground lake and unique fauna, is an unusual stopover that children talk about for a long time. The Jardín de Cactus, with more than 1,400 species of cactus, offers an original and accessible walk for little legs. We also recommend the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, where natural geysers and the heat of the volcanic soil have a guaranteed effect on young minds. You can combine these visits over two days, alternating between discovery and the beach.
Attractions with children in Lanzarote
The island offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. Boat trips from Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca allow you to observe dolphins and sea turtles in their natural environment, an experience we found particularly successful. Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, a wildlife and leisure park in Puerto del Carmen, is suitable for children aged 3 and over, with bird-of-prey shows, horseback rides and a petting zoo.
And of course, dolphin watching is a must – find out more.
Fuerteventura with your family
In our opinion, Fuerteventura is the Canary Island best suited to families who place the beach at the heart of their holiday. Its natural lagoons with shallow waters, fine white sand and vast stretches of coastline create ideal conditions for young and old alike. We’ve stayed here several times, and the island has always seduced us with the diversity of its coasts and the quality of its beach facilities.
See the best attractions in Fuerteventura.
Visiting Fuerteventura with children
For families in search of water sports, Caleta de Fuste is the most suitable area for little swimmers: the shallow, protected bay offers calm waters even in strong winds. The lagoons ofEl Cotillo, to the north-west of the island, are another great option for children, whose turquoise, gently flowing waters are ideal for playing and swimming in safety. We also loved Playa de Sotavento at low tide, where a natural lagoon forms, offering a giant open-air swimming pool.
Teens can also discover surfing. And maybe the whole family will be fascinated by the cheese museum!
Attractions with children in Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura isn’t just a beach island: it also has some surprises in store for curious families. Oasis Park Fuerteventura, an animal and botanical park in La Lajita, is the island’s most complete family attraction. There are bird-of-prey shows, sea lion training demonstrations and a zoo with over 300 species. We recommend it for a full day. In addition, the Corralejo dunes, classified as a nature park, offer children an unusual natural playground.
The Acua Water Park is really worth a visit.
And of course, dolphin watching is a must – find out more.
Tenerife with your family
Tenerife is undoubtedly the Canary Island with the widest range of family activities. Internationally renowned theme parks, well-equipped beaches in the south, sea excursions and climbing Mount Teide: there’s something for every taste and age. We consider Tenerife to be the archipelago’s most versatile destination for families wishing to combine relaxation and discovery. Its tourist infrastructure is the most developed of the seven islands.
See Tenerife’s top attractions.
Visiting Tenerife with children
Tenerife offers the ideal conditions for a memorable family trip. The ascent to Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718m, is an impressive experience for children aged 8 and over, especially when you take the cable car up to 3,555m. We recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid waiting times. On the north side of the island, the Parque Rural de Anaga offers family-friendly hiking trails through the laurel forest. For marine wildlife enthusiasts, dolphin watching trips from Los Gigantes or Costa Adeje are a must.
Attractions with children in Tenerife
Tenerife is home to the Canaries’ most popular leisure parks. Siam Park, a Thai water park in Costa Adeje, is regularly ranked among Europe’s top water parks: giant slides, artificial rivers and waves form a complete program for children aged 3 and over. We visited it and can confirm that a whole day passes very quickly. A few kilometers away, Loro Parque is home to orcas, penguins, gorillas and parrots in a well-kept setting. Other options include the Jungle Park in the south of the island, and hiking in the Parque Nacional del Teide for more active children. So there’s plenty to keep you busy for a week without repeating yourself.
Gran Canaria with your family
Gran Canaria is an island that lends itself remarkably well to family holidays, thanks to the diversity of its landscapes and activities. The south of the island is home to large, well-equipped beaches and resorts, while the interior of the island offers accessible hiking in surprising mountain landscapes. We particularly like Gran Canaria for its ability to satisfy both children looking for sand and parents wanting to discover something more authentic.
See Gran Canaria’s top attractions.
Visiting Gran Canaria with children
Gran Canaria offers a varied program for families. The dunes of Maspalomas, classified as a nature reserve, make for an unusual excursion in themselves: walking through these stretches of golden sand, which resemble a miniature desert, is a favourite with children. We recommend going early in the morning to avoid the heat. Palmitos Park, a zoological and botanical park a few kilometers from Maspalomas, offers tropical bird shows and an aquarium, much appreciated by young visitors. In addition, boat excursions from Puerto Mogán allow you to observe dolphins in their natural environment. You can book these outings directly at the port.
Attractions with children in Gran Canaria
Families staying in the south of Gran Canaria can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities. Aqualand Maspalomas, the island’s leading water park, is suitable for children aged 3 and over, with attractions to suit all levels. We’ve tested it and confirm that one day is enough to get the most out of it. Away from the water, Holiday World Maspalomas brings together rides, mini-golf and a Ferris wheel in a family leisure park open in the evenings. For curious children, the island also offers archaeological sites, charming villages, accessible valleys and gardens with impressive trees.
El Hierro with your family
Visiting El Hierro with children
El Hierro is the smallest and most isolated of the Canary Islands. Classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, it attracts divers, naturalists and travelers in search of absolute serenity. There are no real sandy beaches on the island, but natural pools carved out of volcanic rock offer calm, protected swimming pools. El Hierro is ideal for families with grown-up, curious children aged 10-12 and over.
See the best attractions in El Hierro.
Attractions with children in El Hierro
El Hierro has little in the way of structured leisure activities, which is part of its charm. Scuba diving, accessible from the age of 10 with a supervised introductory course, is the island’s flagship activity: the La Restinga Marine Reserve is considered one of the most remarkable in Spain. Children can also let their imaginations run wild, whether in the forest with its twisted trees or in the shapes of the lava fields.
La Palma as a family
Visiting La Palma with children
La Palma, nicknamed the “Isle of Beauty”, is a nature destination par excellence. Its dense forests, volcanoes and night skies, ranked among the purest in the world, set it apart from the rest of the archipelago. It is particularly suited to families with children who enjoy hiking, wildlife and volcanic landscapes. On the other hand, families looking for lively beaches and beach facilities will be better served in Fuerteventura, Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
Attractions with children in La Palma
In addition to hiking, La Palma offers a number of family-friendly activities. Playa de los Cancajos, south of the capital, offers calm, clear waters, ideal for snorkeling from age 6 upwards. The site is equipped and supervised in season, making it the island’s most accessible beach for families. The villages in the north of the island, with their unspoilt rural landscapes, are ideal for short walks in an authentic environment.
La Gomera with your family
Visiting La Gomera with children
La Gomera is a steep, verdant island whose laurel forest, Parque Nacional de Garajonay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coastline is not very extensive, consisting mainly of small black sand or pebble beaches. It’s not a classic seaside destination, but it’s well suited to adventurous families with children aged at least 8-10 who enjoy hiking and unspoilt nature. We recommend it as a complement to a stay in Tenerife, which can be reached by ferry in around 1 hour from Los Cristianos.
Attractions with children in La Gomera
Family activities on La Gomera are mainly focused on nature. Sea kayaking trips from Valle Gran Rey are suitable for children aged 8 and over, and take you along the island’s wild coastline. We also enjoyed the boat excursions offered from the port of San Sebastián, which enable us to observe dolphins and pilot whales in a popular migration corridor. The range of structured leisure activities is limited compared with the larger islands, but this is precisely what makes La Gomera so attractive to families in search of authenticity. The island is better suited to independent children than to toddlers.
Best cities in the Canaries for families
The choice of city has a direct influence on the quality of a family trip. Some resorts offer supervised beaches, adapted restaurants and well-developed services, while others are better suited to independent travelers. Here are the towns and resorts we recommend for a successful family holiday.
1. Costa Adeje (Tenerife)
Costa Adeje is Tenerife’s best-equipped seaside resort for families. It boasts several supervised beaches, including Playa del Duque and Playa de Fañabé, with calm, well-maintained waters. We’ve stayed here a number of times and appreciate the density of what’s on offer: restaurants, supermarkets, equipment hire, evening entertainment. Its proximity to Siam Park and Jungle Park makes it an ideal base for alternating between beaches and outings. Sunshine is almost constant, even in winter, guaranteeing good weather conditions whatever the time of year.
2. Puerto del Carmen (Lanzarote)
Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s main seaside resort and the most family-friendly. It stretches for several kilometers along a promenade lined with restaurants and shops. The beaches are well equipped and supervised in season, and the waters in the south of the island are generally calm. We appreciate its lively but not excessive atmosphere, and its proximity to the island’s emblematic natural sites, notably Timanfaya and the Jameos del Agua, accessible in less than 30min.
3. Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)
Maspalomas is one of the archipelago’s most complete destinations for families. Its dunes, classified as a nature reserve, form a unique landscape, directly accessible on foot from the beach. We’ve found that Maspalomas’ 6km-long beach allows everyone to find their own space, even in high season. The Meloneras resorts, located on the edge of the dunes, offer top-quality facilities. Aqualand Maspalomas and Palmitos Park complete the leisure offer just a few kilometers away.
4. Corralejo (Fuerteventura)
Corralejo is Fuerteventura’s liveliest resort and a good starting point for families. The town is a pleasant place to live, with plenty of shops, restaurants and lively neighborhoods. The white sandy beaches to the south of the resort, within the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, are among the most beautiful on the island. We particularly recommend the coves between Corralejo and El Cotillo for families with young children: the waters are shallow and calm. What’s more, the ferry to La Graciosa departs from Corralejo, so you can add another excursion to your day.
5 best beaches for families in the Canaries
Not all the Canary Islands’ beaches are the same for families. Calm waters, few currents, seasonal supervision and sanitary facilities are our top priorities when children are present. Here’s our selection of the five most suitable beaches.
1. Playa Grande (Lanzarote)
Playa Grande is definitely one of Lanzarote’s most popular beaches, and the largest in the town center.
We love its kilometer-long shoreline of golden sand and its depth, where everyone can find a little space.
What’s more, its orientation is perfect for admiring the mountains of southern Lanzarote, the oldest part of the island.
On the beach you’ll find sun loungers, pedal boat and paddle rentals, showers… and anything else you might need. And along the square is the main avenue with its many restaurants and stores.
2. Playa de Amadores (Gran Canaria)
Playa de Amadores has fine sand, a beautiful cove shape, turquoise waters and few buildings on the front of the beach.
We liked the feeling of space, even though the beach isn’t 6km long here.
This beach is ideal for families, as the two dikes create a calm environment for swimming and playing in the water. And there’s also an inflatable play area at one end of the beach, sure to please young and old alike.
3. Playa de Fañabé (Tenerife)
At the end of the day, this long beach offered us splendid views of the ocean. The wave-swept black sand and orange sky captivated us. It was a magnificent play of light and reflections!
This beach is particularly suitable for families. Here you can enjoy water sports, including pedal-boating with an integrated slide. On the promenade that runs along the sand, you’ll find children’s play equipment. Between the miniature golf course and the trampoline, your little ones won’t have time to get bored!
4. Playa de la Concha (Fuerteventura)
The natural lagoons ofEl Cotillo, northwest of Fuerteventura, are among our favorite family beaches. The waters are protected by rocks, shallow and very calm, making them particularly suitable for young children. We really liked the peaceful atmosphere of the site, far from the big seaside resorts. The beauty of the landscape, with its white sand and transparent water, also makes it a great location for photography.
5. Playa de las Canteras (Gran Canaria)
Playa de las Canteras is the main urban beach of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Protected by a natural rocky bar called “La Barra”, it offers calm, shallow waters ideal for family swimming. We consider it one of the Canaries’ most outstanding town beaches: 3km long, it boasts a lively promenade, a variety of restaurants and full services. Its downtown location combines beach and urban discovery.
Practical tips for visiting the Canaries with your family
A trip to the Canary Islands with your family should be prepared with a few essential points in mind. The islands are accessible all year round, but certain periods are more suitable depending on the age of the children and the activities planned. Here’s the practical information we think will be most useful in organizing your stay.
When to visit the Canaries with your family
The Canaries enjoy a mild climate all year round, making them a destination for all seasons. For families, we recommend the months of May, June, September and October: temperatures are pleasant (between 22 and 27°C), the sea is warm and the beaches less crowded than in July and August. Summer is still passable, but the theme parks and beaches are very busy. In winter, the weather is generally fine south of the main islands, so you can enjoy the beach even in December or January. This way, you can avoid the European school vacation periods for more comfortable stays.
Getting around the Canaries with your family
Car hire is the most practical means of family transport in the Canaries. It offers the freedom to visit secluded beaches, reach parks and explore the hinterland at your own pace. We recommend booking in advance, especially during the high season, to obtain a vehicle of sufficient size. The larger islands also have public bus networks(guaguas), which are reliable and inexpensive, but less practical with young children and beach equipment. Cabs are available in all tourist resorts. To get around between the islands, ferries and domestic flights regularly link the seven islands of the archipelago.
Budget and accommodation for a family in the Canaries
The budget for a family holiday in the Canaries varies greatly depending on the island and the type of accommodation chosen. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are home to a large number of all-inclusive resorts, which are often the most practical solution for families: meals included, entertainment, swimming pools and beach within easy reach. We’ve found that all-inclusive packages are generally cheaper in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura than in Tenerife, where prices are slightly higher in high-end resorts like Costa Adeje. Vacation apartments are an economical alternative, especially for stays of more than a week or for large families. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura also offer good deals.
DISCOVER THE Canary Islands
