From the sprawling beaches featuring sparkling clean waters, beautiful picturesque hills to the deep and mysterious ravines, the Canary Islands is an archipelago that will keep surprising you. With seven diverse and equally unique islands to choose from, the Canaries have something from solo travelers with large families enjoying their vacations.
However, if you’re traveling to the Canary Islands with kids and teens in tow, you know you have to be more specific with the itinerary. Fortunately, with the islands’ vast offering of amazing family-friendly activities and destinations, that part should be easy to tackle. But to further make it easier for you to decide, we’ve rounded up the best ways to experience the Canaries as a family.
Frolicking on the Beach
In an archipelago where it feels like summer the whole year-round, picking a beach to visit in Canary is a good dilemma. As an archipelago connected to the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands offer a diverse range of beautiful beaches that young and adults can both enjoy. Costa Adeje in the island of Tenerife is a particularly fitting option for families vacationing together.
Maspalomas is an excellent option as well, and it’s not just because it has one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Gran Canaria, although that’s an apparent reason. Maspalomas is an excellent destination for families who are beach bums and sun worshippers. To keep you cool against the temperate climate, there are numerous food stalls selling comfort food and refreshments.
Or, you could bring the whole gang to the Puerto de Mógan, a stunning resort offering vast stretches of coastal beauty. Diving and snorkeling are popular family activities to do in the area, but the underwater submarine experience will surely make a fascinating experience.
Once you get tired of the sea and want to inject more thrill and fun into your vacation, consider going to Aqualand and Siam Park, two of the most well-known waterparks in Canary.
Sight-seeing in Canary
The Canary Islands is beautiful at every angle. Blessed with natural, picture-perfect beauty, every family would want to explore and enjoy this incredible archipelago. Some of the most stunning destinations in Canary include Tenerife’s Teide National Park which offers the perfect vantage point to admire Mount Teide’s wondrous beauty. Along the coastlines, the entire family will enjoy the whale-watching experience, in addition to stunning sight of windsurfers and sailors above the seawater.
La Palma is also an excellent destination to come face-to-face with geologically active volcanic peaks. Additionally, it is home to Caldera de Taburiente National Park and the Angustias ravine, excellent trails for hiking with the family.
Adventures for Older Kids
If you have kids who are old enough to take on wilder outdoor adventures, the Canary Islands have a lot to offer to get their adrenaline pumping up. Instead of exploring Timanfaya National Park aboard an air-conditioned bus, the teens would want to go on camel riding guided tours instead. If the camel is not their type, horseback riding is an excellent alternative.
For kids and teens who fancy a more energetic and thrilling activity, bike-rafting and guided cycle tours should get their energy levels pumping. Alternatively, the Park Aventura in Costa Brava offers a slew of different activities including zip lines, Tarzan jumps, tunnels and bridges. For the little ones, the Park also houses an exciting playground to pass the time and expend their energy.
Journey towards Natural Pools
Apart from the splendid beaches that are of abundance in the Canary Islands, the family could opt to swim and frolic in the waters of natural pools instead. A unique and refreshing twist from the sandy beaches along the coastlines, most of these natural pools are well-hidden in secluded areas. Expect to do some hiking to get there; but while you’re at it, enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery around you.
Charco del Conde in La Gomera is known as one the best natural pools for families. Nestled in between rocks and surrounded by abundant palm trees, this is a great spot to relax and bond without the stress of a huge crowd. Other natural pools vacationing families could visit include Charco Azul in La Palma, Charco del Viente in Tenerife and Puertito de Lobos in Fuerteventura.
Visiting Local Villages
Teeming with colorful culture, rich traditions and beautiful attractions and unique experiences, the local villages in the Canary Islands have something for every type of family. Costa Adeje in Tenerife, for instance, is a place of leisure. It is home to some of the most exclusive hotels, restaurants, and shopping establishments.
Meanwhile, Costa Calma in Fuerteventura is an excellent destination for families looking for a more relaxed, laid-back experience. True to its name the “Calm Coast,” people flock to the area to enjoy a relaxing and tranquil holiday. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are the most popular activities people enjoy at the coast.
And just like Costa Calma, the coastal town of Caleta de Fuste is also known for its fun, relaxed and carefree vibe. It’s already perfect for people who like to frolic at the beach and sunbathe. But for families looking for a variety of things to do, the town also has golf courses, scuba diving centers, and diverse shopping centers. Satiate your hunger with deliciously prepared local meals, preferably al fresco to enjoy the breeze as well.
Whether your kids are toddlers, grade schoolers, teens or early adults, you can enjoy family time in the Canary Islands in different ways. From family-friendly beaches, water parks, outdoor activities to various activities in the local villages, it’s easy to see something the whole family could enjoy.
You can be an adventurous dad who likes to sail or a mom who loves to sunbathe while watching her children build sand castles. Younger kids who are fond of science and history would appreciate a visit to the local museum and observatory, while the older ones may enjoy action-packed activities. The best thing about the Canary Islands is it has so much to offer to any tourist that you wouldn’t have to look far to have a fun and spectacular time in the archipelago.