Family Vacations on the Canary Islands: The Best Places for Vacations with Kids

The climate of the Canary Islands is stable: travelers can relax on the beach at mild temperatures between 68 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit even in the cold German winter. The various islands offer plenty of options for families.

What unites them all is a great focus on fun for little vacationers. Where should you plan your family vacation? We'll show you the most family-friendly places on the Canary Islands.

In the southwest of Tenerife, Adeje is considered one of the island's most popular vacation destinations. The municipality includes 14 beaches, including Playa del Duque with turquoise water and golden sand. Numerous family hotels specialize in children, and there are many boutiques, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

At Costa Adeje, you can find the island's two largest water parks. 'Aqualand' offers water slides, saltwater pools, and waterfalls, while 'Siam Park' provides relaxation in the wave pool and a water playground, as well as plenty of action. This water park has been voted the best in the world multiple times. There are 17 waterpark sensations - from giant slides and a water roller coaster to the Tower of Power, where you almost drop vertically from 92 feet into the water.

Further south along Costa Adeje lies the resort of Playa de las Américas. It's an area dedicated to guests of all ages, with a vast selection of hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Although the nightlife at Playa de las Américas is booming, during the day it's time for families to take center stage, enjoying the many entertainment options.

Water sports are a major focus here. Behind the beach promenade are several beaches where small children can splash in shallow waters, and older kids can enjoy many water sports: from stand-up paddling to jet skiing to parasailing.

The tourist center in the north of Tenerife is Puerto de la Cruz. The city offers a wonderful package that includes everything a family needs on vacation: a lively center with good restaurants and many attractions, several beaches, and numerous accommodations for every budget, many of which are family-focused.

A highlight is the seawater swimming pool 'Lago Martiánez,' a unique open-air pool in a fantastic setting. On a total area of 355,000 square feet, children can frolic in an artificial water world with a lake and seven pools in the largest saltwater pool in Europe. A visit to 'Loro Parque' is also worthwhile. This zoo, with a total area of 33.4 acres, is home to more than 10,000 different animals.

In the southwest of the island lies Los Christianos, one of the most popular vacation spots in Tenerife. It's bustling during the summer, which can be fun but also overwhelming. Nonetheless, Playa de Los Cristianos is one of Tenerife's key beaches with its 1,312-foot-long fine sand beach and vibrant beach promenade full of bars and restaurants.

Playa de los Christianos is exceptionally child-friendly: the sandy beach slopes gently into the sea, and there's a playground on the promenade. A sailing school even offers courses for kids. A trip to the 'Monkey Park Tenerife,' which specializes in monkeys, is also wonderful. Visitors are allowed to enter the enclosures to touch and feed the lemurs, titi monkeys, and chimpanzees.

The highlight of Gran Canaria towers in the south of the island, stretching kilometers long and mountain-high: The 'Dunas de Maspalomas' extend for six kilometers long and one to two kilometers wide. This area with its gigantic sand dunes resembles a mini-desert by the sea. The dunes were formed over millions of years by winds that continuously bring sand from Africa.

In the island's capital, Playa Blanca is a popular destination. While the beach isn't directly in the city, lying between the airport and Puerto del Rosario, it's considered the unofficial city beach because it's easily accessible. Playa Blanca is 1,968 feet long and features fine, light sand. The front area is marked off with buoys, making the waves typically flat and ideal for younger children.

One of the most popular and frequently visited beaches on Gran Canaria is the three-kilometer-long Playa del Inglés. It is connected to the beach of Maspalomas and enchants with golden sand. The name 'Beach of the English' supposedly originated because of an English farmer who once grew tomatoes here and transported them to the coast on a camel's back.

Today, there's always something happening at Playa del Inglés - beach parties, kitesurfing, parasailing, and surfing. The beach is wide and child-friendly, and the surrounding area offers many opportunities for a successful family vacation. Thus, there are many child-friendly accommodations.

The holiday resort Amadores borders the eponymous Playa de los Amadores, which lies between Puerto Rico and Puerto Mogán on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. The beach is 1,968 feet long and was artificially created in the shape of a U, making it isolated from the sea. Therefore, smaller children can swim safely in the calm water.

In Amadores, there are restaurants and shops, water sports opportunities, and even a water park. Many hotels in the region are specifically designed for children. Playa de Amadores is connected by a 3,281-foot-long beach promenade to the tourist town of Puerto Rico. Shaped like a bay, it is surrounded by hotels and apartment complexes. The 'Fun Park' at Playa de Amadores is also great.

On the southern coast of Gran Canaria, San Agustín is a quiet and family-friendly holiday village and the ideal retreat for families seeking rest and relaxation. The gently sloping coves are especially perfect for smaller children to splash around safely.

San Agustín offers an excellent mix of quiet beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and family-friendly activities. Those who need more excitement benefit from the proximity to livelier places such as Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, where plenty of action awaits the family.

In the south of the Jandia peninsula lies one of the most popular vacation destinations on Fuerteventura. The former fishing village Morro Jable offers a white sand beach that stretches a full 10.5 miles. The elongated coastal town consists of numerous building complexes and may not be particularly pretty, but there is a lot to experience.

Morro Jable provides an ideal combination of relaxation and adventure for the whole family. The area is known as a surf spot and as a starting point for hikes in the surrounding mountains. Boat trips, where you can observe dolphins and whales in their natural environment, are great. The nearby 'Oasis Wildlife Park' is a must-see for families.

Where Morro Jable ends and Jandia begins is not clear. Both vacation spots merge seamlessly. Jandia is especially popular with German vacationers, so there is a wide range of German-speaking surf and diving courses.

The landmark of the area is the long, dreamlike sandy beaches. With the first hotel built in 1966, the foundation for the place was laid. The most famous is the 'Robinson Club Jandia Playa,' the very first Robinson Club. Along the long beach promenade, which runs parallel to the salt marshes, there is a sculpture path that is expanded every year.

Esquinzo is a typical tourist spot on Fuerteventura. Since it was founded as a tourist center, there is no original town center. However, Esquinzo is much quieter than its neighboring towns Morro Jable and Jandia - ideal for families.

Many hotels have direct access to the sea. The large sandy beach offers plenty of space and is family-oriented for splashing, swimming, and building sandcastles. There are numerous family-friendly accommodations and, for example, the island's second Robinson Club.

The second-largest vacation spot on Fuerteventura is located in the south of the island. Costa Calma, or 'the calm coast', is an excellent destination for families. Due to the offshore winds, the waves are particularly low and safe for younger children.

There are numerous family hotels with childcare, great pools, and wellness offers for adults. A special feature is the palm and pine forests that run through the entire place. In close proximity, there are many excursion destinations.

With about 30,000 residents, Puerto del Rosario is the capital of Fuerteventura. If you want to take a vacation surrounded by city and beach flair, this is the place. The long beach promenade is bustling with life and offers many activities for children and several playgrounds.

In the island capital, Playa Blanca is a popular destination. The beach is not located directly in the city but between the airport and Puerto del Rosario. However, being easily accessible makes it the unofficial city beach. Playa Blanca is 1,968 feet long and has fine, light sand. The front area is marked off with buoys, so the waves are usually flat and ideal for smaller children.

Known as the 'Venice of the Atlantic,' the island capital Arrecife features small fishing boats anchored, providing a postcard view. The city offers a beautiful mix of capital flair and beach vibes on vacation. Arrecife even has its own beach: Playa del Reducto was artificially created and offers a gentle sea entry and soft white sand.

The beach is around 1,640 feet long and, due to its location right in the city, has a great infrastructure. It has everything you need: sun loungers and umbrellas, showers and changing rooms, restaurants, and bars. The beach slopes gently, allowing safe swimming and - thanks to the wonderful underwater world - snorkeling opportunities.

On the southeastern coast of Lanzarote, Puerto del Carmen is a classic vacation spot with lots to offer families. The former fishing village is known as a bathing paradise with its golden-yellow beaches. Stretching about 3.7 miles, wide, long sandy beaches and small hidden bathing coves line up together.

The area is well-protected from the trade winds, making the beaches particularly suitable for families with children. There are hardly any high waves and strong currents. Numerous restaurants, boutiques, rental services, souvenir, and supermarkets line the waterfront, along with sports options like windsurfing, boat trips, diving, and much more. The mini-golf course at the large 'Biosfera Shopping Center' and a visit to the starlight cinema are also great.

Costa Teguise is the charming counterpart to the resort of Puerto del Carmen. The famous architect César Manrique helped design many buildings and parks here, resulting in an area characterized by whitewashed houses with green shutters. Families especially enjoy the tranquility.

For swimming, Playa Bastián entices, separated from the open sea by breakwaters, making it ideal for children. Additionally, there are several surfing schools offering courses for children ages six and up. Nearby at Playa de Cucharas, there are numerous hotels and vacation rentals.

If you want to combine a beach day with a dash of action, head to Playa Blanca in southern Lanzarote. Once a small fishing village, it is now one of Lanzarote's major tourism centers. The resort impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and several paradisiacal beaches. Hence the name: 'blanca' means 'white' in Spanish.

Along the promenade, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars. From the marina, you can take a trip to Fuerteventura or an excursion boat to the Papagayo beaches. Nearby, Playa Flamingo is popular with families. Although the beach is only 656 feet long, it's located in a cove protected by two breakwaters, resulting in hardly any waves-perfect for smaller children.

In the well-developed tourist south, Valle Gran Rey enchants its visitors. The so-called 'Valley of the Great King' is a dream landscape. The most beautiful beaches of La Gomera meet lush palms, green terrace fields, and blooming gardens. The valley's name dates back to the Guanche king who participated in the 1488 uprising against the Spanish conquest.

Beaches play the most important role during vacations, and there are several in Valle Gran Rey. The main beach, Playa de Valle Gran Rey, is one kilometer long. The beach is black and fine, and the water slopes gently, making it perfect for families with young children. Along the beach promenade, there are cafes, restaurants, and shops. Children will be thrilled with boat tours to watch dolphins or a ride on a donkey or horse.

Valle Gran Rey offers not just one but four beaches. For families, Charco del Conde between the places Vueltas and Bobelan is a highlight. Many parents with their babies and toddlers gather here, earning it the nickname Baby Beach because it's perfect for young children.

A natural rock barrier protects the bay from surf waves. Also, the shallow water warms up at low tide, and it becomes a warm pool thanks to the black lava rock slabs. Above a small wall, the waterfront promenade of La Puntilla invites a relaxing stroll under the shade of palms with benches.

La Gomera boasts one of the largest whale populations in the world. Dolphins also thrive around the second smallest Canary Island. Since 1959, more than 23 species of whales and dolphins have been spotted off La Gomera. This promises many adventures for families: embark on a great whale-watching tour together.

The special thing is that many providers on La Gomera subscribe to 'gentle whale watching.' This means that companies commit to adhering to certain guidelines, such as maintaining a minimum distance from the animals, no running engines near whales, or donating to organizations for whale protection.

In the southwest of La Palma lies the island's most important vacation spot: Originally, Puerto Naos was a small fishing village. The benefits of the village, with its stable climate and long, black sand beach, were recognized in the 1970s. Over the years, more and more hotels and apartment complexes were built, making Puerto Naos one of the most popular holiday regions on La Palma.

In addition to numerous accommodations, there are extensive dining options and many shops. The beach of Puerto Naos stretches 1,968 feet long. On site, you'll find palm trees, fixed sunshades, several kiosks, beach volleyball courts, and a diving school. Families also enjoy trips to the Charco Verde cove near Puerto Naos. The calm sea is perfect for a day at the beach with children.

Between the island's capital, Santa Cruz, and the airport, lay the salt flats of Los Cancajos. Once it was decommissioned, it became quiet, but the area slowly revived in the 1980s. Today, Los Cancajos is an important vacation center of the island.

Over the years, much was built: The natural black sand was widened and protected by breakwaters, and a beautiful waterfront promenade was added. The long, crescent-shaped beach captivates with its fine lava sand and excellent infrastructure. There are plenty of hotels and apartment buildings, diving schools, and restaurants around.

In the west of the island, situated on a plateau at the foot of the Aridane Valley, lies the village of Tazacorte. It once made history when, in 1492, the landing of the Spanish conqueror Fernández de Lugo marked the beginning of La Palma's second settlement. Below the village lies Puerto de Tazacorte, a popular vacation spot by the sea.

At the mouth of a streambed lies the equally named Playa de Tazacorte. The dark sandy beach stretches 1,640 feet below the village, near the harbor. Around the beach, numerous restaurants and bars line the promenade. Thanks to the harbor walls, the entire beach is protected from larger waves, making it a popular spot for families.

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