the best canary island to visit
Europe, Spain, Travelling with kids

The Best Canary Island To Visit | Parenthood4ever

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Finally, after four consecutive years of backpack travelling with a baby, including road trips, camping, hiking, visiting numerous cities, and sightseeing, we managed to get a very good cheap flight and chose the best Canary Island to visit. Family beach holiday!!! Yay!

And it was one of the most fantastic experiences in our travel life. Why? Because this holiday was designed to do nothing that relates to work or daily chores but swimming, diving, surfing, watching dolphins and whales in wild nature, hiking to the highest mountain peak to see the other island, Tenerife, and visit loads of other activities.

What is the Best Canary Island to Visit for Families, Couples, or Solo Travellers?

So, which Canary Island is best for families and which Canary Island is best for couples? The answer is all islands are spectacular to visit with children or without. Every island has something unique to offer and you can always plan your trip the way so you can visit two or three islands at a time with no rush or special preparations.

Canary Island is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean located near the northwest African mainland that offers all-year-round sunshine, breath-taking coastal and mountain range views, stunning well-facilitated, kid-friendly beaches, and loads of activities for toddlers, babies, and children. Adults also can have fun skydiving, surfing, jeep safari, or relaxing at the beach.

There are eight islands covering Canary Island which are divided into two big provinces: Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The archipelago includes many smaller islands and islets too.

Seven Canary Islands include Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa.

So, let’s find out what the difference is among all these islands and pick the best Canary Island to visit.

Why choose and where to stay in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is one of the best kids-friendly islands offering the best beaches in the Canary Islands. It has one of the most gorgeous beaches with sand dunes too. Plus, there are a lot of golden sand beaches with the sort of waves surfers dream of. Gran Canaria offers an incredible amount of indoor and outdoor activities for kids, toddlers, and babies.

Read More: What To Do In Gran Canaria With Kids + Map

Abora Interclub By Lopesan Hotels (San Agustin)

Abora Interclub conquered us with its service, so our holiday could not be better than this. It is one of the best places to stay in the Canary Islands.

This four-star hotel provides an only all-inclusive deal for a very reasonable price for which you will get a spacious family room with an extra living room and a sunny terrace, so you could enjoy your time together after kids are in bed; toddlers and babies will get a travel cot and a step stool.

Incredibly delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner meals, including Spanish, Italian, Asian, and African dishes. Pool bars, snack bar filled with ice cream and cocktails of all kinds. Tennis and basketball courts, a special daily fitness programme and games both for adults and kids.

What is there for kids?

Apart from three swimming pools and two hot tubs outdoors, there is a splash area and a toddler pool with a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean. There are three different slides, so you barely need a water park and two children’s playgrounds with a variety of activities. Don’t forget about babysitting services and the children’s mini disco with Paco.

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa (Puerto de Mogan)

Located in one of the most famous regions of Gran Canaria, Puerto de Mogan, Radisson Blu Resort is a fantastic choice for a family vacation. It offers two swimming pools, a hot tub, and one pool for children, plus a splash zone.

There are an on-site fitness centre and a spa with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, Turkish bath, and water jets. No to mention massage and other services to make you feel absolutely relaxed.

Radisson Blu Resort is proud to be one the most sport active hotels as their facilities also include a rock-climbing tower, a tennis and volleyball court, and a running track. They offer such activities as snorkelling, diving, and cycling in the area too.

Puerto de Mogan is considered to be the best resort in Gran Canaria for families. It is an amazing area filled with nice cafes, restaurants, and beaches. The hotel is located near Playa de Amadores and Maspalomas. Lastly, to make your family vacation unforgettable, the famous Lago Taurito Water Park is an only 15-minute drive away.

Paradise Lago Taurito & Waterpark (Playa Taurito)

Speaking of the famous Lago Taurito Water Park, why not stay right there and enjoy water slides, hot tubs, and foam jets every single day?

The hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool and a children’s mini-club. Plus, you will get free access to the Lago Oasis Water Park. How cool is that?

There is more, Tautiro Beach is only 50 yards (45 m) away. And you get a room with a side view of the Atlantic Ocean. On top of that, there are numerous sports activities, such as tennis, squash, and paddle courts. Your children will be entertained daily and you will get an all-inclusive deal provided with a variety of Spanish and International dishes, snacks, ice-creams, drinks and even pizza making show.

There is a great chance you’d never want to leave the premises during your entire stay.

Read More: Best Family Hotels and Resorts in Gran Canaria

Why choose and where to stay in Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the most popular destinations among all Canary Islands, also providing the best Canary Island beaches. It has lots of pubs, modern restaurants, and rich nightlife. While it is a great destination for solo and couple travellers, it has a lot to offer to families too.

You will find a lot of hotels and places in Tenerife that allows only adults to their properties, which is quite unusual for Gran Canaria because it is mostly a family resort. But there are plenty of absolutely fantastic options for a family holiday in Tenerife too.

Bahia Principe Fantasia, Tenerife

One of the most fantastic hotel choices to stay in Tenerife without a doubt is Bahia Principe Fantasia. Your family will be in an absolute paradise enjoying an all-inclusive deal with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The hotel provides a spacious all-year-round outdoor pool with a water park and super fun animation programmes for children. There are cooking shows and special magic events for kids too.

Bahia Principe Fantasia features accommodation with a bar, private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. Plus, restaurant buffet serves an amazing variety of delicious Spanish and International dishes.

Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria

Adrian Hotel Roca Nivaria makes it a great deal offering an excellent location overlooking Playa Paraiso Beach on Costa Adeje and impressive sea views over to the neighbouring island La Gomera.

This hotel thought of everything to make a family vacation unforgettable. You will have access to RoniAventura, the hotel’s water and adventure park, which includes 2 pools, 4 slides, climbing walls and suspension bridges.

The hotel has tennis and paddle courts, giant chess and archery facilities. A hot tub, mud bath and a range of beauty treatments are also offered.

Oh, there are 3 restaurants serving Italian and Spanish cuisine, and a kids buffet is served in one of the restaurants.

Royal Garden Villas & Spa GL

One of the most amazing options is the Royal Garden Villas. You will never want to leave this place. Featuring a swimming pool with a spa and wellness centre, this luxurious 5-star resort is designed in Balinese-style with private heated pools. It is set in gardens overlooking the ocean, so you will have an amazing feeling you are in one that Asian villas.

Also, they organize yacht hire, local golf courses and various excursions, including trips to Puerto de la Cruz and the island of La Gomera which I mentioned above.

Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden

This superb hotel is a must-take deal! Hotel Botanico y Oriental Spa Garden has three outdoor pools and luxurious accommodation set in attractive gardens, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide. Plus, it is only 800 yards (700m) away from the nearest beach.

Where is the catch? Wait for it!

This hotel offers FREE unlimited spa access for all guests over 16 years old. Sounds like a paradise to me!

Finca Stemann Villa

Just look at this view! It is from your future accommodation’s swimming pool overlooking spectacular ocean views. The villas at Finca Stemann located in the peaceful village of Guía de Isora offer fantastic views to La Gomera and La Palma.

There are an amazing garden and table tennis. Plus, you can get a discounted rate for renting a car at the property and drive to the beach every day. The great news is that Teide National Park is only 20 minutes away.

Why choose and where to stay in Lanzarote?

Lanzarote is a brilliant destination for your family if you like sports and active holidays. It is the fourth largest island, and it is known around the world as the ‘Island of Volcanoes’. You and your family can have a memorable vacation hiking and enjoying volcano-clad landscapes, as well as palm tree-fringed beaches.

Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort

Five swimming pools, spa and wellness centre with sauna and a variety of massages, kid’s splash zone area, mini water park, and soft play area with daytime and evening entertainment, free parking, tea and coffee maker in each room – this is just a start of everything this hotel offers.

It is only a 15-minute walk to Flamingo Beach and is near to the majority of top island attractions. The hotel has four restaurants on-site and a pool bar. You can choose to go for breakfasts only, half-board, or all-inclusive option.

Lastly, while your kids have fun in pools with waterfalls, there are a lot of sports activities for adults too, such as tennis, volleyball, football, gym including such classes as yoga, Pilates and Zumba.

THB Tropical Island

Another fantastic option is THB Tropical Island that is set only 1000 yards (914 m) away from Playa Dorada Beach. Having such a great location, it offers two swimming pools with slides for kids and adults, a children’s playground area and cute indoor soft play. Spa with sauna, hot tub, gym, and special treatments are included.

The hotel offers an entertainment programme and children’s activities throughout your stay. Also, there are some games for adults. All shows and entertainment are held in a large tent.

Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park

I didn’t find any better accommodation deal in Lanzarote than this. Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park is a beachfront hotel offering a short walk to Flamingo beach. You can admire lovely sea views towards Fuerteventura on a daily basis.

But the most impressive is that you will get 4 outdoor pools for adults and 3 for children, including but not limited to the indoor pool, sauna, hammam, hot tub, and spa!

Don’t forget about evening theatre entertainment and an excellent range of buffet food.

Apartamentos Fariones

Fariones Apartments is a fantastic option for a family getaway. The best thing about it is access to the beach which is only 200 yards (180 m) away from your apartment. The complex features two outdoor heated pools, sun terraces, a hot tub, a sub-tropical garden experience, a café and a restaurant.

You will get an all-inclusive deal with a live entertainment programme and a children’s play area.

Why choose and where to stay in Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura is a quite wild island filled with gorgeous beaches. It is the second-largest island among all the Canary Islands. All the fun is concentrated around the town called Corralejo which was a small fishing village in the past. Now Corralejo is considered to be the main tourist resort well-stocked with bars, pubs, and restaurants for every taste.

Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace

Another amazing and my favourite hotel chain, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, presents a fantastic, superb deal with stunning views, outdoor pools, live entertainment, piano and lounge bars.

You will be enjoying drinks, snacks, and ice-creams at the pool bar. The hotel provides a spa, gym, and sauna too. Not to mention that Iberostar Selection Fuerteventura Palace is set on Jandia Beach.

Iberostar Playa Gaviotas-All inclusive

While Fuerteventura Palace offers breakfast and dinners, in Playa Gaviotas hotel located nearby, you will get an all-inclusive deal. Located at the beachfront, this hotel features four outdoor pools and an amazing entertainment programme for your family and children.

Everything you get at the pool bar is free of charge, plus, you will enjoy three meals a day. There is also a special service to rent a car or bicycle.

Of course, Spa, Turkish baths and hot tubs are not excluded.

Barceló Castillo Royal Level

Let yourself plunge into an unforgettable adventure!

Barcelo Castillo Royal Level Hotel is exactly what makes your holiday memorable and let you enjoy every second of life.

Firstly, it is located right at the beachfront by Caleta de Fuste Beach. And you can make full use of the facilities at the neighbouring Barcelo Castillo Beach Resort featuring three pool areas and a spa.

Secondly, you have a choice of breakfast only, half-board, or all-inclusive deal. There is an amazing restaurant on-site serving absolutely delicious Spanish and International dishes. You will also find many bars, including a poolside bar, sports bar, and a theatre with evening shows. Although the resort has plenty of bar and restaurant options, your suite is already facilitated with a kitchen.

Kids and adults can have fun starting from the two outdoor pools for adults and kids, indoor play area, children’s playground, and a variety of activities. A fantastic golf course is designed right on the premises of the hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Why choose and where to stay in La Palma?

While La Palma offers incredible landscapes, imposing volcanoes, deep forests and wildlife with absolutely gorgeous beaches where you can see the sky filled with stars, this island suffered from recent eruptions. It is a good idea to check what the situation is before you travel.

Duplex Isla Bonita Apartment

This apartment is an excellent place to spend your holiday in La Palma. In fact, this is one of the only apartments on the entire island that which WiFi is rated by guests as excellent.

It has everything you need and more, including a very friendly and attentive owner, free parking, an easy-to-find location, good access to all the tourist attractions and the beaches.  

The apartment is very large with a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds and unbeatable cleaning.

Apartamentos Miranda

A quite similar option to the previous apartment located in a very quiet tranquil area near Santa Cruz, and only 10-minute drive away.

Miranda Apartments offer a tour desk and car rental service with free parking at the complex. There’s an excellent view from the back balcony over the sea and from the front balcony across the attractive grounds to the mountains. The apartment is very roomy with good kitchen facilities.

Why choose and where to stay in La Gomera?

La Gomera is the second-smallest island among all Canary Islands and is famous for its volcanic mountains with an incredible range of hiking trails. If you travel to Tenerife, it is an amazing idea to get a ferry for 40 minutes or a plane for half an hour to get to La Gomera island and enjoy the magic of hiking and landscape for several days.

Viviendas Vacacionales Jardín La Punta Holiday Home

This is a great place to stay during your stay in La Gomera. It has absolutely gorgeous views where your balcony is overlooking the sea. The house is spacious with a well-equipped kitchen. Free parking at the premises and a good WiFi reception are included.

But the most important addition to this holiday home is a swimming pool, which is a great way to relax after the day of hiking.

Hotel Jardín Tecina

This hotel is a sweet deal you can imagine on La Gomera island. It has a very smart and unique design offering breath-taking views over the sea. From there, you can see Tenerife island and Mount Teide. Also, the airport is just 1.5 miles away.

The Playa de Santiago beach has a walking distance, and of course, there is a nice swimming pool and gardens where you can spend all day long. Every room has a private terrace and a good WiFi service.

Lastly, there is a lot of on-site sports facilities, but for golf lovers, there is a famous Tecina Golf Course located a short drive away from the hotel.  

Why choose and where to stay in El Hierro?

El Hierro, one of the smallest and furthest islands in Canary Island range, it offers a unique experience to unknown. This island is almost untouched by tourists receiving mainly other Canarians throughout the year. When you are there, it feels like you are disconnected from the world filled with pollution, devices, and cars. You will see a lot of farmed animals, gorgeous suburban landscapes, electric bikes, and enjoy a bit of Wi-Fi signal too. To get there, simply take a ferry or plane from both Tenerife or Gran Canaria islands.

Salitre Apartments

I find it a super unique place to stay because while you have access to a giant swimming pool overlooking the ocean, the ocean is actually right below you. So, when you get out of the pool, you just need to make a couple of steps down to jump into the real Atlantic Ocean. How cool is that?

Besides, the room is extremely cosy and spacious. It has absolutely everything you need, not to mention how sparklingly clean it looks. You may have an unforgettable holiday at El Hierro island staying at this apartment.

Villamocanes Villa

One giant gorgeous villa is located in Frontera. It has a room for a group of families featuring four bedrooms. Free WiFi and parking are included which is nice because I doubt anyone would want to leave the property.

The garden offers a spacious swimming pool and a whole special division devoted to the BBQ area. Let’s start the party!

Why choose and where to stay in La Graciosa?

La Graciosa is located 2 km north of Lanzarote island. It will cost you 30-35$ (half price for kids) and 25 minutes’ boat ride to get there from Lanzarote and enjoy one or two days of the most gorgeous volcanic and coastal landscapes. On top of that, it is one of the least explored and most peaceful islands in the entire archipelago with no asphalted roads. Imagine, what a unique experience it can be!

Evita Beach Apartaments

The whole experience coming from Lanzarote for a couple of days to La Graciosa and staying at this apartment complex is just amazing! It has the most perfect views, and the best part is that it is located right on the beach.

The property not only offers access to the beach but to a volcanic stone garden. It is located minutes away from the port where the ferry takes you back to Lanzarote.

Immaculately clean 2-bedroom suite with a fully equipped kitchen and a terrace really allowed us to spend some time together after our child went to bed. Fantastic property, amazing service!

Which is the least touristy Canary Island?

While Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote may be packed with tourists during summer and winter, Fuerteventura receives slightly fewer tourists although it is the second-largest island among all Canary Islands.

You can find the least tourists in La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa.

La Palma is the furthest one and it takes up to 8 hours to get there by ferry or 4 hours by plane.

However, you can get an amazing getaway during your visit to Tenerife visiting La Gomera or El Hierro.

From Gran Canaria, you can take a flight to El Hierro and enjoy a couple of days in total nature beauty and tranquillity.

If you travel to Lanzarote, it is the best place to plan a getaway to the least explored and most peaceful island, La Graciosa.

So, what is your best Canary Island to visit now?

What is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands are famous for their all-year-round sunshine, and warm nice water at any beach you go to. So, when to visit the Canary Islands?

The best time to visit the Canary Islands is either between March and May or September and November. Summer is one of the most expensive seasons, all the islands are overpacked and hotels are overcrowded. This just makes everything significantly more expensive and more challenging to get.

We went to Gran Canaria in the last days of September until mid-October and are absolutely convinced that this is the best time to go. We felt like VIP guests with very few tourists around us. The majority were Canarians. The weather was pleasant, the beaches were not packed, and our daily routine for two weeks ended up being in the water anyways. Plus, no queues, cheaper tours, car rental, and hotel prices.

Are the Canary Islands safe for tourists?

Apart from figuring out which Canary Island to visit, it is important to look into other aspects of your future travel.

In relation to safety, the Canary Islands are extremely safe and have a low crime risk, especially in tourist areas. There are good police presence and safety regulations, especially at the beaches.

Are the Canary Islands expensive to visit?

It is no wonder the Canary Islands is one of the most popular destinations by UK tourists and now I know why. While you can get a cheap flight to one of the islands for as little as £20 GBP ($25 USD) one-way flying with a low-cost airline, you are also guaranteed to get tanned, swim in warm water without getting too much wind at the beach, and enjoy all-inclusive hotel deal for much lower than you would get it in the UK, or frankly speaking, anywhere else in Europe. I’d say the alternative could be a resort area in Egypt or Turkey.

If you get an all-inclusive deal, you won’t need to worry about spending your money on food, or alcohol drinks at all. So, the rest is up to you on how much you want to spend on tours and souvenirs.

Can you drink the water in the Canary Islands?

Most of the tap water in the Canary Islands is drinkable as it is desalinated seawater, but it tastes funny. While it is safe to drink, it is up to you whether to buy bottled water or not. During our stay, we have got a couple of bottled spring water, 8L each. Also, every hotel will provide you with any water amount you want offering it one of the bars next to the pool with slides.

What language do they speak in the Canary Islands?

The official language is Spanish. We found very few tourists when we went to Gran Canaria and spoke Spanish daily. The only tourists we found were the hotel animators.

In the majority of the Canary Islands, there are many people who speak English because there are lots of tourists throughout the year, so you will be safe to travel there language-wise.

The second most spoken language is German. In fact, many hotels have signs and menus in three languages, limited to Spanish, English, and German.

Have you picked the best Canary Island to visit yet? Share with us in the comments below and enjoy your well-deserved holiday!

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