Canary Islands
Volcanic adventures and eternal spring sunshine 🌋
The Canary Islands are Spain's tropical outpost, located off the coast of Morocco. Their claim to fame is the 'eternal spring' climate, making them a top choice for families seeking sun during European winters. Each island has a unique geological personality. Tenerife, the most visited, is dominated by Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. Families can take a cable car near the summit for views that look like Mars. The island is also home to Siam Park, widely voted the best water park in the world, and Loro Parque zoo, ensuring days of high-energy entertainment.
Gran Canaria is described as a 'miniature continent.' The southern dunes of Maspalomas allow kids to feel like explorers in the Sahara, complete with camel rides. The interior offers pine forests and mountain villages, while the coast is lined with sheltered, family-friendly beaches like Puerto de Mogán. Lanzarote offers a more raw, volcanic experience. A bus tour through Timanfaya National Park reveals geysers and lava fields that steam with heat from just below the surface—a geography lesson that comes to life. The architecture here, influenced by artist César Manrique, includes unique sites like a concert hall inside a volcanic cave.
Fuerteventura is the beach lover's paradise, with endless stretches of white sand and turquoise waters ideal for windsurfing lessons or simply playing in the waves. It's quieter and less developed, suited for families who want to disconnect. The smaller islands like La Palma and La Gomera offer lush rainforests and hiking trails for active families who want to escape the resort crowds.
Practicality is high: the islands are fully developed with modern hospitals, supermarkets, and excellent roads. Accommodation ranges from all-inclusive resorts with kids' clubs to private villas. The food is simple and tasty, with 'papas arrugadas' (wrinkly potatoes with mild mojo sauce) being a favorite side dish for children. Whether you want a resort break or an active hiking holiday, the Canaries deliver consistently good weather and diverse activities.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Unique UNESCO volcanic landscapes at Mount Teide and ancient laurel forests provide a world-class wilderness experience. Peak months offer dry trails and clear visibility; winter months see higher precipitation and potential snow/ice closures on high-altitude volcanic paths.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The winding roads through Teide National Park and Gran Canaria's cliffs offer some of the world's most dramatic volcanic scenery. Peak months ensure clear skies and maximum visibility; winter months often experience heavy mist and cloud banks that obscure the unique landscapes.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
A premier global destination for professional cycling, trail running, and elite windsurfing due to diverse terrain and consistent trade winds. Peak months offer stable conditions and dry surfaces; the high rainfall in Dec-Jan can make mountain descents and trails hazardous for active travelers.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Home to Siam Park, consistently ranked as the world's best water park, offering a truly world-class family experience. Peak months provide optimal air temperatures for water activities; winter months (sub-20°C) are too cool for a premium water park experience despite facilities being open.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
World-class windsurfing in Fuerteventura and luxury coastal resorts in Tenerife offer high-end beach experiences. Peak summer months provide the only period where water temperatures (23-24°C) and air temperatures meet international standards for comfortable swimming; winter months are too cool for discerning travelers used to tropical benchmarks.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
World-leading astrophysical observatories and significant volcanic geology provide profound scientific interest for sophisticated families. Peak months are essential for clear-sky stargazing and geological exploration; winter months have higher cloud density and more frequent rain.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is an authentic, internationally significant event comparable to Rio's celebrations. Peak status is strictly limited to the festival period in February, as the region lacks other cultural events of similar global scale throughout the rest of the year.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
High-end thalassotherapy and volcanic-inspired wellness retreats cater to discerning international tastes. Peak months offer the most consistent low-humidity weather for outdoor spa treatments; winter temperatures can feel surprisingly brisk for those seeking a true 'eternal spring' escape.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
The UNESCO-listed colonial city of La Laguna and the unique architectural fusion of César Manrique in Lanzarote offer genuine cultural value. Peak months avoid both the peak summer heat and winter rains, providing the best conditions for urban exploration and architectural tours.
