The Canary Islands offer a wide range of activities and relaxation for the whole family, all in “the best climate in the world.” There are seven reasons that make the Canary Islands a top destination for an unforgettable family holiday. The attractive and eye-catching beaches are not the only asset that the archipelago has to offer. For example, there is a wide range of leisure centers designed especially for families:zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens, and the best water, theme and amusement parks are just a few examples. The focus of these facilities is invariably on entertainment that is both recreational and educational.
Add to all of the above the unique and vibrant climate of each individual island, and the Canary picture is complete:a holiday destination where you can enjoy endless adventures in “the best climate in the world”. The island group guarantees mild and stable temperatures with sun-drenched days almost all year round.
Seven islands, seven reasons for your next family vacation.
1. Watch whales, dolphins and porpoises in their natural environment
Off the coast of the Canary Islands, many different marine species can often be spotted such as pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and even large turtles. Some of these species have established themselves in the Canary region mainly because of the favorable climate. Due to the high water temperatures, you as a visitor also have an advantage to see the hunting of large whales for smaller fish up close. Guided observation expeditions are organized on board the typical blue boats ("Barco Azul") that meet the standards for whale watching † In this way, the sea creatures can lead a peaceful life in the waters of the archipelago.
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2. Pleasant stroll on colorful beaches
The volcanic origin of the Canary Islands results in tropical beaches with different colors. The result is a colorful palette that enhances the unique experience of a dip in the water or a nap in the sun lounger. Your towering sand castles or deeply excavated fortresses are also just as original as the 500 different beaches:they range from endless strips of white sand with turquoise water, to natural coves with dark lava flows, to golden coves surrounded by unspoilt nature. Other beaches are tailor-made for families and have both a lifeguard and adapted equipment to enjoy them safely and with peace of mind. There are also swimming pools with natural seawater for those who prefer a private family atmosphere. Flamingo Beach on Lanzarote, Fuerteventura's El Cotillo, Amadores on Gran Canaria, Las Vistas on Tenerife, La Gomera's Calera, the Charco Verde swimming pool in La Palma and Tacorón Cove on El Hierro are just some of the family-friendly beaches and pools you can find on the archipelago.
3. Safety and European standards
In addition to extensive facilities in terms of hotels, apartments and tourist services, the Canary Islands ensure both safety and full support to its visitors. The area is part of the European Union and thus complies with all European standards. Highly developed healthcare is therefore always available to every visitor. Furthermore, the varied accommodation options provide a wide range of outdoor activities where you always enjoy a beautiful natural setting:think especially of hiking, cycling and all kinds of adventure sports such as mountain climbing, paragliding, bungee jumping and much more. Only a 4-hour flight separates the average European capital from the Canary Islands, the tropical dream destination populated by cheerful, friendly and hospitable inhabitants. In short, a paradise where people and nature go hand in hand.
4. Fun in the best water and amusement parks
Thanks to their excellent quality, the amusement parks in the Canary Islands are among the best in Europe. They delight young and old with entertaining and diverse water attractions such as wild water courses and wave pools. In addition, there are also relaxation zones for sunbathing in peace. All the parks in the Canary Islands are equipped with modern and safe attractions that are closely watched by a large team of professional lifeguards. Furthermore, the water attractions are distinguished by the way they are decorated. Overarching themes and lively decorations ensure that the children imagine themselves in a colorful fantasy world. The most popular parks are Siam Park in Tenerife, internationally crowned as the best theme park in the world, Aquapark Costa Teguise in Lanzarote, Acua Water Park in Fuerteventura and both Sioux City and Holiday World in Gran Canaria.
5. Parks brimming with exotic land and sea creatures
The impressive killer whale and dolphin shows in the Canary water parks are extremely popular with small children. The same little adventurers look with equally wide eyes at the numerous collections of butterflies, monkey families, elephant herds or crocodiles. The hundreds of vertebrates and invertebrates in the archipelago live side by side in a natural environment and are cared for with a lot of dedication. In fact, the Canary Islands maintain the largest number of parrots worldwide. Loro Parque on Tenerife, Maroparque and Aquarium Lanzarote on La Palma, Oasis Park Fuerteventura on Fuerteventura and the César Manrique Cactus Garden on Lanzarote are the most popular parks here.
6. Extraterrestrial experience
Nowhere do you feel more connected to the universe than in the Canary Islands. Thanks to the protected status of its starry sky, the archipelago is one of the best locations in the world for stargazing all year round. Geographically, the archipelago is ideally situated:there is almost never a cloud in the sky and the starry sky is always crystal clear. These qualities have led to the creation of a conservation law, the “Starlight Reserve”, which perpetuates the Canary Islands as a prime astronomical location. The archipelago is also home to the most important astrophysical observatories in the northern hemisphere. Located 2,400 meters above sea level, they are invaluable worldwide. So it should come as no surprise that the Canary Islands are a prime location for astrotourism. Visitors can always participate in night tours led by professional guides. The Gregor Telescope on Tenerife, the largest in Europe, and the roque de los Muchachos Observatory on La Palma are open to the general public.
7. Vibrant underwater world
So there is already a lot to do in the Canary Islands, both on land and in the air, but there is another universe that is brimming with life. The richness of the Canary seabed and the excellent water temperature provide the breeding ground for an incredible biodiversity. If you dive deep enough and search well enough, you can even encounter up to 26 different animal species. Adventurous families need only don a wetsuit and they are ready to explore the various marine reserves or snorkel the endless coastlines. If you want to see dolphins, orcas, pilot whales or giant blue whales in the wild, it is best to take the boat. With binoculars in hand and a bit of luck you might just see one of those wonderful creatures appearing on the horizon. Most boats depart from the south coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the Costa Tazacorte on La Palma and the Costa de Valle Gran Rey on La Gomera. Those locations are also ideal for spotting sperm whales and sea turtles.
