Date of publication 09/12/2022
Travelling with children Hotels in the Canary Islands: 10 adventures for all the family
Wildlife and fun in Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
Ride a cable car to Spain’s highest peak, dive 30 meters below the surface in a submarine, stroll through an enchanted forest with plants that lived 65 million years ago, climb a volcano… are you ready to start the adventure?
At 12,198 feet above sea level, Mount Teide is Spain’s highest summit. Taking the cable car to the top of this volcano is an experience in itself.
You can explore the corners of this National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, by following its trails and visiting its interpretation centers.
Staying at one of Iberostar’s family-friendly hotels in Costa Adeje, in southern Tenerife, is a great way to enjoy a fun-filled vacation in the Canary Islands with every comfort close at hand.
Journey to the center of the Earth at Cueva del Viento
The fifth-largest network of volcanic tubes in the world lies in the Icod de los Vinos valley, in northern Tenerife. At Cueva del Viento, kids can play at being cave explorers in a magical natural setting.
From the visitor center, a guide will introduce the treasures you are about to discover. After a short ride by van, a forest trail leads to the cave entrance. From there, it’s time to head toward the center of the Earth.
After the visit, many families choose to stay at one of the top hotels in Costa Adeje, such as Iberostar Selection Anthelia, a beachfront hotel that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
Whale and dolphin watching in the wild
In Tenerife, it’s possible to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat year-round. Licensed boats operate across the island, committed to respectful, low-impact, and high-quality wildlife observation.
The best excursions depart from Puerto Colón, Los Cristianos, or Los Gigantes, all located close to Iberostar hotels in Tenerife. At your hotel reception, the staff will be happy to provide all the information you need to plan your outing.
The surprises of the Enchanted Forest
Laurisilva is a type of prehistoric forest vegetation that dates back more than 65 million years. Twenty million years ago, laurel forests covered southern Europe and northern Africa, but today they have almost entirely disappeared.
In the Anaga Rural Park, the laurel forest known as the Enchanted Forest creates a setting that feels almost unreal. This natural area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and lies in the northeast of the island, just minutes from the exclusive Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey, a five-star hotel in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Ziplining through the trees at Forestal Park
This zipline park is located in the mountains of La Esperanza. Here, children aged five and up can release some adrenaline as they glide between the lush canopies of the Canary Island pine.
After recharging, another great plan is a horseback ride through the forest, taking in the greenery before heading back to your hotel. If you are looking for a family hotel with a pool in the south of the island, Iberostar Waves Las Dalias in Costa Adeje is a great option for kids to keep the fun going.
Travel to the stars and discover other planets
The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias is one of the world’s most prestigious scientific and educational institutions. Based in Tenerife, it features modern telescopes that probe the most distant corners of the Universe.
At La Laguna’s Museum of Science and the Cosmos, young aspiring astronomers will uncover the secrets of space. They can experiment with telescopes, learn the names of constellations and stars, and visit one of Spain’s finest planetariums.
Europe’s most celebrated carnival
If you plan to visit the Canary Islands in February or early March, don’t miss the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, recognized as an event of International Tourist Interest.
The parade of decorated floats and cars is a spectacle worth seeing, along with the elaborate costumes worn by the carnival queens and the music that fills the streets.
The area around Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey, the only five-star hotel in Santa Cruz, comes alive with color and celebration. It’s also a great place to stay and enjoy the refined offerings of its five distinct restaurants.
At the top of a volcano
Timanfaya National Park, in Lanzarote, is one of the most striking volcanic landscapes in the world, a place where the forces rising from the Earth’s interior are still very much present.
It’s also worth exploring the park on foot. Less than a 30-minute drive away is Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, where children can continue the adventure at Star Camp, a program that combines entertainment with values tailored to each age group.
Traveling by submarine
Not every day offers the chance to explore one of the richest seabeds on the planet from inside a submarine. With Submarine Safaris, you can spot turtles, dolphins, and other remarkable marine species in a certified and respectful way.
The submarine descends to about 100 feet, creating an experience that captivates children. The port is located in Puerto Calero, just a 20-minute drive from Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, a beachfront hotel set in a welcoming natural environment.
Relaxing on Lobos Island
For centuries, monk seals inhabited this small islet between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Although they are no longer found here, the island remains a special place to explore its wild nature, go hiking, or take a swim at its beaches. It’s also an excellent spot for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
You can reach Lobos Island by ferry from the port of Corralejo in Fuerteventura. There, you can stay at Iberostar Waves Gaviotas Park, a seafront hotel in Jandía where children can enjoy the Star Camp program and activities that combine fun with meaningful experiences. What are you waiting for to discover the best hotels in the Canary Islands?
