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?
Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak
At 3,718 meters above sea level, Teide is the highest summit in Spain. Riding the cable car to the volcano’s upper station is an adventure in itself.
You can explore the corners of this National Park—inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007—by walking its trails and visiting its interpretation centers.
Staying at one of Iberostar’s family hotels in Costa Adeje, in southern Tenerife, is a great idea to enjoy a fun Canary Islands holiday with every comfort within easy reach.
Journey to the center of the Earth at Cueva del Viento
The world’s fifth-largest network of volcanic galleries lies in the Icod de los Vinos valley in northern Tenerife. At Cueva del Viento, kids can play at being speleologists in a truly magical natural setting.
From the visitor center, a guide will introduce the treasures you’re about to discover. After a short van ride, a forest trail leads you to the cave entrance. And from there—onward to the center of the Earth!
Spotting wild cetaceans
In Tenerife, you can see whales and dolphins in the wild year-round. The island has licensed boats committed to high-quality, respectful outings with minimal environmental impact.
The best excursions depart from Puerto Colón, Los Cristianos, or Los Gigantes. All these marinas are very close to the Iberostar hotels in Tenerife. At your hotel’s front desk, the staff will gladly provide all the information you need to book your trip.
The surprises of the Enchanted Forest
Laurisilva is a type of prehistoric fern dating back more than 65 million years. Twenty million years ago, laurel forests covered southern Europe and northern Africa, although today they have virtually disappeared.
In Anaga Rural Park, the Enchanted Laurisilva Forest will make you feel as if you’re in a magical place. This natural area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and lies in the island’s northeast, just minutes from the exclusive Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey, a 5-star luxury hotel in the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Fly through the trees at Forestal Park
This zipline park is set on Monte de La Esperanza. Kids aged 5 and up can let off steam soaring through the lush canary pine treetops, a hallmark of the island.
After refueling, it’s a great idea to go horseback riding in the hills and take in the vibrant forest scenery before heading back to your hotel.
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 best carnival
If you’re heading to the Canary Islands in February or early March, you can’t miss the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, recognized as an International Tourist Interest event.
The parade of floats and decorated cars is a must-see, as are the spectacular gowns of the carnival queens and the bands that keep the party going.
The streets burst with color and joy around the Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey, the only 5-star hotel in Santa Cruz. Stay there and savor the exquisite offering at its five restaurants, each with a distinct concept.
At the top of a volcano
The Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote is one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the world—a place where the forces rising from the Earth’s interior are still very much alive.
It’s also worth taking a stroll through the National Park. Less than a 30-minute drive away you’ll find the Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park, where children can have fun exploring and making new friends at Star Camp, a kids’ program that blends entertainment and values tailored to each age group.
Travel by submarine
Not every day do you get the chance to ride a submarine through one of the planet’s richest seabeds. With Submarine Safaris—operating respectfully and with certified practices—you can spot turtles, dolphins, and other remarkable marine species.
The submarine dives to 30 meters, a journey that will captivate children. The marina is in Puerto Calero, just a 20-minute drive from Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park on the seafront, and from Iberostar La Bocayna Village, one of the finest hotels in Lanzarote set amid welcoming natural surroundings.
Unwind on Lobos Island
For centuries, monk seals lived on this tiny islet between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. While that’s no longer the case, it remains well worth a visit for its wild nature, hiking trails, and inviting beaches. It’s also an excellent spot for birdwatching and observing small species native to the Canary Islands.
Reach Lobos Island by ferry from Corralejo harbor 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 blend fun with values. What are you waiting for to discover the best hotels in the Canary Islands?
