Winter Family Holidays in the Canary Islands

Are you searching for a winter sun holiday with kids that doesn’t involve taking a long-haul flight? A family holiday in the Canary Islands is one of the best ways to leave behind the grey skies for golden beaches and sunshine. From whale watching in Tenerife and volcanic landscapes in Lanzarote to sand dunes in Fuerteventura and family resorts in Gran Canaria, the Canaries offers a range of memorable experiences for the whole family.

This guide gives an insight into the best Canary Islands for families in winter, the top things to do in the Canary Islands with children, along with practical travel tips and Canary Islands ferry day trips for easy island hopping.

Why Visit the Canary Islands in Winter?

Why wait for summer to enjoy the Canary Islands? In fact, many travelers consider the Canary Islands in winter the best time to visit for families. The weather is still warm enough for the beach yet cool enough for exploring, and typically less crowded than peak summer months. Here are some of the added benefits of visiting in the winter:

• Winter sun and mild temperatures: The Canaries are famous for comfortable winter weather, ideal for outdoor plans (think beach days, hiking, boat trips and sightseeing without the intense summer heat).
• Great value for families: Outside the summer peak, you can often find better prices on flights, accommodation and activities, especially when travelling with children.
• Fewer crowds: Shorter queues for attractions, easier restaurant bookings and more space on the sand makes everything simpler with kids.
• Outdoor adventures: Winter is perfect for volcanic parks, dolphin cruises, nature trails, and family-friendly excursions.

If your seeking an relaxed family winter holiday with guaranteed sunshine and plenty of activities, it doesn’t get much better than the Canary Islands.

Best Canary Islands for Families in Winter

There are a total of eight main Canary Islands, but if you’re traveling with children, the easiest picks are the islands with the widest choice of resorts, attractions, beaches, and transport connections.

Top picks for winter family holidays

• Tenerife – best all-round for families, waterparks, wildlife, whale watching, and Teide National Park
• Lanzarote – perfect for volcano adventures, calm beaches, and family resorts like Playa Blanca
• Fuerteventura – ideal for beach lovers, dunes, and lower rainfall in winter
• Gran Canaria – great family-friendly beaches, big attractions, and easy island-hopping routes

The smaller islands can be wonderful for nature and quiet escapes, but they typically have fewer kid-focused attractions and can be less convenient without renting a car, particular for short winter holiday.

Best Things to Do in the Canary Islands in Winter (By Island)

Tenerife

Tenerife in winter is a perfect choice for families due to its warm coastal weather and wide array of attractions. For beaches and family-friendly resorts, many travelers tend to favour the south coast, including popular areas like Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas. It's also a popular destination among those living as digital nomads in Canary Islands.

• Siam Park: A must for families, with thrilling slides for older kids plus calmer zones to unwind.
• Loro Parque: A well-known wildlife park with exhibits that keep children entertained for hours.
• Whale and dolphin watching: Winter is a great time for boat trips and marine-life spotting.
• Teide National Park: Explore dramatic volcanic scenery and take in the island’s iconic landscapes.

Lanzarote

A cheap Lanzarote winter holiday brings a great deal of variety: family beaches, easy resort towns, and otherworldly volcanic terrain. For calmer water and secluded bays, families usually opt for regions like Playa Blanca, plus other popular areas such as Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen.

• Timanfaya National Park: One of Lanzarote’s headline attractions, showcasing volcanic scenery that feels like another planet.
• Family-friendly beaches: Soft sand and clear water, ideal for paddling and relaxed beach days.
• Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park: A popular option if you want wildlife, shows and pools in one place.
• Waterparks: Great for “guaranteed fun” days when kids need something energetic.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is a very popular island for those who want long sandy beaches, a tranquil atmosphere, and plenty of space. It’s particularly appealing in winter if you prefer spending time outdoors without the risk of heavy rainfall.

• Corralejo Dunes Natural Park: Epic dunes and beaches—perfect for photos, play, and scenic walks.
• Water sports: Older kids and teenagers may love trying windsurfing or kitesurfing (subject to weather conditions).
• Oasis Wildlife Park: A family-friendly zoo and botanical garden with lots to explore.
• Waterparks: A great option for a full day of slides, pools and sunshine.

If your idea of the perfect trip is beach first, everything else second, Fuerteventura is one of the best Canary Islands to visit.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a diverse island offering something for everyone, from family-friendly beaches and popular attractions to a wide range of accommodation options. Many families choose the south of the island for its calm waters and reliable sunshine, with favourite spots including Playa de Mogán, Playa de Amadores, and the famous Maspalomas dunes.

• Family beaches: Sheltered areas are ideal for little ones to paddle safely.
• Palmitos Park: A popular zoo and botanical garden for an easy family day out.
• Aqualand Maspalomas: A big waterpark option for a full day of slides and pool time.
• Boat trips: Choose from snorkelling cruises and wildlife spotting experiences.

Gran Canaria is also a convenient base if you wish to add island hopping by ferry to your winter itinerary.

Island Hopping: Canary Islands Ferries & Easy Day Trips

Why stay on one island when you have so seven others on your doorstep? Canary Islands island hopping is simple thanks to regular sailings between the main islands. Inter-island ferry routes are commonly provided by operators such as Naviera Armas, Fred Olsen Express and Líneas Marítimas Romero, giving families flexible options for day trips or multi-island holidays.

Popular Canary Islands Ferry Day Trips

These routes are especially popular with families because they’re short and easy to plan around nap times, meal breaks and beach afternoons.

Travel Tips for a Winter Family Holiday in the Canary Islands

• Pick the right island: For reliable beach weather, many families choose the sunnier south coasts (especially in Tenerife and Gran Canaria).
• Balance your itinerary: Pair a waterpark or national park day with a slower beach day for balance.
• Pack layers: Even in winter sun, evenings can be deceivingly cold. Please bring light jumpers for dinner and coastal walks.
• Book popular attractions in advance: Waterparks and popular excursions can sell out in busier holiday weeks.
• Take the ferry: A short ferry day trip can add a highlight to your holiday without the stress of changing hotels.

FAQs: Winter Family Holidays in the Canary Islands

Which Canary Island is best for families in winter?

The most family-friendly options in winter are usually Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria thanks to their choice of resorts, beaches, and kid-friendly attractions.

Can you swim in the Canary Islands in winter?

Many families do. While conditions vary by island and beach, winter is often mild enough for swimming in the sea, making the Canaries a popular choice for winter sun holidays. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the hotel pool.

Is it easy to travel between the Canary Islands by ferry?

Yes. Canary Islands ferries operate frequent services between each of the main islands, and short routes like Playa Blanca to Corralejo are especially convenient for families planning island-hopping or day trips.

How long is the ferry from Tenerife to Gran Canaria?

The ferry to Gran Canaria from Tenerife commonly takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on which route you decide to take.

Book Your Canary Islands Ferry Tickets

A winter family holiday in the Canary Islands is the perfect way to escape the cold and spend memorable time with the family. Book your Canary Islands ferry tickets now to secure your preferred travel times and start counting down to winter sunshine.