Christmas Holidays to Canary Islands

Several resort areas combine safe beaches, family hotels and attractions that keep children busy through the school holiday break.

• Costa Adeje: Costa Adeje on the south-west of Tenerife is one of the most family-focused resort areas in the archipelago, with a wide choice of family hotels, water parks and well-maintained beaches close together. The resort is well served for airport transfers, which keeps the day-to-day logistics simple with children in tow. Its popularity means hotels can book up quickly over Christmas, so early booking is wise. We consider it the most practical choice for a family wanting plenty to do in one place. It is exactly the brief our Canary Islands Family Holidays deals are built around.
• Playa de Las Canteras: Playa de Las Canteras sits on the coast of Gran Canaria, an urban beach sheltered by a natural reef that keeps the water calm and shallow for younger swimmers. The promenade, cafes and shops run along the sand, making it easy to spend a full day without travelling far from the hotel. The trade-off is that you are in a working city rather than a purpose-built resort, so the setting feels more urban. It is a strong option for families who want a lively city beach with a safe swimming area.
• Playa de Las Teresitas: Playa de Las Teresitas on Tenerife is a golden-sand beach sheltered by a breakwater, making it ideal for families with younger children who want calm, shallow water. Sand is imported to keep the beach sparkling, and the promenade offers easy strolls, cafés and a pretty fishing village nearby. Parents can relax under the palms while little ones paddle safely. Winds are usually gentler here than on the exposed northern shores, so it is a dependable choice for a relaxed family day out.
• Papagayo Beaches: The Papagayo Beaches on the south of Lanzarote are a group of small sandy coves with clear water, which makes them appealing for family swimming and snorkelling in calm conditions. Reaching them involves unpaved roads, so the trip takes a little planning and a suitable vehicle. The coves are small and have limited facilities, so you will need to bring supplies for the day. We think they reward families who enjoy an adventurous day out with a quieter beach at the end of it.
• Loro Parque: Loro Parque is a large zoo and marine park with dolphin and parrot shows, found on the north coast of Tenerife, and it is one of the strongest attractions for children over the Christmas period. The surrounding town itself has traditional streets and gardens, giving a calmer base than the south-coast resorts. The park is a full day out, so you will want to plan the rest of the week around it rather than fitting it in between beach visits. We see it as a standout choice for families who want a major attraction within easy reach of a traditional north-coast stay, the same brief our Cheap Canary Islands Holidays deals are built around.