The Canaries are located less than 1,000 km from the Spanish coast, making them a dream destination for a getaway close to Europe. Indeed, in approximately 4 hours of flight from Paris, you can take your family to discover this archipelago of the "eternal spring".

All seven islands of the Canaries are equally interesting for introducing children to nature: jungle and desert, caves and idyllic panoramas, natural pools and beaches. Each island has its own appeal and promises children moments of relaxation and discovery.

With a baby?

The Canaries enjoy a climate that is favorable to infant wellbeing, so parents need not worry. That said, a stay in a city would be best suited to avoid complications. Indeed, all infant necessities are more easily obtained in larger towns: milk, diapers, and even car seats and strollers. Pharmacies and health centers will be more accessible than in rural areas.

With children?

On the archipelago, children will have plenty to keep them occupied. In an environment rich with biodiversity, they can learn from nature. Animals will fascinate them and they can burn off energy in the open air thanks to numerous activities: swimming, sightseeing, walks, and more. Beyond natural sites, they can also discover the treasures held within the Canary museums.

And teenagers?

Teenagers will have a wide range of activities at the Canaries to keep them entertained. From hiking to snorkeling, there's no shortage of options.

To know

Children and teenagers traveling without a parent must carry, along with their passport, a parental authorization form. This must be signed by parents and accompanied by a photocopy of the national identity card of the signatories.

Throughout the stay, parents and guardians must be aware that children remain under their responsibility.

Lanzarote

The island of Lanzarote is ideal for outdoor activities: trekking, hiking, and more. This Biosphere Reserve is composed of red hues (due to its geological nature), blue (from the Atlantic Ocean), and white and gold (with its beaches). Children can venture into the underground passages of Cueva de los Verdes. You can also opt for cultural visits, particularly in museums, and admire the sculptures of the renowned César Manrique (a reference in modern Canary art, born in Lanzarote).

Fuerteventura

The desert of the Canaries offers expeditions on the back of dromedaries, locally called camelids. You can also traverse the dunes of this reserve by 4x4 or quad bike. Teenagers will have the chance to ride the waves while surfing or explore the marine depths. For the smallest, the sandy beaches will allow free rein to their imagination and classic sandcastle building.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the nature destination. Indeed, nearly half of the island is a naturally protected area. Children will appreciate the warmth of the locals in Agaete, Arucas, or Teror. Local traditions will astonish them as they witness the colorful festivals that take place during celebrations (particularly during carnival).

Tenerife

This island is made up of cosmopolitan peoples. Children can discover numerous cultures while enjoying countless activities. Tenerife boasts various hotel complexes thanks to the attraction of the Teide volcano, the largest in Spain and all the Atlantic Ocean. Young visitors will have the opportunity to visit the last primeval Laurissilva forest in all of Europe. The dragon tree, an emblematic tree of the Canaries, is a towering tree that intrigues children. The island is thus a wild destination for teaching children the value of biodiversity.

La Gomera

It is nicknamed the whistling island because its inhabitants had the habit of whistling from one end of the island to the other to pass messages. Though not as large as the other Canary islands, La Gomera nonetheless holds surprises worth experiencing. With its humid forests and protected areas, children will appreciate this patch of land that is as tropical as it is wild. You can enjoy the landscapes by going on hikes or cycling, for example.

La Palma

La Palma invites relaxation thanks to its gentle atmosphere that encourages leisurely living. Small villages, colorful streets, and Canary flavors—the whole family will feel at home. With its three imposing volcanoes, the island is as forested as it is verdant. Indeed, it is renowned as the "isla verde" or green island. The must-do activity is the Caldera de Taburiente national park, a gigantic crater that has shaped the surroundings into an excellence in biodiversity.

El Hierro

The final leg of the Canaries archipelago is the island of El Hierro. Children can try snorkeling within the La Restinga marine reserve. They can also discover the fountain tree, the Garoé: a natural mechanism that appears like science fiction. This tree served as a fountain for the aboriginal Guanche people who collected water at its base from mists and fog.

On the islands of eternal spring, activities are plentiful.

Parks

There are nearly fifteen parks and nature reserves in the Canaries as well as numerous cultural sites. Visiting these parks will be essential during your stay. Your children can discover the biodiversity of the archipelago. To mention just a few:

• Las Canteras beach and its natural reefs;
• Viera y Clavijo botanical garden;
• La Palma starlight reserve;
• Vallehermoso natural organ formations;
• Siam Park or Acua Water Park, water parks;
• Maroparque, a zoo within a landscaped garden.

And many other activities

During your stay, don't hesitate to try other easily accessible activities:

• Outdoor activities: walks and sightseeing, etc.
• Water activities: fishing, snorkeling, freediving, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, pedal boating, etc.
• Beach activities: sandcastle building, volleyball.
• Mountain activities: hiking, trekking, etc.
• Transportation activities: safari, ferry crossings, etc.