The majestic Mount Teide, beautiful beaches and whale watching are some of the reasons to visit these two islands with the family.
With pleasant year-round temperatures and a wide selection of flights, the Canary Islands are an ideal destination for the family, even with a baby. In this post we’re going to tell you about Tenerife and La Gomera – two islands that boast great tourist facilities, making travel logistics so much easier, and a wide range of activities to do with the little ones, especially outdoors.
South of Tenerife: Mount Teide and plenty of beaches to run around
One of the top activities for kids in the south of Tenerife is a trip to Teide National Park. Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain and the third highest volcano in the world. You can drive up to enjoy the viewpoints, or you can go by cable car up to 3,555 metres (children under 2 and pregnant women are not allowed, though).
We also want to recommend a few nature spots where you can enjoy the great outdoors. For example, Médano beach, which is very long and ideal to watch the sunset, or Los Gigantes, beneath towering cliffs. The little town of Masca is also worth a visit – it’s right in the middle of a tropical rainforest and has amazing views; and San Miguel de Tajao, a fishing village with whitewashed houses. Another family activity not to be missed is bathing in the natural pools of Garachico. And for the older kids, Siam Park, one of the best waterparks in Europe.
La Gomera, the most rural island
The island of La Gomera lies 50 minutes by ferry from the south of Tenerife. It’s one of the least populated islands. Tourist facilities are not that great and it preserves its rural character. Something that is sure to delight the children is whale watching, in a respectful way, with no radars. The boats depart from Valle Gran Rey port, in the south of the island.
In the centre of the island we find Garajonay National Park, which is full of easy paths to explore with the family. There are typical laurel forests and the trees are covered in very characteristic green moss. They look something straight out of a fairy tale!
And our last recommendation: Hermigua. In this town you can visit banana plantations, as well as the island’s ethnological museum, which is very interesting. Here we also find the island’s most stunning natural pools, and together with Charco del Conde they are a great place to go bathing with the kids because they are by the shore and there’s no swell.
Tenerife and La Gomera are two very different islands that are both perfect for travelling as a family. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, tropical rainforests and wild activities, La Gomera is your best bet. If you prefer more tourist facilities and transport and communication networks, choose Tenerife. If you fancy discovering even more about Tenerife, we recommend this other post: “Nine reasons to visit Tenerife”.
