With their dazzling volcanic beaches, wildly contrasting landscapes and fabulous regional gastronomy, Spain’s bewitching Canary Islands are a sun-washed adventure playground that delight families of all shapes and sizes year after year. The archipelago’s richly varied family-friendly hotel scene packs in everything from five-star wonders with all the trimmings (kids clubs, tennis camps, pirate ships, children’s pools) to irresistibly original low-key escapes with their own offbeat Canarian charm.
This, of course, is Spain, where kids cavorting around lively plazas while parents enjoy a few fuss-free tapas is a happy, regular sight. So, whether you fancy an activity-packed beachfront holiday with your whole tribe or a more laid-back retreat with the little ones, here’s our pick of the best family-friendly hotels in the Canary Islands.
How we review
Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer.
Best hotels for families in Tenerife
Generally considered to be the best hotel on Tenerife, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is a luxurious, Moroccan-styled hotel with its own championship golf course, an indulgent spa, a secluded golden beach and a two Michelin-starred restaurant. The state-of-the-art Ritz Kids' Club, designed in partnership with oceanographer Jean Michel Cousteau's team, features daily activities to open little minds to the wonders of the natural world. Read expert review From £ 240• The best five-star hotels in Tenerife
An opulent, hip hotel with a young, vibrant atmosphere, film star looks, deluxe rooms, a plethora of facilities and an adults-only option for lavish indulgence. The hotel has super facilities for families, including a kids' pools, Mini Club, a theatre with live shows and full entertainment programme. Upgrade to the 'Red Level' family service for an exclusive lounge, ice cream treats and PlayStation. Read expert review From £ 272• The best all-inclusive Tenerife hotels and resorts
Occupying two colourful towers that light up the west coast sky like Hollywood spotlights, this glamorous and lively hotel offers sensational food, a lagoon-style pool and trendy staff – all encapsulated within a beach club vibe. Adults-only zones provide pockets of calm, but this is a family resort at heart, with kids’ clubs for all ages. Xbox consoles, simulators, electric guitar lessons and other organised activities are all offered. Read expert review From £ 139• The best beach hotels in the Canary Islands
Best hotels for families in Gran Canaria
Seaside Palm Beach, a member of Design Hotels, offers a slice of 1970s Miami in Maspalomas. It was designed by celebrated architect and designer Alberto Pinto. Opt for an upper-floor suite for the best views and a balcony, and don't miss La Bodega tapas restaurant, headed up by award-winning chef Steffen Schenk. During the main holiday periods, there’s a full activity programme for children, although the mini kids' club opens all year round. The kids’ pool has water-polo goals. Interconnecting rooms are readily available. Read expert review From £ 199 This four-star located on an ancient acropolis is full of surprises. It enjoys a micro-climate considered one of the world’s best by Unesco, and has won awards for its commitment to sustainability. Add to that an archaeological park, and a botanic garden, and you have one of the island's most intriguing hotels. There’s a kids' club for younger children and an arcade with air hockey and table football for teens. There's also a bowling alley, offering entertainment for all the family. Read expert review From £ 105• The best family-friendly hotels in Gran Canaria
Set apart from Meloneras’ shopping centres, you would be forgiven for thinking Villa del Conde isolated — until you realise, as its name suggests, that it’s a village in its own right. There are five swimming pools, one of them saltwater. There’s a kids’ club offering a full range of activities for children aged four to 12. The evening shows offered six nights a week are family-friendly. There’s also a mini disco. Teens are equally well catered for, with waterpolo, football, beach volleyball, and tennis. With five restaurants, including buffet options to choose, from, even the fussiest little eaters should be satisfied. Read expert review From £ 196• Where to stay in the Canary Islands
Best hotels for families in Lanzarote
Los Jameos, a collection of charming Spanish haciendas surrounding a palm-strewn pool complex, is timelessly elegant. From free cava on arrival to knockout Iberian feasts, this primly positioned four-star resort ensures a thoroughly Spanish welcome to all its guests. Family-friendly touches include early breakfast and dinner opening hours, and a kids’ club (ages four-11) that enjoys its own play park, pool and sandpit plus daily (except Sundays) activities from sand sculpture to UNO competitions and T-shirt painting. Read expert review From £ 146• The best hotels in Lanzarote
Popular with families, this stylish five-star hotel complex, next to Dorada beach in Lanzarote’s prime resort of Playa Blanca, has sweeping sea views towards neighbouring islands. Rooms are well-designed and spacious, and facilities include eight restaurants, a large spa and well-equipped children’s activity area. Many rooms and suites are suitable for families. Read expert review From £ 154 Lanzarote’s original off-grid escape is a sustainability-driven bohemian retreat, surrounded by volcanic scenery in the island’s less-explored north. It has a lagoon pool, raft of activities, and self-catering accommodation spread across stone cottages, restored farmhouse buildings and cosy Mongolian yurts. This is a fabulous place to bring the kids, who will enjoy meeting the resident farm animals, making friends in the pool, and racing around the ‘adventure playground’. Most rooms can be set up with extra beds and/or cots, babysitting is available, and the team has plenty of family-friendly Lanzarote tips. Read expert review From £ 79• The best beach hotels in Spain
Best hotels for families in Fuerteventura
This Caleta de Fuste four-star hotel is a resort within a resort. It adds some glitz and glamour to the east of Fuerteventura’s most popular destination, masquerading as an authentic-looking Canarian fishing village in the process. The U-Spa has a thermal circuit and five treatment rooms designed in Oriental fashion. There are six outdoor pools (three for adults and three for children). There is also nightly children’s entertainment. Read expert review From £ 100• The best hotels in Fuerteventura
Best hotels for families in La Gomera
Poised atop a clifftop on the pristine island of La Gomera, with bracing views of the ocean and Mount Teide on Tenerife, this is a little cracker of a property: five swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course, sea-view rooms, and very decent half-board dining options. Further facilities include tennis, squash, volleyball, padel courts, and even a mini disco for the children. Family rooms provide plenty of space, and a babysitting service is available at an additional cost. Read expert review From £ 148• The best hotels in La Gomera
Best hotels for families in La Palma
Traditional Canarian style, sub-tropical splendour, and quite possibly the best hotel swimming pool complex in the archipelago, on the sunny, south west coast of Fuencaliente. With its pools, budget-friendly prices and plethora of activities including kids' club, disco, adventure playground and mini golf, this is a great value family choice. Read expert review From £ 85Contributions by Joe Cawley, Matthew Hirtes, Andrea Montgomery
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