The Canary Islands deliver Europe’s most reliable winter sun: mild trade winds, clear Atlantic light, and beaches that shift from honey-gold to volcanic black. Settled by the Guanches long before Spanish conquest, the archipelago sits closer to Morocco than Madrid, fusing Spanish tradition with island rhythms. Expect papas arrugadas with mojo, tropical fruits, and a calendar that rarely needs a rain plan.

For a week with two teenagers and a toddler, Tenerife’s Costa Adeje and Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas balance thrills and calm. You’ll slide through Siam Park (often ranked Europe’s top waterpark), stroll the Maspalomas dunes at sunrise, and sail out to spot pilot whales—a protected population that lives here year-round. Promenades are stroller-friendly, beaches are lifeguarded, and family conveniences (high chairs, cots, kids’ pools) are everywhere.

Practical notes: Sunshine is strong even in winter—pack SPF 50, hats, and rash guards. In Spain, children under 135 cm must ride in a car seat or booster in the back seat. Lifeguard flags matter: green (safe), yellow (caution), red (no bathing). Inter-island hops are quick by air or fast ferry, and supermarkets carry familiar baby supplies. You’re set for an easy, sun-first week.

Costa Adeje (Tenerife)

Costa Adeje unfurls a necklace of family beaches—Playa del Duque, Fañabé, and Las Vistas—linked by a flat promenade ideal for strollers and sunset walks. The south coast is calmer than the rugged north, with warm pools, plenty of playgrounds, and cafés within flip-flop distance.

Highlights include Siam Park’s legendary slides (with toddler zones), relaxed boat trips out of Puerto Colón to see dolphins and pilot whales, and day drives up into Teide National Park’s lunar landscapes. Evenings hum around the open-air Safari Centre, where fountains dance and teens can graze on pan-Asian bites or tacos before gelato.

• Where to stay (family-ready): Apartments or aparthotels with kitchenettes, washer access, and kids’ pools near Playa del Duque or Fañabé keep transit minimal. Browse family spaces on VRBO Costa Adeje and pool-forward resorts on Hotels.com Costa Adeje. Look for cots, high chairs, and shallow splash zones.
• Getting there: Fly into Tenerife South (TFS). From major European hubs, nonstops are common (approx. 4–5 hours from northern Europe, ~3 hours from Madrid). Compare options with Omio flights (Europe). Taxi to Costa Adeje is ~20–25 minutes.

Day 1 — Arrival and First Beach Sunset

Afternoon: Land at TFS and check in. Unwind with a gentle promenade stroll between Playa de Fañabé and Playa del Duque—flat, stroller-friendly, and lined with shaded benches. Refuel with fresh-squeezed juice and bocadillos at a beachfront café; teens can try batidos (fruit shakes), and your toddler gets a sandy playground fix.

Evening: Early dinner by the sea in La Caleta. For classic grilled fish and Canarian sides, try La Masía del Mar (kids’ portions and high chairs; order local cherne with mojo verde). Then grab sunset mocktails at Coqueluche Beach Bar as paragliders drift overhead.

Day 2 — Siam Park for All Ages

Morning: Arrive at Siam Park at opening to beat queues. Teens can tackle Tower of Power and Singha; the toddler zone (Sawasdee and The Lost City) has mini-slides, shallow splash pools, and shade. Rent a family locker; consider a cabana if you want naps and mid-day breaks.

Afternoon: Quick bites inside the park: Beach Club for roast chicken and fries; Sweet Siam for fruit cups and waffles. Recharge on the man-made sandy beach; the lazy river has a gentler loop for younger kids. Hydrate often; reapply sunscreen.

Evening: Head to the open-air Safari Centre in Playa de las Américas. Dinner at Imperial Tai-Pan (sushi, teppan, crowd-pleasing noodles) or Hacienda Miranda (colorful Mexican plates; big tables for families). Catch the nightly light-and-music fountain before a short taxi back.

Day 3 — Teide National Park (Short and Scenic) or Whale-Watching

Morning: Option A: Drive 1–1.5 hours up to Teide National Park for otherworldly lava fields and views. Book the Teleférico del Teide cable car in advance; altitude is high, so keep the visit short with a toddler and layer up. Do the flat Roques de García viewpoint stop for family photos. Option B: Prefer sea to summit? Take a 3-hour catamaran from Puerto Colón to see pilot whales and dolphins (calm morning seas, shaded deck, life vests provided; typical adult €40–60, child discounts; toddlers often free).

Afternoon: If you went to Teide, picnic by the pumice fields or stop in Vilaflor—the island’s highest village—for simple Canary fare (grilled meats, vegetable soups). If you sailed, spend the afternoon at Playa del Duque; rent a parasol and let the little one nap under shade while teens try SUP rentals on a calm day.

Evening: Dinner with a flourish at El Molino Blanco in Costa Adeje—rustic Canarian ambiance, live music most nights, and a menu that suits both adventurous teens and picky eaters. Try wrinkled potatoes with red and green mojo and a grilled wreckfish to share.

Day 4 — Morning Hop to Gran Canaria, Maspalomas Promenade

Morning: Travel day to Gran Canaria. Fastest is a 30–40 minute inter-island flight (Tenerife North TFN to Gran Canaria LPA; fares commonly €35–80 one-way). Alternatively, take the fast ferry from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Las Palmas (about 1 h 40–2 h). Compare schedules and prices via Omio flights (Europe) or Omio ferries (Europe). Aim to depart after breakfast; you’ll be on Maspalomas Beach by lunchtime.

Afternoon: Check into your Maspalomas/Meloneras stay. Stretch legs along the flat Meloneras promenade to the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse. Treat the crew to gelato at Ciao Ciao Meloneras; the pistachio is a crowd-pleaser.

Evening: Beachfront dinner at El Senador beside the dunes—share a paella mixta and grilled octopus while the toddler explores the sand under watchful eyes. End with a slow, stroller-friendly golden-hour walk by the surf.

Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)

Maspalomas is famous for its rolling Saharan-style dunes meeting the Atlantic, anchored by a 19th-century lighthouse. Behind the sands, Meloneras’ palm-lined promenade offers smooth walking paths, shaded benches, and playgrounds—easy family territory.

Pick-your-adventure days include Holidayworld’s rides and bowling, serene coves like Amadores for the toddler, and boat trips out of Puerto Rico for dolphins and coastal caves. For a culture-tinged outing, Las Palmas’ Poema del Mar aquarium and the city’s Las Canteras beach make a perfect final-day combo en route to the airport.

• Where to stay: Family apartments and resorts around Maspalomas/Meloneras, ideally with kids’ pools and kitchenettes. Explore options on VRBO Maspalomas and Hotels.com Maspalomas. Search for cots, kids’ clubs, and walkable beach access.

Day 5 — Dunes, Playtime, and a Food-Hall Feast

Morning: Beat the heat with a sunrise stroll on the Maspalomas dunes boardwalks, then let the teens climb gentle slopes while you keep to firm sand near the edges with the stroller. Prefer wheels? Rent family bikes to cruise the promenade.

Afternoon: Head to Holidayworld Maspalomas. Teens can split time between bowling and arcade challenges; the toddler will love the gentle rides at the rooftop amusement park. Coffee and pastries break at Café Wien (Austrian-style cakes) in nearby Playa del Inglés if you want a quieter pause.

Evening: Dinner at Nomad Gastro Market inside Holidayworld—an easy win with diverse stalls. Think Canarian tapas (goat cheese with palm honey), burgers for the teens, and soft rice dishes for the toddler. Cap it with churros and chocolate to share.

Day 6 — Calm Waters at Amadores and a Catamaran Adventure

Morning: Relax at Amadores Beach, a crescent cove protected by breakwaters—ideal for toddlers. Rent a double sunbed and umbrella; the promenade offers smooth stroller access and clean facilities. Teens can try stand-up paddle or a pedal boat with a slide.

Afternoon: Join a family-friendly catamaran from nearby Puerto Rico (typically 3–4 hours; swimming stops, snorkel gear, soft drinks; adults ~€65–80, child discounts). Many boats have shaded seating and onboard slides—big points with teens and littles alike.

Evening: Tapas at La Palmera Sur in Playa del Inglés—modern small plates like slow-cooked pork tacos, seared local tuna, and vegetable tempura, with easy sides for the toddler. Alternatively, book Samsara for Asian-fusion flavors and shareable platters.

Day 7 — Aquarium Morning and Departure

Morning: If your flight is in the afternoon, drive 45 minutes to Las Palmas for Poema del Mar—enormous viewing panels, a mangrove tunnel, and a deep-sea tank that mesmerizes toddlers and teens alike. Follow with a short stroll at Las Canteras beach and coffee at Café Regina (great house roasts) with pastries.

Afternoon: Head to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) for your flight home. Check routes and fares on Omio flights (Europe). If you’re staying south, factor 25–35 minutes by taxi or transfer.

Extra Bites & Local Gems

• Canarian flavors to try: Papas arrugadas with mojo rojo/verde, grilled vieja (parrotfish), gofio mousse, local goat cheeses, and barraquito (layered coffee—skip the liqueur for a kid-friendly take).
• Easy grocery stops: Look for HiperDino or Mercadona near both stays for diapers, fruit pouches, and beach snacks.
• Seasonal note: Aqualand Maspalomas is generally open year-round with some rides under maintenance in winter; check schedules before you go. Camel rides near the dunes typically accept children aged 3+ riding with an adult.

Transport Snapshot (for planning): Europe to Tenerife South (TFS): many nonstops (approx. 3–5 hours). Costa Adeje to TFN for inter-island flight: ~1 hr by road. TFN–LPA flight: ~35 minutes; ferry Santa Cruz–Las Palmas: ~1 h 40–2 h. Maspalomas–LPA airport: ~30 minutes. Compare flights/ferries with Omio flights (Europe) and Omio ferries (Europe).

In one sunny week, you’ll gather volcanic vistas, warm coves, and ocean wildlife—big-ticket thrills for the teens and gentle routines for your toddler. The Canary Islands make family logistics easy, so you can linger on the beaches, enjoy fresh seafood, and savor long, golden evenings together.