Families weighing up their next sunshine escape often default to the Greek islands. Yet the Canary Islands are a hot contender when it comes to affordable, family-friendly destinations - with the archipelago’s year-round sunshine an additional perk.
Visitor figures confirm the appeal of the Canary Islands, with the region experiencing record-breaking visitor numbers in early 2025 according to official reports by the Canary Islands National Statistics Institute (INE). Arrivals grew by 2.1% in the first quarter of 2025, and total tourist spending rose by 5.5% year-on-year. Tenerife, in particular, stands out not just for its pleasant climes but for its effortless travel logistics, and a concentration of world-class family attractions all within easy reach.
Attracting over 7 million visitors in 2024, the island is the most popular amongst the Canaries. And with many comparable family resorts in the Greek Islands not commencing the season until March - or in some cases May - those seeking winter sun during February Half Term can rely on the Canaries to deliver in every season. Add in the impressive hospitality offering of homegrown brands such as Spring Hotels - now bolstered by the landmark acquisition of the Mare Nostrum Resort - and the Canaries present a compelling alternative: a destination where families can enjoy premium facilities, long beach days, safe swimming, and an endless menu of child-friendly adventures - all with exceptional value and simplicity.
Below, Spring Hotels Group shares the top reasons why families should choose the Canaries when it comes to planning their next holiday!
- Great value and competitive rates
With six properties on their books and more than 2,300 rooms in Tenerife, Spring Hotels Group can offer a very competitive, premium family product with a variety of seasonal offers available throughout the year. Each hotel has a distinct character and a variety of facilities that allow parents to holiday in the kind of refined setting not many family resorts can offer.
A week in the five-star Mediterranean Palace for a family of four during the February 2026 half term costs from £3502 for seven nights including breakfast.
An equivalent package at a popular luxury family resort in Crete starts from £4863, with rooms available only from May 2026. Comparing the same time period, Mediterranean Palace packages are even more competitive with prices starting from £2070 - a saving of almost £2635 per family.
- Beautiful beaches
Tenerife’s southern coast is defined by golden sands and calm waters, making it an effortless choice for families seeking safe, beautiful beaches within walking distance of their hotel. Playa de las Américas perfectly captures this balance, pairing some of the island’s most child-friendly beaches with surfing hotspots just moments away.
Playa del Camisón stands out as one of the most family-oriented stretches on the island, a sheltered crescent of soft sand with protective breakwaters that keep the water calm - and conveniently located directly in front of Sir Anthony, Mediterranean Palace, and Cleopatra Palace.
Nearby, Playa de las Vistas offers a long, gently sloping shoreline ideal for paddling and sandcastle building, while its wide promenade makes it equally appealing for relaxed strolls with younger children.
On the other side of Playa de las Américas, exposed beaches attract consistent swells - making the area one of the best-known surf spots in southern Tenerife and a hub for watersports and adventure. In neighbouring Los Cristianos, Playa de Los Cristianos and the shared stretch of Playa de las Vistas deliver shallow waters, excellent facilities, and an easygoing pace. Together, they form a coastline that truly offers something for everyone.
- A top-tier children’s programme
The Club Mare Kids play area - part of the Mediterranean Palace hotel - takes the concept of traditional children’s entertainment to the next level thanks to 675 m² of creatively designed, supervised indoor play space. Divided by age groups, children and teenagers from 6 months up to 16 years can enjoy the imaginative spaces, which include:
- Turtle Club (6 months - 3 years): Soft play, creative and sensory activities.
- Willy Club (4-7 years): Outdoor games, arts & crafts, music workshops, cooking.
- Sailor Club (8-12 years): Sports (mini-golf, table tennis, football), civic and educational workshops.
- Surfer Club (13-16 years): Climbing wall, labs, gaming consoles, social areas.
There is also a supervised children’s splash pool, beach volleyball court, cinema space, and dedicated creative zones, meaning parents can relax safe in the knowledge that their children are in the best possible care.
- Wellness for the whole family
Whether they want to get active with a fun family cycling trip, hit the waves on a surfboard, sweat it out at the gym or enjoy a spot of pampering at the spa, guests have ample choice during their Spring holiday where fitness and wellness are concerned.
The Mediterranean Palace boasts a modern, well‑equipped gym and exercise studio, as well as yoga sessions with certified instructors. Over at the adults-only Arona Gran hotel, families can visit the gold-certificate cycling centre to hire bikes and will receive expert advice for planning their route.
The Bitácora Family Spa allows parents and children to unwind side by side with a spa menu tearing to both younger guests and tired parents, such as a “Mum (or Daddy) & Baby” massage (available from 3 months), family spa sessions and a “Superwomen Package” for mum and daughter that includes 50-minute spa time, a 50-minute mini facial, and a “Crazy Hands” manicure - all for £120. Meanwhile, “Superguys” can bond over a 25-minute “Coco Loco” neck and back massage and 50-minute spa session for father and son at £84.
Parents who want to enjoy some quality couple’s time can book into one of the Mediterranean Palace's “Wellness VIP Suites” with a private jacuzzi, changing rooms and a wide range of treatments and massages available.
- UP! Rooftops: Feel on top of the world
While action-packed family holidays are a lot of fun, every parent deserves a little quiet time to recharge their batteries and reconnect with their friends and partner. The 18+ UP! Roofterrace experience available at the Spring Hotels Vulcano, Bitacora and Arona Gran wows with stunning views on sea and mountains, infinity plunge pools (no jumping or water games allowed), comfortable daybeds and an open bar and buffet from 10am until 6pm. Whether the kids are being looked after by their grandparents, tag-teaming families who divide the childcare, or the professionals at the kids club, the UP! Rooftop allows parents, couples, aunties and uncles, grandparents and groups of friends to escape for a luxurious break.
- Grand gastronomy
Foodie families who value culinary delights are also fabulously catered for while staying with Spring. A global dining phenomenon and family-favourite, the Hard Rock Café Tenerife is also part of the hospitality group’s portfolio and serves up mouthwatering burgers, sizzling fajitas, hearty steaks and flavoursome salads as well as potent cocktails, accompanied by live music - a crowd pleaser for both lunch or dinner!
Located just a short stroll from the laid-back Palapa Beach Club, which is situated right on the sands of the charming Playa de Camisón, is the perfect spot to stop for an expertly mixed cocktail, crisp glass of wine or cold beer while looking out to sea.
With no less than three distinctive onsite restaurants at the Mediterranean Palace, families are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. From the bustling and versatile “The Pier” food hall, where street-market-style stands serve up a variety of different dishes, to the ‘sassy and sophisticated’ Italian eatery “Diabolo” and contemporary steak house “Coal”, there’s something for everyone.
- Shorter travel & easy logistics for UK-based and Irish families
Spring’s strong presence in Tenerife, combined with regular flight connections and short airport transfers, makes it very convenient for families - especially those with young children. This ease competes well with Greek island resorts, which may sometimes require longer or more complex connections depending on the location.
- Activities & Excursions
Staying in Tenerife gives families access to world-class family attractions: Siam Park, Loro Parque, Mount Teide excursions, snorkelling, star-gazing as well as whale and dolphin watching boat trips are all within reach from Spring’s properties. With access to an expert concierge team in the lobby of each Spring hotel, guests have local insider knowledge to help curate memorable experiences at their fingertips, whether they are looking to immerse themselves into culture, enjoy a wine tasting or explore the volcanic landscapes
