I am thinking of going to either Azores or Canary Islands with my 12yo end of June 2020 (from Boston). Any ideas which islands are more tween-friendly (better beaches, nice easy hikes etc) and which would have a better weather?
Posted by
8340 posts
We have visited Grand Canaria once and the Azores twice. Both times on cruises.
We had one day each time, but had tours that allowed us to see a lot. We didn't go to any beaches or want to do so.
Both groups of islands are amazing in their beauty. I think both are volcanic and wildlife and plant life are fascinating. You find species that are unlike any other place on Earth.
The Canary Islands are part of Spain and the Azores part of Portugal. Both places have very scenic mountains with interesting places to visit. The Azores are farther north than the Canaries and perhaps have more chilly weather, but probably not in June.
My preference would be the Azores, but both places are beautiful. The Azores does have a huge dairy industry, don't think that is the case in the Canaries.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I think of the Azores more in terms of scenery than beaches. The weather is definitely much better in the Canaries as they are much further south and are drier.
The Canaries vary greatly. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are far more developed and greener (wetter). Fuerteventura has the best beaches but is much drier and less developed. Lanzarote has black beaches and relatively few beaches for the size of the island. If you want beaches, head to Fuerteventura. I like El Cotillo on the north west coast which has plenty of restaurants and some great beaches, with a surfing beach to the south of the village. Caleta de Fuste is the cheap and cheerful resort on the island. Corralejo is popular with families. The south of the island appeals more to the Germans, the north to the English. I stay in Lajares, just inland and head to the beach in El Cotillo. There is a good walk from Lajares round one of the volcanoes plus paths around the coast near Faro del Teston.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
1137 posts
I haven't been to either, but a friend just did the Azores with her 7 and 9-year olds and they had a blast. Pictures were GORGEOUS. I agree with a PP that the Azores looked more nature-y looking than beach-y looking. Sort of a cross between inland Maui and Yellowstone. Volcano-esque and thermal feature-esque. Lots of hiking.
Posted by
Paris
7312 posts
Ease of access is a factor as well. From Boston you have a direct flight to the Azores (OK, on a terrible airline), whereas the Canary Islands is much longer journey