Canaries or Spain? Resort holiday tips for first timers?

[ThePartyArtist]

Canary Islands vs. Southern Spain - is there much temperature difference at the end of February? We can go to relatives in southern Spain, or somewhere new (Canaries). We don't need mega hot but we do definitely need sunshine.

Both Spain and Canaries are options from our local airport.

Also, any tips on choosing a sunny resorty holiday, for first timers? We have never done this kind of holiday. I'm concerned that unless we spend loads of money we'll get something like Butlins (no offence - but it's really not us).

Our priorities are:

• Beach and / or pool.
• Relatively peaceful (can't be in a room above hotel disco!)
• Some chance of escaping the resort bubble to go to a local, authentic place such as a small town / restaurant.

We don't need kids' clubs, discos or attractions with animals in captivity.

Any tips for whether to do Spain or Canaries, and how to find a decent resort?

You might get lucky with Southern Spain but generally the Canaries will be warmer and more reliable weather wise. We always go to Gran Canaria in February - Puerto Rico/ Amadores area - as it has the best sunshine record of all the Canary Islands for that time of year.

Feb is a bit of a risky month in both but I'd definitely choose Canaries over southern Spain (where we used to live) in Feb.
We like Playa Blanca in Lanzarote but self cater in a villa with a private pool so I'm not really up on the hotels. We also hire a car as there's a number of nice spots away from the resorts to look around.

Lanzarote is fab, loads to do with family. Feb it will be 20 ish, hot in the sun but need layers for cloudy moments. Lots of suncream - the wind is deceptive and you will burn.

We’ve been to Malaga and Estepona at February half term a few times. The weather was mostly pleasant and quite warm, and shorts and T shirts were OK while out walking or sitting in a sheltered spot during the afternoon, but we also had some clouds and drizzle. It wasn’t really warm enough for swimming, and certainly not warm enough for sunbathing.

Up in the mountains behind Estepona was really quite chilly - jacket and long trousers required. Worth it for spectacular views, mind.

In Feb it would have to be Canaries.

I like Gran Canaria. Mogan is a very pretty village, fairly quiet but with plenty of restaurants and shops. Maspalomas is great for the sand dunes. Amadores is nice too, and close enough to Puerto Rico if you want somewhere busier.

I've heard good things about Playa Blanca in Lanzarote too, but there is more wind there than in GC.

Canaries. Make sure the hotel has a heated pool. The kids may still need wet suits.

Canaries will be a better bet but February is a gamble in both.

Sea will be cold and so will pools unless heated. Fuerteventura is nice in parts but can be windy in feb.

Going in Feb definitely Canaries for reliable weather, we have been to Tenerife or Lanzarote many times in feb half term, always had great weather. Enjoy

Definitely Canaries in February hands down.

Check out:

Accuweather you can see what the weather was like in both destinations in February this year and last year.

Enter area - monthly - enter month and year to find historic weather temperatures.

Lanzarote is nice in Feb. Warm, sunny, not too busy. If you want a resort, Playa Blanca has some nice hotels and restaurants, or Haria is a nice area/town to visit (or stay, but not on the coast, so no beach)