Which Canary Island in Feb - sun vs sights?

[RunningAtStuff]

We’ve been to Gran Canaria for Feb half term a few times to dispel winter blues. We want to go again this year but DS2(15) is not so keen - he’s after activities and sightseeing, not chilling by the pool.

Lanzarote looks like it might have more to do on that front but I’ve heard it’s not as warm and winter sunshine is our main aim.

Any ideas on how to balance both? And any hotel recommendations that have room configs that work for family of five?
Thanks!

Lanzarote is great, been several times in February and its been mid 20s every day. Plenty to do and see, easy to get away from 'Brits abroad' feel. I would stay in the south (Playa Blanca) for most reliable weather.

Is Gran Canaria warmer than Lanzarote?

Weather in Canaries is a lot of luck of the draw in winter. It could be anything between 15-20 C and cloudy to hot and sunny and up to 30 C. There could be a storm, but you'd be exceptionally unlucky for it to last more than a day. The south of the islands tends to see better weather on average than the north.

I was in Lanzarote last November when there was a big storm, but Playa Blanca where I was missed the worst of it and it was hot and sunny all week apart from one wet/windy morning. The daylight lasts longer than the UK which also helps. A friend who was in Tenerife at the same time said the weather there was horrendous that day. But if the storm had taken a slightly different path, our experiences could have been different.

Lanzarote is definitely worth a try as lots to do and could be good weather. Also Tenerife, I like the look of Puerto de la Cruz. Lanzarote has lots of bungalow complexes and small villas that suit couples and smaller families that tend to be in walking distance of amenities. We stayed here

Villas Puerto Rubicon - Tourist villas in Playa Blanca Lanzarote.

I prefer to self cater because eating out is a nicer experience with better food than a hotel buffet, I love a nose around a foreign supermarket and doing it that way is cheaper than a la carte AI and we prefer to have lunch while out and about anyway.

Puerto de la Cruz is in north Tenerife, it's prettier than very touristy south Tenerife but does get worse weather, cooler and rainier. Keep an eye on both areas on BBC weather if you want to check. We had quite a lot of problems with traffic jams in south Tenerife when we recently went in winter.

The North side around Puerta de la Cruz is definitely prettier and even in February it should be quite mild. We have been there twice, both times in February because the first time was for our honeymoon and the second our 30th wedding anniversary!

It was certainly warm enough for us and we are definitely not on to chilling by the pool. We like sightseeing, walking and exploring. Last time we were there, in February, we got one really rainy day and the rest of the week was lovely

This thread has persuaded me. I’ve just booked an adults only all inclusive in Maspalomas for a few days in October. Can’t wait…