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Beach or pool in La Palma with a toddler? Tips for a relaxed family holiday.
16.02.2026
Beach or pool in La Palma with a toddler? Tips for a relaxed family holiday.
A holiday on La Palma with young children requires good planning. We show you when the beach makes sense, why a pool can often be more relaxing and what you really need to consider when it comes to sun protection – based on our own experience as a family.
Beach or pool with a toddler on La Palma? Our experience as a family
La Palma is a dream destination for many families: nature, sea, sunshine and plenty of space for shared experiences. But when you travel with a toddler under the age of three or four, an important question quickly arises: is the beach really relaxing – or is a holiday home with a pool the better choice?
We at Clariso know these considerations from our own experience. With our 2.5-year-old daughter Clara and our baby Milan, we are experiencing first-hand how different the beach and the pool can feel in everyday life with small children. As a family and as a company, it is especially important to us that other parents can also enjoy a relaxed, safe and well-prepared stay on La Palma. That is exactly why we would like to share our experiences and some important advice with you.
We at Clariso know these considerations from our own experience. With our 2.5-year-old daughter Clara and our baby Milan, we are experiencing first-hand how different the beach and the pool can feel in everyday life with small children. As a family and as a company, it is especially important to us that other parents can also enjoy a relaxed, safe and well-prepared stay on La Palma. That is exactly why we would like to share our experiences and some important advice with you.
Sun, season and time of day – key factors
The sun on La Palma is intense. Especially in the summer months, the black volcanic sand stores heat very strongly. By late morning, the sand can become so hot that walking barefoot is hardly possible. For toddlers, this is not only uncomfortable but also a real risk of burns to their feet. Water shoes or lightweight beach shoes are therefore highly recommended.
In summer, it makes sense to plan beach visits for the early morning hours. Until around 11 a.m., temperatures are usually much more pleasant; after that, the heat can quickly become exhausting for small children. Between approximately 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., UV radiation reaches its peak. During this time, staying in the shade, at the holiday home or by the pool is usually the more relaxed and safer choice.
In winter, on the other hand, the sand does not get as extremely hot, which is more comfortable for little feet. However, the sea is noticeably cooler and stronger waves are more common. Conditions can change quickly depending on wind and the stretch of coastline. We therefore recommend checking the current situation before each beach visit and choosing sheltered bays whenever possible.
In summer, it makes sense to plan beach visits for the early morning hours. Until around 11 a.m., temperatures are usually much more pleasant; after that, the heat can quickly become exhausting for small children. Between approximately 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., UV radiation reaches its peak. During this time, staying in the shade, at the holiday home or by the pool is usually the more relaxed and safer choice.
In winter, on the other hand, the sand does not get as extremely hot, which is more comfortable for little feet. However, the sea is noticeably cooler and stronger waves are more common. Conditions can change quickly depending on wind and the stretch of coastline. We therefore recommend checking the current situation before each beach visit and choosing sheltered bays whenever possible.
Using sunscreen correctly – what many people underestimate
One particularly important point is the correct use of sunscreen. Many parents apply it directly on the beach and go straight into the sun. In fact, sunscreen needs about 15 to 30 minutes to develop its full protective effect. Ideally, it should be applied at the accommodation before you head out.
It is also important to apply the cream generously and to carefully cover all exposed areas of skin. This includes the face, ears, neck, shoulders, arms, legs and also the feet. Experts recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen for children with at least SPF 30, preferably SPF 50, to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Another common misconception is that applying it once is enough for the entire day. Even water-resistant products lose some of their effectiveness through swimming, sweating, sand and drying off. Therefore, sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every two hours and even more frequently after swimming. It is important to know that no sunscreen provides complete or permanent protection. It reduces the risk but does not replace shade, clothing and sensible time planning.
In addition, UV-protective clothing and a well-fitting sun hat are recommended. Especially with toddlers, it is advisable to avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible and to plan regular breaks in the shade.
It is also important to apply the cream generously and to carefully cover all exposed areas of skin. This includes the face, ears, neck, shoulders, arms, legs and also the feet. Experts recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen for children with at least SPF 30, preferably SPF 50, to protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Another common misconception is that applying it once is enough for the entire day. Even water-resistant products lose some of their effectiveness through swimming, sweating, sand and drying off. Therefore, sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every two hours and even more frequently after swimming. It is important to know that no sunscreen provides complete or permanent protection. It reduces the risk but does not replace shade, clothing and sensible time planning.
In addition, UV-protective clothing and a well-fitting sun hat are recommended. Especially with toddlers, it is advisable to avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible and to plan regular breaks in the shade.
Why the beach is still something special for children
Despite all precautions, the beach remains a magical place for children. Playing with sand, watching the waves, running from the water and building sandcastles together are experiences that stay in the memory. Children constantly discover new things there, meet other families and experience nature directly.
The sea, the sound of the waves and the vastness of the coastline create an atmosphere that a pool cannot replace. For many children, this is exactly what a holiday means.
If you are looking for suitable beach sections, you can find more inspiration and detailed descriptions in our blog article about the most beautiful beaches on La Palma. There you will get a comprehensive overview of various bays, natural beaches and family-friendly areas on the island.
The sea, the sound of the waves and the vastness of the coastline create an atmosphere that a pool cannot replace. For many children, this is exactly what a holiday means.
If you are looking for suitable beach sections, you can find more inspiration and detailed descriptions in our blog article about the most beautiful beaches on La Palma. There you will get a comprehensive overview of various bays, natural beaches and family-friendly areas on the island.
The pool as a relaxed and safe base
At the same time, everyday life with small children shows that a pool at the holiday home is often the much more stress-free solution. A pool usually offers calm water without currents or surf. The depth is limited and easy to oversee, which gives parents additional security.
A major advantage becomes clear especially when a child gets tired. At the beach, it is often difficult to create a quiet place to sleep because of the sun, wind and sand. In a holiday home, however, you can easily put your child to bed, move into the shade or take a short break yourself. Food, drinks and spare clothes are also immediately available.
Especially in winter or at higher altitudes, a heated pool can be a decisive comfort factor. This keeps the water pleasantly warm even when the sea is cool.
Take a look at our holiday homes on La Palma
A major advantage becomes clear especially when a child gets tired. At the beach, it is often difficult to create a quiet place to sleep because of the sun, wind and sand. In a holiday home, however, you can easily put your child to bed, move into the shade or take a short break yourself. Food, drinks and spare clothes are also immediately available.
Especially in winter or at higher altitudes, a heated pool can be a decisive comfort factor. This keeps the water pleasantly warm even when the sea is cool.
Take a look at our holiday homes on La Palma
Our honest recommendation for your family holiday
From our personal experience, the combination works best. A holiday home with a pool on La Palma offers safety, flexibility and peace of mind. Occasional beach visits in the early morning still allow you to enjoy the full island feeling with sea, sand and nature.
If you are travelling to La Palma with toddlers, it is therefore particularly worthwhile to choose accommodation with a pool and to enjoy the beach consciously and well prepared. This way, you combine relaxation and adventure in a manner that is pleasant for both children and parents.
Another option to consider is a family-friendly rural hotel, for example the Hotel Rural Los Piratas on La Palma. Here you benefit from spacious outdoor areas, a shared pool and personalised service in a quiet setting. Especially with small children, this combination of structure, support and pool area can be very comfortable. In the evening, parents also have the option to use a jacuzzi for an additional fee and end the day in a relaxed way.
La Palma is a wonderful travel destination for families. With the right planning, thoughtful sun protection and suitable accommodation, nothing stands in the way of a safe and relaxing holiday.
If you are travelling to La Palma with toddlers, it is therefore particularly worthwhile to choose accommodation with a pool and to enjoy the beach consciously and well prepared. This way, you combine relaxation and adventure in a manner that is pleasant for both children and parents.
Another option to consider is a family-friendly rural hotel, for example the Hotel Rural Los Piratas on La Palma. Here you benefit from spacious outdoor areas, a shared pool and personalised service in a quiet setting. Especially with small children, this combination of structure, support and pool area can be very comfortable. In the evening, parents also have the option to use a jacuzzi for an additional fee and end the day in a relaxed way.
La Palma is a wonderful travel destination for families. With the right planning, thoughtful sun protection and suitable accommodation, nothing stands in the way of a safe and relaxing holiday.
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La Palma is a wonderful travel destination for families: peaceful, close to nature, with the sea, beautiful beaches and plenty of space for shared experiences. With the right planning, your family holiday will be relaxed, safe and full of wonderful memories.
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