Gran Canaria with your family: a practical guide

About Gran Canaria

A true gem of nature, Gran Canaria is also nicknamed « the miniature continent » for good reason. Compared to its size, this island offers a wide variety of different landscapes. From easily accessible golden-sand beaches in the south, to small coves with volcanic sand in the north, to surprising panoramas in the heart of the island, there’s always a new place to discover! Thanks to it’s rich biodiversity, UNESCO has declared 43% of Gran Canaria a Great Biosphere Reserve. Apart from its breathtaking nature, the island is also rich in culture and varied activities, making it one of the most family-friendly destinations. You’ll find it hard to choose from the long list of activities awaiting you!

Some basic information

Capital: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Currency: Euro

Language: Spanish (Spain)

Climate: Subtropical, average 24 degrees

 

When is the best time to visit?

No matter the time of year, Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for the whole family. This island is blessed with 12 months of sunshine and good temperatures, reaching 25-31 degrees in summer. On the island of eternal spring, the best time to enjoy a swim on its many beaches is from June to October. Summer or winter, Gran Canaria can be visited all year round thanks to its mild, sunny climate.

 

What to do in Gran Canaria?

Beaches:

Gran Canaria, with its 236 kilometers of coastline, possesses an enormous number of beaches. Large, small, with fine golden sand or volcanic, quiet and calm or lively, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Maspalomas

On the south coast of the island, you’ll find Maspalomas beach, a place like you’ve never seen before. Dunes stretch out like a long blanket of golden sand all the way to the coast, to be caressed by the waves. Stroll along the seaside promenade, where you’ll find stores, bars and restaurants. It’s impossible to leave Maspalomas without seeing its lighthouse, which for years lit the way for ships traveling between Europe, Africa and America.

Playa del Inglés

On the other side of the Maspalomas dunes are the calm waters of Playa del Inglés. This wide beach, with its year-round mild sunshine, is one of the best for youngsters. It’s made up of preserved areas that are absolutely perfect for children to explore in complete safety. An ideal destination that families love for its many services, such as umbrella rental, toilet and shower facilities. After a long day of swimming with the whole family, take time to enjoy a good meal in one of the nearby restaurants.

 

Amadores

Still on Gran Canaria’s south coast, Playa de Amadores is a little nest of tranquility. Its crystal-clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming with your children. For your utmost comfort, umbrellas and deckchairs are available for hire on site. Your children will be delighted at Amadores Fun Park, a water park with inflatables for a day of guaranteed fun.

San Agustín

Grâce à ses eaux calmes et ses courants faibles, la plage de San Agustín est idéale pour les familles avec des enfants qui aiment s’amuser dans les vagues au bord de l’eau. Idéalement située au cœur de la région touristique éponyme, cette plage propose tout type de services. Son grand avantage est sa faible fréquentation malgré son caractère touristique. De jour comme de nuit, c’est une des régions les plus calmes ce qui est parfait pour les parents recherchant un endroit paisible pour se détendre. Vous pourrez y louer des parasols, et vous aurez également accès à des douches et des postes de secours.

 

Las Canteras

Located in the north of the island, this vast beach stretches for over 3 kilometers. If you arrive on a cruise ship, you can enjoy this rare gem as soon as you set foot on the island. A lively beach where you can enjoy all the services of the city while bathing in the crystal-clear waters of the ocean. What makes this beach special is what the locals call the Barra, a unique volcanic rock formation that protects the beach from the tides. Don’t forget your diving mask, as Las Canteras is also an ideal spot for observing the region’s underwater fauna.

 

At the heart of the island :

The number of beaches on Gran Canaria is practically infinite. However, if you’re looking for a more adventurous way to explore the island, don’t overlook its rich inland territory. Picturesque villages, breathtaking views and unique natural landscapes await you.

 

Dunes de Maspalomas

Earlier, we told you about Maspalomas beach. The Maspalomas dunes, which surround this beach, are one of the island’s most unique natural spots. These orange-colored sand hills extend over a distance of 4 kilometers and give you the impression of being in the middle of the desert. Alongside the dunes is a clear-water lagoon, the « Charca », a stopover for many species of migratory birds. This oasis, along with the dunes, are protected areas and nature reserves not to be missed during your visit to the island.

Teror

Nestled in the mountains of central Gran Canaria, the historic town of Teror is one of the oldest in the Canary Islands. With its priceless natural, historical and religious value for the locals, Teror is a city not to be missed during your stay on the island. Considered one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful towns, it has been a special place of pilgrimage for locals for over 5 centuries. Follow the cobbled streets, surrounded by houses decorated with balconies typical of Canarian architecture. Follow Calle Real de la Plaza all the way to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino, home to the statue of the Virgen del Pino, patron saint of Gran Canaria.

Jardín Botánico Canario « Viera y Clavijo »

The Gran Canaria Botanical Garden, a true natural treasure, was designed by the Swedish Eric Sventenius. Explore 27 hectares of pure natural beauty in Spain’s largest botanical garden. It represents the richness of Gran Canaria’s flora and its different ecosystems. Today, the garden is home to plants from all over the world. For nature lovers, this garden is a must-see in Gran Canaria.

 

Puerto de Mogán

Situated on the island’s south coast, Puerto de Mogán is set alongside a picturesque fishing village. With its many bridges and saltwater canals, it’s also known as « Little Venice ». Stroll along the streets between the canals, on the beach, or in the old town of Mogán if you’d like a cultural visit. Don’t forget your mask and snorkel for a dip in the calm waters of the beach. The luxurious marina is home to all kinds of boats and yachts that you can hire to take to the open sea. If you find yourself in Puerto de Mogán during your trip, don’t miss the chance to watch the cetaceans swimming offshore!

Pico de las Nieves

In the heart of the island, Pico de las Nieves is Gran Canaria’s highest point, at 1,949 m high. You’ll be amazed by the spectacular view it offers over half the island, and even the island of Tenerife on a clear day. There’s no need to walk to enjoy this majestic spectacle, as the viewpoint is accessible by car. If you’re looking for an experience that will let you discover the full richness of Canarian nature, Pico de las Nieves is the ideal way to do it.

 

Gran Canaria: children’s paradise

Indeed, Gran Canaria’s surprises don’t stop there! This island is known as the perfect destination for families, thanks to its long list of activities for all ages. Discover here our selection of activities not to be missed during your stay:

• Holiday World in Maspalomas: A large amusement park perfect for children. Attractions for the brave, pony rides and even a 4D cinema await you. Relax in one of the many bars and restaurants before setting off on your adventure.
• Palmitos Park in Maspalomas: One of the best things to do with the whole family! This hybrid space, part botanical garden, part zoo, opens its doors to a tropical world. Discover hundreds of land and sea animals, exotic plants and a dolphin show where you can take a photo with one of these magnificent animals!
• Minitren at Playa del Inglés: Take a ride along Playa del Inglés on this little train. Relax and enjoy the scenery on this family-friendly ride.
• Submarine Adventure in Puerto de Mogán: Discover the secrets of Puerto de Mogan’s marine life on this submarine excursion!
• Sioux City: Make your cowboy dreams come true at Sioux City, a western-themed park that will transport you to another era. Enjoy shows, horseback riding and even a mini zoo for total immersion in the world of the Far West.

 

Where to stay in Gran Canaria?

If you’ve decided that Gran Canaria is the perfect destination for your family, we’ve found the perfect place for you to stay. The Paradisus by Melia Gran Canaria ***** is a luxury hotel located just in front of Playa de Agustín. The hotel offers a wide range of services to make your visit to the island as pleasant as possible. When traveling with your family, you can take advantage of the hotel’s Nikté service. This service gives you access to more luxurious rooms, priority access to all hotel restaurant reservations, and special attention from the staff. Your children will be delighted with Kidsdom, a kids’ club that guarantees entertainment for your little ones, as well as a range of activities for teenagers.

From the hotel, you can easily visit the surrounding area. By car, you’re just 10 minutes from Playa del Inglés and the Dunes of Maspalomas, as well as the Holiday World theme park!

Have a wonderful vacation with Little Guest!