Gran Canaria is often called a miniature continent: in less than an hour’s drive you go from the golden dunes of Maspalomas to pine forests in the mountains or the historic streets of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. For families, that means plenty of variety without long journeys.
The south has the most reliable sunshine, the calmest beaches and most of the hotels with kids’ clubs, from Meloneras to Puerto de Mogán. The capital adds Las Canteras, a great city beach, and rainy-day plans such as the Elder Museum of Science and Technology and the Poema del Mar aquarium.
Where to stay with kids
Lopesan Baobab Resort (Meloneras)
An African-inspired five-star resort with seven pools, two of them for children (0.3 m and 0.5 m deep), a mini club and family rooms for four or five people.
Gloria Palace Amadores (Mogán)
Above one of the calmest beaches in the south, with a kids’ club for ages 4–12, a teens’ club, a splash park with slides, free cots and Family Suites for up to six.
Anfi del Mar Resorts (between Arguineguín and Patalavaca)
One- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens and direct access to a sheltered beach, plus heated pools with slides and a mini club.
Maspalomas Princess
All-inclusive next to the Maspalomas Dunes nature reserve, with a children’s water park, a mini club from age 4 and family rooms.
Things to do
- Palmitos Park: birds, an aquarium and a butterfly house in a southern ravine.
- Boat trips from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán to look for dolphins, and a submarine dive to 20–25 metres off Puerto de Mogán.
- Poema del Mar aquarium and the Elder Museum, perfect for a cloudy day in Las Palmas.
- Cueva Pintada in Gáldar: painted caves and a village of the ancient Canarians.
- Roque Nublo: a short, well-marked trail to the island’s most famous rock.
Best beaches for kids
Anfi del Mar and Amadores in Mogán have very calm water behind breakwaters; Puerto de Mogán’s small beach is right next to the village; and in Las Palmas, the natural reef known as La Barra shelters much of Las Canteras. Maspalomas is spectacular, but some days bring waves — check the flag.
Tips for parents
- Hire a car to combine the south, the mountains and the north, and book a child seat in advance.
- The southern sun is strong even in winter: avoid the middle of the day.
- Stroller-friendly walks: the Meloneras promenade and the Las Canteras seafront.
- The public maternity and children’s hospital is in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; the emergency number is 112.