Enjoy sunshine on tap with family trips to Gran Canaria

Enjoy sunshine on tap with family trips to Gran Canaria

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Family holidays to Gran Canaria: your year-round dream destination

Want sunshine on tap? Then Gran Canaria is just right for your next family holiday. The largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has a subtropical climate that offers sunshine at any time of year. If you're desperate for some good weather to cheer you up, hop on a plane. The kids will love it too, thanks to the brilliant beaches, great attractions, and beautiful natural surroundings. There's a reason why Gran Canaria has become known as such a popular tourist destination.

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Planning a family trip to Gran Canaria

What are the best things to do for families in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has some wonderful family-friendly beaches, but it's also got a wealth of other attractions for children. If you want an active family holiday in Gran Canaria, then get your hiking shoes on! The Roque Nublo, a striking rock formation that looks like something from the Wild West, has its own trail that is suitable for hikers of all ages, and is a great taster for a hiking holiday in Gran Canaria exploring the island's volcanic interior. If you'd rather let someone else do the walking, visit the Maspalomas dunes for a camel trek. Riding these animals across the desert is a remarkable, thrilling experience. There are also some fabulous indoor attractions to explore during your family trip to Gran Canaria, such as the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, which has great interactive exhibits that will please any budding inventors or engineers.

Where should I stay on a family trip to Gran Canaria?

When searching for holiday lettings in Gran Canaria, consider some of the island's most popular resort towns. Playa del Inglés literally means "English beach", and is always a good choice for a family adventure in Gran Canaria. It has a lot of family-friendly restaurants and attractions, and its beaches are some of the best on the island. Nearby Maspalomas is also an option, but keep in mind that the nightlife can get raucous, especially at the weekend. For something quieter, try Puerto de Mogán. This charming town is nestled in the southwest of Gran Canaria, and its calm, sandy beaches are ideal for kids. It's more peaceful than the bigger resorts, and its picturesque harbour is the perfect place to go to take a boat trip to one of the smaller islands or to search for passing whales.

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FAQs: Family Holidays in Gran Canaria

What's the best time of year to visit Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is an excellent destination at any time of year. The busiest months are July and August, but temperatures are mild and pleasant all year round. Even in December or January, you can expect daily highs of 21°C or more, so this is a perfect year-round destination. Many families like to visit Gran Canaria during half-term breaks, so you might want to book as far in advance as possible if you're planning a trip at this time. The sea is swimmable for most of the year, though water temperatures drop to around 19°C in February and March - manageable for hardy swimmers but a bit chilly for little ones. The south of the island is consistently sunnier than the north, so factor that into your planning.

Where are the best family beaches in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has so many great beaches that are suitable for families. Among the most popular are Playa de Puerto Rico, Playa de Amadores, Playa del Inglés, and Playa de las Burras. Playa de Amadores is particularly popular for its calm, shallow water and crescent of imported golden sand, making it ideal for toddlers and nervous swimmers. The Maspalomas dunes are also good fun by day, especially if you go for a camel ride or try sandboarding, but they're best avoided at night, when they become popular with drunken revellers. On the quieter east coast, Playa de Melenara and Playa de Salinetas are firm favourites with local families, offering shallow water, plenty of seafood restaurants, and a more authentic Canarian atmosphere.

What are the most popular family attractions in Gran Canaria?

A visit to Sioux City is a must for any family trip to Gran Canaria. This amusement park has a fun Wild West theme, and offers a number of rides for visitors of all ages. There are also exciting daily shows to enjoy, including staged bank robberies and can-can performances. Another of the island's best amusement parks is Holiday World Maspalomas, which has thrill rides and an immersive 4D cinema. Nearby Aqualand will satisfy any cravings you might have for splashing around. This mighty waterpark has impressive slides and is home to the thrilling Water Labyrinth, a stomach-churning ride that gives thrillseekers the adrenaline rush they're looking for. Animal lovers should also check out Palmitos Park, where you can meet dolphins, parrots, and even orangutans.

How easy is it to find family-friendly restaurants in Gran Canaria?

It's extremely easy. In popular tourist resort towns such as Playa del Inglés, you'll find all the fast food chains you recognise from back home. Even if you go to a Spanish bar or restaurant, it's still very easy to get child-friendly food, although specific children's menus are rare. Instead, you can just order a couple of tapas; the small portions are ideal for youngsters. Plain chips or croquetas de jamón are always crowd pleasers for fussy eaters. For more adventurous little eaters, try Canarian specialities like papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) served with mojo sauce, or fresh grilled fish at one of the harbour-side restaurants in Puerto de Mogán or Arguineguín. Most family-oriented restaurants are happy to provide high chairs.

What can I do with my kids in Gran Canaria if the weather's bad?

Rain is a rarity in the Canary Islands, but it does occasionally happen. If you're unlucky during your trip, look for indoor activities. Gran Canaria's big shopping centres, such as Yumbo Centrum, have family-friendly attractions like bowling alleys and video game arcades. For something more cultural, take a visit to the Casa de Colón. This building was once linked to Christopher Columbus, who stopped in Las Palmas on his way to the Americas, and today it serves as a fascinating museum on the age of exploration. Las Palmas, the island's capital, also has the Museo Canario, with prehistoric artefacts from the indigenous Guanche people. If you fancy a treat, head to one of the city's chocolaterías for thick hot chocolate and churros.