The Canary Islands are hard to beat when it comes to the mix of weather, accessibility, and things to do. The Islands of Eternal Spring are simultaneously exotic but familiar – a Spanish haven of volcanoes. Gran Canaria in particular has golden sand dunes, mountain forests, and the perfect climate all year round.
Why the Canary Islands are a family favorite
For those traveling from the UK or mainland Europe, the flight is just a few hours and the infrastructure is exceptionally family-oriented. Gran Canaria is incredibly safe and has a high standard of healthcare with a familiar but interesting culture.
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The island gets over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, meaning much of the infrastructure and activities are built with this in mind. Even in the winter, it’s usually t-shirt weather.
Natures playground
The Maspalomas Dunes are a good example of which nature itself is the best playground. There’s a surreal rolling of sand that feels like one big sandbox for kids. Spending the morning there can be followed by the nearby Playa de Amadores, which is a cove that has reef-protected waters. It’s as calm as a swimming pool.
Despite how accommodating it is, the island isn’t just a holiday resort. The historic district of Vegueta in the capital has a lot of culture. Walking around the historic cobbled streets and plazas is a mostly pedestrianized experience, again making it child-friendly, while the parents can soak in the colonial architecture and the Columbus House museum. There’s a natural balance of locals and tourists.
Adrenaline Holidayworld Maspalomas
So while there are endless beaches to relax on, every family trip needs an injection of adrenaline. Holidayworld Maspalomas is the island’s best amusement park – it’s a must for those visiting the south of the island. It’s easily the largest leisure space on the island and has enough for a full day’s worth of entertainment. Bowling and kareoke are the perfect way to spend the evening after a day of rides.
The park has Wooland, where you’ll see a giant Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the Maspalomas coastline. There’s a brilliant roller coaster (unsurprisingly the only one on the island), while the younger guests have carousels, soft play areas, some smaller rides to enjoy. It’s recommended to book your tickets through the official Holidayworld Maspalomas website as this will help secure the best family deals.
The giants of the ocean
Speaking of nature being the best playground, the waters surrounding Gran Canaria are rich in marine life. A boat trip to spot dolphins and whales is the perfect way to unwind while having an unforgettable day. Heading off from the southern ports of Mogán or Puerto Rico (not too far from the amusement park) has excursions with a high success rate for sightings no matter what time of the year it is. Many boats have glass bottoms too, so it’s ideal for children to look at the volcanic reefs.
While all of the Canaries are stunning and volcanic, Gran Canaria is one of the most family-friendly. It has a toned-down nightlife, isn’t too busy, but is highly accommodating.
