This paradisiacal island is so much more than sunshine and beach days. Check out all the options for families in Gran Canaria at your disposal. The push you needed to enjoy this ‘miniature continent’.
Guide to the best options for families in Gran Canaria
Sea and sand dunes, cities and charming towns and villages, volcanic formations and lush Canary Island pine forests. All of this makes up Gran Canaria, an island of more than 1,500 km2 facing out to the Americas.
And let's not overlook its mild subtropical climate, with hardly any temperature difference between the seasons. Although, yes, there is a contrast between the warmer and drier south and the cooler and wetter interior/north. As you can see, these are the perfect conditions for all kinds of plans for families in Gran Canaria. Let's start with the ideas that can inspire you to take the trip!
Cueva Pintada Archaeological Park (Gáldar)
Let's start with what was the island’s ancient pre-Hispanic capital. Just 30 km (18 miles) away from the capital via the GC-2 and with ample parking options when arriving in Gáldar, there is a lot to do with children in this town.
Of course, the obligatory stop is the Cueva Pintada Archaeological Museum. The entire route is suitable to go around with a pram. They always have scheduled activities and workshops for children, although a reservation might be your best bet. However, it is closed on Mondays.
Surrounding area: natural pool
You can take advantage of the visit to enjoy the Natural Pool of El Agujero, an ideal area for swimming with the family. It is a series of volcanic rock pools where the waters remain calm. Don't forget to take water shoes so you don't slip.
Wild whale and dolphin watching (Mogán)
It will be your kids asking you to go on this excursion! The characteristically calm waters of Gran Canaria make it possible to see dolphins and large cetaceans (pilot whales, fin whales and even sperm whales and killer whales) with total freedom. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see sea turtles and flying fish too.
These tours depart, more than anywhere else, from the seaport of Mogán. The most highly recommended boats for children are catamarans and small yachts, because of their stability to help avoid seasickness.
The best route is to go from Gran Canaria to Mogán by taking the GC-1 highway for about 1 hour, as this road connects the capital with the south.
Surrounding area: camel ride and beach
Since you have headed south and the sight-seeing is best done early in the morning (10:00-11:00), this is the perfect opportunity to spend the rest of the day at Maspalomas Beach. You can simply enjoy walking across its fine sand dunes and the sea. Or, choose Aqualand Maspalomas, the largest water park on the island.
Another very attractive option is a camel ride in the dunes or lunch with the rest of the day at the Camel Safari Park (Fataga).
Hiking in Roque Nublo (Tejeda)
Do you and your family love the mountains as much as the beach? If so, you can’t miss this activity in the geographical centre of Gran Canaria and its iconic symbol, the peak of Roque Nublo. A natural monument of volcanic origin that offers a very accessible hiking route for families with children.
After a drive of just over an hour on the GC-15 (to San Mateo) and the GC-600 (Ayacata/Tejeda), you will reach the La Goleta car park. The walking route is 3 km (1.8 mi) long (there and back on the same path), on a wide and marked trail.
For children, there is a special reward waiting at the top. The base of Roque Nublo is completely flat and wide, where children can run around safely. You can take the opportunity to take in the views of Teide (Tenerife) and the Cuenca de Tejeda.
Surrounding area: food and cave houses
You have earned a good meal after that excursion! The village of Tejeda is the perfect destination to enjoy the Canarian mountain gastronomy (papas arrugadas, cheeses, ribs or grilled meat skewers and for dessert, the authentic bienmesabe with ice cream). It is just 20 minutes away from Roque Nublo.
And in the afternoon, if you still have some energy left or your children are a little older, you may want to visit Artenara (15 min away). Here, the walk leads to viewpoints and houses ‘inside the mountain’, something that for little ones feels like a fantasy adventure.
What did you make of these options for families in Gran Canaria? Of course, what really matters is not being tied to a schedule, especially when you go with children. Book your rental car in Gran Canaria with OK Mobility and find the most practical vehicle for all your plans on the island.
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