Family, holidays, happiness: fun for everyone in Gran Canaria
Play & swim: on the beach of Maspalomas
Holidays with children on a summer island with over 300 days of sunshine a year – that doesn’t mean you have to settle for the warm water of the baby pool to cool off. Apart from the hotel facilities, there are a wide range of activities just for families – and many child-friendly beaches. Especially in the south and southeast, around Maspalomas, the water is generally shallow and the waves very gentle, with the fantastic dunes just behind you. The sandy beach of Maspalomas is also surrounded by tourist offerings, with gelato shops , kiosks, showers, and plenty of hustle and bustle to find playmates.
Wanderlust: off to the Charco Azul
Secluded hiking and nature trails are just the right thing for families. The tour to Charco Azul in the west of Gran Canaria is especially suitable for slightly older children, who are sure-footed and can swim. The starting point is the village of El Risco near Agaete. The trail is just under four kilometres away and leads through pine forests and ravines. Although trail signs are kept to a minimum, the buzzing of the dragonflies will lead you to your destination at the end: the Charco Azul, the “Blue Lagoon”. Reward yourself with a jump into the spring water of the crystalline lake and dip under the waterfall before heading back.
Whales up close
A whale safari – that sounds exciting, and not just to the kids! Gran Canaria is one of the world’s best spots to observe whales in their natural habitat. Due to the trade winds, the waters around the Canary Islands are rich in oxygen. Small pilot whales in particular feel at home in the warm waters off the coast. There are over 20 different species of whales in total around the Canary Islands. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a sperm whale from the boat, a species in which the males can grow up to 20 meters in length. To help protect the animals, please look for the “Blue Boat” quality seal when selecting a tour operator.
Lots of water fun
For more than just a swimming pool, be sure to visit the nearly 90,000 square metre Aqualand Maspalomas. Located in southern Gran Canaria, it boasts more than 30 pools. Tornado, Kamikaze, Racer Twin Turbolance – as wild as the names of the attractions sound, that’s how much crazy fun can be had zipping along steep downhill and eight-lane slides on rubber tyres. For the little ones, there is a mini-park with water games and a climbing tower, while for the adults, there is a huge jacuzzi pool to relax in. Day tickets cost between €12 and €24 for children (depending on age) and €33 euros for adults. And if you simply can’t get enough, you can buy a discounted 2-day pass.
Snorkelling or feasting
An evening trip to the golden sandy beach of Puerto de Mogan in the west of the island is the perfect way to end a summer day with the family. There’s plenty happening here even in the evenings, with excellent fish restaurants on the harbour promenade for a sunset dinner. If you prefer live fish, you should borrow some snorkelling equipment at the beach and explore the underwater world; break waters make the water at Mogan Beach extra calm. A more secluded alternative for sunsets is the Playa de Meloneras, located just a bit further south. Because of the stones on the beach, don’t forget sandals for the kids.
Header - Photo by Westend61 on Getty Images
Paragraph 1 - Photo by ingusk on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 2 - Photo by AngelLuis on Adobe Stock
Paragraph 3 - Photo by Felix Cesare on Getty Images
Paragraph 3 - Photo by David Sacks on Getty Images
Paragraph 4 - Photos from Aqualand Maspalomas
Paragraph 5 - Photo by Stephen Frink on Getty Images
Paragraph 5 - Photo by Henryk Sadura on Getty Images
