8 of the best family-friendly hotels in Gran Canaria

Matthew Hirtes

Matthew Hirtes

Gran Canaria is much-loved by families looking for some safe sun, sea and sand all year round. However, with an overwhelming choice of hotels and resorts for all budgets, how do you choose where to stay, ensuring it's right for your big and little ones?

Palm-lined Amadores Beach, Gran Canaria
Palm-lined Amadores Beach, Gran Canaria © Pawel Uchorczak - Fotolia.com

As Gran Canaria's only resident hotel reviewer, my day (and indeed night) job involves staying in them. Something my family also loves, as my wife and three sons aged eight, 15 and 19 help me gauge how suited they are for parents travelling with children.

These hotels tend to be located in the south of the Gran Canaria where the majority of the island's major resorts are found. But bear in mind that Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with its family-friendly beaches, museums and attractions, is also easily reached, as the whole island is roughly the size, in space rather than population, of Greater London.

Without further ado, here's my family's tried-and-tested pick of some of the very best places to stay while on holiday in Gran Canaria.

Escaping to Gran Canaria in 2019? Don't miss our collection of deals on the below accommodation and much more from Jet2holidays*, which departs for the Canary Islands from both major and regional airports across the UK all year round.

1. Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel

Confusingly, this Gloria Palace Amadores* is closer to Puerto Rico (the Gran Canaria version rather than the unincorporated US territory) than the neighbouring resort of Amadores, which has its very own GP in the Gloria Palace Royal.

Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso and Hotel
Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso and Hotel - photo courtesy of Jet2holidays

Not that you and brood will mind much in accommodation which is designed to look and feel like you're on a cruise ship. Instead of raiding the larder at your home, your kids will be able to tuck into an all-you-can-eat buffet plus there's free popcorn to share whilst you watch the evening entertainment shows together.

These range from dance to magic to song with an emphasis on tunes you can both sing along and tap your feet to, too. Very much fun for all the family members, irrespective of age.

2. Radisson Blu Resort & Spa

Location, location, location. As the south of the island is the hottest part of Gran Canaria and the west the one with the clearest skies, this southwest resort in Puerto Mogán is perfectly situated to enjoy days spent in and around the three outdoor pools and splash park.

Beat the heat by positioning yourselves under one of the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa*'s colourful tipping buckets. If you only make one excursion all holiday, travel to the opposite (northern) end of the island: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The capital's Poema del Mar is the Canary Islands' leading aquarium. Your youngest will delight in finding Nemo and friends and family. The restaurant here has stunning views of the life aquatic.

3. Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity

Located above the southern resorts, there's no ocean breeze here to cool you down, making it Gran Canaria's version of Death Valley on the weather front. Have no fear as the Salobre hosts pools on every level, meaning the distance from your door to transparent water fun is minimised.

Should you desire a change of scene, there's a free shuttle bus offering journeys to the hotel's Maspalomas Beach Point and back to base. More active offspring will adore monkeying around at the Salobre*'s adventure playground.

4. Marina Suites

Kids will love the nautical theme at the stylish Marina Suites*, located in the posher marina area of Puerto Rico, where staff dress as sailors and children play as pirates. The suites are family-sized too, offering up to three bedrooms so you can spread out. The infinity pool here is one of the most beautiful on the island.

For a mini day out, especially with younger ones in mind, the Angry Birds Activity Park is conveniently located just around the corner.

5. Suites & Villas by Dunas

The accommodation at Suites & Villas by Dunas* is well tailored to the larger group of travellers at this Maspalomas factory of fun. Sharing amenities (except for buffet restaurant) with another Dunas hotel, there's double the amount of facilities.

Suites and Villas by Dunas
Suites and Villas by Dunas - photo courtesy of Jet2holidays

The young animation team are also on hand to ensure there's never a dull moment. All-inclusive packages mean you can snack around the clock, including at the retro-looking poolside food truck.

If you want to get out and about, consider investing in a two-part ticket to the nearby Aqualand water park and Palmitos Park for lovers of wildlife. Or just stay and graze.

6. Paradise Costa Taurito & Waterpark

Taurito is a small self-contained resort in the southwest of the island, ticking all the boxes on the weather front. What makes it even more friendly for families is its water park located in the middle of Taurito.

If you're staying in the Paradise Costa Taurito & Waterpark*, you and family enjoy free admission to all the slippery rides, slides, and pools. You can be sure your kids will be begging for a return visit, although there are watersports alternatives on the beach.

7. Cordial Mogan Playa

There's more than just entertainment to be had in the two pools, which include regular fun aqua gym sessions, for the Cordial Mogan Playa* is also a place of learning.

Cordial Mogan Playa
Cordial Mogan Playa - photo courtesy of Jet2holidays

Boasting its very own archaeological park, you and your children can discover all about the Berber-descending canarii who occupied the island before the 15th-century Spanish conquest. It's like having your very own museum on your doorstep. Fun nights out can be had at the in-hotel bowling alley.

8. Seaside Palm Beach

Spoil your kids rotten with a stay at this celebrated five-star hotel, a hop, skip, and a jump away from the famous dunes of Maspalomas.

Seaside Palm Beach Hotel
Seaside Palm Beach Hotel - photo courtesy of Jet2holidays

As well as close proximity to one of Gran Canaria's most beautiful beaches, Seaside Palm Beach* houses two pools exclusively for children. There's also a mini club with art and craft activities as well as games consoles and a playground.

Weather in Gran Canaria

It's all about the sunshine when it comes to the weather in Gran Canaria. Check out our climate guide below for more specific details and don't forget to see when we think is the very best time to go!

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

Booking your family escape to Gran Canaria? Check out the latest deals on stays in Gran Canaria at these kiddo-friendly resorts and more across the island with Jet2holidays.

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Matthew Hirtes

Matthew Hirtes

Posted on Tuesday 23rd April 2019 in: Europe Family Travel tips

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