The quick answer
The best hotels for families in Gran Canaria
Babies and toddlers – HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria
Children up to 8 years old – Servatur Puerto Azul
Children up to 12 years old – Riu Papayas All Inclusive
Teenagers – Gloria Palace Amadores
| Best areas for families in Gran Canaria | Ideal age | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Playa del Ingles | All ages | Lots of things to see and do |
| Taurito | 0 to 12 | The waterpark and entertainment |
| Puerto Rico | 4 + | For the beaches, nightlife and restaurants |
| Meloneras | All ages | For luxury and all-inclusive family holidays |
Best family holiday areas and hotels in Gran Canaria
Playa del Ingles
Playa del Ingles is the biggest and most popular holiday destination in Gran Canaria. With so many different things to do and experience, it is ideal for children of all ages.
- Lots of fun things to do, like arcades, mini-golf and trampolines.
- Many more attractions nearby, including camel rides, Aqualand Maspalomas waterpark, Sioux City Wild West shows, karting and the Palmitos Park Zoo.
- All restaurants, bars and shops are grouped together in open-air shopping centres. They make it easy to find what you want without too much walking around, once you arrive at one of them.
- It has one of the most extensive choices of restaurants on the island.
- Lots of family-friendly nightlife with shows and karaoke.
- Pricing ranges from budget-friendly to luxurious for restaurants, bars and accommodation.
- Large golden sand beach and dunes.
- Lifts take you up and down to the beach in some places, ideal for parents with children in strollers.
- Meloneras and San Agustin are nearby, for those who like to explore.
- A large selection of watersports is possible, both relaxing and active.
Best family holiday hotels in Playa del Ingles
Riu Papayas All Inclusive and Abora Buenaventura by Lopesan – These hotels are ideal for families who like to spend most of their time in and near the pool enjoying the all-inclusive vibes.
HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria – If you like the bungalow park feel, this hotel offer a great family holiday.
Taurito
Taurito is a small beach holiday destination between Gran Canaria’s hills, with a waterpark in the middle of the resort. While you can visit Taurito with children of all ages, it is more interesting for babies and children up to 12 years old. There are things to do for teenagers, but most are for younger children.
- The Lago Taurito waterpark is located in the middle of the resort, less than 100 meters from most of the hotels.
- Entrance tickets to Lago Taurito are included for free with some hotels.
- There are fantastic views over the resort and sea from the hotels located against the hill.
- Mini disco and shows in the evening on the central square for children and adults.
- Short walks to everywhere, because the area is small.
- Lifts in most locations to quickly get you to the beach.
- Even though it is a small area, there is mini golf, arcades, bowling and much more.
Best family holiday hotels in Taurito
Hotel LIVVO Costa Taurito & Aquapark – If you want a cheap budget holiday with unlimited free entrance to the waterpark, this is the best hotel for your family. Do know that the all-inclusive is not available in the waterpark without paying extra.
Taurito Princess – The most modern and luxurious, recently renovated and updated, family holiday hotel in this area.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is the larger and busier version of Taurito. It is also a beach resort between 2 hills, with most hotels built onto them. While some lifts can take you from and to your hotel, most places are connected by stairs. For this reason, it is not advised for families who still have strollers, babies and younger children. For older children and teenagers, there is a lot to see and do here.
- It has an ideal beach, sheltered from the sea and only small waves.
- The Playa de Amadores beach is within walking distance for a change of scenery.
- Most of the tourist boats leave from the harbour here. To explore or go whale and dolphin watching.
- Fun attractions like the Angry Birds Activity Park, minigolf and trampolines can also be found here.
- Easy resort to navigate and find your way.
- Most of the restaurants, bars, nightlife and shops are located in the shopping centers in the valley.
- There are fantastic views over the area and sea from the hotels located against the hill.
Best family holiday hotels in Puerto Rico
Servatur Puerto Azul – All inclusive family holiday hotel with lots of waterslides, pools and playgrounds and lots of entertainment. High up on the hill between Puerto Rico and Playa de Amadores but with a shuttle service from the hotel to the beach.
Riu Vistamar All-inclusive – Located on top of the hill between Puerto Rico and Playa de Amadores, this hotel is excellent for families. While its location might not sound good, it offers incredible views and lots of space for sports facilities, pools and children’s activities. A minibus is available to take you up and down to the beach of Playa de Amadores.
Gloria Palace Amadores – This hotel is very similar to the Riu Vistamar, also with excellent all-inclusive and similar services and amenities, but located closer to Puerto Rico and with a lift down from the hill within easy walking distance from Puerto Rico.
Meloneras
Meloneras is ideal for those families looking for luxurious all-inclusive holidays. This is the newest resort in Gran Canaria, with many new and modern hotels full of fun things for children of all ages.
- Lots of huge hotels with many different pools, amenities and mini-clubs for children.
- 2 large beaches to enjoy on the edges of the resort.
- Major attractions like Palmitos Park Zoo, Sioux City Western Park, Camel Safari Park and Aqualand are nearby.
- The Maspalomas Waterpark is less than a few kilometres away.
- Easy public transportation connections to many nearby holiday destinations.
- Central location on the islands, not far from the most popular resorts and attractions.
Best family holiday hotels in Meloneras
Riu Gran Canaria – This hotel is excellent for those who love all-inclusive time by the pool. This hotel has it all. Relaxing pools, children’s and baby’s pools, or even your own suite with a swim-up pool. But of course, all the other things you would expect in a great family holiday hotel, like different age kids clubs, entertainment and themed parties. To make sure you always find something tasty to eat, even with picky eaters, this hotel also has 4 different themed cuisines and restaurants.
Lopesan Baobab Resort – This hotel is a fantastic, with a somewhat jungle-themed and African-style. It is truly one of the more unique ones I have been to while travelling around Gran Canaria. It is excellent for older teenagers or if you are a couple that wants to relax with a baby.
