Best family hotels in Gran Canaria for your next holiday

Sandy beaches, year-round sun, seafront accommodation, pools, splash parks and kids' clubs aplenty. When it comes to family-friendly holiday destinations, Gran Canaria has a lot to offer.

The third largest of the eight Canary Islands, after Tenerife and Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria feels resolutely Spanish. However, the Canaries are situated closer to Africa than Europe.

This means that the Canaries enjoy a sub-tropical year-round climate between 18 and 24 °C, earning them the nickname ‘Islands of Eternal Spring' and making them ideal for holidays with kids. The downside? The Canary Islands are known for being regularly battered by strong winds, although Gran Canaria is less breezy than its neighbour Fuerteventura (which literally translates as ‘strong wind’). Also, journey times to the Canaries are longer than to other short-haul destinations such as France or Spain. But with a flight time of just under 4 hours 30 minutes, it’s manageable with kids - especially if you pack loads of travel toys in your hand luggage.

All the recommendations in our line-up are courtesy of glowing reviews from Mumsnetters on our holiday forum. With over 10 million users each month, that’s an awful lot of holiday expertise. Here are the best hotels for families in Gran Canaria recommended by families that have actually stayed there.

Best family hotels in Gran Canaria at a glance

• Best overall family hotel: Lopesan Baobab Resort

• Best self-catered family-friendly apartments: Apartamentos Cordial Mogan Valle

• Best all-inclusive family-friendly hotel: Tabaiba Princess

• Best family-friendly hotel with sea views: Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel

• Best family-friendly bungalow accommodation: Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria

1. Best overall family hotel in Gran Canaria: Lopesan Baobab Resort

Lopesan Baobab Resort | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“We stayed at the Lopesan Baobab which is one of the loveliest hotels we've stayed in. Lovely pools and lazy river.” Winnie2019

Our verdict

If one swimming pool simply isn’t enough for you and your little waterbabies, don’t fret. This African themed resort in Meloneras has an incredible seven - yes, you read that right - swimming pools to choose from. There are two dedicated kids pools along with a lazy river which wends its way through scenic jungle gardens.

Maspalomas beach is a mere 10 minute walk away but if you’d rather stay in the complex, there’s a lake style artificial beach where your little ones can dig and build sandcastles. There’s a range of family rooms to book, including the very popular Swim Up Family Rooms, located beside a pool. As you’d expect from a large resort, there’s plenty going on both day and night, with kids’ clubs and entertainment for all the family to enjoy including a mini disco.

• Distance from Gran Canaria Airport: 22 miles

2. Best self-catered family-friendly apartments in Gran Canaria: Apartamentos Cordial Mogan Valle

Apartamentos Cordial Mogal Valle | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“We have stayed in the Valle apartments and loved them - officially 3 star, big place with a lovely feel - good mix of Brits, Scandinavians and other Europeans. We self catered but it was very easy as supermarket across the road and lots of great places to eat nearby. Could also have dinner at hotel buffet if you choose.” squareofthehypotepotenuse

Our verdict

Self-catering can often be more straightforward when you have little fussy eaters in tow. Each of the 303 spacious one and two bedroom apartments in this chic complex has a kitchenette with microwave, coffee-machine, fridge, toaster and kettle. Located in Puerto de Mogan, a fishing area known as ‘Little Venice’, Apartamentos Cordial Mogan Valle is a 10 minute walk from the beach, fishing quay and marina.

Unlike Lopesan Baobab Resort with its seven pools, there are ‘only’ three pools here but toddlers are sure to love the splash park which boasts water buckets, sprays and fountains. Back on dry land, there’s a soft play area and outdoor playground There is also a restaurant, a mini disco, fitness centre and spa. The only downside is the relatively long transfer time from the airport - the best part of an hour.

• Distance from Gran Canaria Airport: 43 miles

3. Best all-inclusive family-friendly hotel in Gran Canaria: Tabaiba Princess

Tabaiba Princess | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“We stayed at the Tabaiba Princess in Maspalomas a few years ago. Lovely hotel, easy to walk everywhere, 20 mins to the beach & big shopping areas or €5 taxi ride.” FurryScoob

Our verdict

Ultra chic and stylish, the all-inclusive Tabaiba Princess is ideal for families. You can have plenty of fun in the sun with one of Gran Canaria's largest pool areas and man-made beaches along with a splash park for the entire family. You can enjoy plenty of downtime in your air conditioned suite or room too, with each space offering Wi-Fi and a satellite smart-television.

Dining won’t be a hassle - you can choose from restaurants serving a selection of al fresco buffet and snacks along with Italian and Asian fine dining. If you do manage to sneak away from the kids for a bit of ‘me time’, the spa, gym and adults only pool come well recommended. The complex is located in beautiful Maspalomas, in the south, where the sandy beaches are beautiful, albeit busy, and you can visit the historic Maspalomas Lighthouse and do some souvenir shopping too.

• Distance from Gran Canaria Airport: 19 miles

4. Best family-friendly hotel with sea views in Gran Canaria: Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel

Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“We've just stayed at the Gloria Palace San Agustin and I was impressed with it. However, it is at the top of a small hill if that's a consideration.” husbandbloodyhusband

Our verdict

Only a short transfer journey from the airport and a mere six minutes walk away from Las Burras Beach in Gran Canaria, this stylish family-friendly hotel was renovated in 2021. The hotel offers outdoor pools for children and adults. There’s even a rooftop pool, although you might not want to chance that with a toddler, however glorious the sea views, and it requires payment on entry anyway.

All rooms have air conditioning, free wifi and most offer sea views and a balcony. If you don’t want to spend all your time lazing around the pool, you can rent a bicycle from the on-site cycle hire shop, vist the gym or play tennis - all at an additional cost. There’s also evening entertainment, if that’s your sort of thing. The nearest sandy beach, Las Burras, isn’t as jam packed as some beaches in high season. If you fancy heading to the bright lights of the buzzing beaches at Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, you can hop on a free shuttle bus from the hotel.

• Distance from Gran Canaria Airport: 17 miles

5. Best family-friendly bungalow accommodation in Gran Canaria: Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria

Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“Bungalows at Parque Cristobal are nice.” hilbil21

Our verdict

The truth is that not all Mumsnetters are fans of Playa del Inglés. It’s one of the busiest and most well-known of Gran Canaria’s resorts, located in the southern part of the island. If you prefer quiet resorts without nightclubs, casinos and stag parties in the vicinity then it’s best avoided. That said, there’s plenty to love here, such as the buzz, entertainment and gorgeous wide sandy beaches. It’s a short transfer from the airport too.

Parque Cristobal is a vast holiday complex offering family friendly bungalows. Set in the heart of Playa del Inglés, a short stroll from the gorgeous beaches, each bungalow has a private terrace and kitchen so you can self cater on your own schedule. There are even special two bed kids suites and baby packs containing blender, highchair, bottle warmer and games console for the parents. Palm trees and tropical gardens surround the four outdoor pools - two for adults only and two for families, which are heated during winter. There’s daily and nightly entertainment along with a mini disco to keep little party animals busy, too.

• Distance from Gran Canaria airport: 17 miles

6. Best hotel for older kids in Gran Canaria: Hotel Riu Gran Canaria

Hotel Riu Gran Canaria | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“Hotel Riu because it has 2-bedroom family rooms, an activity club for teens in high season and it’s in a great location within 200m of the shopping centre.” Ricekrispie22

Our verdict

If you have slightly older kids who need their own space and entertainment, this hotel in Maspalomas is ideal because it offers modern one and two bedroom family rooms. There’s also a kids club offering activities for all age groups, including teens.

There’s plenty of opportunity for fun in that famous Gran Canaria sunshine with three pools, one of which is designed for kids with slides and a splash area. The hotel has direct access to the sandy beach too so you can head off for paddling and sand castle action whenever you like. This isn’t a secluded type of getaway - it’s only a short walk from boutiques, restaurants and cocktail bars if you, or any older teens in your group, fancy a night out. The airport transfer is short too.

• Distance from Gran Canaria airport: 19 miles

7. Best family hotel with spa in Gran Canaria: Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel

Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“Gloria Palace Amadores. Lots to do on-site for all ages, great rooms and food, and near to two beaches and commercial areas. We’re looking forward to going back next summer.” PurpleReins

Our verdict

Located between two brilliant sandy beaches, Puerto Rico and Amadores, this family-friendly spa hotel has plenty to do on site too. There are three outdoor pools for starters - one designed specifically for kids. There’s also a mini-club and playground along with entertainment for adults and kids. If you and your family are feeling active, you can also try out table tennis, bowls, archery and darts. There’s a restaurant with nightly themed buffets along with several bars.

Each air-conditioned room has a balcony with sea views along with satellite TV. The onsite spa, Gloria Palace, is one of the largest thalassotherapy centres in Europe, offering massages and other treatments along with a seawater pool, sauna and Turkish bath - although you’d need to find a babysitter or book your children into the mini club as it’s grown ups only. It’s also worth noting that the beaches are located down a steep hill from the hotel but you have the option to take a lift down.

• Distance from Gran Canaria airport: 29 miles

8. Best hotel for teens in Gran Canaria: Aparthotel Mirador del Atlantico

Aparthotel Mirador del Atlantico | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“We went to the Puerto Mogan / Amadores Beach area as I read that it was more shielded from the wind and was the sunnier side of Gran Canaria. Trying to convince DP to go back in Dec for a pre Christmas break!” Stensen

Our verdict

Another hotel which caters just as well for older children as it does for babies and toddlers, the Mirador del Atlantico in Amadores offers teen-friendly activities along with a dedicated chill out lounge for teenage guests. You can divide your time between Amadores beach, a mere 200 metres away from the hotel, and the large outdoor pools, which include a kids’ pool, although be aware that the pools are only open between 10am and 6pm which may be a bit late or early depending on your schedule.

Other activities to be enjoyed at the hotel include squash, table tennis, sauna and whirlpool. The hotel’s spacious family-friendly rooms all have kitchenettes - useful if you decide to self-cater. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in the resort of Amadores to keep you well fed. Alternatively, you may prefer to go all-inclusive and eat all your meals in the complex’s buffet restaurant.

• Distance from Gran Canaria airport: 29 miles

9. Best family-friendly hotel for activities: TUI BLUE Bahia Feliz

TUI BLUE Bahia Feliz | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“The resort of Bahia Feliz is small. Tiny even and opposite the hotel is the 'town centre' is which is a small town square with restaurants all around, a couple of shops, mini supermarket and a chemist a bit further up. The restaurants here are really nice.” juddyrockingcloggs

Our verdict

The TUI BLUE Orquídea is one of three TUI BLUE For Families hotels in the quaint resort of Bahia Feliz, which is also one of the closest resorts to the airport, meaning that you can enjoy a super short transfer journey. The neighbouring hotels are TUI BLUE Las Pitas and TUI BLUE Playa Feliz. You can use all the facilities onsite, whichever accommodation you choose.

Designed for families, there are kids’ clubs and child-friendly shows along with a variety of pools, splash parks and swimming lessons along with a go-karting track. Well-being is encouraged, with mindfulness classes for all ages and a Healthy Eating Challenge, which encourages junior diners to try new foods. A sand and shingle beach is a short walk away.

• Distance from Gran Canaria airport: 13 miles

10. Best stylish family-friendly hotel in Gran Canaria: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

“Puerto de Mogan is lovely. They call it mini Venice. Stayed at radisson blu hotel..fabulous!” Grandmi

Our verdict

Who says you can’t live stylishly once you have a baby? This Radisson Blu hotel in pretty Puerto Mogan offers minimalistic surroundings and chic rooms with plenty of fun too. There are two separate pool areas, a mini disco and toddler-friendly splash park decorated in rainbow colours.

Two minus points to note - firstly, it’s a fair way from the airport. Also, unlike some hotels on our list, the beach isn’t right on your doorstep. In fact, it’s almost a mile away from the hotel which could be a struggle for very little legs and may require a buggy. However, there’s loads to do onsite here, including a children’s club, entertainment, outdoor exercise area, 800m running track and a luxury spa along with a disco, snack bar, pool bar and two restaurants.

• Distance from Gran Canaria Airport: 34 miles

Where is good for a family holiday in Gran Canaria?

There are many family-friendly resorts in Gran Canaria. Puerto Rico is considered to be one of the best resorts for families in Gran Canaria as it is close to two beaches, Puerto Rico Beach and Playa Amadores, and has a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and other amenities. Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel is located in this area.

Where should I stay in Gran Canaria with kids?

The best areas to stay in Gran Canaria are generally considered to be: Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Puerto Mogan, Meloneras, San Agustin, Las Palmas and Playa del Inglés.

Some families find Playa del Inglés too busy and prefer quieter, more family-friendly resorts such as Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Puerto Mogan and Meloneras.

Where can kids go in Gran Canaria?

There’s lots for kids to do in Gran Canaria. Many hotels are family-friendly with mini clubs and discos on sites in some complexes.

Other activities suitable for young holidaymakers include dolphin zoo Palmitos Park, water park Aqualand and a day trip to one of the many fab beaches on the island.

Is Gran Canaria family-friendly?

Gran Canaria is well-known as a good family holiday destination suited to families with kids because so many of the hotels and attractions cater for young tourists.

Where is the best place for a family holiday in Gran Canaria?

The best overall hotel for a family holiday is the Lopesan Baobab Resort, a vast complex offering seven swimming pools, close proximity to lovely Maspalomas beach and lots of child-friendly entertainment onsite.

Where can I get cheap flights to Gran Canaria?

Many online travel retailers offer cheap flights from the UK to Gran Canaria’s Las Palmas Airport, and you can find some superb deals by using sites like Skyscanner and Expedia.

Do I need to rent a car in Gran Canaria?

If you’d rather not drive during your holiday in Gran Canaria, it’s straightforward enough to get around using resort transfers, taxis and buses. Also, if you’re staying in a hotel within a resort close to beaches and other amenities, such as Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria you should be able to get around on foot fairly easily.

If you do decide to hire a car or travel by taxi, ensure that you have the correct car seat for your children.

When is the best time to go to Gran Canaria?

The highest temperatures hit in summer between July and September. Thanks to the island’s sub tropical climate, Gran Canaria enjoys year-round sunshine and many visitors enjoy beach holidays during the winter too.

Puerto Mogan is said to be the area most shielded from the wind on the island, making Aparthotel Mirador del Atlantico a great holiday destination any time of year.

How we chose our recommendations

Holidays are precious times and they’re usually pretty pricey too, so we understand that it’s vital to choose the right deal when selecting your next family trip. To find the best family hotels in Gran Canaria, we first reviewed travel expert sites, looking at their recommendations for the best kid-friendly Gran Canaria places to stay.

We then consulted wise Mumsnetters on Mumsnet forums, who’d previously travelled to the Canaries hotspot to see which hotels they rated and which ones they wouldn’t revisit. Next, we collated this information and looked at other independent online reviews to see how consumers rated various Gran Canaria hotels for families with babies and toddlers.

Finally, we cross-referenced all that information to compile a definitive list of the best Gran Canaria hotels for families for 2022, as recommended and reviewed by parents.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.