The summer holidays are fast approaching and, once again, it’s time to book the annual family trip. You want to have one last hurrah before school starts up, bond with the people you love the most and make memories that will last a lifetime. If you haven’t already settled on a place to visit, I’d definitely have to recommend the south coast of Gran Canaria – it’s got warm weather, beautiful beaches and hospitable hotels.
Best of all, it’s known for being incredibly family-friendly and offering tons of different activities. There are water parks and water slides, mini golf and mini clubs, opportunities to swim and play in the sand…with so many fun and active things to do, the children won’t have a dull moment. And when they’ve worn themselves out, you can unwind in all-inclusive accommodation or replenish your energy at one of the many delicious restaurants the region has to offer. Read on for a list of parent-approved resorts with oodles of kid-approved options.
San Agustín
San Agustin can be summed up into two words: shopping and sun. There are two shopping centres available (El Portón, which features a helpful tourist information station, and the enormous San Agustín Shopping Centre), so the kids will have no trouble finding Grandma and Grandpa a souvenir. The beach is quiet and, although the waves can grow to be quite fun-sized, swimming is completely safe, so you’ll feel comfortable letting the little ones paddle around in the water.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a child-friendly beachside hotel with lots of activities and amenities, look no further than Monte Feliz. Only a four-minute walk from a water sports centre and the beach, this inexpensive aparthotel has everything a family could possibly need (not to mention private balconies with gorgeous views of the mountains and sea).
The complex houses a supermarket, so – as the private kitchens come equipped with a fridge and a microwave – making snacks for the kids has never been easier. There’s a restaurant (and a bar for Mum and Dad), a tennis court, an outdoor pool and a playground for the children. With so many things to do, it’s impossible to be bored while staying at Monte Feliz.
At a Glance: San Agustín
- Safe and quiet beach
- Family-friendly accommodation
- Great shopping
Transfer time from the airport: 25 minutes
Amadores
Peaceful and gorgeous, Amadores is a lovely holiday spot for families – and the beautiful beach of Playa de Amadores is its main attraction. Loud music and rowdy ball games are banned, making this an exceptionally safe environment for small children. However, you might prefer somewhere a little livelier if your children are older. With an extensive selection of restaurants and bars just behind the beach, you’ll be all set if you get hungry or thirsty from all the fun in the sun. Quiet and calm, Amadores is a parent’s dream.
Where to Stay
Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel sits just six minutes from the beach and has abundant entertainment for all ages. Play tennis (both table and traditional) or darts, swim in either an outdoor or seawater pool, bowl, learn archery – the options are endless. Children even have their own playground, mini-club and swimming pool! There’s free Wi-Fi and a satellite TV for when you need a little downtime. In the evenings, take the kids to one of the many shows put on or gorge yourself at a buffet restaurant that offers a different food theme each night.
At a Glance: Amadores
- Perfect environment for young children
- Convenient, beachside catering
Transfer time from the airport: 35 minutes
Mogan
With its smorgasbord of activities, even the pickiest of kids will find something to do in Mogan. This is really a great destination for families with older, active children. The beach alone is filled with options – from snorkelling to jet skiing to canoeing to parasailing. If you’re just looking to relax on the sand, sun loungers are readily available. Swimmers are protected from the open sea by a breakwater, making splashing around in the water entirely safe.
For fun day trips, book a dolphin spotting adventure, visit local shipwrecks in a submarine, or go out on a sport fishing excursion. If you’re looking for a drier activity, eat at one of the many restaurants, browse through the diverse selection of shops, or catch the Friday open-air market.
Where to Stay
For a lovely apartment-style accommodation option, consider Casa Canaria. Just two minutes from Mogan Beach (perfect for when the kids just can’t wait another second to go swimming) and three minutes from Mogan Port, it’s known for its great location. Each flat has a terrace, two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV. For families looking for a central base, Casa Canaria is an ideal choice.
At a Glance: Mogan
- Wide range of water sports
- Dolphin watching, shipwrecks, submarines and fishing excursions
- Centrally located, family-friendly accommodation
Transfer time from the airport: 37 minutes
Taurito
Charming and child-friendly, Taurito is a popular destination among families who are looking for a balanced mix of leisure and sport. For days when the kids seem to have endless energy, try activities such as bowling, mini golf, tennis and squash. Diving lessons are readily available as well and suited for all skill levels. The beach is a popular destination, but there is also the choice of a fun pool complex complete with waterslides. In the evenings, there’s not much rowdy nightlife, so you can enjoy a peaceful meal at one of the many restaurants Taurito has to offer. Parents can feel confident to let their older children have some independence knowing that the resort offers few temptations at night.
Where to Stay
Stay at Paradise Logo Taurito for a hotel that’s only three minutes from the beach – and has a water park complete with water slides! The rooms are all air conditioned and have private balconies that showcase gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Paddle, squash and tennis courts are available, and there’s even a mini club for the children. Paradise Logo Taurito is the perfect spot for an active family.
At a Glance: Taurito
- Wide range of sports activities
- Swimming pool complex with waterslides
- Low-key nightlife
Transfer time from the airport: 42 minutes
How to Get There
Flights from London Heathrow to Gran Canaria Airport are only about four and a half hours and can be purchased through many different airlines. Once you arrive, take the stress out of getting to your accommodation by booking a private or shared transport with Shuttle Direct. No matter which of the south coast resorts you choose, Shuttle Direct will drop you off directly at your required destination. And, since each transfer is under an hour, little Archie won’t have time to ask, ‘Are we there yet?’
Sun, sand, surf and stimulation – the four golden S’s for every parent planning a family holiday. And the destination that ticks each box? Gran Canaria. Children and adults alike will play all day, hopping from one activity to another, at any of these family-friendly South Coast resorts. So pack up your kids and your swimming togs, and come get your fix of affordable fun.
About Shuttle Direct
For a fast, friendly and affordable airport transfer service, considering booking with Shuttle Direct. Our service is reliable, professional and comfortable, and we offer both private and shared options. Let us take some of the stress out of your travel with our seamless transports to destinations all over Europe and North Africa.
