Looking for a holiday destination during the May half term we decided to make a short list and Gran Canaria is one of the places on it. We have a list of requirements for a place to make it onto our list such as, be family friendly and have accommodation suitable for 4 children plus grandparents, must be sunny, have beautiful beaches, water activities to do and places to visit. Not too much to ask is it? As we haven’t been to Gran Canaria before I have been asking people who have, for reasons why we should chose it as our next family holiday destination and finding out if it can tick all the must haves off our list.
Family Friendly Accommodation
Gran Canaria has a whole range of accommodation to chose from. You can opt for villas with your own pool and plenty of room for a larger family or hotels and apartments.
Year Round Sunshine
You can always count on Gran Canaria for plenty of sunshine. Being located off the west coast of Africa means much warmer weather with the average high all year round not dropping below 20oC.
Beautiful Beaches
With 82 to choose from you are a little spoilt for choice. The main tourist beaches can be found at Maspalomas, Taurito, Mogan, Puerto Rico, Playa de Mogan and Playa del Ingles. Full a full run down of the best beaches in Gran Canaria Trip advisor has this guide.
Great Water Sports
Visit the gorgeous island of Gran Canaria if you are after amazing water sports. Surfboards are a big part of island life so expect loads of surfboarding, bodyboarding, windsurfing and surfing. You can go cruising around the coast on a glass bottom boat – stopping off for a swim or snorkel or before you reach the shore. There are also two large waterparks for adrenaline junkie fun.
Places To Visit
- Maspalomas sand dunes where you can take a camel ride or a jeep through the dunes or enjoy the huge strip of beach.
- The Yumbo centre in the evening for some adult entertainment.
- Take an island tour. A whole day where you get to see the islands totally different climates up high and also see the cave houses that people used to live in.
- The Sahara beach bar in Playa Del Ingles for cocktails.
- Palmitos Park, a 20 hectare zoo/aviary/botanical garden/dolphinarium for a day out with animals and amazing views to keep the whole family entertained.
- Meloneras in Maspalomas. A beautiful strip of excellent restaurants. Nice and relaxed with no one trying to sell you anything.
I think it’s safe to say Gran Canaria does tick everything off our list, so watch this space. Could it be our next family holiday destination?
Thanks to mumzilla, lyliarose, nomipalony, friendlyfirstfoods, happymummy and digitalmotherhood for their suggestions and recommendations.