The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

This is one of those rare hotels that balances five-star credentials with child-friendly facilities – and it does so with a healthy dollop of fun. Its ’70s-inspired rooms (by interior designer Alberto Pinto) are a riot of colour and retro furnishings, with palettes that appeal to younger guests. There’s loads of stuff just for kids too, including mini clubs, splash pools and even child-friendly dining. What’s more, it’s all just a short stroll from Maspalomas beach when it’s time for sandcastles.

A short stroll from the beach at Puerto de Mogán, this holiday complex feels more like a Canarian village than a traditional hotel. A broad choice of family-friendly accommodation is spread around the extensive grounds and gardens, featuring hundreds of different plant species. There’s a dizzying array of facilities for all ages, including kids’ clubs, children’s pools and special tenpin bowling lanes. Parents can enjoy the excellent spa, with everything from bubble beds to foot baths.

Named after the tree of life found on the African savannah, the luxury Lopesan Baobab Resort is designed around the look and feel of a hunting lodge with tall ceilings, wide verandas and plenty of tropical flair. Zebra print and fake snakeskin add an exotic edge to the rooms, some of which feature views of the nearby Maspalomas dunes. There are seven swimming pools, two just for kids, with water features, slides and jets. There’s also a full itinerary of sports and shows designed to appeal to all ages.

This five-star hotel, set into a hillside on the south side of the island, features some spectacular panoramas over the rugged landscape and the sea. With its deluxe high-tech spa, sophisticated dining and neighbouring golf course, it’s a rather more adults-oriented family-friendly hotel than most. There’s plenty of pool for the little ones to splash about in, though, as well as a playground and games room. Luxury suites here are big enough for families of four.

One of a cluster of circular holiday complexes neighbouring the dramatic Maspalomas dunes, the Kumara Serenoa is an upscale, all-suites hotel. It’s all centred around a big swimming pool, which includes a separate section for kids and ample comfy daybeds everyone can squeeze onto. Next to the pool is a playground where the little ones can burn off excess energy before bed. Some of the suites are designed just for families, with separate bedrooms, lounges and lots of outside space.

Part of the Urbano del Sur Park neighbourhood of Maspalomas resort, Club Vista Serena is a modest family-friendly apartment complex of pastel-coloured buildings. Standard apartments here are big enough for families of four, and include separate double bedrooms, bathrooms with tubs and open-plan lounge-kitchens. You’ll find most guests lounging around the swimming pool terrace, which includes a separate pool for smaller bathers and a poolside bar for refreshments.

This apartment and bungalow complex, set in tropical landscaped gardens, is a sure-fire hit with families. As well as the family-friendly accommodation, this upscale hotel boasts an impressive five pools, two just for kids, including a water jet zone. A supervised mini club keeps kids busy with everything from arts and crafts to sports and discos. Fun for the grown-ups includes the likes of cocktail games and workshops, while the live evening entertainment is aimed at all ages.

Casa León, in the Monte León region of the island, is a secluded hillside retreat, perfect for families looking to really get away from it all. You’ll be spending most of your time in and around the glorious infinity pool, gazing at the views over the spectacular landscape. Family rooms include two bedrooms, two marble bathrooms and even two terraces, so everyone gets plenty of space. The Lion’s Programme of supervised activities provides a wealth of fun things to do, which you can dip in and out of as much as you like.