7 Best Family Beaches in Gran Canaria: Tested With Our Kids

Gran Canaria has over 60 beaches along 236 kilometres of coastline, but they’re not all equal when you’ve got kids in tow. Some have big waves, no toilets, or a 45-minute hike to reach them. Others have calm water, lifeguards, ice cream, and sand that’s perfect for castles. We’ve tested them all so you don’t have to. Here are our seven favourites for families.

1. Amadores

If we could only recommend one beach for families, it’d be Amadores. The water is impossibly calm thanks to breakwaters protecting the bay, the sand is soft and golden, and there’s a gentle slope into the sea that’s perfect for toddlers and nervous swimmers. Loungers, lifeguards, restaurants, and toilets are all right there. It can get busy by midday at weekends, so arrive before 11am for the best spots.

Best for: Toddlers and young children. Parking: Paid car park above the beach. Food: Several restaurants on the promenade.

2. Anfi del Mar

This feels like the Caribbean dropped into Gran Canaria. The white sand was imported from the Bahamas, the water is turquoise and sheltered, and palm trees line the shore. There’s a pizza kiosk, pedalo and SUP hire, and it’s generally a bit quieter than Amadores. The walk down the hill from the car park is the only downside — use the Anfi Resort lifts if you’re loaded with beach gear.

Best for: All ages, especially if you want that tropical photo. Parking: Paid, at the top of the hill. Food: Kiosk on the beach plus restaurants nearby.

3. Las Canteras, Las Palmas

The best urban beach in Spain, and quite possibly the best family beach on the island. At 2.8km long, there’s always space. The north end has calm, shallow water ideal for little kids. The south end (La Cícer) has waves for older kids learning to surf. The central section is the most family-friendly, with a natural reef barrier called La Barra that keeps the water mill-pond calm. Cafes, toilets, showers, lifeguards — everything you need is on the promenade.

Best for: Families who want a full day out — beach, lunch, ice cream, repeat. Parking: Street parking or underground car parks nearby. Food: Dozens of restaurants along the promenade.

4. Puerto de Mogán

A beautiful cove of fine golden sand right next to Gran Canaria’s “Little Venice.” The water is calm and shallow, protected by sea walls, and there’s kayak and pedalo hire for older kids. The real bonus is the village itself — after the beach, stroll through the flower-lined streets and grab lunch at one of the harbour restaurants. The Friday market is worth planning your beach day around.

Best for: Combining a beach day with a village visit. Parking: Underground car park near the harbour. Food: Excellent fish restaurants in the harbour.

5. Puerto Rico

The sunniest spot on the island and a solid all-rounder. The crescent-shaped beach has imported golden sand, shallow calm water, and every facility you could want. Sun loungers, pedalos, lifeguards, toilets, restaurants — it’s all here. The marina is a short walk away with boat trips and dolphin watching excursions. It does get busy, but the facilities make it easy to spend a comfortable full day.

Best for: Families who want everything in one place. Parking: Shopping centre car park above. Food: Plenty of options along the promenade and in the commercial centres.

6. Maspalomas

Six kilometres of golden sand backed by the famous dunes — it’s epic. Kids go wild for the dunes (see our dunes walk guide) and there’s so much space you’ll never feel crowded. The water is generally calm but can have some waves, so keep an eye on smaller children. There are lifeguards and lounger hire but no public toilets — that’s the one downside. Park for free behind the hotels near the lighthouse.

Best for: Older kids who want space to run, explore, and play in the dunes. Parking: Free behind the hotels off Avenida Colón. Food: Kiosks along the promenade.

7. San Agustín

The quieter, more relaxed neighbour of Playa del Inglés. San Agustín has a mix of sand and dark volcanic pebbles, calm water, and far fewer tourists. It’s where local families go. Parking is easy, there are restaurants right by the sand, and the famous El Capitán restaurant has a children’s play area. If you want a laid-back beach day without the crowds, this is your spot.

Best for: Families who prefer a quieter, more local atmosphere. Parking: Easy street parking. Food: El Capitán is a local institution.