Holidays with a baby on Gran Canaria: Tips & experiences

Are you new parents looking for the perfect first trip with your child? We'll tell you why we chose a vacation with your baby in Gran Canaria, what to look out for, and what you can do on your trip with your baby.

How to make your holiday with baby on Gran Canaria a complete success

Europe • Spain • Canary Islands • Gran Canaria • Gran Canaria with baby • Traveling with Children

Why vacation with baby in Gran Canaria?

• The Canary Islands offer a mild climate and little rain all year round
• There is a wide selection of beaches and natural pools so that even the little ones can enjoy the sea
• Beach, pine forests and mountain villages promise variety and the opportunity to adapt to the needs of the baby
• Short distances to most attractions mean more breaks and less time in the car seat
• Western hygiene standards and good medical care in all tourist centers are reassuring in case of emergency

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Europe • Spain • Canary Islands • Gran Canaria • Gran Canaria with baby • Traveling with Children

Travel report: Holiday with baby on Gran Canaria – experiences

We spent eleven days on holiday in Gran Canaria with our seven-month-old baby in November and had a fantastic time. Of course, every child and every family is different. Our report should serve as inspiration for your first holiday with a baby in Gran Canaria.

Arrival and settling in when holidaying with a baby on Gran Canaria

Flying with a baby to Gran Canaria was no problem for us. Our daughter was able to sleep soundly in the carrier at the airport, and on the plane, she alternated between being sleepy and interested, and made new friends with her seatmates during her waking hours. For more detailed information, please read our article "Flying with a Baby or Small Children: How to Make the Flight Relaxed!"

Our little one slept more restlessly than usual during the first two nights in Gran Canaria, probably due to all the new experiences, but otherwise we had no problems. Our daughter absorbed the new surroundings attentively and, at times, with downright enthusiasm. At the same time, however, she needed more sleep breaks than usual at home, probably to process the new experiences. This is something you should definitely plan for.

A special holiday with baby on Gran Canaria

The best part for us was the feeling of experiencing everything for the first time again: the first time flying, the first time feeling sand under our feet, the first time seeing the sea. Everything was new and exciting – for our daughter and for us. Even the little things along the way that we wouldn't have experienced or noticed without our children enriched our vacation: the breastfeeding break in the shade, a small playground, her enthusiasm for the wind chimes on the terrace. There was something to discover and enjoy together everywhere.

We stayed overnight just as we would have without a child: individually and uncomplicatedly. We had a small cabin with a private owner, a bed in a converted Land Rover at a campsite, and two backpacker accommodations. We stayed in the same place for the first seven days, so our little one had a constant. Overall, our vacation with a baby on Gran Canaria was very varied. During the day, we went on various excursions in the rental car and adapted our schedule to the needs of the little one.

Excursions to the cooler mountain villages and short hikes were the perfect alternative to the beach for us and one of the reasons why we chose Gran Canaria for our first trip with a baby. Carried close to our bodies in the front carrier, our daughter could relax and explore or sleep while we parents were active. It was uncomplicated and a pure vacation.

vacation with baby by the sea

Visiting the beach is a bit more complicated with a baby than without. A glance at the sky: It's cloudy today. Great, perfect for the beach. Getting a tan is no longer a concern; suddenly a shady spot is a must. Even sitting in the sand with a small baby suddenly becomes less relaxing, because the sand either immediately moves towards the mouth or, if the wind is windy, potentially into the eyes.

We still had a lot of fun at the sea: Just make sure you have shade and shelter from the wind, don't plan your day at the beach too long, play with your feet in the sand instead of your hands, and enjoy a pebble beach every now and then – and nothing stands in the way of a wonderful beach visit on Gran Canaria with your baby.

Balance new experiences and security

One of the most intense experiences for our baby was certainly feeling the swell of approaching waves with her feet in the sand. After an initial moment of skepticism, each wave was greeted with laughter, squeals, and enthusiastic foot-stomping. After a few minutes, the mood suddenly changed, and it was time for a nap at Mom's breast. The transition between exploring new things and feeling safe was very important for our baby on the road.

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Europe • Spain • Canary Islands • Gran Canaria • Gran Canaria with baby • Traveling with Children

Travel tips for Gran Canaria with a baby – what should you pay attention to?

• Find a centrally located accommodation that's as close as possible to all directions. This way, you can spontaneously adjust your itinerary to the weather and your baby's mood.
• Get up early and use the cool morning for short hikes or a visit to the beach.
• Shady alleys, churches, museums, cafés or a quiet spot in the garden are a good afternoon activity.
• Alternatively, choose cloudy days for a longer beach visit and retreat to the cooler interior of the island on particularly warm, sunny days.
• Plan only half as many activities as you would without a baby. Afternoon naps, diaper breaks, and breastfeeding/feeding take time and should be integrated into your daily routine in a relaxed manner.
• Sunscreen and a sun hat should be at the top of your packing list to protect your baby's delicate skin. A parasol or beach umbrella are also a good idea. Baby sunglasses could also be a great addition.
• The mountain villages in the interior are often cool and windy, so pack a jacket.
• Bring a baby carrier for your baby or toddler to Gran Canaria. A sling, carrier, sling, or backpack carrier will give you much more flexibility than a stroller.
• Infant car seats for rental cars are often expensive or unavailable for small babies. Therefore, it's recommended to bring your own infant car seat. Many airlines even allow this for free.
• Diapers, wet wipes, and baby food can easily be purchased locally in Gran Canaria (e.g., at Lidl). You don't need to bring a large supply with you.

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Europe • Spain • Canary Islands • Gran Canaria • Gran Canaria with baby • Traveling with Children

What can you experience on holiday in Gran Canaria with a baby?

1. Sun, beach and sea

As long as you take adequate sun protection and, if necessary, wind protection, a beach holiday on Gran Canaria with a baby is perfectly possible. Slightly cloudy days are especially ideal for a beach trip with children.

• Beach: In particular, the regions around Galdar and Agaete in the north, as well as around Maspalomas in the south of Gran Canaria, offer numerous beautiful beaches and coves. Dark volcanic sand, light sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, and pebble beaches alternate. Boredom is certainly not a possibility here. Those looking for a beach near Las Palmas can opt for Playa El Confital on the nearby peninsula. This is much quieter than the heavily developed urban beach of Las Canteras.
• Sand dunes: The sand dunes of Maspalomas are a scenic highlight that shouldn't be missed, even on a vacation with children. There's a beautiful walking path through the sand from the dune viewpoint to Maspalomas Beach.
• Natural swimming pool: Seawater pools are a great option for families with babies or toddlers on Gran Canaria. They offer protection from the waves and are an ideal swimming spot for the whole family. Beautiful examples include the Piscina Naturales in Agaete and the Roque Prieto pools on the north coast of Gran Canaria.
• Fishing villages: The special flair of fishing villages invites you to stroll through narrow streets with sea views. They're also a wonderful stopover with a baby. How about dinner at the fish restaurant in Puerto de Nieves? Or perhaps a break at the small beach of Tufia, which is also ideal for snorkeling? A day trip to the famous Puerto de Morgan is also a must.
• Submarine Tour: For slightly older siblings, a ride on the submarine at Puerto de Morgan is definitely a highlight. However, babies are not allowed; the minimum age is two years.

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2. Mountains, caves and forests

Is the sun getting too much for your baby? No problem in Gran Canaria: Simply pack your baby, carrier, and backpack and head to the cooler interior of the island. There's plenty to discover there!

• Bergdörfer: Tejeda is considered the most beautiful village in Gran Canaria, Artenara is the highest village on the island and the villages of Teror and Firgas are also definitely worth a visit.
• Viewpoint: Even without a long hike, you can enjoy the view of Gran Canaria's highest peak. The Mirador del Pico de Las Nieves viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking lot.
• Pine forest: On the way to the viewpoint, you'll drive through a pine forest that even has tables and benches. There's a lovely picnic spot. The Tamadaba pine forest is also worth a visit.
• Cave Museum: A little journey back in time awaits you at the Artenara Cave Museum. There you can visit six examples of cave dwellings. The museum is free and a lovely stop for explorers of all ages.

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3. Walking, hiking and enjoying nature

Active parents should pack their hiking boots for Gran Canaria, as the island offers beautiful family-friendly hikes that are also possible with babies.

• The Tilos de Moyà: The two-kilometer circular trail near Los Tilos de Moyà is a lovely walk for families. It features diverse vegetation, a small cave, and a beautiful laurel forest along the way. The trail has only a short section of stairs, little elevation gain, and plenty of shade.
• Rock Nublo: The hike to Nublo Rock, Gran Canaria's landmark, is also easily doable for families, as the trail is only about three kilometers long. However, it involves a lot of climbing, and only the first part of the hike offers shade. Sturdy shoes, a baby carrier, sunscreen, a windbreaker, and water are recommended.
• Alamo Canyon: The Hike through the Barranco de Alamo near Teror is ideal for families. Although the circular trail is five kilometers long, the verdant Alamo Gorge offers many shady areas. This hike was one of our favorite spots on our Gran Canaria trip with a baby.

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4. Archaeological sites, museums and churches

Gran Canaria's cultural attractions are also great to explore with a baby. Churches, museums, and indoor archaeological sites also promise a pleasantly cool break from the sun.

• Painted Cave: This archaeological site is located near Galdar and includes a small museum and a guided tour of original cave paintings. The site is fully covered and ideal for visiting with babies.
• Cenobius of Valerón: This archaeological site features a historic granary carved into the rock and is also worth a visit. However, since there is no shade here, a morning or evening visit is recommended.
• The Canary Museum: The Museo Canario is located in the old town of Las Palmas, in the Vegueta district, and offers one of the largest historical collections in the archipelago.
• Churches: Las Palmas is home to Gran Canaria's oldest church, Arucas boasts an impressive cathedral, the church of Teror is famous for its silver interior, and the church of Artenara was built from red volcanic rock. Visiting churches in Gran Canaria isn't boring, and small children often find the unusual acoustics interesting.

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Europe • Spain • Canary Islands • Gran Canaria • Gran Canaria with baby • Traveling with Children

Where to go on holiday with baby in Gran Canaria?

For a vacation with a baby on Gran Canaria, it might make sense to look for accommodation in the cooler interior rather than directly on the beach. If you book centrally but with good access to the main road, you'll also be within easy reach of all the attractions. Of course, there are also many options right by the sea.

You'd better avoid staying in the capital, Las Palomas: The traffic chaos is nerve-wracking, and with an impatient baby in the back seat, it's even less fun. Aside from Las Palomas, driving a rental car is very easy.

Whether you're better off staying in a family-friendly hotel, self-catering in an apartment, or camping depends entirely on your preferences. However, a little privacy and perhaps a small garden with a shady spot are certainly beneficial for your first vacation with a baby.

Personal experience staying overnight with a baby

During our holiday with baby on Gran Canaria we spent the first seven nights in a small cabin We stayed overnight in Santa Brigida. It was perfect for our arrival: We didn't have to worry about being too loud because we didn't have neighbors next door to each other, our little one had a constant bed for the first week, and the shady garden was a lovely retreat.

We then spent two nights in a converted Land Rover at a campsite in the north to test whether camping with three people would be an option for us in the future. The lack of running water took some getting used to with a baby, but the overnight stay was relaxing, and we immediately met other families with campervans, so the children could get to know each other. A very nice addition to our Gran Canaria vacation.

For the last two nights, we had a room on the west coast and accommodation near the airport on the east coast. This was ideal for keeping travel times to a minimum and allowing us to end our vacation with our baby on Gran Canaria in a relaxed manner.

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Europe • Spain • Canary Islands • Gran Canaria • Gran Canaria with baby • Traveling with Children

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Europe • Spain • Canary Islands • Gran Canaria • Gran Canaria with baby • Traveling with Children

Are you looking for inspiration for traveling with children?

Tips and experiences for traveling with a baby:

• Flying with a baby or small children: How to make the flight relaxing!
• Holidays with a baby on Gran Canaria: Experiences & tips for parents
• First vacation with baby: Gran Canaria here we come (travel blog)

Tips and experiences for traveling during pregnancy:

• Traveling during pregnancy: What is possible and what should you pay attention to?
• Flying during pregnancy: allowed or dangerous?
• Babymoon in Italy: This is how we travelled while pregnant (travel blog)

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Europe • Spain • Canary Islands • Gran Canaria • Gran Canaria with baby • Traveling with Children

Notes & Copyright Holiday with baby on Gran Canaria

Sources for holidays with babies on Gran Canaria: experiences & tips