Our family recently spent an unforgettable week exploring Las Palmas and its surrounding villages, using the HD Parque Cristóbal Gran Canaria in Playa del Inglés as our comfortable base. Although we were staying in Playa del Inglés, about 50 km south of Las Palmas, the easy 40-minute drive via the GC-1 motorway allowed us to immerse ourselves in the capital’s vibrant energy while also venturing out to discover charming villages across Gran Canaria. Traveling with our 4-year-old, we balanced urban exploration, cultural discoveries, and natural wonders, creating a perfect mix of experiences for our family.
Las Palmas: A Vibrant Capital with Family-Friendly Charm
Las Palmas, the bustling capital of Gran Canaria, welcomed us with its dynamic blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. We kicked off our week in the historic Vegueta district, where the 15th-century Catedral de Santa Ana captivated us with its Gothic architecture and panoramic views from the towers. Our son had a blast running around the Plaza de Santa Ana, chasing pigeons while we admired the bronze dog statues guarding the square. The cobblestone streets of Vegueta, lined with colorful colonial buildings, felt like a step back in time, and we popped into the Museo Canario for a quick look at the island’s pre-Hispanic Guanche artifacts—keeping it short to hold our little one’s attention.
A morning at Playa de Las Canteras was a highlight for our family. This 3-km golden beach, with its calm, shallow waters and natural reef barrier, was perfect for our son to splash around safely while we relaxed under an umbrella. The beachfront promenade buzzed with a laid-back energy, dotted with cafés where we grabbed ice cream to cool off. We also admired the modern architecture of the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, a striking contrast to the historic charm of Vegueta, showcasing Las Palmas’ ability to blend old and new seamlessly.
Village Adventures: Exploring Gran Canaria’s Hidden Gems
From our base at HD Parque Cristóbal Gran Canaria, we embarked on day trips to several picturesque villages, each offering a unique glimpse into the island’s diverse landscapes and traditions.
- Mogán (55 km from Playa del Inglés, 45-minute drive): This inland village, 8 km from Puerto de Mogán, charmed us with its authentic Canarian vibe. We strolled through its quiet streets, visiting the church with its beautifully sculpted wooden ceiling and the Parque de Nicolás Quesada, where murals of traditional Canarian costumes caught our eye. A quick stop at the Molino Quemado, a 19th-century windmill, gave us a glimpse into the island’s agricultural past. Our son enjoyed the open spaces, though the highlight was the scenic drive through the surrounding mountains, with views of deep ravines and lush greenery.
- Agüimes (30 km from Playa del Inglés, 30-minute drive): In the southeast, Agüimes enchanted us with its well-preserved historic center. The 18th-century Iglesia de San Sebastián, with its neoclassical dome, was a standout, and the pastel-colored houses along the cobblestone streets made for a picturesque walk. Our son loved the whimsical bronze camel sculptures in the town square, a nod to the nearby Museo de Historia de Agüimes, where we learned about the village’s rural traditions. The relaxed atmosphere and open spaces made it a great stop for a family.
- Santa Lucía de Tirajana (40 km from Playa del Inglés, 40-minute drive): Nestled in a volcanic caldera, this village offered stunning views and a peaceful escape. We visited the Iglesia de Santa Lucía, a quaint whitewashed church, and explored the nearby Fortaleza de Ansite, a Guanche archaeological site with caves that fascinated our son as he imagined ancient inhabitants hiding there. The surrounding palm groves and hiking trails were perfect for a short family walk, though we kept it brief due to the uneven terrain.
- Tejeda (60 km from Playa del Inglés, 1-hour drive): High in the mountains, Tejeda is often called one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, and we could see why. Surrounded by dramatic peaks like Roque Nublo, the village offered breathtaking views. We wandered through its narrow streets, stopping at the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro, a charming church, and treated ourselves to almond pastries at Dulcería Nublo, a local favorite. Our son enjoyed the open plaza, but the winding mountain roads required careful driving, so we made sure to take breaks.
- Arucas (60 km from Playa del Inglés, 50-minute drive via Las Palmas): North of Las Palmas, Arucas impressed us with its neo-Gothic Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, often called the “Cathedral of Arucas” despite not being a cathedral. Built from black volcanic stone, it was a striking sight, and the nearby Jardín de la Marquesa, a lush botanical garden, was a hit with our son, who loved spotting colorful birds among the plants. The town is also known for its rum distillery, Arehucas, but we skipped the tour in favor of a quick coffee break in the main square.
- Teror (55 km from Playa del Inglés, 50-minute drive via Las Palmas): This pilgrimage town, also north of Las Palmas, is famous for its Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, a beautiful 18th-century church with a revered statue of the Virgin of the Pine, the island’s patron saint. The streets, lined with traditional Canarian houses featuring wooden balconies, were perfect for a leisurely stroll. We visited on a Sunday to catch the weekly market, where our son was delighted by the colorful stalls selling local cheese, bread, and crafts. The town’s peaceful vibe made it a lovely stop.
Our Base: HD Parque Cristóbal Gran Canaria
Staying at HD Parque Cristóbal Gran Canaria in Playa del Inglés was a fantastic choice for our family. The complimentary upgrade to a superior suite upon arrival gave us extra space and a private terrace, perfect for unwinding after our day trips. The lush tropical gardens, well-maintained pools with kid-friendly areas, and varied activities—like the kids’ club and evening shows—kept our son entertained on days we stayed closer to the hotel. The buffet restaurant offered fresh, diverse options, and the poolside bar was a great spot for snacks. The only minor drawbacks were the spotty Wi-Fi in some areas and occasional slow service at the restaurant during peak times, but these didn’t detract from our overall enjoyment.
Final Thoughts: A Week of Diverse Discoveries
Our week in Gran Canaria, based at HD Parque Cristóbal Gran Canaria, was a perfect blend of urban exploration in Las Palmas and cultural immersion in the island’s villages. Las Palmas offered history and beach fun, while villages like Mogán, Agüimes, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Tejeda, Arucas, and Teror showcased Gran Canaria’s rich diversity—from mountain vistas to coastal traditions. Each day trip was manageable with a 4-year-old, with drives ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, and we made sure to balance activities with downtime to keep our son happy. This trip left us with cherished memories of Gran Canaria’s beauty and warmth, and we’d love to return to explore even more of this incredible island.
