Las Palmas de Gran Canaria blends Atlantic sunshine with centuries of history. Founded in 1478, the city’s Vegueta quarter still wears its cobbled past—think palm-lined squares, Gothic stonework, and tales of Christopher Columbus at Casa de Colón. A few kilometers away, the lava-crumb edge of Bandama Crater reveals the island’s volcanic heart.

Families love Las Canteras Beach, a golden arc protected by a natural reef that keeps waters calm for swimming and snorkeling most of the year. Winter days hover around 66–72°F (19–22°C), with spectacular sunsets and lively promenades. Add Poema del Mar aquarium, playful plazas, and parks, and you’ve got a relaxed, kid-friendly base.

Practical notes: December is high season—book ahead for rentals and tours. Buses (Global for intercity, Guaguas Municipales in town) are frequent and affordable; contactless cards are widely accepted. Canarian cuisine leans toward fresh fish, papas arrugadas with mojo, island cheeses, and tropical fruit—easy wins for picky eaters.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Set between dunes and the deep Atlantic, Las Palmas is equal parts beach city and open-air museum. Start at Las Canteras for reef-sheltered swimming, then wander Triana’s boutiques and Vegueta’s stone alleys. Street art brightens corners; festive lights sparkle in December evenings.

• Top sights: Las Canteras Beach, Vegueta & Santa Ana Cathedral, Casa de Colón, Poema del Mar, Doramas Park & Pueblo Canario, Bandama Crater.
• Fun facts: Christopher Columbus paused here in 1492; the city hosts one of Europe’s longest urban beaches; nearby calderas show Gran Canaria’s dramatic volcanic geology.
• Where to stay (family-friendly): Base near Las Canteras/Santa Catalina for beach time and easy dining. Triana/Vegueta suits history lovers and quiet nights.

Book stays: Browse family apartments and apart-hotels on VRBO Las Palmas or compare hotels on Hotels.com Las Palmas. Look for kitchenettes, cribs, and proximity to the promenade.

Getting there: Fly into LPA (Gran Canaria). From Spain/Europe, search fares with Omio flights (Europe)—typical nonstop times: Madrid 2h50–3h, Barcelona ~3h20, Lisbon ~2h; many winter deals run ~$60–€140 one-way if booked early. From outside Europe, compare on Kiwi.com or Trip.com. Taxis to Las Canteras take ~25 minutes; public bus line 60 to San Telmo runs frequently.

Day 1 – Dec 26: Arrival, Triana & Vegueta Old Town

Afternoon: Land and drop bags. If you’re by Las Canteras, stretch on the promenade and grab a fruit smoothie at Mr. Kale (healthy bowls and kids’ menus). Then ride bus 1/12 to Triana. Walk the pedestrian Calle Mayor—pop into the Mercado de Vegueta for local cheeses and tropical fruit if open. Step into Santa Ana Cathedral’s square for palms, stone lions, and holiday lights.

Evening: Dive into history at Casa de Colón (short and kid-friendly). For dinner in Vegueta/Triana: Allende Triana (modern Canarian tapas; good for sharing), Bioloco (fun vegan burgers and fries), or Deliciosa Marta (reservations suggested; refined Canarian flavors). Post-dinner, try helado at Peña La Vieja (classic ice cream) back near La Puntilla if you’re staying by the beach.

Day 2 – Dec 27: Las Canteras Beach + Snorkeling + Aquarium

Morning: Breakfast by the sand: Café Regina (excellent espresso, tostadas, pancakes) or Dara Feeling Food (fresh bakes, porridge, kid favorites). Enjoy Las Canteras’ calm waters; at low tide the reef makes a natural pool near Playa Chica—perfect for little swimmers.

Afternoon (Tour): Join a guided, family-friendly snorkel to discover damselfish and parrotfish in clear water. Hotel pickup available; ideal for beginners and kids.

Snorkeling in Gran Canaria with Hotel Pick-up — small-group instruction keeps it stress-free; expect ~2.5–3 hours door-to-door.

Late Afternoon: Visit Poema del Mar aquarium (giant cylinder tank and deep-sea window wow kids). It’s steps from Santa Catalina Park; combine with a playground stop.

Evening: Sunset stroll on the paseo. Dinner along the beach: La Marinera (fresh fish, ocean views; share a vieja or cherne and papas arrugadas), La Bikina (casual bowls and tacos, great with kids), or El Arrosar (paellas sized for families).

Day 3 – Dec 28: Maspalomas Dunes & Puerto de Mogán (South Coast)

Morning: Take Global bus 30 from San Telmo to Faro de Maspalomas (~45–55 minutes; ~€4–5 adult). Wander the Maspalomas dunes boardwalks to protect the habitat—kids love the desert-meets-sea scenery.

Midday (Tour): Enjoy a gentle, 30–45 minute camel ride—an easygoing, photogenic way to experience the dunes. Suitable for most ages.

Camel Safari through the Dunes of Maspalomas — cultural heritage experience; plan ~1.5 hours total with check-in.

Lunch: Head to Meloneras Boulevard (family-friendly terraces) or continue to Puerto de Mogán (“Little Venice”). For crowd-pleasing eats in Mogán: Casito Mediterráneo (pizzas, salads) or restaurant terraces along the marina with kids’ menus.

Afternoon (Optional Tour): Swap the stroller for a yellow submarine—short, captivating, and dry for all ages based in Puerto de Mogán.

SUBMARINE ADVENTURE - Submarine Excursion in Puerto de Mogán — expect ~45 minutes underwater viewing plus check-in time.

Evening: Bus 1/91 back to Las Palmas (~1 hr 15 min from Mogán; ~€7–8). Simple dinner near your stay: 200 Gramos (gourmet burgers), Allende Puerto (tapas), or natural fruit gelato at Gioelia Cremeria for a sweet finish.

Day 4 – Dec 29: Bandama Crater & Botanical Garden + Departure

Morning: If your flight’s later afternoon, head to the island’s green lung. The Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo sprawls across ravines with dragon trees, cacti, and laurel forest species; paths and ponds are perfect for kids to explore. Then continue to Pico de Bandama for sweeping crater views; short signposted trails offer safe photo stops.

Alternative (Guided Option): Prefer a driver-guide and curated stops? Book a combined city, garden, and volcano tour (pickup available), then head straight to the airport afterward if timing allows.

Las Palmas, Botanical Garden & Bandama Crater tour - Gran Canaria — a full-day option; pick if your departure is in the evening.

Lunch & Souvenirs: Mercado del Puerto (tapas stalls, croquetas, local cheeses) or Mercado de Vegueta (fruit and gofio sweets). Grab last photos on Las Canteras promenade before heading to LPA (25–35 minutes by taxi; budget €30–35). If bussing, allow 60–75 minutes with transfers.

Family-first, budget-savvy tips

• Budget (42/100): Mix free days (beach, parks, old town) with 1–2 paid tours. Share plates at lunch; try menú del día where offered.
• Transit: Ten-trip bus passes are good value if you’ll travel south more than once. Kids under certain ages often ride discounted—ask the driver.
• Packing: Light layers for evenings, reef-safe sunscreen, collapsible bucket/spade for younger kids, and water shoes for rocky tide pools.

Where to stay (quick picks): Near Las Canteras, look for seafront family rooms at long-standing favorites (e.g., properties with rooftop pools and direct beach access), or two-bedroom apartments with kitchens via VRBO. Compare hotel deals and filter for “family rooms” on Hotels.com.

Four days in Las Palmas pair winter sun with easygoing adventures: reef-sheltered swims, storybook streets, dunes straight from a Saharan dream, and a peek into a volcanic crater. With family-friendly eats and smart transit, this Canary Islands break stays fun, flexible, and wallet-conscious.