I’ve taken “canarie” to mean the Canary Islands and based this easy-paced family plan on Gran Canaria, with a convenient Las Palmas base and a few memorable island day trips. It mixes beaches, gardens, parks and hands-on outings; travel times are approximate and assume you’re using a hire car for the longer trips.
Budget
About €1,000–€1,600 per person for 7 days, excluding flights and accommodation; assumes family meals, local transport and a hire car for day trips.
Best time to visit
March–May or September–November for warm weather and fewer crowds; the Canary Islands are pleasant year-round.
Las Canteras and Santa Catalina
Ease into island life with a beach morning, a nearby aquarium and a relaxed evening around the same northern Las Palmas neighbourhood.
Morning
Beach time at Las Canteras
Start with a swim or sandcastle session at this much-loved city beach. Walk about 5 minutes to the aquarium afterward.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
See tropical fish, sharks and the deep-sea exhibit at this family-friendly aquarium. Allow around 2–3 hours; it is about a 5-minute walk from the beach.
About Adults about €28; children about €18Evening
Stroll and dine at Santa Catalina
Unwind in the palm-lined square and choose dinner nearby. It is about a 10-minute walk from the aquarium.
Free
Vegueta and Triana
Spend the day in the historic centre, pairing shady plazas and a garden visit with the old town’s museums and pedestrian streets.
Morning
Wander the old town and Vegueta Market
Explore the lively market and surrounding historic lanes; check opening days before you go. The cathedral is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Visit and Plaza de Santa Ana
Discover the city’s links with the voyages to the Americas, then take a breather in the cathedral square. It is about a 5-minute walk from the market.
About Adults about €4; children often freeEvening
Relax among the palms at
Finish with a green-space stroll and dinner around nearby Triana or the park. Allow about 10–15 minutes by taxi from Vegueta.
Free
Arucas and the northern gardens
Head north for a compact mix of a historic town, botanical gardens and a gentle family walk through lush landscapes.
Morning
See the old town and church in Arucas
Take a relaxed wander through the attractive centre and admire the striking stonework of the church. It is about a 20-minute drive from Las Palmas.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
Follow garden paths past native island plants and shady corners; wear comfortable shoes and bring water. It is about a 20-minute drive from Arucas.
FreeEvening
Take an easy countryside stroll at
Enjoy a quieter green-space stop among woodland and old farm paths; check access arrangements before setting out. It is about a 25-minute drive from the botanical garden.
Free
Maspalomas dunes and lighthouse
Make a southern-coast day of beach, remarkable dune scenery and an easy waterfront evening, with short hops between stops.
Morning
Walk the edge of the Maspalomas dunes
Take in the shifting sand and ocean views from permitted paths, keeping to marked routes to protect this fragile reserve. It is about a 45-minute drive from Las Palmas.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the Maspalomas lighthouse
See the historic lighthouse and browse the nearby promenade for snacks or souvenirs. It is about a 10-minute drive from the dunes’ main access area.
FreeEvening
Enjoy the promenade at Meloneras
Take a relaxed seaside walk and have dinner with an ocean view. The promenade is about a 5-minute walk from the lighthouse.
Free
Puerto de Mogán
Enjoy a slower day in a colourful harbour village, combining a beach break, a wander through the marina and dinner by the water.
Morning
Swim and play at
Settle in at this sheltered beach, which is handy for families. The village marina is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Wander the harbour and village lanes
Browse the small shops and flower-lined lanes, then pause for an ice cream. It is about a 5-minute walk from the beach.
FreeEvening
Have an early waterfront dinner
Choose a family-friendly table around the marina and enjoy the boats at sunset. Restaurants are within a 5–10-minute walk of the village lanes.
About Dinner about €15–€30 per adult; children’s meals extra
Telde and the east coast
Pair the old quarter of Telde with a coastal nature stop, keeping the day varied without a long drive between its main sights.
Morning
Explore the historic quarter of San Juan
Stroll among the old streets and leafy square in Telde’s historic centre. It is about a 20-minute drive from Las Palmas.
FreeAfternoon
Walk the coastal paths at Tufia
See the small coastal settlement and enjoy the sea views; stick to established paths and supervise children near rocky edges. It is about a 20-minute drive from San Juan.
FreeEvening
Pause at La Garita Natural Blowhole
Watch the waves at this natural coastal feature if sea conditions are suitable, then head back for dinner. It is about a 15-minute drive from Tufia.
Free
Las Palmas parks and beach finale
Keep the last day close to the city with a spacious park, a favourite beach and a simple sunset stroll.
Morning
Play and unwind at
Enjoy the lawns, paths and play areas, a good chance for the boys to burn off energy. It is about a 15-minute drive from central Las Palmas.
FreeAfternoon
Return to Las Canteras for a final swim
Pick a calm stretch for a last dip or beach picnic. It is about a 15-minute drive from the park.
FreeEvening
Watch sunset from
Take an easy seaside walk and settle in for sunset near the northern end of the beach. It is about a 20-minute walk along the promenade.
Free
Good to know
Getting around
A hire car makes the north and south day trips much easier with children. In Las Palmas, buses and taxis are handy, and the beach and historic-centre days are walkable.
Family comfort
Bring sun protection, water and light layers. The sun can feel strong even on breezy days, and shade is limited at the dunes.
Nature
Use marked routes at the dunes and coastal sites, and check weather, sea conditions and opening or access information before setting out.
Costs
Prices are estimates and can change by season, age and ticket option. Confirm aquarium and museum rates before visiting.
