Gran Canaria holidays

On holidays to Gran Canaria, you might visit a volcanic caldera, see giant sand dunes and explore traditional fishing villages all in one day. Indulge in luxury spa treatments or admire archaeological treasures at Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park. And if you just want to laze by the pool with a ‘ron miel’ (honey rum) cocktail, there are many fabulous beach resorts to choose from.

Gran Canaria holiday highlights

Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria
© 2014 Simona Boglea

Outdoor thrills

With around 300 sunny days a year in Gran Canaria, it’s almost always a great time to hike in Nublo Rural Park or scuba dive at El Cabron Beach. You can also kayak around secluded coves, or set sail on sunset dinner cruises. Even on cheap holidays to Gran Canaria, you’re never far from free activities like hiking a coastal trail and stopping for a swim at a gorgeous beach.

Beach resort towns

Holiday deals to Gran Canaria typically include beach hotels in resort towns to suit everyone. Enjoy beach volleyball and water sports at Playa del Ingles, then stroll to bars and nightclubs near your hotel. Couples and families love Puerto de Mogan, with its glamorous marina and stylish restaurants surrounding a sheltered beach.

Village life

The best way to experience the island is to explore its historic villages with their whitewashed houses and stone churches. Munch on ‘almendrados’ (almond cookies) in Tejeda village, where mountains overlook quaint streets. Annual festivals often feature craft displays, traditional music and Canarian wrestling matches. Time your trip with the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival, held in January or February.

Gran Canaria: Know before you go

Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+0 (WET) and UTC+1 (WEST)

High season

June – August

Low season

May and November

Find the best time to go to Gran Canaria

Weather in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

March – May: Like most of the year, spring in Gran Canaria is comfortable and pleasant. Expect loads of sun and very little rain.

June – August: Summers are clear and dry, with plenty of that signature sunshine. August is the island’s hottest month. In general, the north is a bit cooler and cloudier than the south.

September – November: Beach season stretches into autumn, as the water stays swimmable until November.Bring a light jacket for the evenings.

December – February: Gran Canaria’s sunny, mostly dry winters are what draw European sun-seekers. February is the coolest month — temperatures drop as low as 16°C.

Events in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas International Film Festival (April to May): The island attracts Hollywood stars like Ed Harris, Susan Sarandon and Jeff Daniels to this annual celebration of independent cinema.

Fiestas del Carmen (July): Many towns and villages honour the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of sailors, with seaside processions and boat parades.

The Festiva del Surl (October): Performing arts troupes from Europe, Latin America and Africa showcase their latest works in this autumn festival.

World of Music, Arts & Dance (November): Parque Santa Catalina hosts this four-day festival of music, food, culture and artists from around the world, founded by the musician Peter Gabriel.

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The best neighbourhoods in Gran Canaria

Maspalomas

This neighbourhood is where to stay in Gran Canaria to be within steps of the island’s star attraction, the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve. This wonder of undulating golden sand has a palm grove and a wildlife-filled lagoon. Right next door, stroll along the restaurant and gift shop–lined promenade, or take a dip at Maspalomas Beach.

Good for: Beach, wildlife, restaurants

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The largest city in the Canaries, Las Palmas is the best area to stay in Gran Canaria to experience the island’s urban energy. Follow the old town’s cobbled streets to the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Casa de Colon mansion. The bars lining Avenida Maritima offer a party atmosphere. And relaxing with an ice cream on the golden sands of Las Canteras beach is always a good idea.

Good for: Museums, nightlife, historical landmarks

Puerto Rico

It’s all about the ocean views at this sun-drenched resort town on the southwest of the island. Many of the hotels are built on the rocky hills overlooking the water. Head down to the marina to watch boats, dolphins and resident whales. Take your pick of waterfront restaurants for a top-notch seafood dinner or sunset aperitivo.

Good for: Ocean views, whale watching, seafood dinner

Things to do in Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Family friendly things to do

Travelling with the family? Pack beach toys for a day on child-friendly beaches such as Las Canteras and Maspalomas. Zip down the slides at Aqualand Maspalomas, or book tickets online for discounts to Puerto de Mogan’s Submarine Adventure. Sioux City Park delivers the Wild West setting for little (and big) cowboys and cowgirls.

Shopping

Check out the Las Palmas hop-on hop-off bus tour for shopping in Gran Canaria’s capital. This will allow you to access lots of markets and shopping centres. Historic Calle Triana is the main pedestrianised avenue, with exclusive boutiques and souvenir shops. Most villages hold weekly markets highlighting speciality food and handicrafts. Don’t miss the town of Moya, known for its lemon-flavoured ‘bizcocho de Moya’ biscuits.

Take in the culture

Focus on the cobbled streets of Vegueta for traditional Canarian architecture and the best museums in Gran Canaria. The old town is home to colonial Casa de Colon, Museo Canario and the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art. With its planetarium and 3D cinema among the interactive exhibits, you’ll find something for all ages at the Elder Museum of Science and Technology.

Nightlife

Playa del Ingles is the hotspot for nightlife in Gran Canaria, especially at Yumbo Centrum’s neon-lit LGBTQ discos. Bar-hop between Las Canteras and the port in Las Palmas before clubbing around Triana. Puerto Rico’s main strip hosts plenty of themed pubs, along with the Europa Centre for family-friendly nightlife. Bear in mind that many clubs don’t get busy until after midnight.

Places to eat

Look for buttery ‘flor de Guia’ cheese and salt-crusted Canarian potatoes washed down with volcanic wines at restaurants in Gran Canaria. You’ll need reservations for seafood tapas at the renowned Restaurante La Marinera in Las Palmas and for avant-garde flavours at Michelin-starred Los Guayres in Puerto de Mogan. Or just snack on delicious grilled sardines at rustic beach bars.

Beaches

Resort towns feature some of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria, but it’s worth the effort to discover beaches without the crowds. Set out on a 2.5-hour hike from Tasartico to Gii Gii beach to swim with views of Teide volcano (or visit on a boat trip). Time a trip to Guayedra Beach at sunset for incredible lighting over dramatic cliffs. 

Plan your holiday to Gran Canaria

Budget

From the postcard beaches to the rugged landscapes, the best things in the Canaries are free. This makes it easy to plan a cheap trip to Gran Canaria. You can usually find a cheap meal for around 11 euros (€). And for another €3, enjoy a morning cappuccino or evening beer. A short taxi ride will cost you about €7.

Day trips in Gran Canaria

For a taste of Europe’s only coffee plantation, head west to the Valley of Agaete. Or drive 20 minutes to Arucas, home to a striking neo-Gothic church and a historic rum distillery. Venture inland to Roque Nublo for a scenic hike, then reward yourself with an almond pastry in the charming village of Tejeda.

Getting around Gran Canaria

Getting around Gran Canaria is easy. Most towns have hotels, beaches and restaurants within walking distance. Buses run across the island, with Global and Guaguas accepting bank cards, cash and travel cards. Taxis are easy to find, and you can hire shared bikes or e-scooters. Thinking of hiring a car? The roads are well marked and easy to navigate.

FAQs about Gran Canaria holidays

Plan your Gran Canaria holiday for February and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. 13ºC (55ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
The official currency in Gran Canaria is the euro (EUR). It's a good idea to carry some cash during your trip to Gran Canaria, but cards and digital payments usually work in most places.
The locals primarily speak Spanish (Castilian) here. Every city has its own distinct lingo, so consider picking up a few common phrases to use during your city break in Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria is generally considered safe, but it's always good to take some precautions wherever you go. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in busy areas, and keep your belongings within reach. Also use official transport options whenever possible during your holiday to Gran Canaria.
The warmest month in Gran Canaria is August, which sees maximum temperatures of 26ºC (79ºF).
If your trip to Gran Canaria is all about seeing the main sights, three to five days is enough. Plan for at least a week if you don't want to hurry. Longer stays give you extra time to unwind and adjust, especially after a long-distance journey.
The cheapest time to visit Gran Canaria is in May, when flight prices are at their lowest. Book your Gran Canaria flights and hotels during this month and there's a chance you'll score a fantastic deal.
Whether you're a discover-it-all traveller or a wherever-the-road-leads explorer, the cost of your city break in Gran Canaria will depend on how you want to spend your time. You'll want to factor in everything from entry fees to dining out, along with your Gran Canaria flights and hotels.
The rainiest month is October, which has an average rainfall of 1.0 inch. But don't let a drizzly day ruin your Gran Canaria trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping, discovering museums, or hanging out in cafes.
Whether you're interested in history, food, or anything in between, there are countless things to do in Gran Canaria. Vegueta and Canarian Museum are only a glimpse of what this city has in store.