Things to do in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the island where you can swim in the morning, wander an old town in the afternoon and have dinner in a mountain village above the clouds.
Maspalomas
The dunes on the southern tip of Gran Canaria. Photo: 360 B / Unsplash
Gran Canaria: a continent in miniature
Plenty of people know Gran Canaria from a week on the south coast. But anyone who has only seen Playa del Inglés has seen a small corner of the island. Gran Canaria is often called a continent in miniature, and that is not just marketing: in a single day trip you can drive from dunes and palm trees to pine forest and mountain peaks.
That makes it a good choice whether you want to lie by a pool for a week or hire a car and see something new every day. The climate is mild all year, and winter is high season for travellers from northern Europe.
Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands, out in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa. To compare it with its neighbour, read our guide to Tenerife.
Las Palmas
One of Spain's largest cities sits on the northern tip of the island. Photo: Joel Rohland / Unsplash
The best things to do in Gran Canaria
This is what we would prioritise on a first trip. Everything is easy with a hire car, and much of it works by bus or on an organised excursion.
Vegueta in Las Palmas: the old town, with cobbled streets, the cathedral and Casa de Colón. Go early, before the heat.
Las Canteras: the city beach, protected by a natural reef that calms the water. One of the few city beaches in Europe you will actually want to swim at.
The Maspalomas dunes: a nature reserve that looks like a small Sahara. Walk out at sunset, when the sand turns pink.
Puerto de Mogán: a small harbour town with canals and flowers over the doorways, often called Little Venice.
Roque Nublo and Tejeda: drive up into the mountains for the views and the villages. On a clear day you can see Mount Teide on Tenerife rising out of the sea.
Stargazing: the mountains are known for clear night skies, and several operators take you up after dark.
In the mountains
The mountains in the centre of the island are best at sunset. Photo: Gran Canaria For Nomad List / Unsplash
Where is Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria sits in the middle of the archipelago, between Tenerife to the west and Fuerteventura to the east. The airport is on the east coast, roughly halfway between Las Palmas and the resorts in the south, so nowhere is far away.
There are direct flights from many UK airports, especially in winter. For flight and hotel ideas, see our guide to winter sun holidays.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
The area you choose matters more than the hotel. In short:
Las Palmas: for city life, restaurants and a beach on the same street.
Maspalomas and Meloneras: near guaranteed sunshine, the dunes and large resort hotels.
Playa del Inglés: lively, better value and close to everything.
Mogán and the west: quieter, with small coves and harbour life.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You will find more hotels in our guide to the best hotels in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Santa Catalina, Las Palmas
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Santa Catalina: the colonial-style city hotel
The grand old hotel of Las Palmas stands in Doramas Park, a little way up from the port. Walk to Vegueta and Las Canteras, then come back to palms and quiet.
Book your city break: See rooms at Santa Catalina
Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia: the garden hotel by the dunes
A small luxury hotel in Maspalomas, tucked into a tropical garden a few minutes from the dunes. Ideal if you want the southern sun without the biggest resorts.
Book your sun break: See rooms at Grand Hotel Residencia
Lopesan Costa Meloneras
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Lopesan Costa Meloneras: big, easy and on the promenade
One of the large resort hotels in Meloneras, with several pools and the seafront promenade right outside. A safe choice for families.
Book your sun break: See rooms at Lopesan Costa Meloneras
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has mild weather all year, which is why it is often called the island of eternal spring. Winter, from October to April, is high season for northern Europeans, so book early. Summer is warmer and more Spanish, with families from the mainland.
The south coast gets the most sunshine. The north and Las Palmas can be cloudier, especially in summer, and the mountains can be cool in the evening all year. See also where is hot in December and in January.
Frequently asked questions about Gran Canaria
Where should I stay in Gran Canaria?
Stay in Maspalomas or Meloneras if sunshine matters most, and in Las Palmas if you want a city, restaurants and a beach within walking distance. Playa del Inglés is the liveliest and often the best value, while Mogán and the west coast suit those who want peace.
Is Gran Canaria or Tenerife better?
Both have sunshine all winter. Gran Canaria has a real city in Las Palmas and the Maspalomas dunes, while Tenerife has Mount Teide and greener scenery in the north. If you have been to one, the other makes a good next trip.
Do I need a hire car in Gran Canaria?
No, but it helps. Buses run often between Las Palmas and the south coast. To reach Roque Nublo, Tejeda or the small beaches in the west, a hire car is the easiest option.
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
October to April is high season for winter sun, with mild weather when it is dark at home. Spring and autumn are often the most pleasant months for walking.
What is Gran Canaria famous for?
The Maspalomas dunes, the Vegueta old town in Las Palmas, the harbour town of Puerto de Mogán and the Roque Nublo rock are what most visitors come to see. Las Canteras is the favourite beach for a city break.