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You can always back Gran Canaria holidays for winter sun, buzzy resorts and big beachy energy.
Classic holiday vibes
Gran Canaria’s the third largest Canary Island, so you already know the coastline has a lot of clout. The beaches here have been bringing in us Brits for decades – Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico are firm faves, thanks to their clear waters, watersports scenes and golden sands that back onto bars and restaurants. Both places were purpose-built for holiday lovers, so you’ll find everything you’d want for a day in the Spanish sun. Shopping malls and hotels sit behind the beachfronts, but when the sun sets, Playa del Ingles is where you want to be for the island’s best nightlife.
Something for everyone
Part of what makes the Canaries so popular is that they’ve got a bit of everything, and Gran Canaria is no different. Sun worshippers and party people aren’t the only people the island appeals to – outdoorsy types have hikes, hill climbs and mega mountain scenes to make the most of. Or, if it’s the laidback life for you, peaceful resorts like Playa Taurito and Amadores have more of a go-slow vibe. Fancy some thrills? Meloneras is near the biggest theme park on the island, then San Agustin puts you close to the flumes of Aqualand waterpark.
Culture capital
Las Palmas is giving Latin American city, with half the travel time. Days are sunny and set to a soundtrack of Reggaeton, courtesy of Juanfran – the local superstar. Music events spring up year-round, and you can catch live artists and DJs on the beach when the festival season ramps up in the summer. If you’re more into throwbacks than fiestas, stroll through the city’s streets. Veguetta, the oldest quarter of the city, meets the brief for historic monuments, and colourful buildings sit side by side with tapas bars. Sightseeing and sangria? Say less.
No filter needed
Switch to explorer mode and you’ll see there’s more to this place beyond the beach resorts and city centres. A big section of the island’s been made a biosphere reserve due to the unique plants and micro-climates that you’ll find as you head inland. Then, there’s the iconic sand dunes of Maspalomas. The Canaries might be Spanish, but this desert-like landscape deffo reminds you that you’re closer to the Sahara than you are Spain.
Best time to go to Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria holidays are a go-to for sun lovers all year round. The island’s perfectly placed next to Morocco on the African Coast, so summer’s pretty much always on. Winters here are ideal if you want somewhere warm – the temps don’t drop below the high teens from November to February. But if you like it HOT, expect things to reach the 30s between July and September.
Best resorts in Gran Canaria
The island’s capital is perf if you can’t decide between beach or city break. Soak up the sights in the historic Vegueta and Triana quarters, then spend the afternoons on Las Canteras’ sands. In the evenings, the city’s rooftop bars and salsa clubs are where you want to be.
This family-friendly resort is exactly what you’d expect from the Canaries. There’s the big beach, a harbour for boat trips and a handy strip of shops, bars and restaurants right next to the water. Mogan Mall is at the heart of it all – it’s a lively hub for entertainment and activities.
The sand dunes put Maspalomas on the map, but there’s a lot more going on here. Palmitos Park is a must for nature lovers, thrill-seekers get the waterpark and history nerds have the historic Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse at the end of the prom.
This is easily the most popular place to stay on the island. Its huge south-facing sweep serves up sunshine all day long, and there’s a constant buzz from the watersports centres and beach bars. The nightlife here is next level, with all-nighter bars, clubs and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene.
If you like a slower pace, Amadores is all yours. The moon-shaped bay was made for lazy beach days, and it backs onto bars and restaurants, so you’re all set. Fancy a change of scenery? Set off along the one-kilometre coastal path that takes you all the way to Puerto Rico.
Live the luxe life in Meloneras. This resort’s home to the island’s boujiest hotels, spa stays and golf resorts. The town centre is on-brand, too – splash the cash in designer boutiques, sip cocktails in chic bars and treat yourself to gourmet meals in high-end restaurants.
If you like low-key, you’ll love Bahia Feliz. The palm-lined beach is the main attraction here, and its breezy spot on the coastline means it’s a win for watersports like windsurfing. Other than that, it’s all hotels, local bars and family-run restaurants sitting around the main car-free square.
Top deals to Gran Canaria
Marina Suites
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Maspalomas and Tabaiba Princess
Cardiff - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 5 April 2025
TUI BLUE Suite Princess
London Stansted - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 15 May 2025
TUI BLUE Las Pitas
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
TUI BLUE Tres Vidas
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Servatur Playa Bonita Hotel
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 10 June 2025
Riu Vistamar
London Stansted - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Riu Papayas
London Stansted - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Half Board
Based on 2 Adults - 8 May 2025
Apartamentos Eden Self Catering
London Stansted - 7 Nights - Self Catering
Based on 2 Adults - 29 May 2025
Why pick Gran Canaria holidays
Winter sun win
Beaut beaches
All the activities
Spanish flavours
Your guide to Gran Canaria
Fancy a break from the beach? Holidays to Gran Canaria aren’t complete without seeing these sights…
- The Maspalomas Dunes – On the southern coast, this 400-hectare nature reserve is famous for its desert-like golden sands, La Charca Lagoon and palm groves. Explore the dunes and look out for wildlife, then spend an afternoon on Playa de Maspalomas.
- Pico de las Nieves – Hike up to the highest point on the island. The trail takes you past pine forests and cool rock formations, then you’ll be able to see all the way to the sea when you reach the top. Don’t feel like walking? It’s accessible by car, too.
- Las Palmas Cathedral – Check out this mega 15th-century cathedral at the heart of Vegueta. The architecture’s a cool combo of Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical styles, and you can climb up the bell tower for unreal views over the old town.
These are the best spots for retail therapy in Gran Canaria…
- Calle Triana, Las Palmas – A historic pedestrian street in the heart of Las Palmas home to independent shops and your fave high-street brands.
- Meloneras waterfront – Whether you’re just window-shopping or you’ve got serious cash to splash, this upmarket area filled with designer shops is the place to do it.
- Yumbo Centrum, Playa del Ingles – This massive shopping centre is a bit of a Gran Canarian icon. It has over 200 shops, restaurants and bars – visit during the day to pick up souvenirs and grab some food, then in the evening it’s all about karaoke, drag shows and all-nighter clubs.
- Local markets – Pick up a bargain at one of the island’s markets. Puerto Mogan’s Friday market is one of the best – an open-air set-up, it fills the two plazas by the marina. Another good option is the massive Sunday jumble sale in Maspalomas. Souvenir shops are in every town, though, so you can buy gifts to take home even in smaller resorts like Bahia Feliz and Playa Taurito.
Love a throwback? Here’s where you can get your history fix on holidays to Gran Canaria.
- Roque Bentayga – This rugged rock formation was a sacred site for the Guanches, the island’s indigenous people. It was an important place for rituals and stargazing, thanks to its low levels of light pollution.
- Cueva Pintada Archaeological Park – Learn about island life before the Spanish got here through cave paintings and artefacts left by the Guanches. You can walk through the remains of an ancient village and soak up the island’s rich cultural heritage.
- Vegueta – Wander down the cobbled streets lined with colonial-era buildings in Las Palmas Old Town. Vegueta’s filled with museums, traditional markets and local restaurants, making it an ideal spot to get to know Gran Canaria’s culture and cuisine.
If you’re keen for more than a fly-and-flop, get stuck into these outdoor activities.
- Golf – The island’s up-and-coming golf scene is home to some of the best courses in Spain. Play on beautifully designed greens with the sea and mountains in the background – the 71-par Salobre Golf Resort and the 73-par Campo de Golf are two of the best.
- Watersports – With consistent wind conditions, the west coast is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can hire jet-skis, kayaks and paddleboards in most beach resorts around the island, and the south coast is a great spot for scuba diving, thanks its reefs and shipwrecks.
- Roque Nublo – Hike up to this 80-metre-tall volcanic rock in the centre of the island. Standing nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, it has stunning views over the island’s landscapes. The trek takes around 40 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels.
Core memories = unlocked. Your little ones will love these child-friendly picks.
- Sioux City Park – Get on the country-and-western hype at this Wild West-themed park packed with live shows and interactive activities. Originally built as a movie set in the 1970s, the park shows you what cowboy life was like, from lassoing lessons to fun reenactments of cowboy shootouts and bank robberies.
- Aqualand Maspalomas – The island’s largest waterpark has all kinds of slides, pools and attractions suitable for everyone, from little ones to grown-ups. Embrace the big kid energy on twisty flumes, steep slides and fast rapids, then smaller children have splash parks and mini slides. Plus, there’s a massive beach-style wave pool perfect for a swim or surf lessons.
Spoiler: Gran Canaria loves a beach. Here are some of the island’s best sweeps…
- Maspalomas Beach – Known for its desert-style sand dunes and crystal-clear waters, Maspalomas Beach is pretty impressive. The sweep’s so good, it’s earned itself Blue Flag status, and the area’s even been counted as one of the 12 Treasures of Spain, alongside Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Teide National Park in Tenerife.
- Playa de Amadores – With its shallow, turquoise waters, Playa de Amadores is the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea. A barrier protects the bay from the waves, which makes it ideal for a leisurely swim or for families with little ones. You can hire loungers, and there are loads of options for food and drink, so you’ll be set for the whole day.
- Playa de Las Canteras – In Las Palmas, this urban beach is perfectly placed for some beach time after sightseeing in the city. You can do loads of watersports here, including surfing and snorkelling, or stick to topping up your tan on the golden sand.
- Playa del Ingles – A wide, three-kilometre strip of dark golden sand that runs from the lively resort all the way to the rugged dunes in Maspalomas. There’s plenty of space here, whether you want to be near the action or find a peaceful patch all to yourself.
If swimming and soaking up the sun doesn’t cut it, here are the best sweeps for watersports.
- Surfing – Head to Playa del Ingles or Playa de Las Canteras to catch epic waves from the Atlantic. There are plenty of spots to hire a board and lots of surf schools if you’d like a pro to show you the ropes.
- Scuba diving – Soak up the underwater sights at dive spots like El Cabrón Marine Reserve or Pasito Blanco. As well as coral reefs and shipwrecks, this area’s known for spotting marine life like turtles, dolphins and friendly angel sharks.
- Snorkelling – The clear waters of Puerto de Mogán or Puerto Rico are pure snorkelling material. Keep your eyes peeled for sea urchins and tropical fish, and you might even spot a turtle.
Swerve the crowds at one of the island’s quieter sweeps.
- Playa Guigui – Tucked away on the west coast of the island, this beach has native black sand and volcanic cliffs. To get here, catch the boat from Puerto de las Nieves or Puerto de la Aldea, or lace up your walking boots for a two-hour hike from the village of Tasartico. Apart from a small café, there’s not much in the way of facilities here – the major activities are swimming and sunbathing.
- Pasito Bea Beach – Known for its serene vibe, Pasito Bea flies under the radar compared to the island’s other beaches. With soft sands and calm waters, it’s a lovely spot for reading in the sunshine or going for a swim.
- Guayedra Beach – Unlike most beaches here, this stretch is a blend of rock and black sand. Its secluded location near Agaete means it’s a bit of a hidden gem, and there aren’t any facilities, so it’s got that natural aesthetic.
Think Spanish tapas with a Canarian twist.
- Papas arrugadas – You’ll see these wrinkly-skinned potatoes on pretty much every menu – and they usually come smothered in mojo sauce. The most common flavours are mojo picon, made from peppers and chillies, and mojo verde, made from coriander.
- Caldo de pescado – A hearty fish soup made with fresh seafood and vegetables, AKA exactly what you want to eat when you’re right by the water.
- Gofio escalado – A creamy polenta-like dish made from roasted cornmeal, a staple in Canarian cuisine.
- Chorizo de teror – A spicy sausage made with paprika and garlic. It’s good in sandwiches, stews and rice dishes – or just by itself as a snack with a sangria.
Whether you’re at the All Inclusive bar or a local spot, these Canarian bevs are must-tries.
- Wine – Canarian wine is too good to gatekeep. You might not find it on the shelves at home, but it’s actually been exported since the 16th century. Tinto del Monte is a rich red and Listan Blanco is a popular white.
- Mejunje – For an alcoholic shot of something traditional, order a glass of mejunje. A local liqueur, it’s a mix of lemon, honey and rum. It’s tasty, but potent. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Out of all the Canaries, Gran Canaria’s home to some of the best bars and clubs…
- Pacha Nightclub, Playa del Ingles – A few steps from the beach, this iconic nightclub has multiple bars, an open-air terrace and a huge dancefloor – and it’s open until 6am…
- Shamrock Entertainment, Puerto Rico – This Irish bar is famous for its friendly vibe and nightly live music. It’s been open for over 30 years, so it’s a bit of a local institution that keeps people coming back. Come in for a cabaret show, karaoke or a classic pint of Guinness.
- Sky Bar, Maspalomas – The category is sophisticated at this rooftop bar. It’s the kind of place you want to wear something nice, order a cocktail and get those holiday pics while the sun’s setting.
Gran Canaria’s buses are super cheap, regular and reliable. They cover most of the island, mainly between the big towns, beach resorts and the airport. It’s a great way to get along the coast, and you’ll be able to soak up the views of the sea on the way.
Official taxi services like Socomtaxi are an easy way to get around the island for one-off journeys, but they can be expensive if you use them regularly. They’re handy for quick transfers between the airport and your stay or if you’re going out in the evening.
Renting a car is the best option for exploring the island at your own pace. You’ll be able to find all the secluded spots that the bus routes don’t reach, like the hillside villages and nature reserves. Plus, it means that you can just get up and go without having to look at public transport times or find a taxi.
What's on in Gran Canaria
Plan your stay around these festivals and events. Or, if you’re already booked, see what’s on while you’re out there. Powered by OccasionGenius
Why we love Gran Canaria
Popular holiday types
Sun, sea and sand – the Canaries are the blueprint for All Inclusive stays. Pick a resort like Playa Taurito, Bahia Feliz or Amadores and you’ll be right near the beach, or go for Playa del Ingles or Puerto Rico for the best of both worlds.
The island’s a fave for family holidays thanks to its Blue Flag beaches, easy-access resorts and child-friendly attractions. Mix chill time by the pool or the beach with trips out to Sioux City Park and Aqualand Maspalomas for fun days the whole fam will love.
Summer, shoulder seasons or winter sun – Gran Canaria’s always a good pick. So, there’s no bad time to squeeze in a spontaneous trip. Check out our last-minute deals to see what’s available from now.
If you like the luxe life, Melonares is the spot for you. We’re talking five-star stays, spa retreats and golf resorts by the beach. During the day, you’ve got designer boutiques and gourmet restaurants right on the marina, then evenings are for chic rooftops and stylish cocktail bars.
Gran Canaria FAQs
If you’re an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa, and travellers from most countries, including the UK, USA and Canada, can visit for up to 90 days without a visa under the Schengen Agreement. Always check your specific visa requirements before travelling.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information
The flight from London to Gran Canaria takes around four-and-a-half hours.
Like the other Canary Islands, Gran Canaria can be windy, which makes it a great pick for surf and watersports. The windiest part of the year is between June and September.
Gran Canaria generally has good internet connectivity. Most hotels, restaurants and cafés offer free Wi-Fi. However, connection speeds may vary, especially in more remote areas of the island.
Siesta time is a big part of life in Spanish destinations. If you turn up somewhere between 2-5pm, don’t be surprised if it’s closed.
If you’re wondering about tipping culture, it’s not mandatory but it’s definitely appreciated. 10% is a rough guide if you enjoyed your meal or had good service.
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Gran Canaria travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Spain but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Spain using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/health
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