Gran Canaria trips and vacations

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 budget-friendly vacations to Gran Canaria, you’re never far from free activities like hiking a coastal trail and stopping for a swim at a gorgeous beach.

Flight and hotel 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.

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.

This neighborhood 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

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

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

Traveling 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.

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 centers. Historic Calle Triana is the main pedestrianized avenue, with exclusive boutiques and souvenir shops. Most villages hold weekly markets highlighting specialty food and handicrafts. Don’t miss the town of Moya, known for its lemon-flavored ‘bizcocho de Moya’ biscuits.

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.

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.

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 flavors at Michelin-starred Los Guayres in Puerto de Mogan. Or just snack on delicious grilled sardines at rustic beach bars.

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.