The Canary Island of Gran Canaria has a breathtaking landscape, beaches, shopping, and leisure to make for a jam-packed holiday of leisure.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Like the other Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is blessed with a gorgeous climate almost all year round. The island offers a vibrant mix of culture, sporting activities, as well as top-tier accommodation, restaurants, shops and leisure centres.
The island is home to quaint fishing villages and is filled to the brim with culture, traditions, and history. The enticing city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is home to the most precious hidden gems that never fail to surprise its visitors.
Here are ten reasons why Gran Canaria is perfect to visit at any time of the year:
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Idyllic Weather
Located off of the West Coast of Africa, the island of Gran Canaria like the other Canary Islands offers a warm climate all year round. The weather is hot from April to September and is mild from October to March. All year, the temperature never drops below 20 degrees celsius. Plus, the weather in winter usually averages around 23 degrees, making it a prime destination for those looking for a December getaway.
2. Sand Dunes
On the island, there is a protected nature reserve called Maspalomas that spans over 1000 acres. Found on the south coast of the island, the sand dunes will make you feel like you’ve been directly transported to the Sahara Desert. Combined with the crystal clear, turquoise waters, the view will forever stay imprinted in your mind.
Gran Canaria is most famous for its camels, which you can ride through the massive sand dunes.
The sand dunes of Gran Canaria
3. Beautiful Beaches
At Gran Canaria, you’ll find plenty of beaches with fine sand and azure-coloured waters. With a wide variety of beaches, there are types that cater to families, couples, and nudists. The most popular beaches are Playa des Ingles, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Las Canteras and Mogan.
The quieter beaches are found at Pacito Bea, Montana de Arena, or Las Maranuelas, if you’re looking for something more secluded and less touristy.
4. The Food Scene
If you like fish, then Gran Canaria is the island for you. The islands most typical delicacies include its traditional fish soup (caldo de pescado), and a sea-bream casserole (vieja sancochada). On Sundays and during cultural holidays, a special stew is made from salted cod and sweet potato. Freshly grilled sardines are also highly popular.
Gran Canaria is also known for its famous for its “wrinkled” potatoes in its special spicy sauce, known as papas arrugadas con mojos.
Papas Arrugadas
5. Its Picturesque Villages
The whitewashed mountain villages of Gran Canaria are a staple of the island. We recommend hiring a car if you can to get around and get to see these beautifully preserved houses for yourself.
Try to make it out to the green valley of Fataga, engulfed in a garden of pine trees against the mountain backdrop. The village houses line narrow streets that criss-cross the centre, decorated by a stunning arrangement of colourful flowers.
We also suggest that you seek out Artenara, which is one of the highest and oldest mountain villages in Gran Canaria.
Fataga, Gran Canaria
6. Resorts that Combine Comfort with Style
Gran Canaria is a top holiday destination for Brits, especially during the winter. The buzzing activity seems to persist all year with tourists flocking from far and wide. The island offers exquisite resorts that are found around the beaches, like Taurito and Anfi del Mar.
There are resorts available for everyone’s price range, with many resorts and holiday apartments to choose from in Maspalomas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Meloneras, Puerto Rico and Puerto del Mogan.
Anfi del Mar
7. It’s a Hiker’s Paradise
Gran Canaria is a favourite among hikers for its plethora of mountains and ravines. The island is home to volcanic summits and coastal routes that fit all levels of hikers. A popular short distance hike is Roque Nublo. As the weather can get very hot for hiking, the recommended months to go are between October and March.
The island has 215 hiking trails in total, suitable for trail running and mountain biking, available with hand-curated trail maps, driving reviews, and detailed reviews from hikers and campers.
8. Prime Golf Courses
Gran Canaria is a prime choice for golfers all over the world for its magnificent courses on the island. Experts have rated the courses here up there with the best in Spain, which are designed by specialists and provide a tranquil oasis.
Thanks to the islands fantastic weather, winter is mild and like Spring so it makes for the perfect time to get out on one of the pristine golf courses. Golf players are spoilt for choice, being able to play beside the vibrant coast or high up in the volcanic soil.
Anfi Tauro Golf Course, Gran Canaria
9. Fascinating Cave Dwellings
The remains of cave dwellings are evident in many parts of Gran Canaria. It’s believed that these caves existed on the island 2500 years ago.
Guayadeque is an amazing ravine located east of Gran Canaria. It’s one of the longest ravines in the Canary Islands, and it divided the Ingenio and Agüimes municipalities. This spot is widely popular for its greenery and cave houses where you can go and enjoy traditional Canarian food.
Guayadeque
10. The Theme Parks and Attractions
If you’re travelling with children, the island also has numerous theme parks as well as a fantastic water park at your disposal. Palmitos Park is situated amongst some of the most stunning scenery that Gran Canaria has to offer.
There is something for everyone, with a zoo with dolphin and exotic birds exhibitions, an angry bird park, as well as a wild west theme park.
Aqualand, Gran Canaria