Gran Canaria is often called a continent in miniature. Within an hour you can go from golden dunes and busy beach resorts to pine forests, deep ravines and cloud-covered mountain villages. The capital, Las Palmas, is a real city with a long beach and a historic old quarter.
The south is dry and sunny, and has most of the resorts. The north and the interior are greener and more local, and reward anyone who hires a car.
How many days: 7
A week gives you time for beach days, the dunes, a mountain drive and a day in Las Palmas. A long weekend is enough if you stay in one resort.
The mountain roads are slow and winding, so a drive across the island takes longer than the map suggests. Plan one big outing rather than several.
What to do in Gran Canaria
- Walk on the Maspalomas dunes
- A protected area of sand dunes beside the sea, a surprise in Europe. Walk in the early morning or evening, when the light is soft and the sand is cooler.
- Explore Vegueta in Las Palmas
- The old colonial quarter has cobbled streets, a cathedral and small museums. It is a calm contrast to the resorts.
- Drive up to Roque Nublo
- A volcanic rock pillar high in the interior, reached by an easy walking trail. The view over the island and, on clear days, Tenerife's volcano is superb.
- Visit Puerto de Mogán
- A small harbour village on the south-west coast, with flower-lined lanes and a marina. A good place for lunch by the water.
- See Teror
- A pretty mountain town with wooden balconies and a basilica. Locals come on Sundays for the market.
- Take a walk in the Tamadaba pine forest
- Cool woodland on the west side of the island, with cliff views over the sea. A good place to escape the heat.
- Swim at Las Canteras beach
- A long city beach in Las Palmas, protected by a natural reef. The water is calm and the promenade is lively.
- Go whale or dolphin watching
- Boats leave from the south coast. Choose an operator that follows responsible guidelines for wildlife.
- Visit the Cenobio de Valerón
- A cave complex cut into a cliff by the island's pre-Hispanic inhabitants, used for storing grain. A short visit that explains the island's early history.
What to eat and drink
- Papas arrugadas and mojo
- Small wrinkled potatoes boiled in salty water, served with a spicy sauce. A Canarian classic.
- Local cheese
- Gran Canaria produces a range of goat, sheep and cow cheeses. Flor de Guía is a well-known local style.
- Fresh fish
- Grilled fish is served at harbour restaurants. Look for the catch of the day.
- Ropa vieja
- A stew of shredded meat and chickpeas, a comfort dish across the islands.
- Bienmesabe
- A sweet almond and honey dessert, often served with ice cream. A local speciality.
- Canarian rum and honey rum
- Sugar cane has been grown here for centuries, and a honey rum is a popular local drink.
Getting around
A hire car is the best way to see the island, though mountain roads are narrow and winding. Buses link the main towns and resorts.
A fast road runs along the east coast between Las Palmas and the south. Allow for traffic around Las Palmas at rush hour.
The airport is on the east coast, a short drive from the southern resorts.
Good to know
- The south is usually sunny and the north is often cloudy. Choose your base by the weather you want.
- Summers are hot, and winters are mild. The island is popular all year for sun.
- The sea can be rough, and currents are strong at some beaches. Follow the flags.
- The sun is strong all year. Bring sun protection.
- Spain uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small places.
- Las Palmas hosts one of the biggest carnivals in Spain, in late winter. It is lively and crowded, so book in advance.