Gran Canaria: an in-depth guide to the island of eternal summer
Gran Canaria is an island of astonishing diversity. Despite its compact size, it offers travellers a rich palette of natural landscapes, climatic zones and cultural traditions. As a result, Gran Canaria is often referred to as a ‘continent in miniature’.
One of the main features of the island is its diversity of natural areas. The southern coastline attracts visitors with the Sahara-like sand dunes of the Dunas de Maspalomas and secluded white sand coves such as Amadores. The interior is full of contrasts, with the majestic cliffs of Roque Nublo, the dense pine forests of the Tamadaba Reserve and the deep gorges of Barranco de Guayadeque, with its ancient cave settlements.
The island’s climate is unique: Gran Canaria has 14 microclimatic zones. This means that in one day you can sunbathe on the beaches of the south and then head up into the mountainous areas where temperatures can be much lower. This diversity is due to the topography: the north-easterly trade winds linger in the mountains, creating a humid climate in the north and an arid climate in the south.
The island’s historical heritage is also impressive. Gran Canaria is the territory of the ancient Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands. Traces of them can be found at Cuevas de Valerón, a grandiose complex of cave vaults, and at the Necrópolis de Arteara, one of the largest necropolises in the archipelago. The island later became an important point of Spanish colonisation, particularly evident in the architecture of the historic Vegueta quarter in the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where 16th century buildings have been preserved.
The modern infrastructure makes the island easy to travel around. Gran Canaria is well connected to Europe with an international airport and ferry links to other islands in the Canary Archipelago. The island is easy to get around thanks to the Global bus network and a well-developed motorway system, allowing you to explore both tourist areas and secluded natural corners.
The island’s cultural richness is a mixture of Spanish, African and Latin American traditions. This is reflected in the gastronomy, where local cheeses, mojo sauces and fish cooked according to traditional recipes are popular. The island is also famous for its colourful festivals, including the famous Las Palmas Carnival, which is on a scale comparable to Rio de Janeiro Carnival.
Gran Canaria is an island that offers travellers several types of holidays: relaxed beach holidays, rich cultural holidays and active holidays exploring the natural attractions. From secluded corners with unspoilt nature to modern resorts with first-class service, there is something for everyone.
Popular holiday regions
South Coast
- Maspalomas is a fashionable resort known for its titular 6 kilometres of dunes.
- Playa del Ingles – the centre of tourist life with entertainment complexes and shopping centres
- Meloneras – upmarket coastal area with boutique hotels and fine restaurants
- Puerto Rico – a compact resort with artificial beaches and developed infrastructure.
North Coast
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – capital with historic Vegueta district and modern centre
- Agaete – coastal town with thermal springs and plantations.
- Puerto de las Nieves is a picturesque fishing village with the best fish restaurants.
How to get there and get around
Gran Canaria International Airport (LPA) receives flights from various European cities. Distances from the airport:
- To Maspalomas: 32 kilometres (30 minutes)
- To Las Palmas: 25 km (20 minutes)
- Puerto Rico: 45 kilometres (40 minutes)
Transfer options:
- Global buses (lines 60 and 66)
- Official taxi at a fixed fare
- Car hire (recommended for exploring the islands)
Natural attractions
Protected areas
- Roque Nublo (1,813 metres) – basalt monolith and symbolic islands.
- Caldera de Bandama – volcanic crater 200 metres deep.
- Tamadaba – relict pine forests with views of the site.
- Maspalomas Dunes – protected nature reserve with a unique ecosystem
Natural parks
- Barranco de Guayadeque – picturesque gorge with ancient cave dwellings
- Pico de las Nieves – the highest point on the island with a view of Tenerife.
- Jardín Canario – botanical garden with a collection of Canarian flora.
Best beaches
- Playa de las Canteras (3 km) – urban beach with a variable reef
- Playa de Maspalomas (2.7 km) – famous beach with champion sand
- Amadores (800 m) – white sand beach with calm ocean.
- Playa del Inglés
Active holidays
Water sports
- Surfing at El Confital beach (best waves from October to March).
- Diving in the Sardina Marine Reserve (over 400 species of fish)
- Sailing in the Puerto Rico Marina (365 days a year)
- Windsurfing in Pozo Izquierdo (constant wind and professional schools)
Land activities
- Hiking on ancient Guanche trails
- Cycling tours on mountain serpentines
- Rock climbing on basalt wall ledges
- Golf on 8 professional courses
Historical Heritage
- Casa de Colón – museum in the former governor’s residence
- Santa Ana Cathedral – the first church of the Canary Islands (15th century)
- Cuevas de Valeron, an ancient Aboriginal granary.
- Pueblo Canario – an ethnographic open-air museum
Gastronomic Experience
Local cuisine offers:
- Fresh fish and seafood (try the local sancocho)
- Cheeses from mountain villages (Flor de Guia)
- Tropical fruits (local bananas, papaya, mangoes)
- Wines from volcanic soils (Monte Lentiscal region)
- Traditional mojo sauces (red and green)
Planning a holiday in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria offers accommodation ranging from five-star resorts to cosy apartments. Accommodation depends on the purpose of your trip: the south coast is ideal for beach holidays, the north is ideal for lovers of history and authentic atmosphere, the central part of the island is designed for active tourism.
Want to know more about the regions? Go to the thematic sections of our website for detailed travel planning.