Looking to Visit Beautiful Gran Canaria? Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the archipelago, although half the population live here and half of those can be found living in the capital city, Las Palmas. You’ll find dramatic variations of terrain ranging from the green and leafy north to the lush mountainous interior and the desert south. Almost half the island is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Gran Canaria is best known for its beach as well as being a wellness retreat. The island is only 30 miles long so it is easy to see it all, wherever you choose to base yourself.
Gran Canaria is a year-round destination – perfect for your summer holiday or for some winter sun. There are so many things to do in Gran Canaria, from relaxing on its beautiful beaches to exploring the diverse landscape, making it the ideal destination for the whole family. Gran Canaria keeps the adrenaline pumping further with hiking, cycling and water sports, while culture vultures won’t miss out, particularly in the historic cosmopolitan capital of Las Palmas. Visit all the beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria here on our Pinterest site.
Gran Canaria Weather – When to Visit
Gran Canaria is a year-round destination situated a short distance from northwest Africa and the Sahara Desert. Therefore, hot and dry weather but with the benefit of a breeze. The diverse landscapes means that the weather is incredibly varied and can change in a day, especially if you are moving across the island. The warmest months are from June to September when temperatures reach highs of 82°F. It is also great if you are looking for winter sun. From December to February it is cooler with temperatures around 71°F. The island sees very little rain, usually between October and February. Being situated near the desert means that there is a chance of dust storms, most likely between February and March.
Visit Beautiful Gran Canaria Beaches
Playa Los Canteras
This three-mile-long beach has been named one of the best urban beaches in Europe. It has golden sand and calm, clear water which is great for families. With a natural wave break formed by an offshore lava reef, its the perfect spot for snorkeling. The southern part of the beach has perfect waves for surfers. After sunset, this beach becomes lively – especially along the promenade.
Maspalomas Beach
The Maspalomas Dunes is a 1000-acre protected nature reserve. You can explore the dunes but follow the walking routes which are signposted. You can also experience it by way of a camel ride. The dunes are situated inland and stretch down and along the back of Maspalomas Beach. At just over a mile long, this is the second-longest beach on the island and one of the most beautiful.
Playa del Inglés
Also known as English Beach, Playa del Ingles is one of the most famous in Gran Canaria. The golden sand stretches for over a mile and a half with calm turquoise waters. There are plenty of water sports offered here such as jet skiing and water skiing. After the sun sets there is a party atmosphere on this part of the coastline.
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Anfi del Mar
Anfi Del Mar may be an artificial beach, but it’s also one of the prettiest in Gran Canaria. Located in the south of the island, it’s frequented by locals and tourists looking to make the most of the Canaries’ year-round sunshine. White sand and coconut palms only add to the appeal of Anfi del Mar.
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Puerto Rico Beach
Puerto Rico Beach is one of the sunniest places in Gran Canaria. White sands and calm turquoise waters give off a Caribbean-like atmosphere. You can enjoy plenty of water sports, including jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and diving. For those looking for something more leisurely offshore, there are dolphin-watching cruises and glass-bottom boat excursions.
Best Gran Canaria Tours & Activities
Afrikat Morning Cruise
Spend the morning cruising the Gran Canaria coast in a luxury catamaran. After boarding the Afrikat in Puerto Rico, cruise and catch picturesque views of Atlantic fishing villages, beautiful bays, and white sands beaches. Go snorkeling, kick back on the fly bridge, hop on a banana boat, join the captain for a speedboat ride, and enjoy beer, Sangria, and a delicious Canarian lunch included in the tour price. Book Your Afrikat Morning Cruise Here.
3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan
Visitors to Las Palmas come for the sun and sights. To relax on the beach and snorkel in the sea. Though travelers can plan these activities separately, on this half-day cruise of the Gran Canaria coastline, you get to do it all. From Puerto de Mogan, you cruise to Tasarte and stop at a protected beach for snorkeling, and a delicious, Spanish lunch. As you sail, enjoy the open bar—with soft drinks, sangria, and beer. Book Your 3h Boat Trip + Snorkeling Here.
Scuba Diving Experience in Gran Canaria
When you try scuba diving in Gran Canaria with Puerto Rico Diving, we make the difference. We always conduct our try dives in small groups (maximum 2 students to 1 instructor) as we believe this makes your first experience under water more relaxing and fun! We take everything at a pace you are comfortable with and allow you to discover a whole new world under the sea. Book Your Scuba Diving Experience Here.
Surfing on Gran Canaria
Learn to surf with us in perfect weather, perfect waves and with highly experienced, fun and qualified instructors in small groups. They will tailor each of our courses to fit your skill level and personal goals – essential for a fun and unforgettable surfing experience! Book Your Surfing on Gran Canaria Here.
Canyoning with waterfalls in Gran Canaria
Canyoning is the unique way to discover the true heart of the island. You will see amazing views and impressive volcanic landscapes. You will learn about how was created the island and how the weather has shaped all our mountains. We will care of you because for us, safety is the most important thing in our work. You will be able to move in the canyon always supervised by a Certified Canyoning Guide. With Yukan, you can! Book Your Canyoning w/Waterfalls Here.
Visit Beautiful Gran Canaria Restaurants
Restaurante Valle de Mogán $30 and Over
Enjoy the wonderfully presented fusion of traditional cuisine and international influences. The service is impeccable. Recommended is the locally caught octopus and the organic mango profiteroles. Also ask about the weekly recommendations. Reservations are recommended. Telephone: 34 928 56 86 49 Web: Restaurante Valle de Mogan
Los Guayres $30 and Over
Its three tasting menus offer a signature cuisine that reinterprets the gastronomic tradition of the Canary Islands, using the best local ingredients, fusing it with the most excellent foreign products and relying on the most modern culinary techniques. Telephone: 34 928 72 41 00 Web: Los Guayres
Restaurante Fusion Nube $11 – 30
The menu is very extensive to satisfy anyone. Here you can enjoy traditional dishes such as papas con mojo picón (potatos with spicy mojo picón sauce) and pan de ajo (garlic bread) or opt for Asian house specialties such as Thai chicken and Vietnamese spring rolls. Telephone: 34 928 56 09 42 Web: Restaurante Fusion Nube
Palm Garden $11 – 30
Palm Garden offers delicious food, a relaxed ambiance and views out over the bay toward the setting sun. The menu has something for everyone. There is a wide variety of appetizers, salads, meat and fish, with dishes drawing not only on Spanish cuisine, but also other European specialties and vegan options. Telephone: 34 928 15 03 55 Web: Palm Garden
Balcón Canario $11 – 30
Balcón Canario serves delicious home cooking using traditional recipes with generous portions at a good price. The staff are very friendly and the opening hours extensive. This is a restaurant that is ideal for many situations, breakfast or a late dinner. Telephone: 34 629 26 59 41 Web: Balcon Canario
Best Gran Canaria After Dinner Activities
Finger of God
Finger of God (Dedo de Dios) is a volcanic rock stack in the quiet port town of Agaete, about a 30-minute drive from the Canaries’ capital of Las Palmas. The village of Puerto de Las Nieves has a viewing deck where you can view its silhouette brought on by nighttime illumination, making it a fun thing to do after dinner in Gran Canaria.
Vegueta
Vegueta is the first Spanish settlement in the Canaries archipelago, famous for its restaurant-lined streets, including Calle Mendizábal, which holds a Tapas Night every Thursday from 6.30 pm to midnight. You can enjoy tapas and pincho (small portions of food) alongside beverages.
Alfredo Kraus Auditorium
The Alfredo Kraus Auditorium is the home of the Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra. It hosts nearly all classical music programs in Las Palmas. PCheck online for concert dates and buy tickets ahead of time. Telephone: 34 928 49 17 70 Web: Alfredo Kraus Auditorium
Holiday World Maspalomas
Holiday World Maspalomas is a major amusement park in Las Palomas. Its thrilling rides include Sky Drop, Spin Loop, Aero Bat, and Pirate Boat. There are also several child-friendly attractions, such as a 2-storey carousel, a Ferris wheel, a ball pit, bump automobiles, and bumper boats. Telephone: 34 928 73 04 98 Web: Holiday World Maspalomas
Centro Astronomico Roque Saucillo
Centro Astronomico Roque Saucillo is the go-to spot for ‘astro-tourism’ in Gran Canaria. You can join a stargazing tour and visit this well-known site for observing celestial wonders. This observatory in the mountainous town of Vega de San Mateo, southwest of Las Palmas, has a platform that also offers panoramic views of Gran Canaria’s landscape. Telephone: 34 665 82 92 75 Web: Centro Astronomico Roque Saucillo
Visit Beautiful Gran Canaria Hotels
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This place seems to be so perfect that it is almost unreal. Where else can you find A UNESCO WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVE in a compact place with many activities that you can take part in such as swimming, surfing, hiking, biking, deep sea diving, snorkeling, and yet have such luxary for such incredible prices? The cusine offered appears to be world class and an Amusement Park in such a place is amazing. Wow! A holiday planned to this area would be spectacular!
It is perfect! I love the Canary Islands, any of them really LOL. It is a popular hang out for German snowbirds. So you’ll find a lot of interesting culture here!
Cool article and review about Canarias. As a South American I am in love with Punta del Este (Uuruguay), and after reading your review I can say that Canarias is now my next destiny for vacactions. The fact that the best climate is during Sept (appox) is great, cause we have winter hollidays during that month, so it really accomodates for us. Will totally check the Playa de los Ingleses, as in my opinion, and after checking images and further info, seems to be the one for me and my family. Huge variety on prices as I could appreciate, so will take a futher look. Thanks again!
You are very welcome Johnny. Glad you enjoyed my Gran Canaria guide. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
Beach vacations are one of my favorite travel destinations, especially those beaches that have all-inclusive resorts! I love to go camping and be in the mountains, but a beach vacation is significantly more relaxing. My wife and I went on our honeymoon to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and was by far the best vacation we have ever gone on! These beaches in your post look absolutely gorgeous! Just a couple of the beaches that are on our bucket list!
Great, you will find Gran Canaria just as beautiful as Ocho Rios for sure. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations!
This island seems fantastic. You make me want to book this vacation now. I’ll just probably pass on the octopuss and get a lot of pan de ajo. The towns seem pleasant and beaches pristine. I would probably visit the Holiday World Maspalomas too. I could see myself turning to your site for my next vacation recommendation.
Great Jason, just let me know if you need any additional information.
Dear Leahrae
That is wonderfully great resort area,
Thanks for your information you mention about Gran Canaria, about its beach as well as its wonderful wellness retreat.
I did not know half the island is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
AS you mention in various sections of your post, Now i am able to feel that Gran Canaria is best for trying scuba diving
and Canyoning is the wonderful way to explore the magnificent center of the island.
I am so Grateful for all your valuable issues that you inform us about Gran Canaria
Best Wishes
Nikki
Thank you Nikki !
Dear Leahrae
That is wonderfully great resort area,
Thanks for your information you mention about Gran Canaria, about its beach as well as its wonderful wellness retreat.
I did not know half the island is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
AS you mention in various sections of your post, Now i am able to feel that Gran Canaria is best for trying scuba diving
and Canyoning is the wonderful way to explore the magnificent center of the island.
I am so Grateful for all your valuable issues that you inform us about Gran Canaria
Best Wishes
Nikki
It is wonderful Nikki. I stayed for 3 weeks and totally enjoyed the culture, the people and the food!
Does Gran Canaria self-govern? Do they have their own currency? How long a flight is it from the US? How about crime, is the island safe to visit? I ask these questions because, look like a nice place to visit. Islands like Gran Canaria can offer a lot to see and enjoy. Figured I’ll do a little investigation before thinking of traveling over there.
Thinking of Gran Canaria and the beautiful beaches make me want to see what’s out there. It has been a while since I took a trip, maybe it’s time.
In my opinion, this is a great post.
It is a beautiful place to visit. I visited there and flew from Utah. Took pretty much 25 hours. We made two stops before getting there. They are not self governed, they are part of Spain and they use the Spanish currency of the Euro there. It’s great because when I went to the island of Tenerife, I could go up to Mt. Teide and see snow, and then back down to the beach. They do have a good strong wind there everyday from what I experienced and I was there for 3 weeks. It’s the trade winds off the coast of Africa. The beaches are stunning, the people friendly and the food so good. Not everyone likes octopus, but that is a specialty there and so good, along with Paella, Mojitos and Sangria 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to leave me comments, and I am glad you enjoyed my Visit Beautiful Gran Canaria guide.
Wow, there are so many amazing places in this article it’s making me want to take a trip right now! Gran Canaria looks beautiful and so does Anfi del Mar. Some of these places are reminding me of Cancun although my next trip will be decided from this website for sure.
Oh, the Canary Islands are way better then Cancun! It’s just different, not commercialized nearly as much, the people are so wonderful, culture is unique, and the food….is wonderful to say the least!
I love this type of articles as I love to travel. With that said I have always loved the water and wanted to try different beach’s that are out there. However I’m afraid of the ocean because of what is in the water. After read the article I would love to check out Gran Garnia it looks so beautiful and seems like there’s a lot to do besides getting into the water. It also looks so beautiful. Thanks for such a beautiful read. I can’t wait to get out there.
Yes, you are right! There is plenty to see and do that doesn’t include getting in the water, and you can still have a wonderful time. I am glad you enjoyed and thanks for stopping by.
As usual, your travel reviews are comprehensive, thorough and create a sense of wanderlust. This article is extremely timely for me as, for a long time, I have had the Canary Islands on my list of travel destinations. I’ve always worried about the weather when travelling and I’m glad you included it. It seems you can visit year round as the temperature does not vary very much from summer to winter. However, the part about the dust storms got my attention. Probably a small price to pay. Looks like you also have your pick of beaches and restaurants. Grand Canary has just jumped up a few notches on my places to visit list. Thanks and very well done!
Warren
Well I was there 3 weeks, and saw no dust storms. It was windy, boy howdy! But kept me cool, and not hot while I was out on the beach. I went swimming everyday and that was another experience. The waves seemed gigantic and a few times, I really didn’t think I would make it back to shore LOL. It’s a wonderful destination for sure. You get a little bit of everything and lasting wonderful experiences.
I’ve always dreamed to go there! And you just make me nostalgic of the days I could travel before the pandemic…I really liked your reviews especially for the hotels. I would definitely go for a tour to visit this beautiful archipelago and you definitely enticed me to go there If you had to choose one hotel to go, which one would you choose? Thanks ans keep up the good work!
My pick for a hotel is the Seaside Sandy Beach. I like to be close to the water, and I don’t want a huge resort. A little more intimacy is so much nicer for sure. I am glad you enjoyed and feel free to ask me any questions you might have.
I and my husband visited this island last year and it was incredible, It lives up to its reputation as a continent in miniature, with dramatic variations of terrain ranging from the green and leafy north to the lush mountainous interior and the desert south.
Yes exactly! I remember the wind, the octopus (yummy!), mojitos, tiramisu, and Sangria! LOL
Hello Leahrae. First I would like to congratulate you on a well written review on Gran Canaria. I would love to visit the Island for during a Summer Holiday to relax and experience its beautiful beaches as I see there are a couple of them to look out for. Also to exploring the diverse landscapes seems very interesting and I’m looking forward to that. I like hiking so to me this is plus. The food and accommodation seem well priced and the reviews with great starred ratings give me the courage to start planning my trip. Thank you for the review, it was very helpful.
Great Gideon, please let me know if I can answer any questions for you. It is a great choice for vacation, with so much diversity, great culture, great food, and the people are very welcoming.
I adore the charming bright colors of the buildings dotting the coastline at Gran Canaria! Interesting tips to keep in mind regarding the timing of dust storms – I would like to avoid those so that nothing interrupts the enchanting views of clear blue water. The prices of the top hotels seem in line with comparable places in nearby cities. This has been very helpful for planning! Thank you!!
You know Aly, I was there 3 weeks and did not experience any dust storms. Maybe I was just lucky. But the wind was something else LOL, and it was pretty much a constant. Kept me cool though, so that didn’t bother me.