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.
.
.
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.
.
.
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
Related Posts
Visit Beautiful Lohme in the Jasmund Region on Rügen Island
Visit Beautiful Lauterbach on The Island of Rügen
Visit Beautiful Putbus on The Island of Rügen
Discover the Most Beautiful Coastal Landscapes of Sassnitz Germany
Rhine Gorge: The Most Stunning Hidden Castles You’ll Love
The Most Beautiful Heidelberg Old Town and Stunning Castle Views You’ll Love
Pingback: Shirley FitzGerald
That mix of landscapes is exactly what makes Gran Canaria such a great trip, you can go from beach to mountains in the same day without much effort. Since the island is relatively compact, you can absolutely base yourself in one area and still explore quite a bit without needing to move around.
If you’re looking for the best balance, the southern part of the island, around Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés, is a great choice. You’ll have easy access to long sandy beaches, plenty of restaurants, and activities, plus it’s a good starting point for day trips across the island. If you want something a little more local and cultural, Las Palmas offers a different feel with city life, history, and a great urban beach at Las Canteras.
Gran Canaria really sounds like one of those destinations that gives you everything in one place. I love how you highlighted the contrast between the green north, the dunes in the south, and the cultural side of Las Palmas. Playa Los Canteras and Maspalomas Beach both stood out to me for totally different reasons, which makes choosing hard in a good way. If someone was visiting for the first time and only had a few days, would you suggest staying closer to Las Palmas or basing yourself in the south near Maspalomas?
That’s a great question, and it really depends on the kind of Gran Canaria experience you want. For first-time visitors, staying in the south near Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés is often the easiest choice because you’ll have guaranteed sunshine, iconic beaches, and easy access to tours, dunes, and water activities. However, basing yourself in Las Palmas puts you right next to Playa Las Canteras, one of the best urban beaches in Europe, plus historic Vegueta, restaurants, and a more local Canarian feel. Many travelers actually split their stay to experience both sides of the island.
Pingback: Bill
I’m so glad this guide helped! Gran Canaria really does surprise people with how much variety it packs into such a small island. Las Canteras is perfect for easy days, but the dunes at Maspalomas give you that “other-worldly” feeling you can’t find on many islands. And yes — the Afrikat cruise is one of the most-loved experiences for a reason! If you start planning and want help choosing the best base or narrowing down tours, I’d be happy to help you fine-tune your itinerary.