Spain · Canary Islands

Gran Canaria travel guide

Desert dunes, mountain villages and a lively capital

Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria. Photo: MiljenkoSuljic, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4hflight from London

LPAnearest main airport

23° in Sepwarmest month

18° in Febcoolest month

Gran Canaria is often called 'a continent in miniature': sand dunes at Maspalomas, pine forests and rock towers in the mountains, and a real working city at Las Palmas.

The sunny south is where most UK holidaymakers stay, and it's one of Europe's biggest LGBT+ destinations, too.

Good forWinter sunBeachesHikingLGBT+ friendly

Top things to do in Gran Canaria

1
Maspalomas Dunes
A protected desert of rolling sand dunes running down to the sea.
2
Roque Nublo
Hike to the island's iconic 80m volcanic rock, with views to Teide on Tenerife on clear days.
3
Las Palmas
The old Vegueta quarter, Columbus House and Las Canteras, one of Europe's best city beaches.
4
Puerto de Mogán
A pretty harbour of canals and flower-covered houses, nicknamed Little Venice.
5
Tejeda and Artenara
Mountain villages in the cloud, with almond sweets and huge views.
6
Boat trip from Puerto Rico
Dolphin watching or a catamaran cruise along the south coast.

Tours and tickets in Gran Canaria

Where to stay in Gran Canaria

Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas
The main resort area, lively, with the dunes on the doorstep.
Puerto de Mogán
Smaller and prettier, with calm water for families.
Las Palmas
A real Spanish city with a great beach, and good value.

Find a hotel in Gran Canaria

Best time to visit Gran Canaria

Best value: Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct. All year. October to April is peak winter sun season; summer is warm and breezy.

Best valueBusy and pricierQuietAverage temperature in Gran Canaria, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 4h from London to LPA, and flights from most UK airports.

Global buses link the airport, Las Palmas and the southern resorts. Hire a car for the mountains: the roads are twisty but well paved.

Search flights to LPA

Day trips from Gran Canaria

Fuerteventura
Long white beaches, about 2 hours by ferry from Las Palmas or Agaete.
Tenerife
A fast ferry from Agaete reaches Santa Cruz de Tenerife in about 1¼ hours.
Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves
Fishing villages and natural rock pools on the north-west coast.

Good to know

The mountains are much cooler than the coast: bring a layer for a day in the interior.
Maspalomas Pride in May and the winter carnival (February) are huge: book early.
The north of the island is often cloudier. Check the forecast before planning a beach day.

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