You're probably familiar with the resorts of Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico, which have been pulling in holidaymakers, particularly from the UK, for decades. But outside of these tourist hotspots, how much do you know about the incredible diversity to be found on the rest of the island?
Gran Canaria is often described as a miniature continent, thanks partly to its staggering diversity of landscapes; with everything from huge sandy beaches and Saharan like dunes, dense forests and green valleys to impressive mountain ranges, canyons and dusty desert and partly due to the fact that it has many different microclimates dotted around its regions. These unique contrasts and the abundance of unusual fauna (there are more than 100 species of plant that are unique to the island), led to UNESCO declaring almost half of the island to be a World Biosphere Reserve.
With all this glorious natural beauty and year-round sunshine, not to mention its numerous beaches, Gran Canaria holidays are perfect for explorers, and those who just want to relax, at any time of the year.
Dunas de Maspalomas - Without doubt the most iconic image of Gran Canaria is that of these famous dunes. Simply a must visit.
Roque Nublo - Yes, it’s a rock. But no ordinary rock. This is a 67 metre tall (220ft) monolith. Best visited in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Barranco de las Vacas - A small and picturesque ravine. The colours of the rocks as the sunlight hits make for some amazing photo opportunities.
Mirador del Balcon - This viewpoint, in the far west of the island, hangs out over the sea at the top of a steep cliff, giving spectacular views out over the ocean.
Guayadeque Ravine - This ravine is one of the island’s best known and eye catching canyons. 11 kilometres long and with cliffs hundreds of metres high, it’s a good spot for escaping the heat.
Due to its favourable subtropical climate, any time of year is a good time for a holiday in Gran Canaria. Of course, the winter months are cooler, but you’ll still find temperatures of around 16°C, and still with plenty of sunshine and blue skies. If you’re holidaying in Gran Canaria at this time of year, conditions for surfing and windsurfing are optimal. The coolest winter month is February. For the highest temperatures, the best time to visit is between July and September, when you can expect an average daily maximum of 29°C and an average low of 23°C.
Gran Canaria is easy to navigate, even if you choose not to hire a car. Walking is recommended in resort, but local buses (guaguas) operate all over the island. Your hotel with have more timetable info. Taxis are also plentiful, and most are metered but agree on a fare first, just to be sure. Ferries and water buses are also available, with services to other Canary Islands, too.
Many people who visit Gran Canaria opt to hire a car to explore the island at their own pace, without having to stick to an excursion timetable. Hire prices are competitive, and you drive on the right.
Gran Canaria boasts more than 80 beaches and 236km of coastline, so you’re sure to find just the right spot. To help you get started, here are our favourites.
Maspalomas is the most iconic image of the island, no holiday in Gran Canaria is complete without a visit to the incredible sand dunes of Playa de Maspalomas.
Playa de Gui Gui is a remote beach is well hidden and takes a challenging hike to reach. Make the effort and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful beaches here.
Playa del Ingles is not the most beautiful, but this beach is plenty of fun. Lots of watersports, lots of amusements on the promenade, and perfectly calm waters.
Playa de Puerto Rico is a spectacular white sand beach fringed with palm trees is right next to the town centre, so couldn’t be more convenient.
Playa de Las Canteras is a great beach right in the capital city of Las Palmas. Pack your snorkel for a visit, as there’s abundant marine life here.
Holidays in Gran Canaria are a top choice for those who enjoy nature and amazing scenery, not just beaches.
Cenobio de Valerón resemble a gigantic beehive, these caves were actually an enormous grain store, constructed by the aboriginal natives of the island hundreds of years ago.
At 200 metres deep and more than 1000 metres across, the huge volcanic crater at Caldera de Bandama is quite literally the island's biggest attraction.
Los Tilos de Moya Natural Reserve is the last remains of a subtropical jungle that once covered most of the north of Gran Canaria. This mystical laurel forest is extremely popular with hikers.
Pueblo de Tejeda is the prettiest town in all of Spain, and home to the two most important geographical symbols of the island, the Natural Monument of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.
Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve rises 1,956 metres above sea level, making it the highest point of the island, from where you can see the top of Mount Teide piercing through the clouds.
Planning a family holiday in Gran Canaria? Check out our top kid-friendly things to do.
Experience the American Wild West in the small town of Sioux City Park. Originally created as a film set, today you’ll find cowboy shows, BBQs and line dancing plus a small zoo. Yee-haw!
Poema del Mar is a large and impressive aquarium, divided into three areas: shallow water marine ecosystems, deep water marine ecosystems, and freshwater ecosystems, all teeming with life.
Amadores Fun Park is an inflatable obstacle course in the sea - what could possibly be more fun? A sure-fire hit with the kids.
Hangar 37 is the best airsoft (like paintball, but less painful) theme park in Europe. Put your aim to the test in this huge battle area complete with trenches, cellars and real tanks.
Family holidays to Gran Canaria just wouldn’t be right without a visit to Parque Acuático Oasis Lago Taurito waterpark. Kids young and old will have a blast on the slides and tubes here.
Check out our pick of the most romantic things to do whilst on holiday in Gran Canaria.
Feel delightfully disconnected from the modern world together as you gaze at the stars at Observatorio Astronomico de Temisas. The Canaries are one of the best locations in the world for stargazing.
Experience Dawn in the desert - well, in the dunes of Maspalomas. Take plenty of water and some blankets and camp out on the dunes - you’ll experience a magical dawn all to yourselves.
Head to one of Gran Canarias many great sunset spots and enjoy a bottle of fizz as the burning orange sun disappears into the horizon.
Relax and invigorate you and your special someone in one of Gran Canarias many spas, before making your way to a restaurant for an extra special meal.
It’s not difficult to find a little nook all to yourselves in Gran Canaria – pack a picnic and stay for the day. Bring a blanket and get snuggly if you want to stay after sunset.
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