Gran Canaria Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Roque Nublo featuring a gorge or canyon
The third largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria offers everything from secluded beaches to charming whitewashed villages and beautiful cathedrals.

Whether you are looking for the fun and relaxation of a beach resort, the challenge of a hiking holiday through stunning volcanoes or a cultural tour through traditional towns, Gran Canaria will not disappoint. Mild winters and hot, dry summers make it a great destination any time of year. Choose this island for some delightful winter sun. 

Watersports enthusiasts will rejoice, as the consistent warm winds around the beach resorts of Meloneras and Maspalomas on the south coast support great windsurfing and sailing. Relax and swim in calmer waters at secluded coves like Amadores Beach.

Be sure to explore the island’s largest city, Las Palmas. The imposing, grey Cathedral of Santa Ana in the heart of town is one of the island’s most impressive features, along with the extensive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts at the nearby Canarian Museum (Museo Canario). One of the city’s highlights is the Casa Museo de Colón. This traditional, whitewashed building is devoted to the history of Las Palmas and the role of the Canary Islands in the transatlantic shipping trade. 

On the south coast, see the Dunes de Maspalomas. This 1,000-acre (400-hectare) sand dune national park feels like the deep Sahara Desert and has an array of indigenous shrubs as well as migrating birds. Stroll along the marked paths or go on a guided camel safari.

Enjoy a different side of Gran Canaria by moving inland past pine forests and sheer cliffs to the small village of Tejeda. Relax in the fresh mountain air and hike to the Pico de las Nieves to take in sublime views from the highest point on the island. The immense, stone figure of the Roque Nublo to the southwest gives you an insight into the remarkable forces that have shaped this volcanic island. 

Gran Canaria’s international airport is located in the capital city of Las Palmas on the island’s northeast coast. From here, drive to most towns and resorts in under an hour.

Where to stay in Gran Canaria

Default Image

Campo Internacional Maspalomas

4/5(25 area reviews)

Golf courses, beaches and gardens are some highlights of Campo Internacional Maspalomas. Make a stop by Maspalomas Golf Course or Maspalomas Dunes while you're exploring.

Campo Internacional Maspalomas
Meloneras Beach showing general coastal views and a pebble beach

Costa Meloneras

5/5(4 area reviews)

Costa Meloneras is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Meloneras Beach or Playa de las mujeres.

Costa Meloneras
Default Image

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is well liked for many features, particularly its beaches, waterfront views and spas. Though there may not be top sights in Cabo Verde, consider stopping by Playa de Puertillo or San Juan Bautista Church, located nearby.

Cabo Verde
Cathedral of Santa Ana featuring religious elements, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Vegueta

Historical sites, shopping and restaurants are some highlights of Vegueta. Make a stop by Canarian Museum or Cathedral of Santa Ana while you're exploring.

Vegueta
Default Image

Sonnenland

4/5(15 area reviews)

Get to know Sonnenland by checking out its gardens, bars and beaches. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Maspalomas Golf Course or Holiday World Maspalomas during your time in the area.

Sonnenland

San Fernando

San Fernando is well liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Yumbo Shopping Center and Maspalomas Botanical Garden.

San Fernando
AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas
AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas
4 out of 5
Avenida Alcalde J Ramirez Bethencourt 8, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The price is ₹6,115 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
₹6,115
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service.
8/10 Very Good! (471 reviews)
Iberia is the one!
"Iberia is highly recommended by those with high standards. The food and service are fabulous. The staff are kind and helpful to Americans. The ocean view is wonderful. Good experience!"

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2024

AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas
Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa
Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
Mar Mediterraneo 1, Meloneras, San Bartolome de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
The price is ₹17,473 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹17,473
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
"Lovely Hotel"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa
Abora Catarina by Lopesan Hotels
Abora Catarina by Lopesan Hotels
4 out of 5
Avenida de Tirajana, 1, Playa del Ingles, San Bartolome de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
The price is ₹12,103 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹12,103
per night
27 May - 28 May
Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (404 reviews)
"Hotel is nice. Amazing location right on the dunes. Food provision and pools are excellent and the staff were great. Lots of the rooms overlook the entertainment area which make it very noisy until 10.30pm but the hotel were good about moving us to a quieter room. A few things need updating a little, ..."

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2024

Abora Catarina by Lopesan Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
AxelBeach Maspalomas Apartments & Lounge Club - Adults Only
AxelBeach Maspalomas Apartments & Lounge Club - Adults Only
3 out of 5
Avenida de Tirajana, 32, (entrada por C/ Timple), San Bartolome de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,101 reviews)
"Staff is very helpful and friendly. The building itself is a bit older but everything else was good."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

AxelBeach Maspalomas Apartments & Lounge Club - Adults Only
Palm Oasis Maspalomas
Palm Oasis Maspalomas
3 out of 5
Albert Einstein, s/n, Parcela 34, Maspalomas, San Bartolome de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (490 reviews)
Great 3 star hotel.
"This property for a 3 star is exceptional value for money, beautiful grounds. I would suggest a car if your stopping here couple of restaurants near small pizza bar love and hate great. I think shuttles are available. Parking on site couple of euros per day, safe a euro a day. Pool sude food and ..."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2024

Palm Oasis Maspalomas
Aparthotel Playa del Sol - Adults Only
Aparthotel Playa del Sol - Adults Only
3.5 out of 5
Avenida Tirajana, 26, San Bartolome de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (459 reviews)
"After staying here a few years ago, i got a good deal for a week self catering for 2 rooms and this was perfect. Rooms were big and slightly modernised, in the peak summer you would prob struggle with only the ceiling fan, but it was fine in April. Only slight disappointment was no late check out ..."

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Aparthotel Playa del Sol - Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Gran Canaria