Gran Canaria is one of the seven main islands of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The island has a population of 865,756 and the capital is Las Palmas. Although Gran Canaria is part of Spain, it is closer to Africa than to Europe.
Due to its diversity, Gran Canaria is often referred to as a "miniature continent". From beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and interesting architecture to imposing volcanic rocks and impressive cliffs, there is so much to discover on the third largest Canary Island. The island attracts visitors all year round with spring-like temperatures and numerous outdoor activities.
  

 

In the following guide, we present extensively researched travel tips, such as how to get here, the best beaches and culinary experiences on Gran Canaria.  

• How to get to Gran Canaria
• Best time to travel to Gran Canaria
• Must-See & Must-Do in Gran Canaria
• The most beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria
• ideal insider tips for Gran Canaria
• Festivals on Gran Canaria
• Specialties and good restaurants
• No-Gos and interesting facts
• Fun facts about Gran Canaria
• Practical tips for your Gran Canaria vacation

 

 

How to get to Gran Canaria

25 kilometers from Las Palmas is the airport of Gran Canaria. Via the coastal expressway GC-1 the airport is well connected to the capital, but also to the tourist centers of the south coast. A shuttle therefore takes travelers to the vacation resort of Puerto Rico within 30 minutes.

In addition to airport shuttles there are of course also taxi stands and buses. Lines 60 and 91 take vacationers quickly and easily to Las Palmas. If you want to head straight to the south of the island, take bus line 66 or 90, which runs every hour between the airport and Maspalomas. The cost of the bus is 1 to 3 euros. Of course, there is also the option of renting a car at the airport and exploring the island. On average, a rental car in Gran Canaria costs 17 euros per day.

Getting to the Canary Island by plane is very easy. Direct flights are available from numerous cities. The flight takes around 5 hours. Airlines such as Condor, Corendon Airlines, Easyjet, Eurowings, Lufthansa and Ryanair fly to the destination regularly.

Tip: If you want to travel sustainably or are a fan of slow traveling you can also reach the Spanish island by ferry. From the Spanish mainland, it is possible to cross over to Gran Canaria. From the Spanish port city of Huelva, for example, the fastest ferry takes 32 hours.

 

 

Best time to travel to Gran Canaria

High season is between July and August, as many European countries have summer vacations at this time. In the high season, Gran Canaria is therefore a little more crowded and expensive. However, the good news is that Gran Canaria's climate makes it an attractive destination all year round, so you can easily switch to other months. The climate is subtropical and mild all year round. There are also around 300 days of sunshine per year.

With daytime temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, the months April to October are considered the ideal time to visit. However, the months from November to March are also ideal for escaping the cold and wet Central European winter. For the north, however, you should also pack something warm, as it is slightly cooler than the south.

 

 

Must-see & must-do on Gran Canaria

  

 

• In the municipality of Tejeda you will find the bizarre rock formation Roque Nublo a landmark of Gran Canaria. The rock block rises 65 meters vertically and stands on the mountain of the same name. The Roque Nublo is ideal for a short hiking tour with fantastic views.
• The gorge Barranco de Guayadeque is one of the most scenically impressive places on Gran Canaria. The spectacular natural monument is located halfway between the municipalities of Agüimes and Ingenio in the east of the island. The gorge was once densely populated, as evidenced by the many typical gaunchen caves along the wayside to this day.
• On the southern tip of the island lies another charming landscape that travelers should not miss: the dune landscape of Maspalomas. It is a landmark of the island and impresses with a length of 6 kilometers. The nature reserve invites you to enjoy fantastic dune hikes, stargazing, swimming in the lagoon and sleigh rides. You can even take a camel ride through this unique landscape.
• Colorful house fronts, a weekly market with numerous delicacies and handicraft products as well as a beautiful basilica: this is what makes up the picturesque village of Teror in the province of Las Palmas. The charming small town is still one of the most authentic places on the entire island.Not far from the dunes of Maspalomas is the charming harbor town of Puerto de Mogán, which is often referred to as "Little Venice". This is because a canal winds through the town, the alleyways are tiny and the atmosphere is just like in Venice.
• The Cañon del Aguila in the south of Gran Canaria is home to the Sioux City Park, a very special setting for all film fans. Numerous western films were shot there in the seventies, as it was too expensive for European film crews to travel to the deserts of the USA. For this reason, a true-to-the-original 19th century western town was built there in the seventies, which is now visited by visitors from all over the world.
• Gran Canaria is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The island in the Atlantic offers a fascinating underwater world. The diving spot Tufia is particularly suitable for beginners, who will be captivated by its numerous underwater caves . For advanced divers, we recommend a cave dive "La Cathedral", which takes experienced divers 12 to 14 meters into the fascinating depths of the Atlantic.
• With its impressive architecture and numerous sights, the capital Las Palmas is also a must-see. One of the absolute highlights is the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Ana, which features Gothic and Renaissance elements and is the largest church in the Canary Islands. Other highlights in Las Palmas are the city beach, the Columbus House and the Castillo de la Luz.
• The Playa de las Canteras is one of the most beautiful city beaches on the island. A kilometre-long golden sandy beach, azure blue sea and a lively promenade characterize the beach in Las Palmas.
• In the southeast of the island, a highlight awaits all animal lovers: The Crocodilo Park is a reception center for abandoned tropical animals, which is committed to the preservation of endangered species. As the park is home to the largest number of alligator species in Europe, it is known as the Crocodilo Park. But you can also see parrots, snakes, turtles, tigers and many other animal species here. Admission price: 10 euros.

 

 

The most beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria

  

 

• At Playa da Maspalomas, desert meets sea: the 6-kilometre-long fine sandy dream beach forms a wonderful contrast to the azure blue ocean. The beach is located in the village of the same name and is popular with families and nature lovers as well as naturists.
• In the south of Gran Canaria, not far from Maspalomas is the picture-book beach Playa de Anfi. The beach is perfect for relaxing and also attracts water sports fans thanks to the numerous options available.
• The Playa de las Nieves is not exactly a classic bathing beach. The pebble beach with two bays in a harbor is located in the northwest of the island and is mainly visited for its breathtaking views. The surrounding impressive mountains make for a picturesque sight. This beach attracts photographers and nature lovers in particular.Glass-clear water and a golden yellow, wide sandy beach - Playa del Ingles in the south of Gran Canaria is a beach straight out of a picture book. Numerous restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities also provide entertainment. Ideal for families, couples and party animals too.Are you looking for a wild, natural beauty? Then the Playa del Confital next to the capital city beach in Las Palmas is worth a detour. The natural beach section is known for its top water quality and perfect conditions for all kinds of water sports. Those seeking peace and quiet, nudists and water sports enthusiasts will get their money's worth here.
• Located in the authentic Puerto de Mogán is this quiet and family-friendly stretch of beach. Playa de Mogán is one of the best beaches on the island and boasts man-made breakwaters and an incredible range of water sports. With a bit of luck, dolphins can even be spotted here. Particularly suitable for families
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• A breathtaking setting away from mass tourism? Then Playa de Güigüi is the ideal destination. The beautiful beach is surrounded by a wild rocky landscape and is one of the most secluded beaches on the island. The perfect beach for adventurers and nature lovers.
• Just a stone's throw away from Las Palmas is the Costa de Banaderos. This consists of several bays and very scenic surroundings. A trip to Playa El Puertillo, which is home to two rock pools is particularly recommended. The perfect destination for couples and anyone looking for a little coastal romance.
• Another bay for romantics is Playa de Amadores on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. Deep blue sea, golden sandy beach and a sheltered bay make for a great bathing experience here. Ideal for couples and families with children.
• The wildly romantic Playa de la Garita is located on the east coast of the island and is perfect for relaxing. It is located in Garita and is known for its wild rocky landscape and dark sand. Perfect for nature lovers and families.  

   

  idealo insider tips for Gran Canaria

    
  
  The Barranco de las Vacas gorge promises Arizona vibes 

   

  • The Playa Nudista Moana Arena is located in the south of the island and is so remote that it is not even visible from the road. This secluded and secret beach is a popular meeting place for hippies and artists. Everything is allowed here, which is why nudists also feel particularly at home here. The sand is golden yellow and fine and the sea here shimmers in intense shades of blue. A real insider tip for relaxation seekers and nudists.
  • Gran Canaria impresses not only with its dream beaches, impressive dune landscapes and gorges, but also with its enchanting little villages inland. A trip to the cave community Artenara, for example, is highly recommended. The altitude alone makes the cave village well worth a visit. The real special feature of the village, however, are the cave dwellings. The majority of the approximately 1000 inhabitants live in these extraordinary dwellings.
  • The unspoilt Playa Tiritaña is definitely still an insider tip. The beach is located in a bay in the southwest of the island, is surrounded by a spectacular rocky landscape and boasts crystal-clear water. The way there is a little arduous, as you first have to hike along a trail from the parking lot on the main road and then climb over rocky cliffs - but the effort is worth it, especially for outdoor fans.
  • If you want to experience a spectacular and unforgettable sunset on Gran Canaria, you should definitely plan an excursion to the Cruz de Tejeda . This is the highest pass on the island, taking travelers up to an altitude of 1,500 metres. The pass is located in the middle of the Canary Island and therefore offers the best place to watch the fireball slowly set behind the mountain landscape - simply an incomparable experience!
  • The viewing platform Mirador Balcon on the west coast offers a fantastic view. On a clear day, you can even see the Pico del Teide on Tenerife, Spain's highest mountain. The Mirador Balcon is located on a cliff face by the sea and is definitely worth a detour. The path there leads through a dead end, which is why visitors simply take the same route back.
  • Whoever visits Barranco de Las Vacas  suddenly imagines they are in the state of Arizona in the USA and not on Gran Canaria. The spectacular and colorful sandstone canyon offers a breathtaking sight, especially when the sun hits the rocks. The best time to visit is midday between 13:30 and 15:30. At this time, the rocks in the canyon shimmer particularly impressively.A rainforest in Europe? Yes, they actually still exist! With the Nature Reserve Los Tilos de Moya the Spanish island of Gran Canaria is home to a remnant of the subtropical jungle. The Canarian primeval forest stretches over two kilometers and consists of a rare laurel forest. In Europe, laurel forests can only be found on the Azores and Madeira. On a walk through the rainforest, visitors learn all kinds of interesting facts about local animal and plant species and enjoy a unique natural environment.
  • Whether the dunes of Maspalomas, unique ravines or volcanic landscapes - the flora and fauna of Gran Canaria are widely known. What many people don't know is that the island is also home to the largest cactus park - the Cactualdea Park - in the whole of Europe. Beautiful and huge cacti grow here on an area of 15,000 square meters.
  • Culinary lovers watch out! In the island's capital Las Palmas, a visit to the Mercado de Vegueta market is well worthwhile. This traditional market was opened back in 1856 and has been offering delicious specialties and regional delicacies ever since.Gran Canaria is an island of volcanic origin. If you want to experience the infamous volcanic foothills up close, it is best to go on a hike through the volcanic craters in the Bandama nature park. Spectacular hiking trails await outdoor enthusiasts here, such as the ascent to the volcanic crater or a hike over lava ash or through a green oasis.

   

  Festivals on Gran Canaria

    
  
  The passageway to La Aldea beach 

   

  • In February, the almond trees on Gran Canaria are in full bloom. In Tejeda and Valsequillo this is celebrated extensively with the Almond Blossom Festival - Fiesta del Almendro en Flor. If you are on the island in February, you should not miss this spectacle. Traditional folk dances and folklore music as well as numerous local products such as almond wines and sweets make for a successful festival.
  • The Fiesta del Queso takes place in the small town of Santa Maria de Guia between the end of April and the beginning of May. The production of the village's famous cheese is celebrated with traditional music and plenty of cheese.
  • Not only Rio de Janeiro and Venice are known for their lively and colorful Carnival celebrations - no, Gran Canaria also celebrates Carnival in style. During the carnival season in February, festivities take place in almost every corner of the island.On September 8, another festival worth seeing takes place on the island. The Fiesta de la Virgen del Pino (feast day of the Virgin of the Pine) in Teror attracts numerous pilgrims from all parts of the island and is one of the most important religious festivals on Gran Canaria.
   

   

  Specialties and good restaurants

    
  
  Lunch with a view in the village of Artenara 

   

  The cuisine of the Canary Islands is characterized by numerous influences. On the one hand, there are of course typical Hispanic dishes such as tapas and on the other hand, African influences can also be felt on the island. Due to the once lively exchange with Latin America, the influences of some Latin American countries are also reflected in the cuisine. The Canary Islands and Gran Canaria are particularly well-known for hefty fish and meat dishes (especially goat, pork, rabbit) as well as wrinkled boiled potatoes (in Spanish: papas arrugadas).
  • A specialty on the island is also the Queso de Flor de Guia (flower cheese). This is produced in the small village of Guia and has a unique aroma. On a trip to the cheese house in Santa Maria de Guia , visitors can learn how this delicious cheese is made. But excellent cheese is not only produced in Guia: Gran Canaria is generally known for producing excellent sheep's and goat's cheese, which is why a cheese tasting should not be missed on a round trip.
  • In addition to cheese, the Canary Island is also known for its excellent wines. Whether red, white or rose - they all reflect the diverse landscape of Gran Canaria and are of the highest quality. If you want to enjoy excellent wines such as Malvasia, Moscatel or Listan Blanco the best thing to do is to take a trip to the Wine Route or to the Winery Bodega Los Berrazales. This beautiful little plantation not only grows wine, but also oranges.
  • Coffee junkies should not miss a visit to the only coffee plantation in Europe. The Agaete Valley provides the perfect conditions for growing aromatic coffee. During a guided tour in Los Castaños holidaymakers will learn all about the history of coffee cultivation the ideal growing conditions and the roasting process.
  • The small Venice of Gran Canaria (Puerto de Mogán) is home to the inviting and authentic Restaurante Case Enrique. The restaurant is located right by the sea and treats its visitors to typical Spanish and Mediterranean dishes.
  • On the Costa Meloneras is the charming Cafe del Mar Meloneras, which scores with hearty steaks, delicious fish dishes and vegetarian dishes.
   

   

  No-gos and things to know 

    
  
  The "Roque Nublo" is considered one of the landmarks of Gran Canaria 

   

  No-Gos
  What you need to know
  • Although nudism is possible on some beaches, it is not welcome on non-advertised beaches
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  • In Germany, we like to pay our bills separately. In Spain, however, this is not appreciated. It's best to pay one person for everything and then split the amount afterwards
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  • Simply sit down at a free table in the restaurant. It's best to wait until the waiter has assigned you one.
    • The tap water in Gran Canaria is not drinkable. It is best to buy water gallons in the supermarket.
    • From around 13:00 to 17:00 it is usually siesta, i.e. stores remain closed.
    • Especially during the low season, there are a number of waterfalls on Gran Canaria, e.g. the Barranco de los Cernicalos or El Charco Azul, which flows all year round
    • If you want to bring your pet with you, make sure you have your EU pet passport  and check whether the accommodation allows pets.
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    Fun facts about Gran Canaria

      
    
    The Santa Ana Cathedral is located in the capital: Las Palmas 

     

    • The only coffee that comes from Europe is grown on Gran Canaria in the Agaete Valley. The perfect climatic conditions prevail there.
    • The Jardín Botánico Canario on the steep slopes of the Barranco de Guiniguada is the largest and most species-rich botanical garden in Spain with an exhibition area of 27 hectares.
    • The Canaries have not one, but two capitals: Santa Cruz on Tenerife and Las Palmas on Gran Canaria.
    • The Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus landed on the dunes of Maspalomas in 1502 to stock up on supplies for the voyage to the New World. This is also the reason why the road towards the beach is still called Avenida de Cristobal Colon 
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    Practical tips for your Gran Canaria vacation

      
    
    An alleyway in Puerto de Mogán 

     

    •  What travel documents do I need?
    Passport or identity card.
    • Which vaccinations do I need?
    The standard vaccinations recommended for Germany also apply to Spain, and a booster may be necessary. Otherwise, no special vaccination is required.
    
    • Credit cards and currency exchange
    The euro is the official currency in Gran Canaria. To avoid expensive fees when withdrawing money, we recommend travel credit cards. 
    
    • Roaming and WLAN
    Gran Canaria belongs to Spain and therefore to the EU. Therefore, the same tariff applies as in Germany. There is free WiFi in hotels, restaurants and some public places.
    • Is it worth renting a car in Tenerife?
    If you want to discover remote places and stop off spontaneously, it is best to hire a car. However, it is also possible to explore the island by bus.
    • What are the customs regulations
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    EU regulations apply. These include, for example, the duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, one liter of spirits and two liters of wine.