Gran Canaria

Destinations

Maspalomas

Maspalomas is a beautiful beachfront retreat for anyone craving a laid-back getaway in awe-inspiring surroundings.

It is a nature lover’s paradise with its rolling sand dunes, crystal-clear waters and abundance of birdlife including snipes, plovers and herons.

This sophisticated resort is also home to superb restaurants, designer boutiques and a famous landmark lighthouse which was built in 1890.

Mogan

The quaint fishing town of Mogan oozes elegance and charm with its white-washed houses, cobbled streets and lovely harbour.

This little treasure which is fondly dubbed ‘Venice of the Canaries’ also boasts inviting turquoise waters and a glorious sandy beach which is surrounded by cliffs and swaying palms.

The promenade is lined with delightful bars and restaurants which are perfect for relaxing and enjoying a meal and drink in the invigorating Canarian sunshine.

Playa Del Inglés

There’s never a dull moment in Playa Del Inglés, a fun-packed south coast resort which is perfect for families, couples and groups of friends.

By day you can head for the pristine beaches for some fun on the sands or take to the waves for a myriad of water sports including parasailing, flyboarding, jet-skiing and windsurfing.

Your thrilling holiday adventure will continue in the evenings when you’ll discover lively bars, top-quality restaurants and a host of night clubs and live music venues for dusk to dawn entertainment.

Playa Taurito

The dreamy pace of Playa Taurito makes it perfect for a laid-back time surrounded by pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs.

Its calm and shallow waters are perfect for the little ones to paddle safe while parents catch some rays on the golden sands. When it’s time to wine and dine you’ll discover an array of charming bars and restaurants.

When you fancy some fun and adventure there’s plenty of water sports action, a superb diving centre and a spectacular aqua park with a myriad of slides, tropical gardens and lagoon-style swimming pools.

Puerto Rico

This is a magical family-friendly resort where you are guaranteed a feast of fun surrounded by sun, sea and sand.

Inviting turquoise waters, golden sands and a lovely marina are among the many attractions which make Puerto Rico a fabulous Canarian sunshine escape.

The beach boasts a delightful promenade lined with an impressive range of shops, bars and cafes and there’s plenty of nightlife to get you in the party spirit.

San Agustin

This secluded sheltered cove is ideal for a relaxing escape, away from the hustle and bustle of the livelier resorts in the beautiful island of Gran Canaria.

You’ll discover a fabulous sandy beach and calm waters which are perfect for children wanting a splashing time in the sun, as well as providing great opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving.

San Augustin also has a wonderful promenade which is lined with a myriad of charming shops, lively bars and superb seafood restaurants.

Things to do in Gran Canaria as a family

Crocodile Park

This is an exciting family day out near Agüimes where you’ll enjoy a captivating crocodile show and watch the creatures being fed. This is the island’s only animal rescue centre and it is home to 300 Nile crocodiles which have been removed from places where they suffered neglect and abuse.

Palmitos Park

This is the island’s most popular family attraction where you’ll discover a world of magnificent animals and birds including Komodo dragons, caimans, pelicans and emus. You’ll also enjoy dolphin displays, birds of prey displays and exotic bird shows.

Sioux City Park

Get a taste of the Wild West as you watch a thrilling cowboy shoot-out where the bandits attempt a daring bank robbery. Wild horse shows, knife-throwing and lasso displays add to the excitement. There’s also a charming zoo with a range of animals including dwarf crocodiles, emus and giant chickens.

Things to do in Gran Canaria as a couple

Canary Gardens

This is a fabulous place for a romantic stroll through the island's beautiful Guiniguada ravine. Canary Gardens at Las Palmas - also known as Jardin Botanico Viera & Clavijo - covers an impressive 27 hectares and boasts more than 500 species of indigenous plants, including many rare ones. Cacti, dragon trees and palm are among the magnificent natural attractions.

Moonlight Cinema

Spend a romantic evening watching a movie under the stars at Europe’s only permanent outdoor cinema. Moonlight Cinema in Maspalomas even provides you with a luxurious sofa and blankets to ensure you are truly comfortable and warm as you settle down to watch a film on the big screen.

Dolphin Watching

Set out to sea on a luxury catamaran to watch the dolphins swimming gracefully and leaping out of the water. This is a wonderful day out which provides some superb photo opportunities. Your thrilling trip will also include a delicious meal and drinks aboard your craft.

Things to do in Gran Canaria in a group

Visit Barranco de Guayadeque

Immerse yourself in the history of the island with a group outing to the Barranco de Guayadeque, a stunning valley where you’ll discover enchanting caves which were prehistoric burial grounds. The valley is also home to almond trees, cacti, palms, agaves and the Gran Canaria giant lizard.

Poema del Mar Aquarium

This is a wonderful attraction where you’ll discover a magical underwater world, by way of several giant aquariums. An impressive range of sea creatures includes sharks, giant manta rays, turtles, jellyfish, marine dragons and seahorses.

High Peaks and Roque Nublo Tour

This thrilling tour includes a visit to the dormant crater of Bandama and an ascent by minibus to some of the highest peaks in Gran Canaria. You will also visit Roque Nublo, an impressive 65m high basalt monolith. After a delicious lunch you will visit the mountain village of Teror and the Basilica of the Lady of the Pine.

Beaches

A day out at the beach is a must during your holiday to Gran Canaria, with no less than 60 amazing beaches to choose from. If you’re looking for water sports and plenty of activities, we recommend Playa del Ingles in the south. However, if a more relaxed and serene stay is what you’re looking for, the sleepy coastal town of San Agustin is worth considering.

Water sports

When it comes to water sports, Gran Canaria is a treasure trove of dive centres and surf shacks, where thrill-seekers can get their kicks! Jet skiing, parasailing and surfing are among your options, along with scuba diving and wakeboarding!

Weather

As for the weather, Gran Canaria enjoys its share of gloriously hot summers and spring-like temperatures throughout the rest of the year. There’s never a bad time to visit, thanks to the island’s sub-tropical climate. We’ve included an overview of the Gran Canaria weather below.

• In January and February, Gran Canaria enjoys pleasant temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius, with some days breaking into the low 20s. However, the winter months (December - March) bring with them a slight chance of rain.
• In March and April, the temperature in Gran Canaria begins to increase and the rain does tend to ease off. 20 is common for this time of year but highs of 23 can be expected on the warmest days.
• May sees the start of Gran Canaria’s summer. During this time, the temperature increases to the early 20s and rain is relatively non-existent.
• In June, July and August, Gran Canaria experiences its hottest months with temperatures starting at 25 and soaring to the high 20s and early 30s.
• The warm weather continues long into September when the temperature hits 24°C. The sun still shines brightly, making Gran Canaria the perfect option for late summer breaks.
• In October, Gran Canaria begins still maintains hot weather despite the autumn months. At this time the temperature sits in the low 20s.
• In November and December, Gran Canaria returns to milder weather, which many describe as manageable. The weather around this time sits around 20 degrees.

Activities

There’s plenty to see and do in Gran Canaria, you may have trouble fitting it all into one break! Whatever you enjoy doing on holiday, you’re bound to find it here. To help you plan your stay in advance, we’ve listed our pick of the best things to do in Gran Canaria.

Camel rides and dune buggying

One of Gran Canaria’s biggest attractions is its expansive natural landscape, which differs dramatically. The island is like a new world, away from the beaches you’ll find deserts and open plains, where you can ride camels and dune buggies.

Theme parks

Gran Canaria is a must for family holidays! The kids won’t be short of things to do with an excellent choice of kids’ clubs, amusements and zoos, not to mention the island’s many theme parks. Head to the Holiday World theme park and Aqualand Maspalomas water park for a day out to remember!

Sightseeing and shopping

Gran Canaria has been influenced by a number of different continents, countries and cultures, including Africa, Spain and South America. The island’s rich heritage can be seen in its many archaeological sites, stunning architecture and historical museums, including The Museo Canaria and Cueva Pintada.

As for shopping, you’ll find boutiques, markets and local vendors all around the island. Shop local to find great souvenirs, unique gifts and mementos to remind you of your time in the Canaries.

Nightlife

Gran Canaria holidays aren’t just for families. If you’re going away with friends or a loved one, you may want to check out the island’s many nightlife spots. There’s always a party going on here with regular festivals taking place. Otherwise the buzzy resort of Playa del Ingles is the perfect destination for a night out.

Eating out

All inclusive Gran Canaria holidays are a great way of saving money on food and drink. However, if you get the chance, it’s worth checking out the island’s many fantastic restaurants and bars, which specialise in international cuisine and Spanish-influenced dishes.

Flight Information

Flights to Gran Canaria are available from most UK airports, including Bournemouth, Bristol, Birmingham, London airports, Leeds Bradford, Doncaster Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.

Cheap Gran Canaria All Inclusive Holidays & Deals

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a buzzing nightlife-filled extravaganza or a family holiday, you’re bound to find something to suit you in our range of Gran Canaria all inclusive holidays. Book your Gran Canaria flight and hotel holiday deal with Holiday Gems today!

Take a look at our all inclusive information here: