Things to do in Gran Canaria

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All about Gran Canaria

When to visit

The sun shines on Gran Canaria year-round, making the island a popular destination for both summer vacations and winter escapes. Crowds―and prices―are at their highest in July, August, and December, making the shoulder seasons of spring and fall the best times to snag bargains and combine beach time with outdoor activities. If you want to experience local culture, time your visit for one of the island’s top events, such as the Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (February/March), Tejeda’s Almond Blossom Festival, or the Festivals of Carmen (July 16).

Getting around

In cities like Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, you can visit the sights on foot or rent a bike. Alternatively, global buses (guaguas) connect Gran Canaria Airport, Las Palmas, Maspalomas, and other towns, while taxis are widely available (advance bookings are recommended). You’ll need to rent a car or join a tour if you want to explore outside the main towns and resorts; Gran Canaria is small enough that you can drive anywhere in under 90 minutes.

Traveler tips

The Gran Canaria Wine Route is well known, but the island also produces some fine cheeses. Pair your wine-tasting tour with a cheese tasting at one of the island’s dairy farms, or order a cheese platter and sample varieties such as Flor de Guía, La Gomera, and Queso Majorero.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gran Canaria known for?

Gran Canaria is famous for its beautiful beaches, and sunseekers visit the island year-round to swim, surf, and sunbathe on the white and black sands. The island is also renowned for its sand dunes, traditional Canarian villages, and duty-free shopping—La Palma is a popular port of call for cruise ships.

Does Gran Canaria have nice beaches?

Gran Canaria is renowned for its long, sandy beaches, with a mix of black lava and white sands. The most popular beaches lie along the south coast, including Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, and San Agustín, as well as the sweeping sand dunes of Maspalomas beach.

How many days do you need in Gran Canaria?

While you can take in the highlights of the small island over a four-day weekend, most visitors opt to spend a week or more in Gran Canaria. There’s plenty to pack into a week-long itinerary, from beach-hopping and hiking to whale-watching cruises and exploring the traditional villages.

What is the best area to stay in Gran Canaria?

While cruise ships arrive in Las Palmas on the north coast, most sunseekers head south to the family beach resorts of Maspalomas and Puerto Rico. Nearby, Playa del Inglés is renowned for its nightlife, while Puerto de Mogán is ideally situated for hikers, and San Agustín is great for escaping the crowds.

What is there to do in Gran Canaria?

With 37 miles of beaches, Gran Canaria has plenty of options for swimming, surfing, and water sports, and the island also has several water parks. Other popular activities include a walk through the Maspalomas dunes, a dolphin and whale-watching cruise, and a hike to the summit of Pico de las Nieves.

Is Gran Canaria a duty-free island?

Yes. Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands are an Autonomous Community in Spain and part of the EU, but they are not part of the EU VAT area. This means international travelers can enjoy duty-free (tax-free) shopping on items such as alcohol, tobacco, perfume, and souvenirs up to a personal allowance.

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