Gran Canaria Holidays 2023/2024
Gran Canaria Holidays Guide
Gran Canaria is one of the more popular Canary Islands with about 40% of all people in the Canaries living here. This means there is plenty on offer to keep holidaymakers to Gran Canaria busy, whether it's enjoying the sandy beaches, trekking in the dramatic parks or having a fun day out at a waterpark.
The party scene and nightlife in Gran Canaria is also big. A night out in Maspalomas, particularly Playa del Ingles is popular for drinking and dancing into the early hours, particularly to watch the sunrise from the east facing beach.
A great year round holiday island, Gran Canaria is also popular in the winter months with temperatures in the late teens and six hours of sunshine a day.
Getting to, from and around Gran Canaria
Flying from the UK, you'll fly into Gran Canaria airport in the east of the island, easily accessible by the main motorway that circles Gran Canaria.
Flights are available throughout the year and from various cities in the UK including London, Manchester and Glasgow.
It's easy to organise a transfer from Gran Canaria airport to your hotel, however, to get around the island, buses run frequently and the Sightseeing Bus is a great option to get you about the island as well as highlighting some of Gran Canaria's top attractions.
Things to do in Gran Canaria
The southern resort of Maspalomas is home to one of the island's most popular beaches, Playa del Ingles. A fantastic, sandy beach with views to the east, and linking to the impressive sand dunes. It's also home to one of the most popular tourist spots in Gran Canaria and full of vibrant nightlife, high rises and restaurants. If you don't like things quite, Playa del Ingles is for you.
Also close to Maspalomas is Aqualand, a 130,000 sq. metre waterpark, perfect if you get fidgety just lazying by the pool. Offering various waterslides, a children's area, as well as the opportunity to swim with sea lions, tickets for children cost €17 and adult tickets are €26, although there are discounts available when you buy multiple days and family tickets.
If it's the outdoors and adventure you love, then you'll love the Tamadaba Nature Reserve, which lies on the west coast of Gran Canaria. Hiking along the pine forest trails in this beautiful park, you'll find yourself wandering past stunning vistas out to see.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles is certainly one of the more popular holiday resorts on Gran Canaria. It's combination of beautiful beach, nightlife and range of activities and attractions means you'll always have something to do.
The main town of Las Palmas in the north is home to the popular Playa de las Canteras beach. Here the coral reef protects the beach, meaning smaller waves and ideal for families with younger children wishing to enjoy the water.
For a quieter stay, try Melonares next door to Maspalomas or Puerto Mogan further along the coast to the west. With less nightlife and fewer hotels, staying here is far more relaxed.