It’s no secret that I love the Canary Islands for a winter sun holiday from the UK. Winter can feel so long and bleak, but a week in the sunshine perks everyone up! During the winter months, most of Europe has terrible or unpredictable weather and you need to be flying long-haul to get the guaranteed sunshine…unless you go to the Canaries!
The Canary Islands are made up of Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
I haven’t visited the three smaller islands (yet!) but I love the bigger four islands.
Tenerife is the busiest and most bustling island. Fuerteventura is great for watersports. Lanzarote has lovely, calm beaches and Gran Canaria has a good mix of everything.
Today I’d like to talk about Gran Canaria and the best things to do in Gran Canaria.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
Whenever I visit Gran Canaria I like to hire a car, so the location of my accommodation is less important.
For most people, a holiday to Gran Canaria will revolve around their hotel, resort or villa. This is the perfect place for a villa holiday where you can relax in your own private space, enjoy your own pool and make it a home from home. If I’m travelling with my children or in a small group, I usually find a villa is the most cost-effective option as we can prepare some of our own meals and we’ll have space to relax. Holiday rentals in Gran Canaria can be really affordable and with Villa Gran Canaria you can pay in instalments with Klarna so that makes it even easier!
10 Things to do in Gran Canaria
Explore Maspalomas Dunes
The Maspalomas Dunes in the south are one of the top things to see and do in Gran Canaria. These enormous dunes cover approximately 400 hectares and they’re unique because they’re near the sea and consist of rolling golden sand dunes, palm groves, and a tranquil lagoon!
This is a nature reserve but there’s lots for visitors to do with organised tours and camel rides. The dunes are perfect for photography, bird-watching, or simply marveling at the contrast between the arid sands and the nearby sparkling ocean. I’d also recommend visiting the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse.
Visit Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo is one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landmarks so you’ve got to go here! It’s a towering volcanic rock formation standing 80 meters tall, located in the island’s rugged central highlands.
From here you’ll see panoramic views that stretch across Gran Canaria and, on clear days, you can see all the way to Tenerife.
Declared a natural monument, it’s part of a protected rural park, and it’s a lovely, gentle hike to reach it. The trail to Roque Nublo is relatively easy and passes through pine forests and dramatic cliffs. The site holds cultural significance, as it was a sacred place for the island’s indigenous Guanche people, adding historical depth to its natural beauty.
Relax at Playa del Inglés
For a more relaxing day out, head to Playa del Inglés, located on Gran Canaria’s southern coast/
This 3km beach is one of Gran Canaria’s most famous thanks to its golden sands and calm waters.
This beach is adjacent to the Maspalomas Dunes so it’s nice to combine this with a day to the dunes.
Discover Las Palmas Old Town (Vegueta)
Vegueta, the historic old town of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, is a charming district steeped in history and culture. Its cobblestone streets are lined with colonial-era buildings, colorful facades, and ornate wooden balconies. Don’t miss the majestic Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colón, a museum celebrating Christopher Columbus’ visits to the island.
You can explore local art galleries, boutique shops, and traditional Canarian restaurants. The district’s vibrant squares, like Plaza de Santa Ana, host lively markets and cultural events.
You also can’t miss Mercado del Puerto in Las Palmas for a great place to dine and a lively atmosphere.
Hike to Pico de las Nieves
Pico de las Nieves is the highest point on Gran Canaria at 1,949 meters above sea level. You can take a hiking tour or do it yourself and enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the island’s diverse landscapes as you walk through lush pine forests, rugged cliffs, and picturesque valleys. On clear days, visitors can see Roque Nublo and even Mount Teide on Tenerife.
Enjoy Puerto de Mogán
Puerto de Mogán, often called “Little Venice,” is a picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria and is my favourite place for a day out. Renowned for its charming canals, whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flowers, and vibrant marina. Asif that wasn’t enough, the village also has golden sandy beaches with calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Travel Hack tip: There’s a bustling Friday market that offers local crafts, food, and souvenirs so Friday is a great day to visit!
Puerto de Mogán is also a hotspot for boat trips, snorkeling, and diving, with abundant marine life.
Tour the Bandama Caldera
Bandama Caldera, in the northeast of Gran Canaria, is an impressive volcanic crater formed over 4,000 years ago. With a diameter of about 1,000 meters and a depth of 200 meters, it offers striking views of the surrounding landscape. You can hike to the bottom of the caldera, where there’s an old vineyard. Yes, a vineyard! The rim of the crater provides panoramic views of Las Palmas, the Atlantic Ocean, and the island’s rugged terrain. You can take a tour here to make things easier.
Stroll Through Jardín Botánico Canario
The Jardín Botánico Canario, or Canary Island Botanical Garden, is near Tafira in Gran Canaria. Spanning over 27 hectares, you’ll find a gorgeous array of plant species, particularly those native to the Canary Islands.
There are themed areas, including gardens dedicated to endangered species, the island’s native plants, and Mediterranean vegetation. It’s such a relaxing and beautiful place where you’ll learn more about the island through the plants.
Try Water Sports at Pozo Izquierdo
Gran Canaria is a hotspot for watersports, including windsurfing, bodyboarding, surfing, kitesurfing SUP, snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. Head to Pozo Izquierdo for all your windbased watersports!
Relax at Amadores Beach
Amadores Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria with white sand and turquoise sea (it’s a man-made beach). It can get busy so arrive early to enjoy the gentle waters and soft sand.
For more ideas on things to do in Gran Canaria, check out the official Gran Canaria tourism website for more ideas.