TRAVEL GUIDE
Gran Canaria is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, known for its year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and diverse landscapes.
Plan Your Trip to Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of the most diverse islands in Europe. Within an hour you can go from sand dunes and beaches to pine forests and mountain villages. In this guide you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip – from the best time to visit and where to stay, to how to get around the island.
Quick Facts
Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands, part of Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean.
The island is known for its beaches, mountains, and year-round sunshine. The main language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Best Time to Visit
Gran Canaria has a warm climate all year, making it a great destination in any season.
Winter is ideal for sun holidays, spring is perfect for hiking and exploring nature, and summer brings the hottest temperatures on the island.
Getting Around
Getting around Gran Canaria is relatively easy, and there are several transport options depending on your plans.
Renting a car is the best way to explore the island, while buses are a cheaper but slower alternative, and taxis are widely available.
Live webcams in Gran Canaria
Explore real-time views from beaches, resorts, and popular locations across Gran Canaria. See current weather conditions, ocean views, and daily life from places like Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, and more –live online anytime.
See all webcams from Gran Canaria »
Travel Tips for Gran Canaria
• Always bring a light jacket in the mountains
• The south is sunnier than the north
• Rent a car for exploring
• Book accommodation early in winter
Best things to do in Gran Canaria »
3 day itinerary
• South: Puerto de Mogán, the Maspalomas dunes and southern beaches
• Mountains: Fataga valley, Tejeda, Roque Nublo, Pico de las Nieves
• North: Agaete, Puerto de las Nieves, natural pools and coastal views
5 day itinerary
• 3 day itinerary plus:
• West coast: La Aldea, Mirador del Balcon, El Risco and the scenic coastal road
• Las Palmas: Vegueta old town and Las Canteras beach
• Central villages: Teror, Arucas and Firgas
Main Tourist Areas
Most visitors stay in the southern part of Gran Canaria, where the weather is usually warmer and sunnier.
Some of the most popular areas include:
• Maspalomas – Famous for its sand dunes and long beach.
• Playa del Inglés – One of the island’s main tourist resorts with restaurants, nightlife and shopping.
• Puerto Rico – A sunny resort town built around a marina and beach.
• Puerto de Mogán – A charming village often called “Little Venice”.
• Las Palmas – The island’s capital with culture, shopping and the famous Las Canteras beach.
Each area offers a slightly different experience, from lively resorts to quieter coastal villages.
Where to Stay in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has many different areas to stay depending on the type of trip you want. The south is best for sunshine and beaches, while the north offers city life and local culture.
• Maspalomas – dunes, beaches and resort areas
• Puerto Rico – sunny valley with beach, shopping centres and nightlife
• Puerto de Mogán – charming harbour village and marina
• Las Palmas – city life, culture and Las Canteras beach
• Meloneras – upscale area with hotels and restaurants
• Agaete / Puerto de las Nieves – quiet coastal village in the north
• Tejeda – mountain village with stunning views
• Arguineguín – traditional fishing town with a local atmosphere and sunny climate