Gran Canaria Holidays
Heavenly beach days and sensational seaside nights await on a holiday to Gran Canaria. As one of the most popular destinations in the Canary Islands, this is a must visit.
Holidays to Gran Canaria
The third largest Island of the Canary Islands, this sun-kissed destination also boasts the thirdlargest population of all the Spanish Islands. Gran Canaria has diverse landscapes featuring mountains, deep ravines and stunning pine forests that are a must-see for adventure travellers.
Hemmed with ribbons of golden sands, Gran Canaria is also a haven for warm weather and relaxation. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a family craving beach fun, or a solo traveller ready to explore, this is one of the Canary Islands most visited places for a reason.
For the adventure seekers or group holidaymakers Playa del Ingles, the most famous resort, buzzes with beach bars, live music, and activities. The two miles of golden sands that stretch around the resort also make it perfect for families.
For a touch of luxury, head to Maspalomas or Meloneras. Maspalomas offers chic, familyfriendly hotels and powder-soft beaches, just a short drive from the Canary Islands capital city of Las Palmas, where you can enjoy calm shores, epic dunes, and culture. Meloneras adds extra sparkle with designer shopping and classy seafood spots, making it an ideal spot for those who want sophistication and relaxation combined.
Why Visit Gran Canaria?
- Take in the iconic volcanic rock formation with panoramic views and dramatic mountain landscapes that have seen Gran Canaria branded as a ‘miniature continent
- Discover the golden desert-like dunes ideal for sunset walks, photography, and serene exploration – the perfect place for those dream holiday Instagram pictures
- Explore the picturesque fishing village featuring canals, vibrant flowers, and charming waterfront cafes
- Visit the historic streets filled with colonial architecture, lively plazas, and authentic tapas bars
- Enjoy unforgettable adventures – including taking a tour through the Maspalomas Dunes and to the picturesque Lighthouse, or wandering through the historic Old Town to see the Santa Ana Cathedral and explore the local markets
- Experience Gran Canaria’s natural marvels by visiting the botanical garden and zoo in Palmitos Park – the perfect place for a family day out
Featured Gran Canaria Holiday Offers
A trip to this stunning Canary Islands destination doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think. As a popular holiday haven, there are plenty of deals and offers on accommodation throughout the year.
Apartments LIVVO Koala Garden
No local tax required
From
£399pp
H10 Playa Meloneras Horizons Collection
No local tax required
From
£879pp
Last Minute Gran Canaria Holidays
For anyone wondering ‘can I book a last-minute holiday to Gran Canaria?’the answer is yes! There are plenty of accommodation and flight options, meaning you can still book your perfect holiday even if you’ve not booked far in advance.
Gran Canaria All Inclusive Holidays
If you’re wanting a cheap Gran Canaria holiday a good solution is to book all inclusive. This means you can have things like meals and entertainment included within the price when you book
Best sellers: Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria boasts many stunning hotels and resorts, but if you’re looking for a luxury experience or want confidence that you’ve made the right choice explore our best sellers below.
Get in touch and book your perfect Gran Canaria holiday with Hays Travel
With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching – our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.
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Places to stay in Gran Canaria
Best Things to See and Do in Gran Canaria
Holidays in Gran Canaria promise relaxing beach days, unique adventures and experiences, picturesque landscapes, exquisite local food and drink and activities a plenty. That’s what makes this Spanish Island such a popular holiday option.
Stunning Sandy Beaches
This island destination is blessed with long stretches of golden sandy beaches that are the perfect place to relax and top up that holiday suntan. They are also the perfect place to bring the children and let them run off some steam whilst you lay back and enjoy the sunshine.
Ocean Adventures & Unique Experiences
Gran Canaria holidays are about more than just sunbathing. With water sports and boat trips galore, the island gives travellers the chance to spot whales and dolphins cruising through its crystal‑clear waters. Not a fan of the sea? Take a peek into life beneath the waves at Poema del Mar, a spectacular aquarium filled with fascinating marine wildlife and immersive exhibits.Visiting the aquarium is always one of the best things to do on a family holiday and is sure to make long-lasting memories.
Landscapes, Activities & Shopping
Back on dry land, there’s plenty to enjoy. Head to the island’s bronzed dunes for an unforgettable adventure, where dune buggy rides and camel treks make you feel transported to Egypt. Explore the mountainous interior on scenic hikes that reward you with those dream holiday photos. If you’re wanting a golf holiday to Gran Canaria, you can tee off on one of eight golf courses. For those who prefer shopping, indulge in retail therapy in Las Palmas’ chic boutiques, department stores, or bustling Sunday markets.
FOOD & DRINK ON GRAN CANARIA
In the main resorts, international dishes are the order of the day, with a great choice of international and British restaurants. Gran Canaria's traditional cuisine combines Spanish influences with African flavours. You're most likely to find these fusion dishes in local restaurants throughout the island. One unique dish you might want to try is Chorizo de Teror Las Nueces. This version of chorizo is made with salt and paprika; soft, creamy, and bursting with flavour.
Culture & History
More than just a place to relax on the beaches, Gran Canaria boasts a rich culture and historic past that is worth exploring. See the islands religious heart by exploring the Santa Ana Cathedral and wander through the traditional cobblestone streets. A must-do activity for those who are interested in history is the museum of El Museo Canario that contains lots of interesting information on Aboriginal history.
Endless Adventures & Island Discoveries
Gran Canaria’s diverse landscapes invite exploration beyond the coast, from the dramatic dunes of Maspalomas to the rugged peaks and pine forests of the interior. Venture into charming villages like Teror or Tejeda for local crafts and traditional markets, or browse busy shopping centres in Las Palmas. Food lovers can savour fresh seafood, tapas, and Canarian specialities paired with local wines. Rich in culture and history, the island’s museums, colonial streets, and lively festivals offer something new to discover every day.
Travel Guide
Discover key information that any visitor to Gran Canaria will find helpful before they visit.
- Currency: Euros
- Average flight time: 4 hours from UK
- Time difference: 0 hours to UK
- Most suited for: Families, Couples & Groups
- Best time to visit: May-October
Gran Canaria Weather
Average monthly temperature on Gran Canaria (°C)
- Jan 21°C
- Feb 21°C
- Mar 23°C
- Apr 23°C
- May 24°C
- Jun 26°C
- Jul 27°C
- Aug 28°C
- Sep 27°C
- Oct 26°C
- Nov 24°C
- Dec 22°C
What Currency is used in Gran Canaria?
Being a Spanish Island, Gran Canaria uses the Euro. The current exchange rate with the pound is around €1.15 to €1.16, but this is subject to regular fluctuations. Make sure to check before you travel, and view the Hays Travel money page for more information.
When is the best time to visit?
With its year-round warm temperatures, Gran Canaria is a destination that can be enjoyed in any season. For beach lovers, the summer months between May and October are ideal for soaking up the sun. If you’re after a cheaper trip to Gran Canaria then November, after the peak summer season, often has the cheapest accommodation and flights due to slightly lower demand.
Who is a Gran Canaria holiday most suited for?
Gran Canaria is a destination that welcomes all. It is one of the most popular destinations for families thanks to the combination of sandy beaches and family-friendly activities and restaurants.
Couples often visit Gran Canaria for those romantic picturesque experiences in the sun. There are plenty of fine dining restaurants and bars to enjoy.
Nature enthusiasts and adventurers enjoy Gran Canaria thanks to it’s unique landscape and rich diversity. You can explore through sandy dunes one day, and then visit the mountain peaks the next.
What is the average flight time to Gran Canaria from the UK?
Being such a popular destination for UK travellers, there are plenty of flights out to Gran Canaria throughout the year from airports up and down the UK. The average flight time from the UK is around 4.5 hours, although this can vary depending on the airport you fly from and conditions during your flight.
What is the best part of Gran Canaria to stay in?
Depending on your budget and holiday requirements there are a range of accommodation options in Gran Canaria.
• Most popular – the most popular place to stay is Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. There you’ll find a wealth of accommodation options and plenty of things to do, including exploring the shops and tapas bars in the Old Town.
• Best for luxury experiences: Maspalomas – Boasting hotels and resorts with exceptional service, iconic sand dunes and a relaxed atmosphere
• Best for value: Playa del Inglés – If you’re wanting a cheaper holiday to Gran Canaria then you’ll find affordable accommodation options that are ideal for families.
Can you book a last-minute holiday to Gran Canaria?
Yes! Gran Canaria has plenty of accommodation available throughout the year, although you’re more likely to keep costs down by booking earlier.
Visit our last minute holidays page for more information.
Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel
With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching – our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.
Call our experts
Contact the Hays Travel holiday experts today for personalised advice and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.
Enquire today
Submit an enquiry today and one of our experienced Hays Travel holiday experts will get back to you as soon as possible and help you secure your next adventure.
Visit us in branch
Visit the Hays Travel holiday experts in branch today for personalised advice, inspiration, and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.