Created in a hotbed of volcanic activity, the island of Gran Canaria has become a holiday hotspot in recent years, with an abundance of sunshine, clean beaches, resorts to suit every taste and more than its fair share of natural beauty.
Flights to Gran Canaria and the main airport of Las Palmas (LPA) take around four to five hours and are available year round - taking advantage of a constant and pleasant climate during every season. You won't find four seasons in one day in Gran Canaria.
What you will find are great stretches of sand dunes blown over from the Sahara Desert, millions of year's worth of volcanic evidence, miles of safe shoreline, and swathes of pine forests. Plus an abundance of holiday resorts, some large and full of fun, some small and cloaked in quiet enjoyment.
Getting to your resort from the airport is fairly straightforward. Buses and taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal, though visitors hoping to make it further than Maspalomas might find that bus options are limited. Car hire is the most convenient way to get to your resort from the airport, and it will make exploring the island easy once you've unpacked your sunny-weather wardrobe.
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and straddles two bays in the northeastern corner of the island. Vegueta, the oldest quarter of Las Palmas, has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its historical importance and is well worth a visit any time of the day or night.
The bustling holiday playground of Playa del Ingles is the island's largest resort and sits on the south coast of this near-round island. Its close neighbours include quieter San Agustín and Bahia Feliz, a good wind surfing spot with a mostly pebble beach. Upmarket Maspalomas rubs shoulders with Playa del Ingles and is famous for acres of sand dunes that can only be accessed by walkers, camel trekkers, and a few nudists.
Other popular holiday spots on the south coast are Puerto Rico, small and exclusive Puerto Mogan (made up of Puerto de Mogan and Playa Mogan), the beach lovers' paradise Playa Taurito, chic Meloneras and the manmade beauty of sparkly new Amadores.
Gran Canaria flights also cater for golfing enthusiasts, who come to the island to soak up the rays while they putt their way around the numerous holes.
Whether it's the golf you're swinging for or whether you have your eye on the natural beauty - or simply just a sun bed - book your Gran Canaria flights early to ensure the best deals. Cheap flights can be found using the price-comparison tool on TravelSupermarket.
