Gran Canaria is an island of wonderful contrasts and scenery - with sweeping golden sand dunes, volcanic landscapes and rich, fertile plantations dotted with canyons, ravines and rocky crags. With its countless picturesque villages, vibrant coastal resorts and quaint harbours bathed in year-round sunshine it is easy to see why this island tempts tourists back to its shores year on year. With a flight time of just over four hours from nearly every UK airport, Gran Canaria is an accessible holiday haven perfect for rest, relaxation and recreation.
Best for...
Beautiful beaches, a lively nightlife and wildly diverse scenery, Gran Canaria is a paradise for young people and families...
Boasting a variety of resorts and facilities, Gran Canaria has something to offer all ages and types of holidaymaker. Families will love the island's soft sandy beaches, warm blue waters and family-orientated activities, while couples seeking a romantic hideaway will enjoy the pretty marinas and flower-filled walkways. If bustling beach resorts are more your thing, you'll be more than satisfied with the wealth and variety of evening entertainment found in Gran Canaria's liveliest resorts, which are renowned for their party days and party nights.
| Gran Canaria is a paradise for young people and families... |
What to do...
With year-round sunshine Gran Canaria is a popular winter sun destination though temperatures peak in the summer months. Five popular beach resorts - Puerto de Mogan, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico, Playa Amadores and Maspalomas are the highlights of the island.
Just an hour from the airport Puerto de Mogan is a picturesque working fishing village that has earned the name 'Little Venice' thanks to its tiny canals, ornate walkways and numerous waterfront restaurants. It makes a great getaway for families and couples looking for a relaxing escape with its attractive marina and quaint craft shops though for those who prefer a more bustling atmosphere there are ferries throughout the day to the livelier Puerto Rico.
With its busy sandy beaches Puerto Rico is unquestionably the most energetic area of Gran Canaria with a number of beach bars and stay-late restaurants as well as a buzzing commercial centre that is ideal for tax-free shopping. The area is extremely popular with the British and this is reflected in the restaurants and facilities available.
International dining is popular in both Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. The island's resorts cater for every taste from Chinese to Italian, as well as many traditional dishes including fresh seafood and tapas. This is accentuated within the Yumbo Centre at Playa del Ingles, which has many mini-markets, bars, gift shops and cafes. This centre also caters heavily for the gay travel market and is known for its very lively entertainment 24hrs a day. The area also has a beautiful, golden sand beach that blends into the spectacular sand dunes of Maspalomas, which is the ideal setting for secluded sunbathing backed by the Charca da Maspalomas, a protected nature reserve and lagoon. There are also a number of fairground attractions to keep the family busy at Holiday World along with tenpin bowling, Aquasur's waterpark and an eighteen-hole golf course.
Playa Amadores is neatly situated between Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan and has arguably the most idyllic beach on the island as well as watersports and fishing facilities, though it should be avoided by those with walking difficulties due to its steep hills.
Away from the coast there is plenty to discover by boat, helicopter or car with pine forests, aboriginal caves and traditional villages such as Aguimas and Fataga. You'll also want to devote at least a day to the island's capital, Las Palmas, which combines a golden beach with ancient architecture, a magnificent cathedral and superb shopping.
