Compare Gran Canaria holidays

Best things to do in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is much more than just a beach destination. Venture inland and you'll discover volcanic landscapes, dramatic ravines, charming mountain villages, lush pine forests and subtropical gardens, all within an easy drive of the coast. The island is compact enough to cross in less than two hours by car, making it easy to swap sandy beaches for dramatic viewpoints and scenic hiking trails. If you can, set aside a day or more to explore beyond your resort. You won't regret it.

Dunas de Maspalomas

One of Gran Canaria's most well-known natural landmarks, the Dunas de Maspalomas is a 4km (2.5 mile) spectacular expanse of rolling golden sand dunes that feels more like the Sahara than the Canary Islands. Protected as a nature reserve, this ever-changing landscape is best explored on foot via marked trails, with sweeping views stretching from the dunes to the Atlantic Ocean. Visit in the early morning or at sunset to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. It might just be one of the island's most memorable photo opportunities.

Roque Nublo

Towering 1,813m (5,948ft) above sea level, Roque Nublo is a must-visit for nature lovers. The towering volcanic rock formation is reached via a relatively easy 30-minute walk from the nearest car park. Get to the top and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views across the island's rugged interior. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Teide on neighbouring Tenerife, making the hike well worth the effort.

Vegueta

Enjoy a slower pace away from the beach. The oldest district of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria dates back to the 15th century, where cobbled streets wind past Santa Ana Cathedral and sights such as the Casa de Colón museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It's an ideal spot to soak up the island's history.

Palmitos Park

Set in a lush valley just outside Maspalomas, Palmitos Park offers a refreshing change of pace from Gran Canaria's beaches. Part botanical garden, part wildlife park, it's home to colourful orchid displays, one of Europe's largest cactus collections and a walk-through butterfly house, alongside exotic birds and reptiles. With beautifully landscaped gardens and interactive animal experiences, it's a family-friendly day out.

Where to eat and drink in Gran Canaria

Canarian cuisine is all about fresh seafood, wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce and punchy local cheeses – staples you'll spot on menus across the island. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has the biggest foodie scene, while southern resorts offer everything from authentic tapas to family-friendly international favourites. Locals tend to eat lunch from around 1.30pm and dinner from 8pm, but we’ll leave that to you.

El Almacén

Tucked away in Las Palmas' historic Vegueta district, El Almacén puts a modern spin on Canarian tapas, using local ingredients alongside wines from Gran Canaria's own vineyards. It's a popular choice for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

Que Bien Restaurante

Que Bien Restaurante pairs sweeping bay views with a menu of international favourites. Set on a hillside above Puerto Rico on Gran Canaria's southwest coast, try the four-course tasting menu which changes weekly. It's a popular and romantic spot for a sunset meal.

El Bistro Tapas

In the laid-back fishing village of Arguineguín, El Bistro Tapas serves up classic Spanish small plates, from cured meats and local cheeses to crispy patatas bravas. It’s a favourite for relaxed, authentic dining. Open for both lunch and dinner, book ahead, as this is a popular spot.

Restaurante Mi Vida

Overlooking Puerto de Mogán's marina, Restaurante Mi Vida serves creative Mediterranean and Canarian-inspired dishes on a stylish terrace with sea views. Expect mid-range to premium prices. The restaurant is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and usually closes in the spring during May and June, so check ahead. It's worth booking ahead when it’s open.

Coffeebook

A favourite in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Coffeebook is known for its all-day brunch, speciality coffee and fresh, homemade lunches, all served in a cosy space lined with bookshelves. Closed on Sundays, it’s open late during the week and to mid-afternoon on Saturdays.

Gran Canaria for families

The southwest coast is Gran Canaria's top pick for family holidays, with sheltered beaches, purpose-built water parks and child-friendly resorts. Calm, shallow bays make paddling safer for younger children, plus there’s many restaurants offering kids' menus and family facilities. Buses run regularly between the main resorts, making it easy to get around without a car.

Aqualand Maspalomas

Gran Canaria's largest water park, Aqualand Maspalomas packs in more than 40 slides and attractions, from adrenaline-fuelled rides to gentler family favourites such as a lazy river. Younger children can splash safely in the dedicated Kidzworld area, with shallow pools and mini slides designed just for them. What’s more, it’s open year-round.

Playa Puerto Rico

One of Gran Canaria's most family-friendly beaches, Playa Puerto Rico sits in a sheltered bay on the southwest coast with calm, shallow water that's ideal for paddling and swimming. The golden sand shelves gently into the sea, while the palm-lined promenade is packed with cafés, restaurants and ice-cream parlours.

Angry Birds Activity Park

Inspired by the popular game, the outdoor Angry Birds Activity Park in Puerto Rico is packed with family-friendly fun, including trampolines, climbing frames, zip lines, mini golf and water play areas. Designed mainly for children aged three to 12, it also hosts seasonal foam parties and interactive play zones to keep younger visitors entertained for hours.

Sioux City Park

Step into the Wild West at this family-friendly theme park near San Bartolomé de Tirajana, where Sioux City Park’s replica frontier town comes to life with cowboy stunt shows, lasso demonstrations and can-can performances. Originally built in 1971 as a movie set for western films, today you can also explore the saloon, hop aboard a wagon ride and meet the resident farm animals between shows. Yehah! If you’re hungry, the restaurant serves BBQ and Canarian favourites.

Yellow Submarine

See Gran Canaria's underwater world without getting wet on this family-friendly submarine trip from Puerto de Mogán, which operates year-round. Descending to around 20m below the surface, the 40-minute journey offers close-up views of colourful fish through large viewing portholes, making it a hit with younger kids, as well as a welcome break from the sun on hotter days.

Nightlife and entertainment in Gran Canaria

After dark, the south coast resort of Playa del Inglés becomes the island's party capital, with lively bars, karaoke venues, late-night clubs and cabaret shows that keep going into the early hours. For a more laid-back evening, head to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where you'll find stylish rooftop bars, live music venues and waterfront cocktails around Las Canteras Beach. Dress codes are generally casual, although some upmarket clubs and cocktail bars may expect more smart-casual attire.

Yumbo Centrum

The heart of Playa del Inglés' nightlife, shopping centre Yumbo Centrum is packed with bars, clubs, restaurants and live entertainment venues spread across its multi-level open-air complex. The atmosphere really comes alive after around 10pm, when the shops close and the evening entertainment gets into full swing.

Eiffel Bar

A long-running favourite in Playa del Inglés, Eiffel Bar is known for its lively atmosphere, themed cocktail nights and weekend DJs. Located close to Yumbo Centrum, its spacious outdoor terrace makes it a popular spot for people-watching before a night out. 

Atelier Cocktail Bar

For expertly mixed drinks in a stylish setting, head to rooftop spot, the Atelier Cocktail Bar in Playa del Inglés. On the eighth floor of the five-star Bohemia Suites & Spa hotel, this is a popular spot from which to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Maspalomas sand dunes, while raising a glass or two. The cocktails are more than Insta-worthy too. Put something nice on, and be aware this is an adults-only space.