Gran Canaria holidays

Soak up more island culture in the trendy capital, Las Palmas. Across two scenic bays, the city is packed with historic sights, cafes and trendy tapas bars. With beautiful urban beaches and a chic marina, it’s a cosmopolitan spot to shop until you drop or kick back with a cocktail in the sunshine.

The height of summer, when average highs are around 28C, is school holiday season in Europe, so isn’t the easiest time to find a bargain break.

Set between bright green hills in the centre of the island is the hillside village of Tejeda. With its narrow streets and whitewashed houses with colourful blooms tumbling from their balconies, the village is seemingly frozen in time.

Make sure you visit some of the towering peaks and geological treasures that surround the village. At Roque Bentayga, explore sacred pits, caves and engraved rocks where the island’s original inhabitants once worshipped. The volcanic Roque Nublo is also nearby.

Dolphin and whale watching

A busy aquatic world thrives under the waves lapping Gran Canaria’s shores – almost 30 species of sea mammals are in these waters year-round – and you can join a whale watching tour for a chance to see it in action.

Bottlenose dolphins, and minke, sperm and false killer whales, are fairly common around here, though the whales tend to be on the shy side. However, chances of spotting dolphins are good and some companies offer a free second tour if you don’t see anything the first time. Catamaran trips leave daily from Puerto Rico, in the southwest.

Las Palmas

For a taste of Canarian culture, visit Gran Canaria’s capital. Spain’s ninth-largest city, Las Palmas is a bustling port with a cosmopolitan energy in the northeast corner of the island.

Escape to the character-filled old quarter, where grand colonial buildings and shady papaya-filled courtyards line the tangle of streets, for an afternoon wander. Check out the former house of explorer Christopher Columbus before heading to the waterfront for beers and tapas overlooking the ocean.

Barranco de Guayadeque

Epic and evergreen, this impressive ravine is incredibly beautiful. In the east of the island, the plunging valley of streams and singing birds is a great place to escape from it all.

The slopes have a fragrant mix of Canary Island pines, almond trees, palms and poppies, making it a paradise if you’re a hiker, birdwatcher or nature lover. For something extra special, visit during spring when the almond trees are in bloom.

Artenara

Artenara is Gran Canaria’s highest village, on cliffs some 1,270m (4,167ft) above sea level. After a hair-raising drive, you’ll be welcomed to this mountainside village by the widespread arms of the towering Corazon de Jesus statue.

Several viewpoints offer breath-taking panoramas reaching as far as Mount Teide volcano on neighbouring Tenerife. Many villagers live in cave houses, and you can try out the experience in a cave restaurant or by visiting the cave church.

Along the coast to the west, Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria has an artificial beach ideal for toddlers to splash around.

For travellers on a budget

There are several hostels and self-catering apartments across the island if you’re looking for a cheap Gran Canaria holiday. Start your search around Las Palmas, where you can choose between rooms in atmospheric 1930s buildings in the old town and beachside budget accommodation surrounded by inexpensive restaurants and bars.

For a more authentic experience, stay in a rustic casa rural (simple guesthouse) in Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Maspalomas or Agüimes. Facilities are usually basic, but the accommodation is homey and sometimes has communal courtyards and lounges.

For food and drink

In the southwest, Puerto de Mogán, is a stunning harbour town with whitewashed streets bursting with bright flowers. As a fishing village, it’s a great place to dine on the freshest local seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

As the largest city and capital, Las Palmas is a cultural melting pot. Here you can eat at cosy Canarian bistros with local favourites on the menu in the old town or try the vegan burger joints and Argentine grills by the sea. If you like a bit of rum, go to Arucas, in the north, to visit one of Europe’s oldest rum cellars.

For nightlife

Las Palmas is the place to stay for the best range of bars and clubs. Catering to tourists, young and old, it has Irish pubs, late-night discos and traditional bars with cheap cervezas (beers).

Outside Las Palmas, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico make up Gran Canaria’s southern party hub. You’ll find cocktail bars and the biggest club nights at these beach resorts. Spend the day in the sun and the night in venues that stay pumping until dawn.

For culture

The old town of Las Palmas, called Vegueta, has attractive colonial-style architecture and cultural sights. Take time to explore the Columbus House, the archaeological Canarian Museum and the grand Las Palmas Cathedral. You can stay in boutique hotels with original stone walls and mosaic flooring or somewhere with modern rooftop pools overlooking the city.

To understand the island before tourists arrived, try Agüimes. Inland from the east coast, the charming town has narrow streets and shaded plazas in its perfectly preserved historic centre. It hosts many music, theatre and religious festivals and workshops throughout the year.