Spain · City Guide
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a spectacular Canary Island often described as a continent in miniature, combining extraordinary volcanic landscapes, dramatic sand dunes at Maspalomas, beautiful mountain villages, outstanding water sports and a year-round mild climate. From the historic capital Las Palmas and the beautiful beaches of the south to the rural interior and the Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria rewards every kind of traveller.
Elect's take
"Gran Canaria has more variety than most visitors expect. The contrast between the resort south and the dramatic mountain interior creates a destination where completely different experiences are available within an hour's drive."
The Maspalomas dunes are one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in Spain, a UNESCO protected area of enormous sand dunes extending to the sea. Las Palmas is a vibrant city with the beautiful colonial quarter of Vegueta and outstanding surf beaches at Las Canteras. The interior is spectacular, with Tejeda and the views from Roque Nublo providing some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Canary Islands.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Maspalomas Dunes
A UNESCO protected landscape of extraordinary sand dunes extending to the Atlantic.
Playa del Inglés
The largest and most popular beach resort area in the Canary Islands.
Roque Nublo
A dramatic volcanic monolith with spectacular views across the island interior.
Las Palmas Vegueta
The beautiful colonial quarter of the island capital with excellent museums.
Cycling Destination
A world class cycling destination with varied terrain and year-round mild climate.
Mountain Villages
Beautiful rural communities including Tejeda, Artenara and Agüimes in the interior.
