Gran Canaria, known as the "miniature continent," is distinguished by its striking contrasts. On the same day, you can enjoy magnificent beaches and extensive dune fields, then ascend to peaks covered by Canarian pine forests, whose green stands out against the dark volcanic landscape. In the north it may be cloudy or even rainy, but only 30 minutes away in the south it is sunny and warm.
On the way to the mountains, you'll pass deep ravines and valleys, imposing volcanic rocks, calderas, and impressive cliffs... incredible places where you must pause to contemplate the overwhelming landscape. Whether comfortably by car or using public transport, Gran Canaria has an extensive and well-developed road network.
Like the other Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is blessed with an enviable climate, an eternal spring that invites you to intensively experience the rich nature and diversity of landscapes, the picturesque places by the sea and inland, the traditions, culture, and history. Also the modernity of tourist and urban centers like Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Which Beach Shall We Visit Today?
From golden dunes to hidden volcanic coves
Undoubtedly, beaches are at the top of the list of attractions that Gran Canaria has to offer. Here you'll find beaches for every taste: extensive beaches, small coves, busy beaches, secluded beaches, beaches with golden sand, dark sand, or volcanic rock and... surprise! Gran Canaria has one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe.
Southern Beaches
In the south are the widest beaches with calm waters and mostly light sand. They are located in the main tourist centers, equipped with all imaginable services, and are easily accessible.
Northern Beaches
Quite different are the beaches in the north: small coves with dark sand or volcanic rock, with more waves and sometimes more complicated access. But here you have the opportunity to cool off in small, natural pools.
Complete Beach Guide
Southern Paradise Beaches
Maspalomas Beach
Iconic 6km golden beach with spectacular sand dunes and historic lighthouse. Perfect for families with calm waters and endless activities.
Playa del Inglés
Vibrant 2.7km beach known for its lively atmosphere, water sports, and excellent facilities. Popular with young travelers and water sports enthusiasts.
Puerto de Mogán
Charming "Little Venice" with colorful houses, peaceful marina, and small protected beach. Perfect for romantic getaways and quiet relaxation.
Northern & Western Wild Beaches
Las Canteras Beach
One of the world's best urban beaches, 3km golden sand protected by La Barra reef. Perfect for swimming, surfing, and city beach lifestyle.
Playa de Sardina
Authentic fishing village beach with dark volcanic sand and natural rock pools. Great for experiencing local culture and natural beauty.
Playa de Güigüí
Remote pristine beach accessible only by boat or 2-hour hike. Virgin white sand beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs - Gran Canaria's hidden gem.
Find Your Perfect Beach
Family Friendly
Calm waters, facilities, lifeguards
Romantic
Secluded spots, sunsets
Water Sports
Surfing, windsurfing, diving
Adventure
Hiking access, wild nature
Beach Conditions & Tips
Water Temperature
- • Winter: 18-20°C (64-68°F)
- • Summer: 22-24°C (72-75°F)
- • Perfect for swimming year-round
Blue Flag Beaches
- • Las Canteras (Las Palmas)
- • Maspalomas (San Bartolomé)
- • Puerto Rico (Mogán)
Safety Tips
- • Strong sun - use SPF 30+
- • Atlantic currents - swim safely
- • Volcanic sand gets very hot
In the Green Heart of the Island
Volcanic peaks and pristine pine forests
Gran Canaria is much more than sun and beach. It's also nature and wild landscapes of great beauty, like those in the heart of the island, dominated by Roque Nublo. This imposing volcanic monolith is reached on a short but quite demanding hike. The view from this natural viewpoint is breathtaking.
"Above the grandiose cliffs in the northwest of the island lies Tamadaba Natural Park, one of the best-preserved Canarian original pine forests."
Thanks to the extensive network of paths through endemic pine forests and ravines, along large freshwater reservoirs or lava flows, these natural and rural areas can be explored up close. You can stop in one of the idyllic villages and hamlets, strengthen yourself with traditional gastronomic products, or simply chat a bit with the hospitable locals.
Charming Villages and Hamlets
Where time moves at a different pace
Tejeda
One of Spain's most beautiful villages
Award WinnerTeror
Historic basilica and beautiful balconies
HistoricArtenara
Highest village on Gran Canaria
1,270mAway from the lively urban and tourist centers on the coast, you'll find quiet villages and hamlets in the interior of Gran Canaria where life moves at a more leisurely pace. These are silent oases where the concept of "time" has a different dimension. Here, in places like Fataga or Aguimes with deeply rooted traditions, you get insight into simple, rural life.
Cultural Tour Through Museums
From pre-Hispanic heritage to modern art
It's practically impossible to find a place on the island where there isn't at least one museum, but the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has the largest and most diverse offer in this regard. In the heart of the magnificent historic center of the city - Vegueta - stands the Canary Museum, which shows various aspects of the life of the indigenous people with very curious pieces like a skull collection and several mummies.
Casa de Colón
The Columbus House, a peculiar building that not only bears witness to Christopher Columbus's stay on the island but also shows the history of the Canary Islands and their relations with America.
CAAM
The Atlantic Center of Modern Art, with exhibitions of contemporary artists from Europe, America, and Africa.
Fascinating Archaeological Sites
Discover the island's ancient heritage
The island preserves an important part of its historical and archaeological legacy, remains that help to better know and understand the culture and way of life of the former inhabitants of Gran Canaria.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
"The Cultural Landscape of Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria were declared a World Heritage Site due to their historical and religious value."
In the north of Gran Canaria is a jewel of Canarian archaeology: the Cueva Pintada Museum and , Archaeological Park of Gáldara settlement with more than fifty houses and artificially created caves that were part of a pre-Hispanic settlement. One of the caves contains an extraordinary example of indigenous wall painting.
Pampered on the Wellness Island
Gran Canaria is a popular destination for wellness tourism. Already in the 19th century, vacationers from the mainland came to the island to recover from all kinds of ailments in the beneficial climate. Over time, the wellness concept has evolved, but recovery and the resulting physical and mental well-being are still guaranteed on the island today.
Sand & Sun
Sea & Fresh Air
Volcanic Rock
Modern Spas
Sports, Sports, Sports
There's no sport that can resist this island with its year-round spring-like climate. When there are also all kinds of sports facilities and corresponding offers, there's no excuse not to spend some time with sporting activities.
Golf
Modern courses with ocean breeze
Water Sports
Surfing, sailing, and swimming
Mountain Biking
Explore landscapes on dedicated trails
And There's Still the Night!
Fun and entertainment continue even when daylight fades on the island. If you still have energy left after a varied day program, especially the tourist resorts and the capital offer countless possibilities to choose from. Restaurants, street cafés, cocktail bars, entertainment centers, trendy venues, cinemas, shows... Lots of choice for those who want to enjoy the island's vibrant nightlife.
"Gran Canaria is registered as a 'Starlight Tourism Destination' - perfect for astro-tourism activities and star observation excursions with knowledgeable guides."
Don't Leave Without Trying This...
Queso de Flor (Flower Cheese)
The "Flower Cheese" is a delicacy made only in three places in northern Gran Canaria. Its specialty lies in the use of vegetable rennet obtained from the flower of certain thistle species. It's one of the Canarian cheeses with protected designation of origin.