Gran Canaria
Holidays to Gran Canaria
Destination Fun
The sheer breadth of tourist activity and the quality thereof makes Gran Canaria Spain a standout Holiday Supermarket destination. Those who love the idea of idling away the day on a Gran Canaria beach are spoilt for choice. (Do you dare get a little more sun than you're used to on the stretch of beach between Playa del Inglés and Meloneras, the island's well-known nudist beach?) If you prefer a more active holiday, then take on the waves in the north of the island, or, in the right conditions, the south - Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Arguineguin in the southern resort areas.
Gran Canaria is the third largest of the island group and it boasts a variety of terrain perfect for mountain biking. There are plenty of hire centres on the island and the marked trails offer a good selection of trails for amblers and serious enthusiasts. If you like golf, you're well catered for with 8 new courses and if you like scuba diving the southern part of the island has several world-class dive sites.
Where to stay? The southern region is where most apartments and resorts in Gran Canaria are located. This places you in the middle of great beaches and excellent restaurants, as well as most of the tourist services (like car or bike hire for example). Capital Las Palmas is in the north east of the island.
Latest Canary Island Offers
Hints and tips for your Gran Canaria holiday
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Eating out in Gran Canaria
Cheap, expensive and everything in between
As an island chain with a significant population the Canarian cuisine has developed flavours all its own - do make sure you try the 'local' food. It tends to be a blend of dishes like Gofio, fish, squid rings, octopus with vinegar; Papas arrugadas con mojo (salt and spices potatoes), and grilled meat.
The budget options - your best choice is the Red Cow on Ave Alf. Provisionales in Playa del Ingles for a good, hearty meal. It's not an exploration of Canarian cuisine by any means, but the honest steaks and pizza/pasta menu will fill you up, and leave you satisfied at a very reasonable price.
Mid-price options - Wapa Tapa in Yumbo Centrum is a lively, well-staffed, casual restaurant that serves a lovely modern take on traditional Spanish Tapas. This is great food, served fast, caught fresh that day and with just the right amount of spices and flavour. Good with a group, but couples are easily catered for too.
Splurge - Casito Mediterraneo is fast developing a reputation for being the best on the island. You'll find it in Puerto de Mogan and it won't disappoint with dishes like sea bass with basil sauce or duck in cherry tomato sauce. Dessert? Try the strawberry and chocolate ice cream waffles!
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Things not to miss
Gran Canaria - delightful beaches, awesome activities
You can idle away days by the pool very easily in Gran Canaria - the summer weather practically invites you to do so. But you'd be wasting some seriously good opportunities to get out and get active.
"Hawaii" in Europe - the surf on Gran Canaria can be incredible and there are a few surf schools that will show you the ropes. The northern beaches host great swells and learning to surf is fantastic fun on long, balmy summer days. The southern beaches around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Arguineguin also have reasonable waves.
Best beaches - if you're staying close to the Mogán area your beach choices include Amadores, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico, and Playa de Mogán. The 4 km stretch of beach between Playa del Inglés and Meloneras is nudist (clothing optional).
Hiking - you don't have to be fit (but it helps) to take on the trails that run the length and breadth of the island. There are inhabited cave villages to see, walks along lakes and into the mountains on well-maintained tracks.
Weather in Gran Canaria
What to wear, when to go
The weather on Gran Canaria is sub tropical and a balmy 28-33 most days in summer, although it drops to around 21-24 by night. Winter temps are around 23C and about 17 at night. Rough weather is an autumn phenomenon with Atlantic storms from October on - with some occurring as late as March. Heavy rain is rare, although you might want to bring a jacket for winter walks.
