The third largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has some of the most spectacular scenery with sweeping sandy beaches, sheltered coves, volcanic landscapes and lush plantations. This sunny island blends picturesque villages, vibrant modern resorts and warm golden beaches to create a holiday haven popular with families, young people and anyone looking for year round sunshine.
Gran Canaria is a paradise for beaches, nightlife, leisure parks and watersports. The island is hot in the summer and warm during the winter months, making it an ideal year round destination.
The diversity of the landscape and the variety of facilities on offer make Gran Canaria a popular holiday destination for families, young people, couples and people of all ages who are seeking fun and relaxation in the sun, a spot of sightseeing and shopping, and a vibrant and varied nightlife.
Gran Canaria offers year round warm weather with almost constant sunshine. Average temperatures in Gran Canaria range between 20C in the winter and 28C in the summer. The island benefits from very hot summer winds blowing in from the Sahara, which can push temperatures higher than normal. Rain is relatively low on the island but if it does rain it tends to be in the months of January and February. The more rocky and mountainous north and west of the island tend to be cooler than the beaches of the south and are noticeably greener. February and March are an ideal time to visit this part of the island when the apple and almond trees are in bloom.
Gran Canaria is known for its miles and miles of glorious sandy beaches and the majority of tourists head for the south of the island where the main holiday resorts are to be found. As with all of the Canary islands however, Gran Canaria has more to offer then sun and sand, and the long swathes of golden beach contrast with its dramatic, rocky interior. At the centre of the island stands the soaring volcanic peak of Pico de Las Nievas. Sheltering in its rocky slopes are acres of Canarian pine forest and pretty whitewashed villages, unchanged for centuries. A perfect way to explore this beautiful island is to take a jeep through the lush valleys and aboriginal caves or take a camel ride across the Maspalomas sand dunes.
Gran Canaria has a rich heritage and a cosmopolitan culture which can be traced back to its origins as a staging post on the route from Spain to the New World. The flavours of Europe, Africa and Latin America are evident in the architecture, traditions and cuisine on the island. Gran Canaria has had a history of making travellers welcome, and this is a tradition which continues to be extended to their modern visitors. Not to be missed is the capital, Las Palmas with its historic magnificent Cathedral de Santa Ana, Casa de Colon and the beautiful gardens and replica Canarian village of Pueblo Canario.
Playa del Ingles is Gran Canaria’s party capital with every type of disco, bar and nightclub. Behind the beach, a lively promenade warms up early in the evening, and continues into the early hours with live music and street entertainment. The island’s capital, Las Palmas is also a popular evening destination, considered to be more sophisticated and cosmopolitan than many of the other resorts. Here there are a variety of bars and restaurants offering a more authentic Spanish experience with salsa music, live bands and jazz.
Gran Canaria’s capital, Las Palmas is one of the best places to shop with chic boutiques and modern shopping malls. Playa de Ingles has a lively commercial centre called the Yumbo Centre, offering a superb range of shopping including perfumes, souvenir shops and tax free electrical bargains. Playa Meloneras provides upmarket fashion stores and Puerto de Mogan and Arguineguin have great weekly markets. For traditional goods head to the countryside through the whitewashed villages and you will find locals selling unusual pottery, lace, crochet and embroidery.
Gran Canaria’s tourist resorts offer a wide range of international cuisine to cater for every taste ranging from Chinese, Italian and fast food American style burger bars. Traditional Canarian cuisine include fresh seafood and tapas, snacks like Jamon Serrano, local cheeses and ali oli, bread dipped in garlic olive oil. Try arroz con verdures, a combination of rice with chopped peppers, sweet corn and tomatoes or potaje de berros, a soup made from watercress, pork, corn on the cob, potatoes, and broad beans flavoured with fresh cumin. Mojo sauce, a spicy pepper salsa, is served with many meals.
Religion in Gran Canaria is Roman Catholic and shoulders and legs should be covered when visiting churches and holy places. Tips are normally included (around about 10%) but additional tips are welcomed. Like the UK smoking is banned in all public spaces. Drinking alcohol in the streets is illegal.
Gran Canaria is a very popular holiday destination which is becoming more and more popular every year. Because of this, your chances of finding a cheap holiday are very limited.
The weather stays hot and sunny all year round, so the best chance of finding a cheap, enjoyable Gran Canaria holiday would be towards the end of the year in Winter. You must ensure that you avoid all major holidays including Christmas, New Year and school half-term holidays however.
With the Canaries weather being sunny and hot in the UK's wet and miserable winter period, Gran Canaria is becoming more popular for those seeking winter sun. As a result, this could further limit the chance of finding a cheaper holiday to the area.
There is a possibility that in early May, a select number of cheap deals may become available, but these will be snapped up quickly, so make sure you keep a look out.
Throughout the months of the year there are various festivals on Gran Canaria, some of which are out of the peak season, so along with the beautiful beaches and warm sunny climates, there are still activities to see and do whenever you take a trip to Gran Canaria.
If you're looking for the cheapest holiday possible however, you may be best off looking in the Winter time and in early May for your cheap Gran Canaria holiday.
