Gran Canaria Holidays

Gran Canaria is the island people book when they want the beach in February, or any time of the year, four and a half hours from home and always sunny, 22°C in the middle of winter. It has resorts that range from party central, to quiet and tranquil and more to offer in the nature department than people often think.

Highlights of your Gran Canaria Holidays 2026/2027

• Six kilometres of sand - One continuous beach running from Playa del Inglés round to Maspalomas lighthouse, wide enough that it never feels full even in August, with the promenade and everything you need behind it.

• The Maspalomas dunes - A protected nature reserve, and genuinely unlike anywhere else in Europe. Walk out at sunset and you will forget which continent you are on.

• Ten resorts, ten different holidays - Playa del Inglés for nightlife, Puerto de Mogán for quiet, Meloneras for polish, Amadores for a sheltered swim.

• Papas arrugadas and mojo - Wrinkled salt-baked potatoes with a red or green garlic sauce, on every table on the island. Order them with fresh fish in a harbour restaurant and you will be thinking about them long after you've left.

Good to know

• ☀️ Weather - The reason people come. Highs of 22°C in January and February, 26°C in August, and around 2,800 hours of sunshine a year. The south coast is drier and warmer than the north all year, which is why all the big resorts are down there, and the sea is swimmable in any month (yes even december).

• 💶 Money - Euros, and no tourist tax. A pint of local beer runs €2.50 to €3.50 at most beach bars, and a menú del día inland will be cheaper than anything on the promenade.

• 🏛 Fun fact - Gran Canaria is called the miniature continent and it earns it. You can stand in a desert at Maspalomas in the morning and be in pine forest at 1,500 metres by lunchtime, with the temperature ten degrees lower and the cloud below you.

Gran Canaria is perfect for you if...

• You want a beach holiday in February and you don't want to spend more than 5 hours in the plane

• You like sun, fun and a reasonably priced cold one!

• You want banging beaches, but you also want a mountain, a pine forest and the option to wear a jumper one day (when you climb the mountain)

• You're not one of those kinds of tourists who likes to pretend you're not a tourist

Local Lingo – Talk Like a Canario

In Gran Canaria, Spanish is the main language, but the local dialect has its own relaxed, sing-song vibe. You don’t need to be fluent, just a few phrases will go a long way (and might even earn you a bigger smile at the bar 🍹).

• “Hola” (oh-la) – hello. Your all-purpose greeting, from hotel staff to beach bars.

• “Gracias” (grah-thee-as) – thank you. Always appreciated, especially after great service.

• “De nada” (deh nah-da) – you’re welcome. You’ll hear this a lot in return.

• “Por favor” (por fah-vor) – please. Simple, polite, and makes everything smoother.

• “¿Todo bien?” (toh-doh bee-en) – all good? A friendly, casual check-in locals use all the time.

• “¡Vamos!” (vah-mos) – let’s go! Perfect for heading to the beach or out for the night.

Where's the best area to stay on your holidays to Gran Canaria?

Just like a good wedding playlist, Gran Canaria has a vibe for everyone. Whether you want the neon lights of the strip or the boujee calm of a marina, here is where to drop your bags.

• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - the vibrant capital where city slicking meets sandy toes. Home to the famous Las Canteras beach, it's a top-tier pick for culture vultures and foodies who want authentic tapas with their tan.

• Puerto Rico - the ultimate family all-rounder. With a sheltered beach, calm waters, and shops within easy walking distance, it’s a stress-free zone for parents and a classic choice for a sun-soaked jolly.

• Amadores - think of this as Puerto Rico’s chilled-out sibling. Famous for its Caribbean-style white sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s 10/10 for couples who want peace during the day but easy access to the action at night.

• Maspalomas - known for its mahoosive sand dunes and upmarket hotels, this spot screams sophistication. Perfect for nature lovers and couples wanting those "wow" factor holiday snaps.

• Playa del Inglés - the undisputed king of nightlife. If you’re here to party, shop, and hit a massive beach, this buzzing resort is where the magic happens. Ideal for groups and night owls.

• San Agustín - an elegant, golden-sand hideaway just down the road from the party central. It’s the perfect compromise for those who want a relaxing romantic break without being totally off the grid.

• Playa Taurito - small, intimate, and packing a punch with its waterpark and sheltered bay. A cracker for families and snorkellers who prefer a resort with a cosy, village feel.

• Puerto Mogán - aka "Little Venice." With flower-filled streets and romantic canals, this former fishing village is arguably the most stun spot on the island. A total winner for couples and quiet-seekers.

All Inclusive Holidays To Gran Canaria

All-inclusive works better on Gran Canaria than on most islands, because the resorts here are strung along the south coast rather than gathered in one town, so the walk from your hotel to a restaurant is a real consideration (it's not just a short stroll, especially with kids). This means that staying put is often the best idea and the hotels have built around that: the big south-coast properties do all-inclusive properly, with several restaurants rather than one buffet, snacks through the afternoon and local drinks included as standard. From the shores to the watersports and beyond, Gran Canaria is an ideal spot for your next all-inclusive jolly.

Two things worth knowing before you compare. Board levels vary more here than the label suggests: some properties include à la carte dinners in the package and some charge for them, and imported spirits are frequently outside it. And the value case is strongest in winter, when eating out on the promenade costs the same as it does in August but the flights and rooms do not. But for families who are happy to stay at the hotel, all-i can offer great value any time of the year because it means all your meals, and snacks, are included. That said, who's ready for bottomless pizza and cocktails by the pool? Gran Canaria? More like 'Gran Canari-YEAH'.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Gran Canaria for families?

• Servatur Waikiki is built for families rather than tolerant of them, and the detail that matters is the teen provision: a lounge with console games and a movie room alongside the younger children's facilities, which is the bit that usually disappears once children hit twelve. Playa del Inglés, so the beach and the promenade are both walkable, and the all-inclusive runs from a 07:30 breakfast through continental until midday for anyone who surfaced late.

• HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria is the bungalow option, laid out as low-rise blocks around gardens and pools rather than a tower, which suits families who want the children somewhere they can see them. Playa del Inglés again, and a short walk from the dunes.

💑 What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Gran Canaria for couples?

• BLUESEA Marieta is adults only and sits in Playa del Inglés, which is the combination a lot of couples are looking for here: quiet hotel, loud resort, and you choose which one you are in that evening.

• H10 Costa Mogan is adults only from eighteen and sits further west at Mogán, where the bays are sheltered and the water is warmer. The trade is that you are away from the nightlife rather than next to it, which for most couples booking this end of the island is the point.

✨ What are the best luxury all-inclusive hotels in Gran Canaria?

• Paradisus by Melia Gran Canaria is the five-star at San Agustín, and the all-inclusive is the reason to look at it rather than an afterthought: several restaurants rather than one buffet, and the standard of the included drinks is a step up from the resort norm.

• Gloria Palace Amadores is built into the cliff above Amadores beach, with the lifts down to the sand and one of the better spa and thalasso setups on the island. The views are the selling point and they are not oversold.

Cheap holidays to Gran Canaria

Let's get real: you don’t need to be a billionaire, or even a thousandaire, to bag cheap holidays to Gran Canaria. We're talking sun, surf, and sand for under a grand. We’ve got the deals, and oh boy, are they hotter than last summer's dance craze. Now, some folks might think a budget trip means missing out, but you know better, right? With us, you’re not just keeping up with the travel elite; you’re blazing your own trail. So here's our top tips for making sure your Canarian jollie makes your wallet happy, as well as all of you on the trip itself.

The cheapest months are May, June and late September into October.

Where you book changes the price more than when. Playa del Inglés and San Agustín are the value end and have the deepest choice; Meloneras and Amadores are the polished end and price accordingly. Puerto Rico sits in between and is often the sweet-spot for families who want a sheltered beach without the Meloneras premium.

Two things worth doing. Compare all-inclusive against room-only properly rather than assuming, because on an island where you are eating three meals out a day the all-inclusive supplement often costs less than the meals it replaces.

So, ready to swap those daydreams for real sunbeams without breaking your piggy bank? Gran Canaria is calling, and rumour has it, she’s got a soft spot for savvy travellers like you.

Last-minute holidays to Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of the better islands to book last minute. Most Mediterranean destinations empty out in November; this one fills up, so there is late availability moving in both directions across the year rather than a single summer scramble.

The best late availability is in the shoulders, late April to early June and late September into October, when the weather is at its most reliable and the schools are back. Winter is the hardest time to book late, particularly Christmas, New Year and February half term, because the same rooms are being chased by people escaping the cold and by the northern European market who have been booking Gran Canaria in winter for fifty years.

Three things that make a late booking work here. Be flexible on resort rather than on dates: the ten south-coast resorts are within half an hour of each other, so widening the search from Playa del Inglés to include San Agustín or Puerto Rico opens up a lot without changing the holiday much. Check what board is included rather than assuming, because late all-inclusive deals are common on this island and often cost less than room-only plus eating out. And look at Las Palmas, which most late searches ignore: it is a proper city with a city beach, and it prices differently from the resort strip.

What are the best beaches to hit up on your Gran Canaria holidays?

Whether you're after a cheeky last-minute getaway or you're craving a winter break in the sun, we've got you. From secluded coves to whopping stretches of sand, Gran Canaria has got the goods. Get your towel ready:

• Maspalomas Beach - where the dunes are as epic as your last night out, and the horizon stretches forever. It's like stepping onto another planet, but with better beach bars.

• Playa de Amadores - picture-perfect turquoise waters, white sands, and a vibe so chill, you’ll forget what day it is. It's the ultimate spot to whip out your beach towel and relax.

• Las Canteras Beach - city beach chic meets crystal-clear waters. This is where you go to strut your stuff, paddleboard like a pro, and sip something cold as you watch the world go by.

• Puerto Rico Beach - sun-soaked and sheltered, this beach is a haven for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. There's a ton of activities for the kiddos, too.

• Playa de Mogán - tucked away in a picturesque port town, this beach is all about those laid-back, seaside vibes. It's perfect for a day of sunning and funning on your holidays to Gran Canaria.

• San Agustín Beach - a quieter, more serene spot for those looking to escape the crowds. The dark sands and peaceful atmosphere make it a proper good choice for a relaxed day.

• Playa del Inglés - buzzing with energy, this beach is a hotspot for nightlife and daytime fun. It’s where the party keeps on giving, from dawn till dusk.

• Playa de Güi Güi - a hidden gem accessible by a hike or boat. It’s your go-to for breathtaking, untouched beauty and a solid adventure.

• Anfi del Mar - think Caribbean vibes in the Canary Islands. Powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a swanky resort backdrop. It’s 10/10 for a day of luxe lounging.

What are the best hotels in Gran Canaria?

Ready to swap your daily grind for some top-tier, sun-kissed luxury? Gran Canaria rolls out the red carpet with some of the swankiest spots to lay your head, kick back, and live it up, island style. Check out our top hotels below for the lowdown on where to crash in style:

For Families

• Servatur Waikiki – Splash park with slides and water guns, kids' club and an adults-only chill zone for when you need five minutes' peace. All-inclusive in Playa del Inglés takes the stress out of mealtimes.

• LIVVO Lago Taurito & Waterpark – Waterpark right across the road, kids' club for ages 4-18, spa for parents and a gorgeous sheltered bay. Proper family paradise in Playa Taurito.

• Gloria Palace Amadores – Clifftop stunner with infinity pool, kids' splash park, mini club and Thalasso spa. Those Amadores Bay views are 10/10.

• Maspalomas Princess – Waterpark with slides, Mini Club for ages 4-12, plus an adults-only chill-out area. Right by the famous Maspalomas dunes.

• Club Riu Gran Canaria – 24-hour all-inclusive with kids' club, teen lounge, splash pool and Asian restaurant. Everything sorted under one roof.

For Couples

• Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Thalasso – Five-star elegance with lagoon pools, Thalasso spa and traditional Canarian architecture. Beachfront in Meloneras.

• Marina Bayview – Adults-only apartments overlooking Puerto Rico harbour. Stunning views, peaceful vibes and steps from the beach.

• LABRANDA Marieta – Adults-only and just 250m from Playa del Inglés beach. Quiet romantic escape within walking distance of the action.

• Bull Costa Canaria & Spa – Adults-only right on San Agustín beach with spa facilities. Sophisticated without being stuffy.

• Gran Canaria Princess – Adults-only (16+) with wellness area, Balinese beds and rooftop vibes. Central Playa del Inglés location.

For Luxury Seekers

• Lopesan Baobab Resort – Five-star African-themed paradise with seven pools, diving school and world-class dining. Meloneras at its finest.

• Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa – Beachfront five-star with 13-stand gastro buffet, on-site cinema, ice grottos and salt caves. The Unique Club upgrade is next level.

For Budget-Savvy Travellers

• Colina Mar – Spacious apartments with stunning views, kids' club and evening shows. Proper good value in Puerto Rico without skimping on the fun.

• BlueBay Beach Club – Seafront in Bahía Feliz with huge pool, kids' club and entertainment programme. Great value all-inclusive.

👉 Browse all Gran Canaria hotels to find your perfect match.

Gran Canaria holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best things to do on a Gran Canaria family holiday?

Gran Canaria is a veritable playground paradise for family holidays with the kiddos and the young at heart in tow. From beaches with sand that’s begging for castles to waterparks that are totally popping off, there is absolutely zero chance of hearing the dreaded "I'm bored" on this island.

• Beach Bumming - hit the mahoosive dunes of Maspalomas for sandcastle building and plenty of room for little legs to run.

• Waterpark Wonders - head to Aqualand Maspalomas for a splash-tastic day of slides, flumes, and lazy rivers.

• Animal Adventures - visit Palmitos Park to see dolphins, cheeky meerkats, and colourful parrots in a stunning botanical setting.

• Crocodile Crazy - get snap-happy at Cocodrilo Park, a rescue centre packed with crocs, monkeys, and rescued exotic pets.

• Whale Watching - hop on a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales splashing about in their natural habitat.

• Theme Park Thrills - visit Holidayworld Maspalomas for rides, bowling, and karaoke – perfect for burning off that evening energy.

• Submarine Adventure - dive deep without getting wet on the Yellow Submarine – a top-tier experience for budding Octonauts.

💑 What are the best things to do in Gran Canaria for couples?

Planning a cheeky getaway for two? Gran Canaria is the ultimate backdrop for a romantic couples holiday, whether you want to explore the "Little Venice" of the Canaries or just sip rum cocktails at sunset. It’s a 10/10 spot for creating love stories that are good as gold.

• Puerto de Mogan - stroll the canals of "Little Venice," snapping gorge photos and soaking up the boujee marina vibes.

• Vegueta Strolls - wander hand-in-hand through the cobbled streets of Las Palmas’ Old Town – it’s history with a romantic twist.

• Rum Tasting - spice up your holibobs with a tour of the Arehucas Rum Distillery – free samples included (yes, please!).

• Sunset Sails - book a private boat trip to watch the sun dip below the horizon with a glass of fizz.

• Rooftop Cocktails - find a swanky bar in Meloneras and toast to your getaway with a view of the Atlantic.

• Dunes at Dusk - walk the Maspalomas dunes at sunset for a view that is honestly stun and perfect for proposals.

🎉 What are the best things to do for groups in Gran Canaria?

Round up the squad because Gran Canaria is ready to host the ultimate group trip. Whether you are adrenaline junkies, party animals, or just need a break from the 9-to-5, this island has got activities that will have your group chat buzzing for weeks.

• Escape Rooms - lock yourselves in an escape room in Las Palmas and test your friendships under pressure – good luck!

• Surf’s Up - hit Las Canteras beach for a group surfing lesson – guaranteed laughs as everyone wipes out.

• Go-Karting Glory - channel your inner Lewis Hamilton at Gran Karting Club and race your mates for the top spot.

• Jeep Safaris - go off-road on a rugged 4x4 tour, exploring the wilder side of the island’s mountains.

• Wine Tasting - sip your way through local vineyards on a group tour – it’s culture, but with booze.

• Boat Parties - jump aboard a catamaran for music, dancing, and swimming in the open sea with your crew.

Other Canary Island holidays:

• Tenerife

• Lanzarote

• Fuerteventura

• La Palma