Gran Canaria is one of the largest and most popular of Spain's Canary Islands. While this beautiful island makes for a great destination all year round, it is particularly popular in the winter as holiday-makers are chasing the warmth and the sun that Gran Canaria has no shortage of even in the colder months of the year. If you are planning a visit there too, here are some fun things to do and see while on the island of Gran Canaria.
Just before we get into the different activity suggestions, we must answer the most commonly asked question by travelers - where to stay in Gran Canaria? The truth is, the options of holiday rentals in Gran Canaria are incredibly vast, so you won’t struggle to get the perfect place for you, within your budget.
The accommodation options on the island vary from city apartments and bungalows to luxury villas with private pools - some are located right on the beach, while the more remote ones offer breathtaking views of the mountains… Therefore, the choice will really depend on how many of you are travelling, what kind of experience you’d like to have and what part of the island you’d prefer to stay on.
Now that we have that covered, let’s get back to the fun tips on what to do in Gran Canaria:
Gran Canaria is home to some of the most incredible and unique natural wonders you can explore. The Tamadaba National Park is a brilliant place to see many of these attractions, including the picturesque El Balcón viewpoint of the coast and the grand La Bandera peak. Additionally, since Gran Canaria is a volcanic island, seeing the Caldera de Bandama (the rim of the Bandama Volcano) is a must amongst dozens of other attractions, such as the mind-blowing Dunes of Maspalomas and the Caves of Valeron.
Out of all Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has some of the richest and most interesting history, which reflects in the local culture, architecture and historic sites. The capital of the island, Las Palmas, has lots of magnificent sites you can admire, however, if you’d like to stroll around some of the other historical towns, you must pay Arucas, Gàldar, Tejeda, Firgas and Teror a visit.
For those who enjoy an adventurous day out while on holiday, you will be happy to hear that Gran Canaria is absolutely brimming with opportunities for fun activities. Hiking is a particularly popular activity in the island, as there are so many breathtaking trails available, including the Caldera de Bandama and Roque Nublo. Another thing you can try is water sports - Gran Canaria is often called the paradise of water sports, given that anything you can think of, from scuba diving to kitesurfing, is easily available for people of all skill levels.
Gran Canaria is a dangerous place to be for all of our fellow shopaholics, as the shopping opportunities here are endless. Besides all the world-renowned high street stores, there are also hundreds of charming boutiques where you can purchase locally-produced clothing, accessories and souvenirs… There is even a special event on the first Sunday of every month, aimed at providing visitors with the best shopping stalls, performances and attractions all in one!
Last but not least, you cannot visit Gran Canaria without making use of the lush sandy beaches the island is so proud of. There are so many beaches to choose from, ranging from small private beaches to buzzing tourist areas, full of cocktail bars and seafood restaurants. It is truly difficult to choose the best, however, some of the most loved beaches by tourists include Anfi del Mar, Playa de Mogan, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Playa Las Canteras and Playa de Las Nieves beaches.
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