The sun shines year-round on this lovely island, where you’ll enjoy a welcome as warm as the weather and plenty of fun-loving beach resorts. The bar-filled commercial centres of popular Playa Del Ingles are fun day or night, while Meloneras is the place for swish boutiques and waterside dining. You can slow the pace among the leafy boulevards of Maspalomas, with its family-flavoured attractions and sensational sand dunes. But it’s well worth exploring inland too. Authentic towns will greet you with coffee-drinking locals and peaceful town squares, and rugged rock formations call for adventure.

Popular Gran Canaria Holiday Resorts

Cordial Mogan Playa

Puerto Mogan, Gran Canaria

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Our rating

Based on 5917 reviews

Set in botanical gardens
Fantastic spa
Excellent service
Michelin star restaurant
Certified sustainable hotel

Marina Elite

Arguineguín, Gran Canaria

Our rating

Based on 1289 reviews

Large, spacious apartments
Beautiful sea views
Two outdoor pools
Certified Sustainable Hotel

Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity

El Salobre, Gran Canaria

Our rating

Based on 4758 reviews

Perfect for Golf
Idyllic views
11th floor infinity pool
Extensive wellness and sports program
Certified sustainable hotel

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Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

0hr

Local beer

£2.10

Three-course meal for two

£42.00

Average flight time

4.5hrs

An old favourite

British holidaymakers have been coming to Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands, since the 19th century and it’s easy to see why. The sun shines on its sandy shores practically all year round, all set against a dramatic backdrop of volcanic cliffs. There’s plenty to keep explorers happy too, with gardens, historical sights and natural wonders aplenty.

Beaches in black, white and gold

The island’s beaches come in all shapes, sizes and even colours. Take your pick between sheltered bays and windswept shorelines blanketed in golden, white or black volcanic sand. The surrounding backdrop makes Gran Canaria a picture-perfect spot, with traditional towns, rugged mountains and lush greenery.

Dream holidays for everyone

Whatever your idea of the perfect holiday, Gran Canaria is sure to have a resort that’s just right for you. Playa Del Ingles is built for serious sunbathing by day and hard partying at night. Puerto Mogan is all about sleepy, traditional charm while Meloneras has the five-star market covered.

Puerto Rico

With its big sandy beach and round-the-clock fun, Puerto Rico caters to families and party-seekers alike.

Playa Del Ingles

The most famous of Gran Can’s resorts is all lit up and ready to go. Think sun, sea and style with its broad beach, trendy clubs and a top-notch shopping scene.

Maspalomas

Sophisticated Maspalomas serves up first-class restaurants and designer boutiques alongside all the soft, golden sand you could dream of.

Playa Taurito

Secure yourself a spot on the warm sands and enjoy the gleaming sunshine of Gran Canaria away from the hustle and bustle from the bigger beaches.

San Agustín

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of San Agustín’s quiet beach, calming spa facilities and sprinkling of Swedish influence.

Meloneras

The upmarket charm of Meloneras really catches the eye along the glittering south-eastern part of the island. Imagine days filled with exclusive boutiques, leading restaurants and stunning beaches.

Puerto Mogan

This old fishing village is now a modern-day spectacle with a rustic resort feel.

Amadores

Showcasing swoon-worthy views of Gran Can's most photogenic beach, Amadores is a hillside hideaway promising peace and wow factor aplenty.

El Salobre

If golf’s your game, get ready to be blown away by the epic setting of this luxury resort.

Playa Del Cura

A cliffside decorated with perched buildings looks down on the bronze sands of pretty Playa del Cura. Small and quiet, you’ll find low-key and drama-free is the name of the game here.

Arguineguín

Embrace traditions as you explore the colourful boats all moored by the shoreline.

Bahia Feliz

For a real taste of the Canaries, Bahía Feliz offers beaches, a stunning promenade, and lush landscapes, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway.

Beaches

It’s all about poolside lounging and retro bathing platforms in much of this seaside paradise. But if you’re after a traditional stretch of sand to mooch on, the island of Ischia is your best bet. It’s kitted out with one of the largest patches, and most of it’s free, too.

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Sights

Over on the island of Capri, the Blue Grotto is an enchanting sight to behold. Head there on a boat and watch as sunlight peeps through the rocks and illuminates this stunning sea cave. Don’t miss out on UNESCO-stamped marvels back inland, for particularly remarkable historic gems.

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El Faro Lighthouse

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

The third highest lighthouse in Spain used to provide a beacon guiding ships from Africa and America. Climb to the base of the lighthouse and you'll be rewarded with fantastic views over Maspalomas. Plus,...

Fataga village

Gran Canaria

This pretty village sits sandwiched between two striking valleys, with luscious pine forests, fertile soils and palm groves. White houses with terracotta rooftops line peaceful cobbled streets, why not explore...

Activities

Hop between villages and hilltop hamlets along the coast. Whether you do this by bus or car, you’ll be blown away by the jaw-dropping scenes on this world-famous cliff-top drive. If that doesn’t pack your camera roll with enough mind-blowing photos, take a trek to mighty Mount Vesuvius.

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Aqualand Waterpark

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

The kids - and you - will have a whale of a time at Aqualand, with a host of fun slides and water chutes to satisfy thrill-seekers and little ones alike. Kids will be entertained in the children's area and...

Puerto Rico Marina

Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

This upmarket marina has grown in recent years, attracting loads of holidaymakers and sailing types. It’s the gateway to the world beyond the shore, as lots of boat excursions leave from here. The marina is...

Eating and drinking

Seafood is a staple here, and the focus is on local, fresh and simple. There are plenty of Amalfi Coast delicacies, where fish is gently simmered in water with a simple trio of flavours – tomatoes, garlic and parsley. Pitch up in a traditional eatery and feast for hours.

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Shopping

Souvenir shopping is big business around these parts. If you're after anything lemon-themed, you’re in luck. Delis selling glorious local produce and tiny shops trading in handicrafts line the cobbled streets in every town. Sorrento specialises in ornate wooden furniture, while Capri’s famed for sandals. There are some glamorous labels in fashion, too.

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Nightlife

Evening activities are relatively low-key and get going with late-night al fresco meals with wine. You’ll find some super-chic bars in Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi, where you can indulge in a cocktail or two. You’ll find there are a few options to frequent after the sun goes down.

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