15 reasons why Gran Canaria is a top destination to visit all year round

With diverse landscape, stunning coastline, undulating mountains, sandy dunes, pine forests, cave dwellings and deep ravines Gran Canaria is a stunner and a compelling holiday destination in Europe. In this post, we have pointed out 15 reasons to visit Gran Canaria anytime of the year! Read on…

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An island that’s exactly the shape of a tiny ball, Gran Canaria is aptly called as a miniature continent.  Shrouded with vast and diverse landscapes one cannot resist but be awestruck at the gorgeous terrain that’s bestowed all over Gran Canaria.  Measuring only 50kms diagonally, Gran Canaria is a complete package of all that we need for a great holiday! 

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Be it the golden sand dunes that plummet down to the beautiful Atlantic ocean, remote whitewashed villages, or the contrasting topography that reshapes at every winding road and views of ravines, pine forest, rock formations, craters and calderas.

One look at these landscapes, it makes you feel like you are in Grand Canyon! And the sand dunes are the miniature version of Sahara desert. In this post, we have compiled 15 alluring reasons as to why you should visit Gran Canaria any time of the year! 

Where is Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is part of Spain and one of the seven Canary Islands located on the Atlantic Ocean. The island is 840 miles away from Europe, and 93 miles off northwestern coast of Africa. Due to its proximity to African continent, the island enjoys sunshine throughout the year and is a popular winter sun destination in Europe. 

How to visit Gran Canaria

Many airlines from mainland Europe fly into the Canary Islands, in particular to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. There are ferry services from Iberian Peninsula to Gran Canaria with 2 ferry routes and 4 ferry sailings per week. 

15 Reasons To Visit Gran Canaria

Holiday in Gran Canaria is as alluring as it sounds. With warm weather all year round, plenty of things to do and see, and great for all kinds of travellers, Gran Canaria is a natural winner when people are looking for winter sun holiday destinations in Europe. Not convinced? Here’s our top most 15 reasons to visit Gran Canaria. 

1. Maspalomas sand dunes

Maspalomas is a protected nature reserve that stretches over an area of 1000 acre of Gran Canaria. One look at the vast sand dunes transports you straight to Sahara Desert. Located on the south-coast of the island,  the sand dunes are impossible to miss out if you are around this region. The blue skies, azure waters and the vast sand dunes are quite a combination not to be missed! 

2. Stunning beaches

Gran Canaria is peppered with plenty of gorgeous sandy beaches with azure waters. There are beaches that cater to all types of holiday makers. Be it families, couples, LGBT, or nudists. Some of the most popular choice of beaches include Playa des Ingles, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Las Canteras and Mogan.  If you are looking for quieter, secluded beaches, head over to Pacito Bea, Montana de Arena, or Las Maranuelas. 

3. Golf courses

Owing to its fantastic weather all year, Gran Canaria is also a popular golf destination. Winter is mild and spring like and makes for a great time to try your hands on golf. Whether you want to play next to vibrant coast, or high up in the volcanic soil, you are spoilt with choices. There are as many as eight gorgeous golf courses in Gran Canaria.

4. Photogenic coastal towns

Gran Canaria is not all about Las Palmas and Maspalomas. Some of the photogenic towns of Gran Canaria are not too far from Las Palmas or Maspalomas and make for a great day trip idea. The white washed houses of Puerto de Mogan adore bougainvillea flowers of pink, yellow and orange. With its small yet crystal clear beach and plenty of resorts, Puerto de Mogan is a town not to be missed. Not too far from here is the stunning town Arguineguin, known for its clear skies and perfect sunsets. 

5. Best road trips

Gran Canaria is a compact island to explore, yet it is best seen when you drive. The lovely coastal roads or the winding mountain roads definitely tempt the road trip fanatics. Hire a car, and explore the corners of Gran Canaria at your own pace. There are vantage points, historic monuments, cave dwellings that does make for a great photo stops. 

6. Whitewashed mountain villages

As you drive across Gran Canaria’s mountains, you can spot tiny villages nestled between the mountains. Visit Fataga, also known as valley of thousand palms, a stunning mountain village located on the Fataga ravine and is a popular day trip destination.  Not too far from Maspalamos is Artenara, one of the highest and oldest village in Gran Canaria. It is a perfect mountain village to escape the buzz and sounds of busy towns in Gran Canaria. 

7. Amazing sunsets

Gran Canaria enjoys 320 days of sunshine and due to its strategic location it naturally is a best destination to watch sunsets. Why not walk along the coast near Faro Maspalomas during sunset? If you want breathtaking sunsets, we suggest you stick to the southern coast. However views of sunset from the mountain isn’t any less either. Reach one of the mountain summits and you can enjoy the sweeping views and glistening sun at the same time. 

8. Layers of mountains

Gran Canaria is blessed with specular mountain ranges and has long attracted mountain lovers. Be it the second highest peak Pico de las Nieves or the weirder Morro de la Agujereada, which has grown 6 metres tall since 2018, thus becoming the tallest mountain in Gran Canaria. Aguimes mountains being a protected area provides unspoilt scenery along with archeological remains and cave dwellings. 

9. Diverse landscapes

Gran Canaria is a tiny continent in itself due to its diverse landscape. While the stunning coastlines dictate the south of Gran Canaria, volcanic mountains and rock formations dominate the north of the island. From high mountain to deep gorges and valleys, lush green vegetation to nature reserves and sand dunes, Gran Canaria provides a diverse landscape that is appealing for all kind of travellers. 

9. Cave dwellings

While the exact history is still argued and unknown, it is believed that cave dwellings existed in Gran Canaria as far as 2500 years ago. Guanches are the people, who probably arrived from Africa during the 1st century BC and established cave dwellings.  However, it is only in the 15th century these cave dwellings were discovered. Today, the remains of cave dwellings are evident in many parts of Gran Canaria. Visit Valeron Monastery that are largest granary with 8 levels and as many as 350 storage spaces.  It is also worth visiting Galder Painted Cave and Guayadeque ravine that is notable for its cave dwellings. 

ALSO READING: WHAT IS IT LIKE TO STAY IN A CAVE HOUSE IN GRAN CANARIA

10. Food scene in Gran Canaria

Being an island, Gran Canaria’s food scene does include a heavy does of sea food and meat. However it is possible to survive as a vegetarian or vegan in Gran Canaria. Papas Arrugadas is arguably one of the most popular and lip smacking dishes in Gran Canaria.  They are the wrinkled canary potatoes topped with Mojo Pican sauce (made with garlic, red or green pepper, cumin, salt, vinegar).  

11. Best choices of holiday stays

Gran Canaria is one of the top destination for holiday goers from Europe, more so during the winter. It is a busy tourist place all through the year.  Widely popular places to stay in Gran Canaria include Maspalomas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Meloneras, Puerto Rico and Puerto del Mogan. These are coastal hubs and are peppered with many resorts and holiday apartments that fits all kinds of budget.

12. Haven for hiking

With plenty of mountains and ravines to visit, Gran Canaria is a treasure trove for adventurers and hikers. Be it the volcanic summits or glistening coastal routes, there’s something that fits all levels of hikers. Roque Nublo is one of the popular short distance hike, although it can get really hot if you go during the peak summer. Recommended season for hiking is between October to March.  

Take a look at the Adventure tours in Gran Canaria 

• Las Palmas, Bandamas high peak and Roque Nublo tour
• 4 hour Canyoning Trip
• 2 hour guided buggy tour in Fataga
• E-Scooter self-guided tour 

13. Culture to soak in

Be it the archeology or history, there’s more to Gran Canaria than mere beaches. If visiting churches, monuments and caves are not your thing, Gran Canaria has an array of fiestas (festivals) to make your time more interesting. 

14. Adventure water sports

Jetskiiing, windsurfing, sailing, or parasailing- watersports are a thing in Gran Canaria. One can also explore the underwater caves, shipwrecks or observe the rich diversity underwater by scuba diving and snorkelling. With basic equipment and no previous experience, waters of Gran Canaria are great for those who are trying snorkelling for the first time. 

ALSO READ: AS A NON SWIMMER, HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR AND SNORKEL

Water sports tours in Gran Canaria 

• Catamaran Dolphin Watch Cruise with Snorkeling
• Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise
• Canyoning Trip
• Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria : Parasailing
• Admission Tickets for Aqualand Maspalomas
• Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria: Jetski Tour
• Las Palmas: Las Canteras Beach Snorkeling Trip
• Las Canteras Scuba Diving

15. Best weather year round

Gran Canaria enjoys warm climate throughout the year –  April to September is hot and October to March being mild. Whether you want to lay under the sun, swim in the sea, indulge in watersports, go on a hike, or simply party, Gran Canaria is a top notch destination. The weather in winter usually averages 23 degrees, making it an ideal choice for winter sun destination.

Conclusion

I am pretty sure our 15 reasons has stirred the wanderlust in you to pack your bags and visit Gran Canaria. Which is all the more reason why Gran Canaria is a popular choice of holiday destination for Brits and Europeans.

Where to stay in Gran Canaria

There are plenty of sea side resorts, apartments and cave houses dotted across Gran Canaria. We have stayed in a cave house La Burbuja (you can check out our review here) for a couple of days and then at Paradores in Tejeda overlooking Ruque Nublo. Both of them were very different and gave unique experiences and we can’t recommend them enough to you, if you are looking for a unique accommodation.

We have also handpicked family friendly resorts and cave houses exclusively for you. Check them out below, and compare the prices in Agoda. Don’t forget to check the reviews in Tripadvisor.

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TRAVEL RESOURCES BELOW Find the best flights flights with Googleflights or Jet2 Find affordable accommodations on Booking.com and Tripadvisor Book your car with EuropCar Rentals or AutoEurope Book your train journeys with Eurail or Interrail Check out the best bus fares in MegaBus Get reliable travel insurance from World Nomads Search tours from GetYourGuide or Viator Book your all inclusive holidays with Travel SuperMarket or Easyjet Holidays Check out the latest adventure travel deals on G Adventures Check your visa requirement on iVisa

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