Fascinating Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands which are located just off the coast of Africa, so year-round sun is guaranteed. This island has something for everyone - there are lively resorts with open-all-night clubs, quiet spots with traditional fishing harbours, a mountain range in the centre to explore and enormous sand dunes to climb at Maspalomas.

When is the best time to go to Gran Canaria?

The temperature is always warm enough to sunbathe in the Canaries though it is a little cooler from mid-October to March when the wind picks up. A fun time to go to this island is during Carneval, which is held in February and March each year. The festivities go on for weeks in different towns around the island with some of the largest street parties in the world going on. On the 30th of May the Dias de las Islas Canarias is celebrated with concerts and parties, and Columbus Day takes place on the 12th October with parades and events marking this national holiday.

Good to know - tips about Gran Canaria

Food, drinks and general groceries are cheaper than they are in the UK. Expect to pay around 10 EUR for a traditional set lunch. A local dish worth a try is papas arrugadas con mojo which is salty potatoes with a traditional sauce served with fresh fish. 

Gran Canaria is a great place to surf. There are lots of surf schools on the island and some of them organise transport, lunch and tuition as an all-day package.

Gran Canaria's transport and accommodation

Getting from the airport to areas around the island is possible by bus. The number 1 bus travels to Puerto de Morgan, the number 5 and number 66 go to Faro de Maspalomas, the 11 takes in Agüimes and the 36 and 90 travel to Telde. The fares of each are very affordable  and cost between 2 and 7 EUR one way. 

The bus system take passengers all around the island, with short hop journeys only costing about 1.40 EUR for a single. Taxis are another option with fares costing from 5EUR plus a further 1 EUR per kilometre travelled.   There are lots of places to stay in Gran Canaria with accommodation to suit every budget and preference. Expect to pay approximately 20 EUR  for a hostel and 40 EUR for a 3 Star hotel room per night.