Flights from London Stansted to Gran Canaria Las Palmas

When should you go to Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a perfect year round destination visited by many during the colder winter months. The north of the island can be cloudier, wetter and a little cooler than the south. Mid October to March also sees some stronger winds, which are perfect for water sports such as surfing and windsurfing.

For the best events visit in February/March to experience the Carneval in Maspalomas and other places. On the 30th May all Canary islands celebrate the Dias de las islas Canarias – this is a public holiday on all the islands and is celebrated with concerts and parties. The 12th October is the "Día de la Hispanidad" (Columbus day), a national holiday with events and parades.

Gran Canaria: travel preparations

The main tourist resorts such as Playa del Ingles are on Gran Canaria are on the south coast. There are numerous surf schools on the island and the island is also popular for mountain biking and hiking. The local cuisine includes papas arrugadas con mojo.

Most groceries are slightly cheaper than in the UK. At lunchtime the menu del dia is a set menu costing from around 10€.

 

How do you get from Las Palma de Gran Canaria airport to other parts of the island?

For transfer from the airport use bus number 1 to Puerto de Mogan (about 7 €), bus number 5 and 66 to Faro de Maspalomas (about 5 €) , bus 11 to Agüimes (about 2 €), bus 36 and 90 to the Teide (around 2 €), number 60 to Las Palmas (around 3 €) and bus number 91 to Playa de Cura (approx. 6 €). Taxis and hire cars are also available at the airport, please remember that cars should be reserved in advance.

How expensive is Gran Canaria?

The island of Gran Canaria is usually cheaper than the UK. Hostels cost from around 20 EUR per night per person. A 3 star hotel is priced from about 40 EUR.

The local bus companies are "Globalsu" and "Guaguas" and short trips will cost around 1.40 € for a single ticket. Taxi prices start at around 5 € for the first 3 km, with every further km costing 1 € or so.