Gran Canaria is a captivating destination, a “continent in miniature” that offers a unique blend of experiences for every type of adventurer. Most tourists book a holiday here for the world-famous beaches and water sports. Of course, online promotions are rampant! Ten reasons to go, fifteen, twenty reasons to enjoy Gran Canaria… But the truth is, just five reasons are enough to fall in love with this island, one of the largest in the Canary archipelago—part of Spain but located off the coast of West Africa. These reasons are: the climate, the volcanoes, Las Palmas, the carnival, and finally, yes, the beaches too!
Enjoy your holiday in Gran Canaria without any stress in the world, landing directly at the local Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) and getting around with the help of Transfeero services, always available to organize excursions and trips via pre-booked chauffeured vehicles.
The Miniature Continent of Many Climates
The climate of the Canary Islands is balanced: never too hot (thanks to the constantly blowing Alisee winds) and never too cold. Therefore, it’s possible to enjoy a holiday on these islands, and Gran Canaria in particular, year-round. The island, due to its size and terrain, is considered a “miniature continent,” as it experiences different, yet always pleasant, climates depending on the location you will visit. So, perhaps Las Palmas and the beaches in the northeast will be warmer, while those in the south and west will be breezier. At the top of the volcanoes, you can even feel cold in winter, while new microclimates created by reforestation help maintain cool temperatures in the inner areas.
A tour of Gran Canaria’s volcanoes
Gran Canaria’s volcanoes are almost all extinct, or dormant, so they can be visited without any danger. The most spectacular are: Caldera de Bandama, near the capital Las Palmas, a 1-km in diameter crater with a forest growing at the bottom: by exploring, you can even visit a lava cave; Tejeda and Tirajana are two other similar calderas in the heart of the island, now verdant and populated by small villages.
In addition to the calderas, there are actual cones concentrated almost entirely around Las Palmas: Marteles is a volcanic cone formed by a single crater now covered in fields and woods, ideal for easy to medium-difficulty trekking; La Isleta is a low cone that seems to be pushing out to sea like a ship, connected to the main island by a small land canal; Arucas rises almost 500 meters above the coast and offers spectacular views from above.
Vida loca in Las Palmas!
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and of the province of the same name. A sunny city, projected towards the sea but with numerous volcanoes watching over it from above, it offers not only splendid architecture and cultural events but also entertainment worthy of the Spanish “vida loca.”
Points of interest in Las Palmas include the cathedral, the house-museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus, the Canarian Museum, the port, and the Hermitage of San Antonio. But if you want to spend some carefree time, as soon as evening falls, stroll through the neighborhoods of Vegueta, Triana and Las Canteras, or head to the other end of the island to enjoy the nightlife of Maspalomas. There’s no shortage of taverns, pubs, wine bars, disco-clubs, and live events with all kinds of music.
The Gran Canaria Carnival
The most beautiful and colorful celebration in Gran Canaria takes place in winter. From January 31st to March 1st, numerous carnivals are held across the islands, but the most famous and historic is that of Las Palmas. Parades of floats, costumes, dance competitions, the election of the “king and queen” of the festival, and other events are organized throughout this month of fun and excitement. If you want to be truly original, book your “winter” holiday for the Gran Canaria Carnival: the weather might allow you to enjoy the beach anyway!
Dream Beaches
The main reason that draws millions of people to the Canary Islands every year is undeniable: the spectacular sea, and therefore the beaches. There are dozens of them, all beautiful and unique.
If a ranking were absolutely necessary, the “best” are:
- Las Canteras, a tourist beach in Las Palmas, especially suitable for families with a wide stretch of white sand and shallow water;
- El Inglès, the “flagship” beach in Maspalomas, an ideal place for entertainment, including water sports;
- Dedo de Dios is actually famous for its giant finger-shaped sea stack (“Finger of God”), but it’s not very accessible due to its rugged and rocky nature;
- Maspalomas is one of the largest beaches in Spain: over 6 km of sand and high dunes that plunge directly into the deep sea, a beautiful and wild place;
- Mogán, a spectacular rounded bay located at the mouth of a rocky gorge, offers unique colors, depending on the time of day.
In addition to these top beaches, there are numerous other shores, perhaps less known but equally fascinating: San Agustin, ideal for diving; Vaneguera, where you can enjoy incredible sunsets; Anfi del Mar, surrounded by palm groves. But also add Amadores, Taurito, Puerto Rico, Melenara … .
