Welcome to Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is not called a mini-continent for nothing. On an area barely larger than Saarland, this volcanic island combines Sahara dunes, cloud-covered laurel forests, rugged gorges, and over 60 kilometers of beach — along with a climate that guarantees springtime feelings all year round. The third-largest Canary Island is only 210 kilometers off the African coast, yet belongs to Spain and thus to the EU.

• Dunes of Maspalomas — A 400-hectare dune field right by the sea, reminiscent of the Sahara. This nature reserve in the south of the island is one of the most iconic landscapes of the entire Canaries — and the sunset over the golden sand hills is simply magical.
• Roque Nublo — The 1,813-meter-high rock monolith in the center of the island is Gran Canaria's landmark. The hike to the summit rewards with a 360-degree panorama over the entire island — in clear weather, all the way to Teide on Tenerife.
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — The largest city in the Canaries surprises with the historic district of Vegueta (founded in 1478!), the four-kilometer-long city beach Playa de Las Canteras, and a vibrant tapas scene that can compete with mainland Spain.
• Eternal Spring — Gran Canaria enjoys a subtropical climate with average temperatures of 18–26°C year-round. Even in January, daytime temperatures are a pleasant 20–22°C. The south of the island boasts over 300 sunny days a year.
• Cave Dwellings of Artenara — In Europe's highest cave village, people still live in rock-hewn dwellings. The tradition of the indigenous people (Ancient Canarians) lives on here, and you can even stay overnight in a cave.
• Puerto de Mogán — Little Venice — The picturesque fishing village in the southwest is called "Little Venice" because of its canals and bridges. Colorful houses, bougainvillea pergolas, and a sheltered beach make it the most beautiful place on the island.
• Culinary Delights — Papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with red and green sauce), the award-winning Queso de Flor de Guía, freshly caught fish, and Canarian wines from volcanic soils — Gran Canaria's cuisine is a discovery.
• Diversity in a Small Space — Sunbathe in the dunes in the morning, hike through a gorge at noon, taste goat cheese in a mountain village in the afternoon, and enjoy tapas in Las Palmas in the evening — all in one day, as no point on the island is more than 50 kilometers away.

Gran Canaria is the opposite of mass tourism: beach and mountains, party and silence, tourist hotspots and lonely villages are so close together on this mini-continent that you discover a different island every day. Those who only lie by the pool miss 90 percent.

Gran Canaria can be divided into four characteristically different regions — each with its own microclimate and charm:

The South — Sun, Beach & Dunes

For whom: Beach lovers, families, couples, LGBTQ+ travelers
The touristy south around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto de Mogán is the island's sun paradise: over 300 sunny days, wide sandy beaches, and the legendary dunes of Maspalomas. Here, hotels, resorts, and nightlife are concentrated — but also natural gems like the dune landscape and the quiet fishing village of Mogán.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — City by the Sea

For whom: City travelers, culture enthusiasts, foodies
The island capital is the largest city in the Canaries and surprises with colonial architecture in Vegueta, one of the best city beaches in Europe (Playa de Las Canteras), museums, markets, and a culinary scene that is second to none. Las Palmas is the "real" side of Gran Canaria.

The Mountain Region & Center — Volcanic Peaks & Traditions

For whom: Hikers, nature lovers, culture travelers
The mountainous center with Roque Nublo (1,813 m) and Pico de las Nieves (1,949 m) is the green heart of the island. Deep gorges (Barrancos), pine forests, cave villages like Artenara, and spectacular viewpoints make the mountain world a paradise for hikers.

The North & West — Authentic Island Life

For whom: Explorers, connoisseurs, those seeking tranquility
The greener, wetter north with the port town of Agaete, the historic Gáldar, and the pretty Teror is the authentic Gran Canaria: banana plantations, natural seawater pools, colonial charm, and the best farmers' markets on the island.

1. Hike through the dunes of Maspalomas — The 400-hectare dune field at the southern end of the island is surreal: golden sand reminiscent of the Sahara, lizards scurrying over the warm ground, and the Atlantic stretching endlessly. Most beautiful at sunset. → Chap. The South
2. Ascend to Roque Nublo — The easy hike (about 30 minutes from the parking lot) to the 1,813-meter-high rock monolith rewards with the most spectacular panorama of the island — with clear views to Teide on Tenerife. → Chap. Mountain Region
3. Stroll through Vegueta — The old town of Las Palmas, founded in 1478, enchants with cobblestone streets, colonial houses with carved wooden balconies, and the Santa Ana Cathedral. Columbus stopped here on his way to America. → Chap. Las Palmas
4. Swim at Playa de Las Canteras — One of the best city beaches in Europe: 3.2 kilometers of golden sand, a natural reef (La Barra) as a breakwater, and sunsets that bathe Las Palmas in orange. → Chap. Las Palmas
5. Stroll in Puerto de Mogán — Little Venice of the Canaries: canals, bridges, colorful houses under bougainvillea, and a sheltered beach. The best market in the south takes place here on Fridays. → Chap. The South
6. Try Papas arrugadas con mojo — Wrinkled potatoes in a salt crust with red (spicy) and green (coriander-based) mojo sauce — the Canarian national dish, best enjoyed in a Guachinche (simple farmhouse eatery). → Chap. Food & Drink
7. Stay in the caves of Artenara — Europe's highest cave village offers holiday apartments in real cave houses. Wake up in the morning and look through the window opening at the Caldera de Tejeda — unforgettable. → Chap. Mountain Region
8. Visit the farmers' market in Teror — Every Sunday, the pretty colonial town of Teror transforms into the largest and most authentic market on the island: local cheese, chorizo, honey, almond sweets, and handicrafts. → Chap. North
9. Swim in the natural pool of Agaete — The Piscinas de Agaete and the Charcos (natural seawater pools) at the port of Las Nieves are the most beautiful bathing spots away from the tourist beaches. → Chap. North
10. Experience sunset at Mirador del Balcón — The viewpoint on the west coast offers one of the most dramatic sunsets in the Canaries: the sun sets behind the silhouette of Teide over the endless Atlantic. → Chap. North
11. Taste Queso de Flor de Guía — The unique cheese from Guía is made with thistle flower extract (instead of rennet) and has a creamy-floral taste found nowhere else. Protected designation of origin. → Chap. Food & Drink
12. Hike through the Barranco de Guayadeque — The deep gorge east of Ingenio is home to cave restaurants, a cave church, and archaeological sites of the indigenous people. → Chap. Mountain Region