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Golden beaches, dramatic mountains, rolling sand dunes and year-round sunshine make Gran Canaria holidays one of the most popular choices in the Canary Islands. From lively beach resorts and family-friendly hotels to sophisticated waterfront retreats and traditional Canarian towns, this wonderfully varied island has something for almost every type of holiday.
Gran Canaria lies off the northwest coast of Africa and enjoys a warm climate throughout much of the year, making it equally appealing for a summer getaway or a welcome dose of winter sunshine.
Whether you're looking for an all-inclusive family holiday, a couples' escape, lively nightlife or a relaxing beach break, Gran Canaria offers an impressive choice of resorts and accommodation.
Why Choose Gran Canaria for a Holiday?
Gran Canaria is sometimes described as a "miniature continent" because of the variety of landscapes packed into one relatively small island.
Head south and you'll discover golden beaches, sunshine resorts and the spectacular dunes of Maspalomas. Travel inland and the scenery changes dramatically, with mountains, ravines, pine forests and traditional villages waiting to be explored.
The island also has an excellent choice of hotels, restaurants, shops, watersports and attractions, while the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, adds history, culture and city life to the mix.
It's this variety that makes holidays to Gran Canaria such a good all-round choice for couples, families and groups of friends.
Best Resorts in Gran Canaria
Many of Gran Canaria's most popular holiday resorts are concentrated along the sunnier southern coast.
Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán and San Agustín each offer something slightly different.
Playa del Inglés
If you like plenty happening on holiday, Playa del Inglés is one of Gran Canaria's liveliest resorts.
There's a long sandy beach backed by a promenade, together with a huge selection of shops, restaurants and bars. The resort is also well known for its nightlife and has entertainment to suit a wide range of tastes.
Accommodation ranges from apartments and good-value hotels to larger all-inclusive properties.
Playa del Inglés is particularly suited to couples, groups of friends and anyone who enjoys having plenty of entertainment within easy reach.
Maspalomas
Neighbouring Maspalomas is famous for one of Gran Canaria's most spectacular natural attractions – the Maspalomas Dunes.
This protected landscape of golden sand dunes stretches towards the Atlantic Ocean and creates one of the most distinctive settings in the Canary Islands.
The wider Maspalomas area has an excellent selection of hotels and holiday resorts, including plenty of family-friendly and all-inclusive options.
It's a good choice for families and couples who want easy access to beaches and attractions while staying somewhere a little more relaxed than central Playa del Inglés.
Meloneras
For a more sophisticated Gran Canaria holiday, Meloneras is an excellent choice.
Located alongside Maspalomas, this stylish resort is known for its attractive seafront promenade, upmarket hotels, boutiques, restaurants and bars.
You'll find some of Gran Canaria's most impressive luxury hotels here, making Meloneras particularly popular for couples, special occasions and anyone looking for a more indulgent Canary Islands escape.
Puerto Rico
Built into the hillsides of Gran Canaria's southwest coast, Puerto Rico has been a favourite with British holidaymakers for many years.
The resort is known for its sheltered beach, marina, shops, restaurants and lively holiday atmosphere. Its southwest location is also popular with visitors looking to make the most of Gran Canaria's sunshine.
There's a wide range of hotels and apartments, although it's worth remembering that parts of Puerto Rico are quite hilly.
Puerto Rico is a good all-round choice for families and couples who like plenty of facilities close at hand.
Puerto de Mogán
Often described as one of Gran Canaria's prettiest resorts, Puerto de Mogán offers a very different atmosphere.
Whitewashed buildings, colourful flowers, bridges and a picturesque marina give the resort plenty of character, while waterfront restaurants provide a lovely setting for a leisurely lunch or evening meal.
There's also a sandy beach and a relaxed atmosphere that makes Puerto de Mogán particularly appealing to couples and anyone looking for a quieter holiday.
San Agustín
Situated close to Playa del Inglés, San Agustín offers a much more peaceful alternative to its livelier neighbour.
The resort has a relaxed beachfront atmosphere with a selection of hotels, restaurants and shops while remaining within easy reach of the entertainment elsewhere in southern Gran Canaria.
It's particularly well suited to couples and families looking for a quieter base.
Beaches in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria offers an excellent variety of beaches, from lively resort beaches to secluded coves.
The famous beach at Maspalomas stretches alongside the spectacular dunes, while neighbouring Playa del Inglés offers another long stretch of sand with plenty of facilities nearby.
Puerto Rico has a sheltered resort beach, while Amadores Beach, located nearby, is particularly popular for its pale sand and calm-looking turquoise waters.
Puerto de Mogán provides a smaller, attractive beach that's ideal for combining a few hours beside the sea with lunch around the marina.
Head north to Las Palmas and you'll find Las Canteras, one of Europe's best-known urban beaches.
Things to Do in Gran Canaria
There's much more to Gran Canaria than beaches and swimming pools.
The Maspalomas Dunes are one of the island's must-see natural attractions, while the mountainous interior offers spectacular scenery, viewpoints and traditional Canarian villages.
A trip into the mountains reveals a completely different side of the island, with places such as Tejeda providing a glimpse of traditional Gran Canaria.
The island is also excellent for walking, cycling and watersports.
Families can enjoy attractions including Aqualand Maspalomas and Palmitos Park, while boat trips and dolphin-watching excursions are available from several coastal resorts.
For shopping, history and culture, spend a day exploring Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where the historic Vegueta district contrasts with modern shopping areas and the beautiful Las Canteras Beach.
Is Gran Canaria Good for Family Holidays?
Yes. Gran Canaria is an excellent destination for families, with sandy beaches, waterparks, attractions and a huge selection of family-friendly hotels.
Maspalomas and Puerto Rico are particularly popular with families, while many resorts offer hotels with children's pools, entertainment, kids' clubs and all-inclusive options.
The relatively short flight compared with long-haul sunshine destinations also makes Gran Canaria a convenient choice for a family getaway.
Is Gran Canaria Good for Couples?
Gran Canaria is an excellent destination for couples because there is such a varied choice of resorts.
Meloneras is ideal for couples looking for stylish hotels and sophisticated evenings, while Puerto de Mogán offers a more romantic, laid-back atmosphere around its picturesque marina.
Couples who prefer livelier nightlife may feel more at home in Playa del Inglés.
Is Gran Canaria Good for All-Inclusive Holidays?
Yes. Gran Canaria has an extensive selection of all-inclusive hotels, particularly around Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Puerto Rico.
You'll find everything from large family resorts with entertainment and children's facilities to stylish adults-focused hotels, giving you plenty of choice across different budgets.
Is Gran Canaria Good for Winter Sun?
Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands' most established winter sun destinations.
The southern resorts are particularly popular during the British winter, when visitors come in search of warmer temperatures and sunshine without travelling long haul.
Weather can vary across the island because of its mountains and microclimates, but southern Gran Canaria is generally the most popular area for traditional winter sunshine holidays.
When is the Best Time to Visit Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is a genuine year-round holiday destination.
Summer is perfect for beach holidays, with hot weather and plenty of sunshine.
Spring and autumn offer excellent conditions for combining beach days with sightseeing and exploring the island.
Winter is one of Gran Canaria's most popular seasons with British visitors, particularly in southern resorts such as Puerto Rico, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras.
Which Area of Gran Canaria is Best?
Choosing the best resort in Gran Canaria depends on the type of holiday you prefer.
Choose Playa del Inglés for beaches, restaurants and lively nightlife.
Choose Maspalomas for the famous sand dunes, excellent hotels and a good all-round holiday experience.
Choose Meloneras for luxury hotels, stylish restaurants and a more sophisticated atmosphere.
Choose Puerto Rico for a lively resort, plenty of facilities and a popular southwest-coast location.
Choose Puerto de Mogán for picturesque surroundings, waterfront restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.
Choose San Agustín for a quieter beach holiday within easy reach of the livelier southern resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gran Canaria Holidays
How long is the flight to Gran Canaria from the UK?
Direct flights from the UK to Gran Canaria generally take around four to four and a half hours, depending on your departure airport.
What is the liveliest resort in Gran Canaria?
Playa del Inglés is one of Gran Canaria's liveliest holiday resorts, with a large selection of bars, restaurants and evening entertainment.
What is the best resort in Gran Canaria for families?
Maspalomas and Puerto Rico are popular choices for families thanks to their beaches, accommodation and nearby attractions. The best option will depend on whether you prefer a quieter resort or somewhere with plenty happening.
Where is best for couples in Gran Canaria?
Meloneras is excellent for couples looking for luxury hotels and stylish surroundings, while Puerto de Mogán is a good choice for a quieter, more romantic atmosphere.
Which part of Gran Canaria is best for winter sun?
The south and southwest of Gran Canaria are particularly popular for winter sun holidays, including resorts such as Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés and Puerto Rico.
Does Gran Canaria have sandy beaches?
Yes. Gran Canaria has numerous sandy beaches, including Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Amadores, Puerto Rico and Las Canteras.
Is Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés better?
Choose Maspalomas if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, impressive hotels and easy access to the famous dunes. Choose Playa del Inglés if you want a livelier resort with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Is Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán better?
Choose Puerto Rico if you want a larger resort with plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Choose Puerto de Mogán if you prefer somewhere smaller, picturesque and more relaxed.
Book Your Gran Canaria Holiday
From the golden dunes of Maspalomas and lively streets of Playa del Inglés to sophisticated Meloneras and picturesque Puerto de Mogán, Gran Canaria offers an impressive choice of holiday experiences.
Whether you're searching for an all-inclusive Gran Canaria holiday, family getaway, couples' escape or some much-needed winter sunshine, this wonderfully varied Canary Island is a fantastic year-round destination.
Search our latest Gran Canaria holiday deals or speak to our experienced travel team and let us help you find the perfect Gran Canaria getaway.
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