We took our own advice and decided to escape the never-ending grey skies of the UK in search of some winter sun. When Gran Canaria popped up as a destination we could fly to for under £200 for our family of four we couldn’t resist booking a long weekend and started to research all the things to do in Gran Canaria so we could make the most out of our time there.
Gran Canaria has winter temperatures that sit around 20°C, which is perfect for exploring this beautiful island with lush green mountains, sandy beaches and amazing Spanish food and wine.
Explore Las Palmas
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and really has it all, a beautiful sandy beach, lots of great cafés and restaurants and a gorgeous old town to wander round. It’s the perfect base if you want everything within walking distance.
Our first stop in Las Palmas was Playa de Las Canteras, a 3km long stretch of golden sand. Perfect for a morning stroll, feeling the sun on our faces and the sand between our toes was heavenly. To make it even better, there are plenty of places to stop along the promenade for a coffee and a pastry with uninterrupted sea views.
The Old Town (Vegueta) has a totally different feel to the beach with cobbled streets, colonial style buildings and gorgeous little squares. If you are interested in history then you have to visit Casa de Colón, a striking colonial-style building which is famous for its elegant inner courtyards, carved wooden balconies, and fascinating exhibits about Christopher Columbus and the Canary Islands.
Nearby, you will find the Plaza de Santa Ana which is home to the first church in the Canary Islands. This grand palm-lined square is famous for its bronze dog statues (which my daughter loved), elegant colonial buildings, and relaxed café atmosphere.
From here I suggest you just wander through the cobbled streets and find a little restaurant or cafe to have lunch or a drink. We found a lovely little place with tables in a tiny square that served traditional Spanish food.
If you fancy a cocktails with a view I would recommend Terraza Belevdere which is the roof top terrace at Boutique Hotel Cordial. It’s hidden away behind a small entrance way off Plaza de Santa Ana and doesn’t open until 3pm but is the perfect hidden spot right in the centre of Vegueta.
Our Favourite Places to Stay In Las Palmas
Boutique Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana – a stylish adults-only boutique stay in the heart of Vegueta, offering elegant rooms and a beautiful rooftop terrace with views over Santa Ana Cathedral.
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel – a classic luxury choice in Las Palmas with elegant rooms, beautiful gardens and excellent service.
Bull Reina Isabel & Spa – A beach front hotel with spa facilities, perfect if you want good value with great location and amenities.
Take A Hike In The Mountains
Gran Canaria offers so many different hiking options through its mountainous landscape, and winter is the ideal time to explore, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 21–22°C. We were staying near Caldera de Bandama, which is a dramatic 1,000-metre-wide volcanic crater offering panoramic views from its rim. Here, there are a few different trails you can take but the 3.5km circular route around the crater was great for us.
Tamadaba Natural Park has a network of trails through ancient Canary Island pine forests, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping Atlantic viewpoints. If you want cooler air and quieter paths then this is the place for you.
Roque Nublo is the island’s most iconic hike, leads to a towering volcanic monolith at 1,813m with sweeping views across Gran Canaria, and even to Tenerife on a clear day.
If you like sea views and are up for a challenge then try the unforgettable coastal hike over rugged mountains to reach Güigüí Beach. One of the island’s most remote and wild beaches.
Taste Some Local Produce
The mountains are home to some gorgeous little towns each offering different specialities such as the chorizo in Teror, almonds in Tejeda or local goats cheese from Valleseco.
We visited the local town of Santa Brigida on Sunday morning and bought local cheese, vegetables and meat from the market and found a lovely little bakery for some sweet treats and then took them back to our villa for a lazy Sunday lunch with a view of the mountains. Heaven!
Wine Tasting
There are plenty of small vineyards in Gran Canaria offering a variety of wine tasting experiences. Bodega San Juan was really close to where we were staying. You get to walk through the vineyard, look around the small wine museum and the old stone cellar before tasting their wines paired with cheese and bread. The friendly guide gives you a little insight into the family history of the vineyard while you enjoy the sipping on a glass of volcanic wine.
Rum Tasting
If wine isn’t your thing then maybe opt for a spot of rum tasting. The historic rum distillery in Arucas, Destilerías Arehucas, offers guided tours through its production halls and one of the oldest rum cellars in Europe. After, you get to taste their various rums and liquers while learning about the history and process of making rum. The Canarian speciality of ron miel (honey rum) is delicious and you won’t be able to resist bringing a bottle or two home with you.
Little Venice of Gran Canaria
Known as “Little Venice” Puerto de Mogán is a little coastal village known for its colourful houses and small canals. It is one of the prettiest villages on Gran Canaria and definitely worth a visit. Its whitewashed houses are covered in flowers, there is a cute marina and even a lovely little sandy beach.
You can also wander up through the town to the mirador for lovely views and then return to the harbour to grab lunch with a sea view or relax on the beach.
The Paseo de Canarias Promenade
Firgas is a charming mountain village in the north of Gran Canaria with a unique focal point. Paseo de Canarias is a stepped walkway in the heart of Firgas designed to resemble a flowing waterfall. As you walk down the steps next to the water feature, you’ll pass colourful mosaic tiles representing all the Canary Islands, beautifully crafted ceramic benches, and detailed crests of Gran Canaria’s municipalities. Its not a full day trip but if you want to explore the north of the island it definitely needs to be on your itinerary.
Dunas de Maspalomas
For a completely different experience you can visit one of the island’s most extraordinary natural landscapes, a vast expanse of golden Sahara-like sand dunes stretching along the southern coast. They are protected as a nature reserve so make sure you stay on the designated paths and don’t wander off into protected zones which are there to prevent erosion.
Its a lovely place to watch the sunset or you can combine it with some time at the beach as Playa de Maspalomas backs onto the dunes.
Why We Love Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has a climate that is perfect all year round and makes a perfect place to escape the grim British winter. It not only has great weather but also has amazing food and a relaxed Spanish culture. The landscape is dramatic and diverse, just how we like it. One minute you’re high up in surprisingly lush mountains, the next you’re wandering the cobbled streets of a cute little town before grabbing dinner at a vineyard.
What’s not to love?