Gran Canaria Holidays

With its beautiful coastlines, lively nightlife and fantastic water sports, Gran Canaria is a perennial crowd-pleaser. The third largest of the Canary Islands, it's a year-round destination with reliably warm weather and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Of course, Gran Canaria's beaches are arguably its best asset; you'll find long, golden stretches of sand in the south and countless intimate coves dotted along the north.

The island's capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has a lively, cosmopolitan feel. Here you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants, and it's worth visiting the historic Old Town in the Vegueta and Triana neighbourhoods. What's more, Las Canteras beach, with its convenient city-centre location, is rightly considered one of Europe's best city beaches. You can expect ideal temperatures and calm waters all year round, and the promenade is buzzing with shops and bars.

Popular as a retreat for couples, the island is also ideal for families. If you're bringing little ones, Amadores on the southwest coast is nice choice; its spotless beaches have calm, shallow waters that are perfect for paddling.With its lovely climate and beautiful landscapes, the island is a great environment for outdoor activities. Hikers and cyclists can take advantage of the routes and tracks that criss-cross the island, and there are many great spots for snorkelling and scuba diving.Home to a huge choice of health, spa, and wellness centres, Gran Canaria is also an ideal option for those seeking to recuperate, tone-up, and be pampered.

Head inland to see some of Gran Canaria's beautiful landscapes.Among the most impressive is the municipality of Tejeda, a rugged, mountainous area in the centre of the island with striking rock formations and quiet highland towns.The island's best-kept secret is perhaps its charming traditional villages; from small fishing ports to highland towns surrounded by volcanic peaks, they're easy to explore and will give you a chance to get a sense of the island and meet some locals. Read more ...