Your vacation guide to Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
With a solid plan out for COVID-19 vaccination in place, we can start — cautiously — planning some trips abroad. Where Americans can and can't go is still an evolving situation, so book with caution and make sure to check all cancellation policies for your flights and hotels.
But even just at the planning stage, it’s great to get some inspiration. Here’s all you need to know should a jaunt to the diverse island of Gran Canaria be on your radar.
The third-largest of the Canary Islands, it has some distinct attractions that make it a very special place for a vacation. From Sahara-style sand dunes to the rushing waterfalls amid volcanic rocks to a thriving LGBTQ nightlife scene, there's really something for everyone on this sunny Spanish island.
This guide will help you curate your trip in full, from tips on getting there and where to stay to advice on what to do, see and eat during your Gran Canaria vacation.
Getting there and around
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is located on the east side of the island, about 15 miles south of the capital, Las Palmas, and about 20 miles north of popular resort town in the south of the island, Maspalomas.
The island has to lot of offer in the way of exploring, so it's best to rent a car upon landing for more flexibility. There are public buses and taxis, but car rental is generally affordable and driving around the island isn't too complicated. If you plan to stay in one general area for the majority of your stay, such as Maspalomas, bicycle rental is also an option.
Where to stay
While the best weather and tourist-catering resorts are typically in the south, if you feel like hanging with the locals or more of a city vibe, you may want to consider staying in Las Palmas up north. Those with Marriott points can stay at the AC Hotel Gran Canaria Las Palmas — a Category 2 property. Slightly farther south, those wanting a more boutique feel should consider the affordable Hotel s. XVI, a building full of historic Canarian charm.
Hikers may also want to stay north to explore the greener parts of the island, such as the Doramas Rural Park and Tamadaba Natural Park. For a more rurval vibe, enjoy the mountainous scenery of the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda.
Down south, you'll find more sunshine and larger resorts, such as the African-inspired Lopesan Baobab Resort, which features seven different pools.
Nearby, another Lopesan property, the Costa Meloneras, features the massive Corralium Spa where both guests and visitors can experience a four-hour spa circuit, including a Himalayan salt room, a lava floating pool and an igloo room.
Fans of Radisson Blu have a few choices when it comes to hotels on the island, but we like the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Mogan, home to various pools and a large spa a short walk away from the coast.
What to do and see
Beaches
Gran Canaria has every style of beach a traveler could hope for. From windswept golden sand dunes to exotic volcanic sand and cliff-sandwiched sandy stretches, you'll never get tired of visiting new beaches on this island
Here are some of the best:
- For exotic desert sand dunes: Maspalomas dunes
- For family-friendly, wind-free shallow waters: Playas de Puerto Rico, Mogan or Amadores
- For a volcanic, lunar adventure: Playa del Ámbar
- For black sands: Risco Beach
- For a trek that ends in golden sands: Guigui Beach
- For local vibes and snorkeling/diving: Sardina del Norte
- For wild, rocky golden sands: El Confital
- For a city beach: Las Canteras
- For all the tourist amenities: Playa del Inglés
Couples will enjoy the peace and quiet of the cliffside path stroll from Playa de Puerto Rico to Playa de Amadores. Once in Amadores, the Amadores Beach Club is especially chic if you’d like to sample some Spanish cava while sunbathing. Meanwhile, both of these beaches, as well as Mogan are shallow and have chair rentals and other amenities that are good for families.
Adventure
Start with a visit to the Tamadaba Natural Park in the northwest. One of the park’s highlights is the Charco Azul. Although it translates to the Blue Puddle, it’s actually a rushing waterfall surrounded by rock reachable by a short hike. Make sure to visit the nearby cliffs of El Lomo.
Another hiking option is the Nublo Rural Park, where you can see the famous Roque Nublo, a vertical rock formed by a volcanic eruption. Close by, you can spot other iconic rock formations like Roque del Fraile and La Rana. Experienced hikers can also trek one of the tallest points on the island, the Pico de las Nieves.
Beginner divers will see lots of marine life heading underwater near Mogan. This wind-free area often has ideal conditions for both snorkeling and diving. Experienced divers should head further north to Sardinia del Norte to brave the rougher waters.
Surfers can also be divided into two categories: experienced surfers should head to the northern coast near Las Palmas, where waves can reach up to 15 feet. Beginner surfers may have more success with the calmer southern waves around Maspalomas, which usually only reach up to five feet.
Nightlife
Although Covid-19 has temporarily halted nightlife, here's hoping that Gran Canaria's party scene returns in full force someday soon. The after-dark party scene on the island is concentrated in a few main areas: in the capital of Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras.
You'll have your pick of large nightclubs, bars and pubs, contemporary wine bars, lounges and cafes and LGBTQ spots as well. Although Carnival celebrations are suspended in 2021, they should likely return with gusto in 2022. The three-week extravaganza typically features over 40 different acts (musical, parades, galas, contents and more) as well as family-friendly daytime activities, too.
Family fun
This island is just as great for families as it is for couples, groups of friends and solo travelers. Some of the best beaches on the island are ideal for families with small children, and there are many activities perfect for groups, like dolphin- or whale-watching excursions, camel riding and spots such as Holiday World, Aqualand and Angry Birds Activity Park, all located in Maspalomas.
What to eat and drink
While you should definitely indulge in traditional Canarian cuisine on the island, such as wrinkly potatoes with special sauce Mojo and vieja, a type of parrotfish native to this island archipelago, there are also a few key spots you should visit.
One of these is the Arehucas Rum Factory. Visit, tour and taste their specialty -- honey-infused rum. Plan to take some home to share with family and friends. Another key spot on your tasting journey through the island should be Bodega Berrazales, where you can sample wine and coffee. In fact, it's the only remaining coffee plantation left on the Canary Islands -- and in all of Europe.
Omnivores, don't forget to taste the Cerdo Negro Canario, the famed black pig. Although many restaurant menus may list this option, very few restaurants offer the real thing, which has to actually be certified by the government as a special pig with a special diet. Taste it at farm-to-table spot Restaurante Granja El Tío Isidro. Its cuisine is grown and cultivated right at the onsite farm.
Bottom line
Gran Canaria is truly ideal for any type of traveler. Whether you'd like to explore the gastronomic side of the island, hit all the best beaches or enjoy some outdoor activities like whale watching or hiking, the island has something for you.
And, if you aren't quite sure if Gran Canaria ticks your boxes, check out these guides, which may help you choose another island right for you:
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.