Gran Canaria
Sand dunes, volcanic ravines and a mild climate, plus Las Palmas, the island's capital, for city days.
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Gran Canaria is a volcanic island in Spain's Canary Islands, about 200 km off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic. Plan around two areas. The south has sand beaches and the Maspalomas dunes, while the interior has deep ravines, pine forests and small villages on steep slopes. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the largest city, has a historic core in the Vegueta and Triana districts and the Casa de Colón, a museum linked to Christopher Columbus's stay on the island before his 1492 voyage.
The island suits a mixed trip: a few beach days, some hiking in the mountains and time in the city. The climate is mild all year. Spring and autumn are the easiest seasons for walking, since summer heat is strongest in the south and inland trails can be hot. Plan at least five to seven days to cover the south, the mountains and Las Palmas without rushing.
Gran Canaria in five
- Rent a car for the interiorBuses serve the coast and Las Palmas well, but villages and viewpoints inland are slow to reach without one. Mountain roads are steep and winding, so allow more time than the map shows.Getting around
- Set up data before you landPhone signal drops on mountain roads and in the ravines, so download offline maps for your hiking routes before you leave the airport.Phones and eSIM
- Check AEMET before a mountain hikeThe north and the high ground often have cloud and wind when the south is sunny. AEMET, Spain's national weather agency, publishes forecasts for each island.
- Pack sun protection for the dunesThe Maspalomas dunes have almost no shade, and sand gets into bags and shoes. Bring a hat, water and a bag for your shoes.
- Compare the ferry with a flight to other islandsFerries run from Las Palmas to Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Flights from Gran Canaria Airport are quicker to those islands than the ferry.
Things to do in Gran Canaria
See all attractions in Gran Canaria
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- Schengen rules; many passports visa-free for short stays Read more
- Emergency
- 112 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; rounding up the bill is common at restaurants
- Time
- UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer (daylight saving)
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryMild, green
- FebruaryMild, clear
- MarchWarm, dry
- AprilWarm, dry
- MayWarm, windy
- JuneTrade winds
- JulyHot, strong sun
- AugustHot, strong sun
- SeptemberWarm, sea still warm
- OctoberWarm, quiet
- NovemberMild, clear
- DecemberMild, holidays
Right now in Gran Canaria
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
20
- Feels like
- 22°
- Humidity
- 75%
- Wind
- 6 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 15%
Gran Canaria
09:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today24°19°15%Monday: Cloudy. High 24°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 15%.
- Tue24°18°55%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 24°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Wed23°17°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu25°18°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 25°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri24°19°0%Friday: Cloudy. High 24°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat26°20°5%Saturday: Cloudy. High 26°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Sun25°22°29%Sunday: Cloudy. High 25°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 29%.
Updated 09:03 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Every year
- Feb–MarCarnival of Santa Cruz de TenerifeSanta Cruz de Tenerife, a day trip
- Feb–MarCarnival of Las PalmasLas Palmas de Gran Canaria, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Las Palmas de Gran Canariaabout 1 hour by car from the south coastThe capital, with the old town, the cathedral and the city beach.Read the guide
- Roque Nubloabout 1 hour by car from the south coastA volcanic rock on the central ridge, with one of the island's best-known hikes.
- Puerto de Mogánabout 30 minutes by car from MaspalomasA small harbour village with a marina and a quieter waterfront than the resorts.
Before you go to Gran Canaria
Rules for Gran Canaria, checked
- Spain is in the Schengen area, so check the Spanish foreign ministry page for whether your passport needs a visa before you book.Source
- The Canary Islands are outside the EU VAT and customs area, so check Spanish customs rules before you carry goods to or from the mainland.
- The Maspalomas dunes lie in a protected natural area, so stay on marked paths and take your litter with you.
- Carry your passport with you, since police can ask to see ID.
Plan around Gran Canaria
Entry rules, regions and money for a Spain trip that includes the Canaries
Read the guideLas Palmas de Gran CanariaThe island's capital, with the old town and the city beach
Read the guideGetting around the islandBuses, rental cars and ferries to other islands, compared
Read the guideWhere to stayCompare the south coast resorts with the capital before you book
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and what to check before you fly
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for a day on the island
Read the guideGran Canaria FAQ
Is Gran Canaria worth visiting?
Yes, for the dunes at Maspalomas, the old town in Las Palmas and hikes in the mountains. The island is about 50 km across, so one base covers a lot in a week.
How many days do you need on Gran Canaria?
Five to seven days covers one base on the south coast, a day in Las Palmas and a mountain day. Add days if you want the longer hiking routes or a second base in the north.
Should I stay in the north or the south?
The south is drier and sunnier, with resorts, beaches and the dunes. The north is greener and cooler, with the capital, old towns and forest walks.
Do I need a car on Gran Canaria?
Not if you stay in Las Palmas or one resort. A car is needed for mountain villages and viewpoints, since buses are slower inland.
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
February to April and November are mild and clear. Summer is hot, with strong sun in the south and on the inland trails.
Is Gran Canaria the same as Tenerife?
No, they are separate islands with different landscapes. Gran Canaria has the dunes and the Canaries' largest city, Las Palmas, while Tenerife is home to Mount Teide.