Gran Canaria: Discover Spain’s Island Paradise

I recently had the incredible opportunity to explore Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s stunning Canary Islands located just off the northwest coast of Africa. To make the adventure even better, my trip included a quick stopover in vibrant Madrid.

First Impressions of Gran Canaria
As soon as you arrive, you notice the island’s contrasting landscapes. The south of Gran Canaria is dry, sunny, and almost desert-like, while the north is greener and more lush. Rising mountains dominate the center of the island—during our stay, we reached elevations of over 6,500 feet!
On the drive from the airport, we passed large white fabric tents covering crops--bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes—shielding them from the island’s nearly year-round sunshine. Interestingly, before the 1960s, tomato exports were Gran Canaria’s main source of income. Today, the island thrives on tourism, welcoming visitors from all over Europe and beyond.

Gran Canaria Weather: Perfect Year-Round Sunshine
Gran Canaria is famous for its perfect subtropical climate. The south coast enjoys around 360 days of sunshine each year, with temperatures averaging mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) in summer.
During the high season (October–April), you can expect daytime highs in the upper 70s°F and pleasant nights in the mid-60s°F—ideal for escaping the cold European or North American winters.

Winds tend to be stronger in the north during winter, but the resort areas in the south, such as Maspalomas and Meloneras, enjoy calm, sunny weather almost every day.

Gran Canaria Beaches: Sunshine, Sand, and Sea
The southern beaches of Gran Canaria are absolutely beautiful, featuring dark golden sand rather than the pebbly shores common on mainland Europe. The Atlantic waters are refreshingly cool but still warmer than the U.S. Jersey Shore in summer—and incredibly clear, with schools of colorful fish swimming by as you wade in.
Popular beaches like Playa del Inglés, Amadores, and Maspalomas Beach (famous for its dunes) are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or strolling along the scenic beachfront promenade.

Golf, Hiking, and Outdoor Adventures
Gran Canaria is a golfer’s paradise, home to numerous world-class golf courses. Even the most avid golfers will want extra days to play on courses surrounded by ocean views and volcanic mountain backdrops.
If you love hiking, mountain biking, or road cycling, the island offers endless possibilities. The mountainous center is crisscrossed with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints like Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves. Cyclists can test themselves on Tour de France–quality climbs, while casual riders can enjoy the flat coastal bike paths with scenic ocean views.

---

Stay in a Traditional Cave House
One of Gran Canaria’s most unique experiences is staying in a traditional cave house in the island’s interior. These charming accommodations are carved into the mountainside—simple but comfortable, with running water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find local cave restaurants serving authentic Canarian cuisine, and small village markets with everything you need for your stay.

Exploring by Car
To truly experience Gran Canaria, I highly recommend renting a car. The main coastal highway is a modern four-lane expressway, while the mountain and coastal roads are narrow, winding, and incredibly scenic—so allow plenty of time for photo stops.
Driving through picturesque villages, don’t miss the local Canarian coffee, a layered mix of espresso, heavy cream, and brandy. It’s absolutely delicious—though if you’re the driver, maybe limit yourself to just one!

Fishing and Water Adventures
If fishing is your passion, the Canary Islands offer endless opportunities—from shore fishing and coastal excursions to deep-sea charters chasing marlin and tuna. While swimming near the coast, we even spotted several fishing boats just a kilometer offshore.
The crystal-clear, salty Atlantic water makes for a buoyant and refreshing swim, perfect for snorkeling or simply floating and watching fish dart below.

Where to Stay in Gran Canaria
Accommodation options range from rustic cave homes and village apartments to luxury beachfront resorts. Many properties offer flexible meal plans, from bed and breakfast to half-board and all-inclusive options.

Salobre Golf Resort & SpaMy first stay was at the Salobre Golf Resort & Spa, one of the island’s premier destinations for golfers and relaxation seekers. The resort features:

• Two championship golf courses
• A full-service spa
• Infinity pools with unforgettable sunsets
• Spacious rooms with balconies and rain showers
• Multi-bedroom villas for families or groups

The resort is set slightly inland, so a rental car is highly recommended. Dining is exceptional—the buffet breakfast is included, but I suggest trying the à la carte restaurants for dinner. Drink prices are surprisingly reasonable compared to the U.S.

Lopesan Faro, a Boutique Beachfront ResortNext, I moved to the Lopesan Faro, a stunning boutique beachfront resort near Maspalomas. This area is home to a collection of top-rated hotels, including the RIU Palace, Hotel Baobab, and the Colonial Meloneras Resort, each with its own unique style and theme.
The beachfront promenade nearby is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a dream location for both foodies and shoppers.

Gran Canaria Travel Tips

• Sunrise and Sunset: During my visit, the sun rose around 8:00 AM and set around 8:00 PM.
• Time Zone: Gran Canaria operates on GMT (same as London), which is five hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast.
• Transportation: Public transport is reliable, but a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Language: Spanish is the main language, but English and German are widely understood in tourist areas.
  

Why You Should Visit the Canary IslandsThe Canary Islands are more than just a beach destination—they offer natural beauty, cultural charm, and adventure all in one. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hiking in volcanic landscapes, or exploring local villages, Gran Canaria truly lives up to its nickname: “The Miniature Continent.”
For even more variety, consider pairing your trip with stops in Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville for a diverse and unforgettable Spain itinerary.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share highlights from my Madrid stopover and tips for combining a Canary Islands vacation with mainland Spain.

Click Here to Start Your Dream Holiday