Holidays to Gran Canaria

Take in tantastic beaches, moody mountain ranges and the cutest of old towns on a holiday to Gran Canaria. This ‘continent in miniature' is like a highlight reel of the best of Europe.

Do it all in a day

Gran Canaria’s scenery is like a bag of Revels: it keeps you guessing. Lounge on sand dunes, wander off into the forest, sip coffee in old colonial towns and hike a volcano or two – all before sitting down to dinner.

You can also become one with nature on a day trip that takes you from the streets of Las Palmas to the pine trees of Tamadaba Natural Park.

Don’t worry, beach happy

With 82 playas, this island is almost entirely beach. Each one as interesting and diverse as the rest of the Canarian landscapes. There’s a wild wave, a quiet cove and a beaming bay here for every kind of beach day. Pack your sunhat and a good dose of courage for Playa de Puerto Rico. Take to the waves on jet skis, the skies on parasails… or the sands on sun loungers.

Unleash your culture vulture canary

Gran Canaria doesn’t just pack almost every European terrain into a relatively tiny island. It jams a load of history in too. Head for the Canarian Museum to get the potted version in a single visit. Prehistoric fossils, ancient bone fragments, primitive tools – the lot.

There’s also the trail of tombs at Maipés Archaeological Park - a lava field containing an ancient burial ground - and the Catedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro.

Cities so pretty

Gran Canaria may be known for its incredible beaches, but don’t underestimate its cities - they offer plenty to keep you entertained away from the sand.

Las Palmas is the place to party: rooftop bars, classy cocktail lounges and clubbers a-clubbin until 6am. Try honey rum (ron miel) for an intensely sweet experience while you’re out and about.

Switch da club for something calmer in Telde. Think colonial architecture and old-town charm away from the crowds.