5 Days in Gran Canaria: Sun, Sand, and Surfers
Discover paradise in Gran Canaria, where sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking landscapes.
14 October 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Gran Canaria, Spain offers a blend of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and fantastic beaches, making it a perfect destination for tourists. Visitors can explore the iconic sand dunes of Maspalomas, indulge in water sports, and enjoy the lively nightlife in its popular resorts such as Playa del Ingles. Additionally, the island's diverse nature offers opportunities for hiking, exploring volcanic craters, and discovering picturesque villages.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the colorful Casa de Los Camellos hotel
- Head to Playa de Las Canteras, Gran Canaria's iconic beach
- Challenge yourself with a surf lesson from the cool dudes at Surf School Paradise
- Treat yourself to a mouthwatering seafood paella at Restaurante El Churrasco
- Catch the stunning sunset from El Confital viewpoint with a glass of sangria
- Start your day with a hearty Canarian breakfast at Café Regina
- Embark on a scenic hike to Roque Nublo, a majestic rock formation in the heart of Gran Canaria
- Stop at Los Almacigos to feast on traditional tapas like papas arrugadas and mojo
- Continue to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island, for breathtaking views
- Reward yourself with a pint of local craft beer at Firgas Brewery
- Explore the charming neighborhood of Vegueta, home to quaint streets and historic buildings
- Visit Casa de Colón, a museum celebrating Christopher Columbus' connection to the island
- Satisfy your cravings with a Canarian lunch at Restaurante Los Berrazales
- Discover the otherworldly beauty of Cueva de Valerón, an ancient grain storage carved into the cliffs
- Treat yourself to a deliciously creamy helado de plátano at Gelatomania
- Drive along the scenic coastal road to Maspalomas
- Venture into Maspalomas Dunes, a mesmerizing desert-like landscape
- Take a camel ride through the dunes for a unique experience
- Indulge in a fresh seafood feast at Restaurante El Capitán in Puerto de Mogán
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Puerto de Mogán, known as "Little Venice"
- Discover the lunar-like landscape of Bandama Caldera, an ancient volcanic crater
- Go underground and explore the fascinating Cueva de los Verdes lava tube
- Sample the island's famous wines at Bodegas Tunte
- Refuel with a savory tapas lunch at Restaurante Macando
- End your trip by strolling along the colorful streets of San Mateo's farmers market, picking up local delicacies to take home.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Gran Canaria by plane is to fly into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) which is the main international airport serving the island. There are direct flights available from various major cities in Europe such as London, Madrid, and Amsterdam. Airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Iberia operate regular flights to Gran Canaria.
Car
To get to Gran Canaria by car, you would need to drive to one of the ports in Spain where ferries operate to the island. One popular route is to drive to the port of Cádiz and take a ferry to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen Express are two companies that offer ferry services to Gran Canaria.
Train
There are no train services available to Gran Canaria as it is an island and trains do not run directly to the island.
Boat
There are ferry services available to Gran Canaria. One option is to take a ferry from the port of Huelva in Spain to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Trasmediterránea is a company that operates this route. Another option is to take a ferry from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Fred. Olsen Express offers this service.
Bus
To get to Gran Canaria by bus, you would need to take a bus to one of the major Spanish cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, and from there, you can find long-distance buses that operate to Las Palmas, the capital city of Gran Canaria. Companies such as ALSA and Guaguas Municipales provide bus services to Gran Canaria.