Discover Gran Canaria: Beaches, Brunch, and Beyond
Affordable island paradise: Explore Gran Canaria on a budget!
14 October 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Gran Canaria, located off the northwest coast of Africa, offers an incredible budget-friendly trip with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the island's beautiful beaches, such as Maspalomas or Playa del Inglés, ideal for sunbathing or surfing. Additionally, they can enjoy affordable local cuisine, including tapas and delicious Canarian dishes, while exploring the charming streets of its capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Day trip plan
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- Start your day with a leisurely stroll along the golden sands of Playa de las Canteras, where the sparkling turquoise waters beckon you to take a dip.
- Recharge at a local cafe with a hearty brunch featuring melt-in-your-mouth churros con chocolate or a satisfying plate of Medianoche sandwich, a scrumptious blend of ham, cheese, and pickles.
- Head to Vegueta, the historic quarter, and wander through its cobblestone streets, admiring the beautiful colonial architecture and popping into quirky boutiques for unique souvenirs.
- Don't miss Casa de Colon, the former governor's house turned museum, showcasing intriguing exhibits dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his voyages.
- For a taste of local culture, visit the farmers' market in Mercado de Vegueta and sample an array of exotic fruits and island-grown produce.
- End your day with a budget-friendly dinner at a local tapas bar in Santa Catalina neighborhood, indulging in pintxos, tasty bites of goodness you won't be able to resist.
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.