Gran Canaria Hotels
Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the Canaries containing the capital of the Canary Islands, Las Palmas. Gran Canaria is jam packed with friendly seaside resorts, glittering sands and bustling nightlife so whatever you are looking for in a holiday, Gran Canaria is sure to offer it. It's not all go, there are sleepy little resorts which are just great for getting a glimpse at the traditional Gran Canaria.
How Hot?
Gran Canaria enjoys a year round mild climate, with the summer months averaging high temperatures in the mid to late seventies. The south of the island gets the hotter and drier weather, while the north still warm receives more rain and clouds.
The weather becomes cooler at higher altitudes and the mountainous region in the centre of the island, with snow occurring during winter on the higher peaks.
Out and About
The traditional towns and villages of Agaete, Aguimes, Anzor de Galda, Arucas, Cruz de Tejeda, La Aldea, San Bartolome de Tirajana, San Mateo, Santa Brigida, Telde and Vecindario are perfect for an authentic taste of Gran Canaria. These towns are ideal as your gateway to the mountains and national parks, nature reserves and archaeological sites, remote and secluded beaches.
Of the beach resorts, Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico are the biggest and liveliest. The harbours and marinas at Arguineguin, Las Meloneras, Puerto Mogan and Puerto Rico provide easy access to sport fishing, glass-bottom ferries and underwater subs. For lazing on gorgeous family friendly beaches, try Amadores or Taurito; for golf visit Las Meloneras, Salobre Golf or Playa del Cura and; for surfing, Patalavaca, Playa del Aguila and Bahia Feliz are ideal.
The beach-lined city of Las Palmas offers a cosmopolitan city centre and a beautiful historic quarter, museums and parks, marinas and watersports. The city is well placed to explore the interior of the island as well as the coastal towns and beach resorts.
The golf courses on Gran Canaria are well equipped with practice greens and instruction available. Some also have additional facilities such as riding schools, tennis courts and 9 hole courses. Golf courses in the north of the island include Las Palmeras Golf in Las Palmas, El Cortijo near Telde and Real Club de Golf near Santa Brigida. Golf courses along the south coast include Maspalomas Golf, Salobre Golf, Meloneras Golf and Anfi Tauro Golf, near Playa del Cura.
Street markets take place throughout the week all around the island and some of the most popular with tourists include Arguineguin on Tuesdays and Puerto Mogan on Fridays. There is an evening market at Playa del Ingles throughout the week and a weekend market at Maspalomas. For local food products and craftware try the weekend markets at Santa Brigida, Teror or San Mateo.
Water parks are always a popular day out and on Gran Canaria you can find Aqualand just outside Maspalomas, Lago Oasis at Taurito and Atlantida in Puerto Rico. Other family friendly visitor attractions close to the south coast include Palmitos Parque, Mundo Aborigen and Sioux City
Out for Lunch!
The cuisine in Gran Canaria tends to be traditional Spanish with African and Latin-American influences to it. The most essential part of a Canarian diet is Gofio a stone ground flour. A great dessert to try out is Bienmesabe made from ground almonds, sugar, eggs and lemon rind, definitely worth a try. Fish is a big seller on the menus in the local restaurants. The main produce in Gran Canaria includes fish, pork, bananas, olives and tomatoes.
If its typical Gran Canarian cuisine you are after then you will need to head further inland into the more residential areas. You will find a majority of people still eating at 11pm. The tourist areas have a wide choice of snack bars, restaurants and hotels serving all sorts of cuisines.
Quick Facts
Flight Time - From Glasgow 4 hours 40 mins, 4 hours 30 min from Manchester, 4 hours 20 from London
Currency - Euro
Nightlife - Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs and Cafes - mixed with good options for a varied choice of things to do.
Best Time to Visit: All year round. Gran Canaria offers a year round holiday destination.
Top Hotels In Gran Canaria
Here's a list of our top accommodations in Gran Canaria, ranked by our customer ratings and reviews.
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