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LOCAL GUIDE GRAN CANARIA

LOCAL GUIDE GRAN CANARIA

Todo sobre Gran Canaria / Everything about Gran Canaria

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Gran Canaria Travel Blog and more

Local Guide Gran Canaria is a digital guide about Gran Canaria written by locals. Here we will help you to know the most authentic side of the island on your own: things to do in Gran Canaria, the best places to eat, hiking trails, MTB tracks, hotels, festivals, tips & more. Don’t miss our travel different guides and save time when planning your trip!

guides to gran canaria

Local Guide Gran Canaria is not the official Gran Canaria tourism site. However, we are sure that here you will find unique content about things to do in Gran Canaria and the best restaurants. We will share with you the hidden places that residents frequent and that do not appear in the guides with directions on how to get there and tips. Traveling to Gran Canaria is going to be easier for you with us. Do you join us?

Where is Gran Canaria island

It is a Spanish island that belongs to the Canary Islands, an archipelago of 8 islands divided into two provinces. In the province of Las Palmas are the islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa. On the other hand, the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is made up of the islands of Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma. The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, a few kilometers from West Africa. In fact, it is closer to Morocco than to Spain. Below we show you a map so you can locate it and we will give you all the details about this tourist destination.

Gran Canaria and Canary Islands map
Gran Canaria and Canary Islands map

Population Gran Canaria island

The surface of Gran Canaria is 1,560Km2, making it the third largest island in the archipelago. However, in terms of population it is the second largest (behind Tenerife). In 2020 the island had approximately 870,000 inhabitants. Regarding the demonym, they are informally called canariones, although the official name is grancanario. The colors of Gran Canaria and its flag are yellow and blue.

Flag of Gran Canaria
Flag of Gran Canaria

The capital of Gran Canaria is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It is the largest city in the Canary Islands with about 380,000 inhabitants in 2020. In addition, it is in the top 10 of the largest cities in Spain. The island has other cities or population centers to highlight: Telde, Arucas and Vecindario.

Panorámica Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Panoramic view of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Municipalities Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has a total of 21 municipalities: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Telde, Valsequillo, Teror, San Mateo, Arucas, Firgas, Santa María de Guía, Moya, Gáldar, Agaete, Artenara, Tejeda, La Aldea de San Nicolás, Valleseco, Mogán, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santa Brígida, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Agüimes and Ingenio.

Gran Canaria map
Gran Canaria map

Gran Canaria island is mainly a sun and beach destination, although recently urban, rural and active tourism (cycling, golf, diving, windsurfing, surfing, etc.) has been on the rise. The most touristic municipality is San Bartolomé de Tirajana, here are the main tourist centers and beaches of the island: Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. Therefore, most of the hotels in Gran Canaria are concentrated in these municipalities.

dunas de maspalomas
Maspalomas beach, Gran Canaria

Next we have the municipality of Mogán, where Puerto de Mogán and its beach become the protagonists. However, despite the overcrowding, the beaches of Anfi, Puerto Rico and Amadores are also very popular with tourists.

Geography

Gran Canaria, like all the Canary Islands, is of volcanic origin. It is characterized by being a mountainous island, full of ravines and spectacular beaches. Until recently it was believed that the highest peak on the island was Pico de Las Nieves. However, it has recently been shown that the highest point of Gran Canaria is the Morro de la Agujereada with 1956 meters of altitude.

Morro de La Agujereada, highest peak of Gran Canaria
Morro de La Agujereada, highest peak of Gran Canaria

You should know that in 2019 part of the territory of Gran Canaria was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Specifically, this distinction was for Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria. Risco Caído was an ancient troglodyte town located in an environment rich in paleontological vestiges. This town has a total of 21 caves, two of them (caves C6 and C7) stand out for their astronomical, ceremonial and symbolic importance. Finally, cave C6 is the main protagonist, since it has an excavated light channel that projects the sunlight or the full moon.

Roque Bentayga, Gran Canaria
Roque Bentayga, Gran Canaria

The municipalities that are part of the territory that was named a World Heritage Site are Artenara, Gáldar, Tejeda and Agaete. For more information, you can visit the interpretation centers of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria and Risco Caído.

Things to do in Gran Canaria

Next we are going to give you some details about the main tourist attractions of Gran Canaria: the city of Las Palmas de GC and capital of the island, its more than 80 beaches and natural pools, protected natural spaces, natural monuments, its gastronomy and museums. We summarize it all below.

✔ Things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The capital of the island must be one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria. Next, we will review the places that you should take into account within the city:

*Vegueta old town

A walk through the historic center of Vegueta is a must. Here you can visit the main attractions of the neighborhood such as the Cathedral of the Canary Islands (Diocese of the Canary Islands), in the Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana. Also the Vegueta market, the Pérez Galdós Theater, its pedestrian streets, the church of San Antonio Abad, the hermitage of the Holy Spirit, the Casa Museo-Colón, the Plaza de Santo Domingo, etc.

Santa Ana Cathedral, Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Santa Ana Cathedral, Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The city has a very strong bond with Christopher Columbus, as he passed through Las Palmas de Gran Canaria before discovering America. On the other hand, a few steps away, we recommend you stroll through the Triana neighborhood, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the capital. Here the Literary Cabinet, the Alameda de Colón, the municipal library, San Telmo and all its pedestrian streets stand out.

Gabinete Literario
Gabinete Literario, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

*Las Canteras beach

Another of the tourist attractions of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is its famous Las Canteras beach, an urban beach that can be walked along a nice promenade. On this walk there is a wide range of restaurants. Las Canteras is also linked with a walk with El Confital, another of the places to visit in the city. If you want to know more about the capital of the island, take a look at our article on things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Zona de Playa Chica, Las Canteras
Zona de Playa Chica, Las Canteras

*Restaurants in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

In the capital of the island you will find the largest and best gastronomic offer in Gran Canaria. Here you will find places to eat from different countries and influences from around the world: Japanese, Korean, Italian, Peruvian, Chinese, etc. We also finally have a Michelin Star restaurant, cheap restaurants, Canarian food, etc. We suggest you take a look at our favorite restaurants in Las Palmas.

Restaurant in Las Canteras beach, Las Palmas city
Restaurant in Las Canteras beach, Las Palmas city

Finally, you should know that one of the most important festivals in the capital and that we did not mention before is that of San Juan. Every June 23 at night, citizens congregate in Las Canteras to celebrate this festivity. The most daring even take a dip in the sea at night. Its fireworks are spectacular starting at 00:00 at night. Finally, you should know that the weather in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria can be cloudy during the summer months due to the trade winds known by the locals as panza de burro.

✔ Best beaches of Gran Canaria island

Being an island, you can imagine the number of beaches that can be enjoyed and known. You will find the most touristic and well-known ones in the south of Gran Canaria. We mention them below:

*Playa del Inglés

In Playa del Inglés you will find practically all the services: shower, sun beds and toilets. In addition, it has a nudist area. The downside is that its surroundings are quite crowded and it is a very touristy area.

Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria

*Maspalomas beach

This beach joins with Playa del Inglés at the tip and, therefore, you can walk from one to the other. Something that we recommend you do if you are going to visit Gran Canaria. It also has a nudist area and all services (including a spa). It is famous for its Maspalomas Dunes and the beautiful lighthouse that accompanies it.

*Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the places that has been most affected by human hands on the island. And it is that there is not one meter of land available to build from the coast to the end of the ravine and the slopes of the mountains. It’s awful. Still, there are many tourists who love it. Possibly, because of how cheap alcohol is, the nightlife, the offer of fast food places and the good weather.

*Anfi del Mar

Anfi beach and the entire empire that surrounds it was promoted by a Norwegian businessman who was allowed to bring sand from the Caribbean and build an artificial island next to it. It is the heart-shaped island Maroa and in which there is currently a beach club. Another place that today is enjoyed by millions of tourists.

Anfi beach, Gran Canaria
Anfi beach, Gran Canaria

*Amadores beach

Finally, another of the island’s tourist beaches is Amadores, a fusion between Puerto Rico and Anfi del Mar. In other words, its beach has Caribbean sand and its slopes are completely full of apartments and resorts. Of course, we are not going to deny that from here there is one of the best sunsets in Gran Canaria.

*Las Canteras beach

As we see it, one of the best beaches in Gran Canaria is in the capital and is Las Canteras beach. There are almost 3 kilometers of golden sand to enjoy sunbathing, walking, surfing or snorkeling. Las Canteras stands out for its wide range of restaurants, as well as for La Barra. A volcanic barrier that makes the waves calm and allows you to enjoy swimming safely. You should know that there is an area known as La Cícer where there is no bar and it is ideal for surfing.

Las Canteras beach and the barrier
Las Canteras beach and the barrier

On the other hand, there are other remarkable beaches in the south, but less well known, such as San Agustín, Playa del Águila, Playa del Pirata or Morro Besudo and Las Burras. Likewise, on the Telde coast they have a good level of beaches, although much more local. These are Melenara, Salinetas, La Garita, Ojos de Garza and Tufia.

Tufia con marea baja
Tufia beach, Telde

At the same time, in the west of the island we find the most virgin and least visited beaches of Gran Canaria. One of the most paradisiacal and difficult to reach is Güigüi beach or Gui gui. In addition, it is located within the World Biosphere Reserve. We have a detailed article about Güigüi so that you can discover it on your own.

Güigüi beach, west of Gran Canaria
Güigüi beach, west of Gran Canaria

*Natural pools Gran Canaria

On the other hand, the island also stands out for its many natural pools. Most of them can be found in the north where the coast is more volcanic. In other words, in the north, few beaches have sand and, therefore, it has been decided to prepare bathing areas with sea water, with their respective breakwaters and access by stairs. The best-known natural pools are Las Salinas de Agaete, La Laja in Las Palmas, Roque Prieto in Guía and El Agujero de Gáldar.

El Agujero beach and natural pool

✔ Natural monuments and protected areas

Part of the territory of Gran Canaria is part of the World Biosphere Reserve. Neither more nor less than 100,000 land and marine hectares that run through seven municipalities: Artenara, Tejeda, La Aldea de San Nicolás, Agaete, San Mateo, San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán. Within the spaces that the Biosphere Reserve encompasses, we find core areas, that is, with a greater amount of outstanding natural resources. The most important areas are Inagua, which we will talk about in the next few lines, and Güigüí. Finally, we will mention some of the most representative natural monuments on the island.

*Inagua Integral Natural Reserve

It is one of the few comprehensive nature reserves in the Canary Islands. Protection granted by the Government of the Canary Islands for the importance, fragility and representativeness of its ecosystems, communities, biological or geological elements. As for the native fauna of Inagua, the Blue Finch stands out. Regarding the flora, there are threatened endemic species such as the Inagua jarilla, the hairy jarilla and the pine grove’s comb.

Reserva Natural Integral de inagua
Reserva Natural Integral de Inagua

We recommend that you take a look at this hiking route that starts from the Los Azulejos of Mogán and passes through the Inagua Special Nature Reserve.

*Tamadaba Natural Park

Tamadaba Natural Park is one of the few unspoiled areas of Gran Canaria. This park is mainly made up of a Canarian pine forest and spectacular ravines and cliffs. The space covers more than 7,000 hectares and is also within the Biosphere Reserve. One of the most visited points in Tamadaba, in addition to its pine forest, is the Mirador del Balcón viewpoint, in La Aldea de San Nicolás. You have to know that in 2019 a huge forest fire affected to some parts of Tamadaba. Hopefully, the burned areas will recover soon.

Tamadaba Natural Park
Tamadaba Natural Park

*Barranco Oscuro (Dark Ravine) Integral Natural Reserve

Between the municipalities of Moya and Valleseco we find one of the most important ravines in Gran Canaria: the Dark Ravine. It houses one of the largest samples of laurel forest on the island and has a great floristic richness, since it is home to more than 40 endemic species of the Canary Islands, 12 of them unique to Gran Canaria.

*Roque Nublo Natural Monument

We can affirm that it is one of the symbols of identity of the island. The Roque Nublo is located in Tejeda and is part of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria. It is a monolith-type rock formation located at one of the highest points in Gran Canaria. We explain how to get on foot to Roque Nublo here. The setting and the views from here are unbeatable. Without a doubt, the best way to appreciate the contrast of landscapes that Gran Canaria offers.

panoramica roque nublo
Roque Nublo Natural Monument

*Roque Bentayga

Here we have another of the symbols of Gran Canaria, both for its history and its shape. Many even confuse it with the Roque Nublo. There is an interpretation center where they will make you discover the importance of the Bentayga and its relationship with the island’s aborigines. At the same time, it can be visited on foot through a small path.

Roque Bentayga
Roque Bentayga

*Las Vacas Ravine

Another of the places that many travelers want to visit when they travel to Gran Canaria is the Barranco de Las Vacas, although the reality is that they are the Tobas de Colores. The site can be visited in less than 10 minutes and is very trendy. We don’t recommend going just to see it, as it’s not that big of a deal and a lot of people just go for the Instagram photo.

✔ Towns and villages

The towns are part of the culture of the destinations. As we see it, one way to get to know the most authentic side of places is by getting closer to its people. That is, to its quiet towns and villages. As we see it, the most beautiful towns in Gran Canaria are the following:

*Gáldar

Gáldar was the first capital of Gran Canaria and where the famous painted cave of Gáldar is located. It is one of the cities or towns in which the local essence is 100% preserved with its market, theater, town square, casino, etc. In its parish is where the famous Way of St James of Gran Canaria ends.

Santiago de Gáldar
Santiago de Gáldar

*Teror

Teror is where the Virgen del Pino, patron saint of Gran Canaria, is found. It is characterized by its cobbled pedestrian streets and its houses with Canarian balconies.

teror
Teror, Gran Canaria

*Arucas

This municipality and town in Gran Canaria is known for two main reasons. The first, the Church of San Juan Bautista sculpted with blue stone from Arucas. The second is the rum Ron Arehucas. Here is the factory of this famous Canarian rum made from sugar cane and which can be visited.

San Juan Bautista church in Arucas
San Juan Bautista church in Arucas

*Tejeda

This Canarian town has always been considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. Its houses are white with tiles and its streets are pedestrianized. From Tejeda you will have spectacular views of Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo.

Panoramic view of Tejeda and Bentayga
Panoramic view of Tejeda and Bentayga

*Agüimes

This is another of the best preserved towns on the island and we recommend visiting. Its urban center is full of metal sculptures like the famous camel that we show you below.

Agüimes village and camel sculpture
Agüimes village and camel sculpture

*Agaete and Puerto de Las Nieves

Agaete and Puerto de Las Nieves also have a little hole in the hearts of Gran Canarians and everyone who visits it. It’s love at first sight. Puerto de Las Nieves stands out for its maritime touches, views of the Tamadaba cliffs, stone beaches and its Las Salinas pools. On the other hand, we have the urban center of Agaete town full of white houses.

Puerto de Las Nieves, Agaete
Puerto de Las Nieves, Agaete

*Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán is one of the most visited places for several reasons. The main one is for its good climate, but we must not take away its beauty. Its colorful houses, its marina and the bougainvilleas stand out. In addition, this town in the south of Gran Canaria is very well connected to the main places of interest on the island.

Puerto de Mogán. Gran Canaria
Puerto de Mogán. Gran Canaria

*Artenara

In Artenara we can have one of the best views of the island to its sacred mountains. In fact, Artenara is full of viewpoints. It is also known for housing numerous cave houses and the Risco Caído Interpretation Center.

Mirador del Cristo. Artenara
Viewpoint Mirador del Cristo. Artenara

*Santa Lucía de Tirajana

Finally, within the most beautiful villages on the island we cannot ignore the mention of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, next to the Las Tirajanas ravine. The town is full of white cobbled houses, pedestrian streets and is known for its production of olives and therefore olive oil.

Santa Lucía de Tirajana
Santa Lucía de Tirajana

On the other hand, there are other well-known places to take into account such as Fataga, Moya, Arinaga, Pozo Izquierdo, Castillo del Romeral and Arguineguín.

✔ Museums and archaeological parks of Gran Canaria island

Now we turn to the cultural and historical part of the island, which also has a lot to offer. The main museums of Gran Canaria are located in Las Palmas city. However, there are other museums and archaeological parks throughout the island that you should visit. Here are the most important ones:

1. House-Museum of Colón, Las Palmas de GC

In the Vegueta neighborhood we find one of the most beautiful buildings in the area. It is the Columbus house museum. An example of stately architecture. Here the Admiral Christopher Columbus spent the night during his stay on Gran Canaria island. Here objects related to their passage through the islands and the history of the city linked to America are exhibited.

Casa de colón
Colon House, old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

2. Cathedral and Diocesan Museum, Las Palmas de GC

The Cathedral can also be visited and even climb to the top. Its architecture combines different styles: Gothic and Neoclassical. Inside it has valuable works of art, among which the Christ of Luján Pérez should be highlighted. These works can be found in the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, located in one of the rooms that overlooks the Patio de Los Naranjos.

3. Canary Islands museum, Las Palmas de GC

It is a museum that collects the history of the Canary Islands. That is, who they were and how the Canarian aborigines lived. It is located on Dr. Chil Street, a few steps from the Espíritu Santo square.

4. CAAM-Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno, Las Palmas de GC

In the pedestrian street of Los Balcones is the CAAM Museum, Atlantic Center of Modern Art, a cultural landmark of the city.

Museum CAAM
Museum CAAM, Vegueta

5. Elder museum, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

In the heart of Santa Catalina Park, in the port area of the city, we find this museum dedicated to Science and Technology. It is great to go with the family.

6. Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park, Gáldar

The Cueva Pintada Archaeological Park and Museum preserves one of the most relevant archaeological sites for learning about the History of Gran Canaria, from pre-Hispanic times to the conquest of the island. Here the visitor will be able to observe from a walkway the indigenous houses and caves and their respective wall paintings. In addition, it is located in the heart of the first capital of Gran Canaria: Gáldar.

7. Tomás Morales Museum-House, Moya

It is a mid-19th century building in the heart of the town of Moya. The Canarian poet Tomás Morales was born and lived here. Your visit will allow you to know one of the most representative examples of traditional Canarian architecture, visiting each of its rooms.

House-museum of Tomás Morales
House-museum of Tomás Morales

8. Cenobio de Valerón, Santa María de Guía

In the municipality of Guía we find a large barn built in the same mountains by the aborigines of Gran Canaria, taking advantage of the geological conditions of the volcanic cone. It is made up of more than 350 holes to house the grain and they are distributed at different levels or heights. Back then the aborigines used them to store cereals and other foods. This space can be visited by paying a small entrance fee of € 3.

9. Ansite Fortress, Santa Lucía de Tirajana

In the Ansite Fortress you can get closer to the history of Gran Canaria. It is said that here the aborigines surrendered to the Castilian troops, although other archaeologists disagree indicating that it was a great temple of the Canarian aborigines. You can visit its interpretation center and enjoy the incredible landscape of the Las Tirajanas ravine full of palm trees.

Ansite Fortress, Gran Canaria island
Ansite Fortress, Gran Canaria island

10. Guayadeque, Ingenio/Agüimes

The Guayadeque ravine should be among the places you should know and visit in Gran Canaria. And not only for its history, since its scenic beauty is undoubted. In fact, it has been declared a Natural Monument by the Law of Natural Spaces of the Canary Islands and Asset of Cultural Interest, with the category of Archaeological Zone by the Law of Historical Heritage of the Canary Islands. The highest density of archaeological sites in Gran Canaria is concentrated in Guayadeque. Here you can also go to its visitor center for more information.

Guayadeque ravine, Gran Canaria island
Guayadeque ravine, Gran Canaria island

There are other archaeological sites that you can visit in Gran Canaria, such as Maipés, Arteara and Cañada de Los Gatos.

✔ Outdoor sports in Gran Canaria island

Another thing you can do in Gran Canaria is to practice endless outdoor sports throughout the year: golf, surfing, windsurfing, cycling, hiking, diving, triathlon, trail running, etc. We can say that except for winter sports, Gran Canaria is an idyllic destination to train 365 days a year. Take a look at our MTB and hiking routes if you like active tourism. A very good option to get to know Gran Canaria on your own.

Los Tilos de Moya trail
Los Tilos de Moya trail

Some of the trails to do in Gran Canaria to discover its most authentic side are those of the Special Natural Reserve of Azuaje and that of the Special Natural Reserve of Los Tilos de Moya. Likewise, if you are a hiking lover, we recommend that you pay attention to the Gran Canaria Walking Festival organized by the Patronato de Gran Canaria every year.

✔ Popular festivals in Gran Canaria island

Below we will mention the best known popular festivals in Gran Canaria. That is, those town festivals that attract visitors from different parts of the island and even from other neighboring islands.

*Virgin of the Pine Tree festival, Teror

Every September 7 and 8, the locals usually visit the patron saint of Gran Canaria, Nuestra Señora del Pino (our Lady of the Pine Tree), from different parts of the island. Many travel by car, but the tradition is to walk from the surrounding towns and municipalities. One of the best known departures is from the town of Tamaraceite. It is approximately 3 hours of walking. Upon reaching Teror, the most believers visit the Virgin. Many others go directly to get their chorizo of Teror sandwich as a prize.

Basílica of Teror in Gran Canaria island
Basílica of Teror in Gran Canaria island

*Festival of La Rama, Agaete

This festival takes place every August 4 in the town of Agaete and Puerto de Las Nieves. A party that has already become a macro party in which the locals dance with tree branches in their hands to the sound of the Banda de Agaete and the giant dolls. The tradition consists of collecting a branch on the Tirma mountain and bringing it to this locality to “ask the gods for rain in times of drought.” Formerly the branches were struck in the sea, now they are shown to Our Lady of Las Nieves. Like most popular festivals, the tradition has practically become a big drinking fest. This does not mean that many locals continue to follow the tradition.

Fiesta de La Rama en Agaete
La Rama Festival in Agaete

*El Charco festival, La Aldea de San Nicolás

This is another of the popular festivals on the island that takes place in a large pool that forms next to La Aldea Beach. It is celebrated every September 11 to remember an old traditional fishing technique called embarbascada. That is, they introduced the sap of local plants into the pool, which caused a sedative effect on the fish. In this way, they could be easily fished even with their hands.

La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran Canaria Island
La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran Canaria Island

To this day, the locals stand around El Charco and, at 5:00 pm, the Mayor fires a rocket to mark the beginning of the fishing (or its simulation).

*The Vará del Pescao, Arinaga

This is another of the massive festivals in Gran Canaria. It takes place on Arinaga beach and honors the historic link of this coastal town with the sea and fishing. It is normally celebrated the last Friday of August.

Playa de Arinaga
Arinaga beach, Gran Canaria

*Almond Blossom Festival: Valsequillo, Tejeda and Tunte

Another important event in Gran Canaria is the Almond Blossom Festival that is held every February in the municipalities of Valsequillo, Tejeda and San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Tunte). During these dates, locals and tourists of Gran Canaria visit these towns to appreciate the almond trees in their splendor. At the same time, each municipality sets up various stalls selling local products to the sound of the island’s folk dances.

Almond blossom in Tejeda

*Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria island

Undoubtedly one of the biggest claims of the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is its carnivals. Depending on the Easter dates, they are usually celebrated in the months of February or March. For approximately three weeks there are several great days to celebrate: Drag Queen Gala, Los Indianos, the Day Carnival in the old town (Vegueta), the Parade, the murgas (parody singers), etc.

Escenario Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Carnival Stage of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

*International Carnival of Maspalomas

On the other hand, Maspalomas also has its own carnival, always held weeks after the one in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria so as not to make them coincide. One of the most important events during the Maspalomas Carnival is its great parade.

*Maspalomas Pride

Finally, one of the island’s tourist attractions is undoubtedly Maspalomas Pride. An event normally held during the month of May in which a great parade takes place on the occasion of gay pride. Tourists from the LGTBI+ community from all over Spain and Europe come to this party. Other types of meetings and events also take place around this gay pride week, you can check it here.

IATI discount local guide gran canaria

Hotels in Gran Canaria

On the island you can stay in practically all types of accommodation. The most peculiar of the island are the cave houses. However, most visitors choose to stay in family hotels, rural houses, 5-star hotels, hotels in Las Palmas and, lately, in luxurious private villas and rural hotels. You can browse all the hotels in Gran Canaria that we recommend on our blog or by doing a search below.

Look for hotels in Gran Canaria
hotels in Gran Canaria
Hotels in Gran Canaria

Restaurants in Gran Canaria and typical food

The gastronomy of Gran Canaria stands out for its award-winning and tasty cheeses, such as flower cheese or queso flor (made with vegetable rennet). At the same time, it has a wide variety of exclusive wines grown on volcanic soil and at more than 1000 meters of altitude, such as the Agala that we show you below.

quesos canarios
Quesos canarios

On the other hand, we have to highlight the famous Chorizo de Teror, used mainly spread on bread for sandwiches, although lately it is used in many restaurants to accompany, for example, some fried eggs with potatoes. At the same time, in Gran Canaria their pork leg sandwiches are well known. Take a look at this post with the best places to eat a sandwich on the island.

bocadillo de pata la vaqueria
La Vaquería roasted pork leg sandwich and cheese

On the other hand, we can’t avoid mentioning the almonds from Tejeda and its bienmesabe, the coffee from Agaete, the sweets from Moya, the olives from Agüimes and Santa Lucía de Tirajana, the strawberries from Valsequillo, the apples from Valleseco, the tuna from Mogán and the rum from Arucas (Arehucas).

Fresas de Valsequillo
Strawberries from Valsequillo

You can learn more about the typical food of the Canary Islands in the detailed post we have on this topic. However, here we mention all the common dishes in the islands such as the famous Canarian potatoes with mojo, ropa vieja, stews, ribs with corn, gofio, the fried vieja (local fish)…

Local food in Gran Canaria island
Local food in Gran Canaria island

We recommend you take a look at our guide to restaurants in Gran Canaria, as well as the article on our favorite restaurants in Gran Canaria.

Weather in Gran Canaria island

It is said that the climate or weather in Gran Canaria is one of the best in the world for enjoying pleasant temperatures throughout the year. In addition, it is not usually an island where it rains heavily and regularly. According to AEMET (Meteorology Spanish Agency), taking the weather station at Gran Canaria Airport as a reference, the lowest temperature is usually registered during the month of January with an average of 17.9º. On the other hand, the highest temperature is usually registered in August, with an average temperature of 24.6º.

Las Canteras beach, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Canteras beach, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

In Gran Canaria there are various micro climates that make it also known as a miniature continent. That is, in the coastal areas of Gran Canaria (especially in the south), you can go to the beach perfectly all year round. However, in mountainous and inland areas temperatures drop considerably. With which, during the winter months temperatures can even reach below zero in the highest points, such as in the Roque Nublo. At the same time, it may be raining in the north and terribly hot in the Maspalomas Dunes. That’s how capricious the island is!

Check the weather forecast now in Accuweather

How to get around Gran Canaria

Now that you know Gran Canaria better and you know everything you can do on the island. We would like to give you a few tips about how to move around the island. Ideally, you could rent a car, since there are many enclaves that you can hardly reach by public transport. Of course, to make specific transfers from the airport to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or Maspalomas, you will always be able to use the insular bus company: Global. On the contrary, to move around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, like any city, the ideal is to move by bike or in the public transport: Guaguas municipales.

Complete guide to Gran Canaria island

With this website, localguidegrancanaria.com, we want to change or, rather, expand the concept of the island of sun and sand. For this reason, we have created for you a complete guide to the island with more than 35 things to do during your holidays in Gran Canaria. A digital guide with recommendations of authentic places to visit in Gran Canaria where you can choose the plans that best suit your tastes and needs.

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guide to gran canaria

We want to help you to avoid the crowded sites and get to know the most authentic side of the island. Gran Canaria is not just sun and sand, dare to mix with the locals, get to know their towns, get to know their typical dishes, discover their landscapes, etc. What to do in Gran Canaria? Where to eat in Gran Canaria? Where to stay in Gran Canaria? How to get around the island? We have all your answers on this site about tourism in Gran Canaria. In short, we want to be your local guide of Gran Canaria and help you in the best possible way so that you can travel on your own and discover the less touristy places.

About us

Finally, we leave you with a video introducing ourselves and explaining why we decided to create Local Guide Gran Canaria. Subscribe to our channel to discover Gran Canaria in video.

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