Gran Canaria Area Guide

The Island of Gran Canaria is in the centre of the Canary Islands Archipelago between Tenerife and Fuerteventura. It has a temperate climate all year round with average monthly temperatures ranging from 18°C in January to 25°C in August.

Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands (after Tenerife and Fuerteventura). It is like a miniature continent with the dry south contrasting with the green pine forests of the mountainous interior. It is by no means unusual for there to be snow on the peaks while people are sunbathing on the beaches below.

The beaches at Maspalomas are amongst the best in the Canary Islands, and resort of Playa de Ingles has some very lively nightlife. The capital Las Palmas dates back to the fifteenth century and has some beautiful colonial architecture, interesting museums and other attractions which are well worth a visit.

Gran Canaria's major resorts are located along the southern coast which enjoys the driest and warmest climate on the Island.

San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Meloneras are all part of a conurbation around the Maspalomas Sand Dunes, while Arguineguín, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán are all built at the bottom of deep valleys to the west.

For details of where to go and what to see on the island visit our guide to Local Attractions in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has a wealth of natural resources, with numerous white sandy beaches occupying allmost 60 of the 236 kilometres of its coastline. They range from the impressive Maspalomas beach with 250 hectares of sand dunes right next to the sea, to the unspoilt beach of Güigüi and lively Las Canteras. To help you choose the rfght ones read our guide to Gran Canaria Beaches

Gran Canaria currently has six 18 Hole Golf Courses with several more under construction. The Island's wonderful climate make it a very popular winter golf destination. .The island offers a wide variety of courses, adapted to the tastes of the most demanding golfers.To find out more read our guide to Golf Courses in Gran Canaria

In a place as Cosmopolitan as Gran Canaria just about every type of food imaginable is on offer ranging from Asian to Italian, French to Tex Mex and Andalucian to Canarian. There are good restaurants in several parts of Las Palmas mainly located in Ciudad Jardín, Mesa y López and Las Canteras. For more details of the cuisine on offer and booking information visit our guide to Restaurants in Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands have special status within the EU which means that alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and electronics are cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. This special status also means that the Canary Islands are outside the European VAT zone and therefore any goods over the duty free limit that you try to bring back will be subject to VAT and Excise duties.

For more details on where to shop in Gran Canaria read our shopping guide to Gran Canaria and guide to markets in Gran Canaria

If you or the family get tired of the beach, or you want to stay out of the sun for a while, Gran Canaria has loads of other fun things to offer including a number of aqua and theme parks.

We have put together some information on the most popular amusement parks in Gran Canaria , together with their contact details.

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car. There are a number of car hire firms based at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We also provide information on sporting and leisure amenities in Gran Canaria which includes a Gran Canaria Area Guide with the best Gran Canaria Shops, Gran Canaria Markets, Gran Canaria Golf Courses, where to find Gran Canaria Beaches, recommended Gran Canaria Restaurants, Gran Canaria Amusement Parks for great family days out and Gran Canaria Local Attractions.