Gran Canaria is often described as a “continent in miniature” and it really lives up to the name. Think golden beaches in the south, a lively capital city in the north and dramatic volcanic mountains at its heart, all wrapped into one easy‑to‑explore island.

If you are a traveller who wants more than simply lying on a sunlounger for a week, this is an island that delivers: beach time, hiking, wine tasting, stargazing, culture and great food can all sit in one itinerary.

Beyond the beach: different sides of Gran Canaria

Southern shores: classic sun and sand

The south is perfect if you want that classic beach holiday. Here you can soak up the Canarian sun on long stretches of golden sand, enjoy calm turquoise waters and make the most of resort facilities, restaurants and bars. It is an easy place to unwind at the end of a more active adventure around the island.

Las Palmas: culture, history and gastronomy

Spend a few days in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and you see a very different side to the island. The city has a charming old quarter with fascinating heritage, cobbled streets and colourful buildings. Combine that with:

• Excellent restaurants serving modern Canarian cuisine
• A lively waterfront and urban beach
• The impressive new aquarium

It is a brilliant base if you like to blend city exploring with time by the sea.

Inland & north: walking trails and big skies

If you are looking for a more authentic, local experience, head inland and north. This volcanic landscape is made for:

• Scenic walks and mountain hikes
• Tiny villages and rural fincas
• Clear, dark skies that are perfect for stargazing

Up here you really feel the island’s wild side, yet you are still only a drive away from the coast. 

The Gran Canaria Wine Route

Gran Canaria, just like its grape vines, has deep roots. The island’s Wine Route is a lovely way to explore inland landscapes and traditional ways of life.

Along the route you will find:

• Small family‑run wineries and vineyards
• Traditional bochinches (rustic taverns) where local wine is paired with classic Canarian dishes
• Cheese producers and rural estates
• Local guides who share the island’s stories and flavours

The wines here are genuinely distinctive. Gran Canaria is home to nearly forty different grape varieties, compared with around ten on mainland Spain. A single small estate can hold more than eight varieties, often harvested at different times, which makes tasting your way around the island both fascinating and delicious. 

Home of the stars: astrotourism in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has renewed its Starlight Destination certification, which recognises its commitment to astrotourism and the protection of its night skies. In practice, this means:

• Clear, dark skies with minimal light pollution
• Purpose‑built viewpoints on mountains, in ravines and on remote beaches
• Regular opportunities to join guided stargazing experiences

If you enjoy astronomy or simply want to experience those big, star‑filled skies, Gran Canaria is a wonderful place to do it. 

Best places to swim: my favourite spots

Gran Canaria’s main attraction might be its golden sandy beaches, but there is so much more. Along the coast you will find:

• Long beaches backed by resorts
• Natural volcanic rockpools
• Hidden coves that can only be reached on foot or by boat

Here are a few of my favourite places for a swim.

Amadores

Amadores Beach curves around a beautiful bay of turquoise sea and white sand, framed by stark cliffs. Because it sits in a protected cove, the waters are calm and sheltered from the Atlantic swells, which makes it ideal for relaxed swimming and paddling.

Güi Güi

On the wild west coast, the two beaches at Güi Güi feel a world away. Dominated by high cliffs, they are so remote they are almost always deserted. The only way to reach them is:

• A two and a half hour hike from Tasartico, or
• By arranging a boat trip, often with local fishermen, from Mogán or La Aldea

For travellers who like adventure and untouched scenery, this is a very special spot.

Agaete Natural Pools

From Agaete harbour, the seafront promenade, Paseo de los Poetas, leads to the natural pools of Las Salinas. Once used for salt harvesting, today they are an exhilarating place to bathe.

• Swimmers are protected from the crashing waves by natural rock barriers
• Sea water rushes in, refreshing the three inter‑connected pools
• There are flat rocky areas for sunbathing
• Behind you, the lush green pine forest mountainside creates a stunning backdrop

It is a wonderful alternative to a standard beach day.

How I explored Gran Canaria

On my recent visit I created a self-drive trip that combined several sides of the island:

• 2 nights in Las Palmas: exploring the old quarter, trying local restaurants and enjoying the city beach.
• 2 nights in the mountains: hiking mountain trails, stargazing and cycling in the fresh, clear air.
• 6 nights in the south: slowing down on the beautiful beaches and making the most of the sunshine.

It worked brilliantly for travellers who do not just want to sit on a beach. You still come home rested, but you also feel as if you have really got to know the island. And of course, I know the best places to stay too.

Ready to plan your own Gran Canaria adventure?

Gran Canaria is a genuine year‑round destination, with sunshine, variety and plenty of ways to tailor a trip to your interests. Whether you are drawn to wine and food, hiking and cycling, city culture or simply finding quieter corners by the sea, it can all be woven into one seamless holiday.

I am a Travel Counsellor and with me it is personal. If you would like a Gran Canaria itinerary that is designed around how you love to travel, get in touch with your holiday plans, however near or far away. I will be at the end of the phone, available every step of the way, whether you are travelling in the UK, Europe or further afield, for leisure or for business.