Gran Canaria is often called a miniature continent, and the area you pick shapes your holiday.
The south is the classic beach choice. Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas sit beside the protected Maspalomas dunes, a stretch of golden sand dunes that run down to the sea, with a lighthouse, a long promenade and plenty of restaurants. Playa del Inglés is the liveliest part, with the most shops, bars and entertainment, while Maspalomas is calmer and greener. To the west, Puerto de Mogán is a pretty fishing harbour with whitewashed streets and flower-draped houses, often called Little Venice, and a good choice for a quiet, relaxed base.
In the north-east, Las Palmas is a working city rather than a resort, with the long city beach of Las Canteras, the historic Vegueta old quarter and a lively food scene. It suits a city-and-beach mix, and it is closer to the airport.
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is on the east coast and handles direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe all year. From the airport it is about 20 minutes to Las Palmas and around 30-40 minutes by motorway to Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, with buses and taxis on offer. Puerto de Mogán is roughly an hour away. A hire car helps if you want to see the mountains, but the southern resorts are easy to manage on foot and by bus.
The south of Gran Canaria is dry and sunny for most of the year, with mild winters and warm, comfortable summers. Winter days are typically around 21-23°C, and the sea stays at roughly 19-24°C all year, so a beach holiday works in any month. July to September are the hottest months. The north and the mountains are greener, cooler and cloudier, which is worth knowing if you plan to hike.
You will meet papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with red and green mojo sauce again here, along with gofio and fresh fish. Try ropa vieja, a shredded meat and chickpea stew, and local cheeses such as the famous queso de flor from Guía. Look out for Canarian rum and honey rum in bars and shops.
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