Gran Canaria

Award winning combination of good weather, great beaches and fabulous scenery

Like the rest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has a lot more to it than its reputation as a reliable beach holiday destination would suggest.  Sand dunes, rugged mountains, tropical forests, tranquil valleys and dramatic cliffs to name but a few.  It’s an island that offers loads for both active and less active travellers and there is a stark contrast between the tranquil interior of the island and the busy resorts on the coast.   Highlights include:

  • Walking at all levels (see below).
  • Family wineries in the Caldera de Bandama. 
  • Catamaran cruises to see dolphins and whales off the south west coast.
  • The Dunas de Maspalomas, a protected natural park of spectacular sand formations and 6 km of golden beaches.
  • Charming interior villages with colonial style architecture.
  • The 11km wide Caldera de Bandama.
  • The botanical gardens in Agaete.
  • The small fishing village of Puerto de Morgan with its bougainvillea covered houses and seawater canals.
  • Nine golf courses for the golfing enthusiast.

Walking in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has a huge range of walking possibilities from leisurely rambles to more demanding hikes on the higher slopes of the Laurel Forest.  Kestrel Canyon is excellent for leisurely walks but for intermediate walkers a climb to the foot of Roque Nublo, a 68m high volcanic plug is a great way to walk on the higher plateau. We can organise walks as private or group walks.  Please get in touch if you are interested in including walking during your trip to Gran Canaria.

Key Facts about Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Photo Gallery

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Ideas for a trip to Gran Canaria

Here are some ideas for trips to Gran Canaria all of which can be adapted for you and we are always happy to create a bespoke trip from scratch.

From £1239

per person incl flights and car hire

Walking in Gran Canaria

This twin-centre holiday offers varied and interest packed walking routes, with easier and more difficult choices of walk daily. We take you from the cauldron of Bandama whose eruption, over 2,000 years ago, influenced the entire geography of the island, to the emblematic Roque Nublo, an imposing natural crag made of volcanic rock from which there are 360 degree views of the whole island. Then there is Gran Canaria's vibrant and colourful capital, Las Palmas, where you can step back in time in the city's charming historic old quarter. You spend your first three nights at a hotel just outside Las Palmas. For your next four nights, you'll head to the very heart of the island

From £770 or £925

per person incl flights and transfers

Long weekend in Las Palmas

Fly to the capital of Gran Canaria, for a long weekend staying in the recently refurbished oldest hotel on the island. This 5* hotel has superb service, an excellent spa and outdoor pool and several highly regarded dining options. If your budget won’t stretch quite this far then stay instead in the former residence of one of Gran Canarias illustrious families which is now a gorgeous boutique hotel with rooftop splashpool and great views of the nearby cathedral and Las Palmas skyline. Spend your time wandering the cobbled streets of the old town of Vegueta and visiting Plaza Santa Ana and its impressive cathedral. Hit the town beach (3 km long) and have a long lunch.

From £780

Per person incl flights and transfers

Twin centre gran Canaria

See the contrasts of Gran Canaria by spending a few nights in a boutique hotel in the capital of Las Palmas followed by four days in a rural country hotel based in a historical house in the peaceful Agaete Valley. From here you can hike a number of trails including to the top of one of the island’s highest peaks, Tamadaba. You are also close to Puerto de la Nievas for a day trip to Santa Cruz in Tenerife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions that haven't been answered here? Send your questions to enquiries@shearwatertravel.co.uk and we'll try our best to help.

From 1 January 2021 you can visit Gran Canaria for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa as a tourist.  For further information see the FCO website.

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