Holiday rentals in Gran Canaria

Secluded beaches, historic architecture, scenic landscapes, and lively nightlife: It’s no wonder Gran Canaria is described as a miniature continent. Like its neighbors in the Canary archipelago, this round island, which measures 31 miles across, was created through volcanic eruptions somewhere between 9 and 14 million years ago. Coastal towns and resorts ring the island like a necklace, while the imposing Pico de las Nieves mountain rises nearly 6,400 feet above its center. The north is dominated by the capital city of Las Palmas, a cultural destination famed for its Fiesta de San Juan in June. The warm, sunny southern coast packs in a variety of resort areas, each with its own vibe, whether it’s stylish Meloneras, with luxury shopping and a charming seafront promenade; relaxing San Agustín; and busy Playa del Inglés, one of the island’s hotspots for clubbing and a top destination for LGBTQ travelers. A bit farther west lies Puerto de Mogán, a pretty fishing village with whitewashed sea-view villas strewn with bougainvillea.

Gran Canaria enjoys consistently warm and pleasant weather all year long. With very little rainfall (fewer than six inches annually) and endless sunny days, you couldn’t ask for a better climate for your hard-earned vacation. The temperature is almost always in the 70s or low 80s Fahrenheit, whether it’s January or June, and the sea temperature is just a few degrees below that. Warm winds blow across the island, creating ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing around the southern resorts of Meloneras and Maspalomas.

Maspalomas Dunes and Lighthouse

Nature lovers shouldn’t skip this 1,000-acre nature reserve, home to migrating seabirds and massive golden sand dunes. Nearby, the elegant 184-foot Maspalomas Lighthouse dates back to the 1890s and is still in operation; it’s a great spot to take in the sunset before dinner in one of the restaurants on Meloneras Boulevard.

Las Canteras Beach

The vast central beach in Las Palmas features more than 1.5 miles of coastline, but some of the best action happens underwater. Some say diving here is like being in a fish tank. Be on the lookout for cuttlefish, parrotfish, barracudas, scorpion fish, sea urchins, octopuses, and turtles.

The Painted Cave (Cueva Pintada)

The geometric patterns painted on these cave walls by the indigenous Canarii have fascinated archaeologists for more than a century. Learn more about the island’s earliest inhabitants at this archaeological park in Galdar, in the northwest.