Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canary Islands archipelago, after Tenerife and Fuerteventura. Part of the Kingdom of Spain, the islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of southern Morocco. The Canary Islands are predominantly volcanic and are a magnet for visitors from Europe, especially in the winter months. Like these visitors, I decided to book a winter getaway to Gran Canaria for a good dose of sunshine and warmth. I quickly discovered that, aside from its wonderful climate, Gran Canaria is home to majestic landscapes and charming towns, making it a lot more than just a winter beach destination.

Why visit Gran Canaria in winter?

Well, the warm weather is a great reason! I’s always a pleasure to feel the wonderful warmth on my face as soon as I step out of the airport terminal. With temperatures hovering around a (very) pleasant 22 degrees Celsius, the winter chill in northern Europe will immediately feel like a distant memory! Like most visitors to Gran Canaria in the winter, I often stay on the south coast, specifically Maspalomas, as this area, shielded by the central mountains, has the warmest temperatures. I’ve discovered that the south coast is constantly at least a few degrees warmer, and receives less rain, than the capital Las Palmas in the north. Locals living on the south coast say that February is typically the ‘coldest’ month, with daytime temperatures ranging between 19-23 degrees Celsius. That’s absolutely perfect for me!

Places to visit in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria certainly is an island of contrasts. Visitors (myself included) tend to crowd into the southern corner of the island which boasts a warmer, drier climate and some of the best beaches. Most of the hotels and tourist facilities can be found here in a broad swathe stretching from San Augustin and Maspalomas to Puerto de Mogan. However, you simply have to book a tour or hire a car to explore the island and you’ll find the most spectacular scenery, an incredibly diverse flora and culturally-rich villages and towns.

I’ve seen quite a bit of the island and absolutely love its great variety of landscapes, cultural and historic attractions. Here are some of my favourite places to visit in Gran Canaria: 

Central Gran Canaria

A spectacular route is the GC-60 road from Maspalomas through the mountains, passing places like Tejeda (fab place for a lunch stop), Artenara and Teror. The road winds through the breathtaking landscapes of Barranco de Fataga. This is a popular hiking area where various scenes of Netflix’s The Witcher (Season 1) were filmed. Read more about this stunning Gran Canaria day trip by car.

Las Palmas

If you’re looking for some culture and history, don’t miss the old town of Las Palmas. The atmospheric streets and the imposing Cathedral are sure highlights! There’s more to see including gorgeous Art Nouveau/Modernist architecture, charming squares and colourful markets. Read more about things to see in Las Palmas (includes a sightseeing walking route).

South coast to Mogan

The south coast route (GC-500) from Maspalomas to Puerto de Mogan, is another favourite of mine. It passes numerous holiday resort towns but the stretches in between offered stunning views of immense cliffs and the bright blue Atlantic Ocean. Puerto de Mogan was my favourite as it’s slightly smaller and has a lovely beach boulevard. It also has a lively marina and charming, bougainvillea-draped streets. Read more about things to do in Puerto de Mogan.

From Puerto de Mogan, drive inland on the GC-200 past the village of Mogan toward the west coast (if the road is open). I had to turn around at a certain point due to poor weather (fog and drizzle) but not before seeing some of the most dramatic vistas on the island!

Agüimes

Another town I can recommend is Agüimes. Located near the airport, it’s a lovely town with a charming historic quarter. The atmospheric streets are lined with low-rise houses in a typical Canarian style. Don’t miss the beautiful historic attractions such as the Parish Temple of San Sebastián.

Gran Canaria is one of my go-to winter destinations in Europe and it’s always a pleasure to return. Aside from the wonderful climate, I’m always impressed by the majestic mountain scenery and its picturesque villages. Lovers of nature and active holidays (like cycling and hiking) will be spoilt for choice up in the mountains! In addition, Las Palmas is an absolute delight to explore. Search for accommodations in Gran Canaria.

How to get to Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is easily reachable by air from major cities in Spain and major cities in the UK and mainland Europe.