Gran Canaria Holidays 2026/2027

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Gran Canaria Holidays 2026/2027

Best hotels in Gran Canaria

Book holidays to Gran Canaria with Thomas Cook and get ATOL & ABTA-protected packages with flights from the UK from £179pp. Whether you’re planning a Gran Canaria family holiday in Maspalomas, an all inclusive Gran Canaria holiday in Playa del Inglés, or a winter sun escape to Meloneras, we’ve got packages across the 2026 and 2027 season with departures from airports across the UK. Search and book your perfect Gran Canaria holiday below.

Gran Canaria holidays at a glance:

  • Best for: Families, couples, and adults-only getaways looking for sunny holidays to Gran Canaria with year-round warmth and varied resort options
  • Flight time: 4.5 hours from the UK
  • Best months: April-October (hot and sunny) / November-March (mild winter sun and peak season)
  • Top regions: Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán, Las Palmas


Many holidaymakers head to Gran Canaria for its "miniature continent" feel, boasting a unique blend of dramatic mountains and vast sand dunes.

Who Gran Canaria is best for

Gran Canaria is best for:


When to book your holiday to Gran Canaria in 2026

Gran Canaria holidays 2026 are available now across all season lengths and board types. The island is warm year-round, so unlike mainland Spain or Greece, there’s no wrong time to visit. That said, timing does affect price and atmosphere.

Peak summer (July-August) brings the hottest temperatures and the busiest resorts - ideal for families during the school holidays but book early as the best hotels sell out fast. For cheap Gran Canaria holidays, March to May and September to November offer the best value: warm enough to swim, quieter on the beaches, and noticeably lower prices than peak weeks.

Winter (November-March) is peak season for a different reason - Gran Canaria winter sun holidays are consistently popular with UK holidaymakers escaping the cold. Temperatures stay around 20-22°C and the resorts remain open and well-staffed. For holidays to Gran Canaria 2026, winter and early spring availability is strong right now - peak summer 2026 fills fastest.

Types of Gran Canaria holidays

Gran Canaria beach holidays

Gran Canaria beach holidays are a key part of many Gran Canaria holidays, with wide golden sandy beaches, sheltered bays, and dramatic Atlantic coastline, ideal for relaxed, sun-soaked island days.

  • Best for: Families, couples, and anyone looking for beach stays, all-inclusive resorts, and reliable year-round sunshine on their Gran Canaria holidays.
  • Best resorts in Gran Canaria: Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán, and Las Palmas.


Explore Gran Canaria beach holidays
 

All-inclusive Gran Canaria holidays

With Gran Canaria all-inclusive holidays, everything is included before you travel, so you can relax and enjoy your stay without worrying about day-to-day costs.

  • Best for: Families, couples, and first-time visitors looking for simple planning, predictable costs, and a relaxed Gran Canaria holiday.

Top all-inclusive hotels in Gran Canaria:


Explore Gran Canaria all inclusive holidays


Gran Canaria family holidays

Family-friendly Gran Canaria holidays offer sunny beaches, well-developed resorts, and plenty of activities for both kids and adults.

  • Top areas: Maspalomas (best for all-round families), Playa del Inglés (older kids & teens), and Puerto Rico (young families).

Top family-friendly hotels in Gran Canaria

Looking for the best Gran Canaria family hotels? These resorts are built for easy, stress-free stays with kids, combining space, facilities, and entertainment.


Explore Gran Canaria family holidays
 

Gran Canaria holidays for couples

Gran Canaria holidays for couples offer a slower-paced escape, with palm-lined promenades, sea views, and peaceful resort settings.

  • Top areas: Meloneras for upscale boulevards and Maspalomas for its stylish beachfront and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere.

Top hotels in Gran Canaria for couples

Looking for the best Gran Canaria hotels for couples? These adults-only and high-end stays are perfect for a relaxed, easy-going getaway together:


Explore Gran Canaria couples holidays


Gran Canaria winter sun holidays

Gran Canaria winter sun holidays are a popular choice for year-round warmth, offering mild temperatures, sunny days, and relaxed outdoor vibes during the colder months.

Best for: Travellers looking to escape winter with reliable sunshine, easy resorts, and a mix of beaches, promenades, and outdoor dining.

Top areas:

  • Maspalomas (South): sunny winter temperatures, iconic dunes, slower-paced coastal resort vibe
  • Playa del Inglés (South): lively winter scene, wide sandy beach, strong choice of restaurants and nightlife
  • Puerto Rico (South-West): protected harbour setting, gentle waves, consistent warm winter conditions
  • Meloneras (South): elegant seafront boulevard, high-end resorts, calm evenings by the sea


Explore Gran Canaria winter sun holidays
 

Budget & shoulder-season holidays

Cheap holidays to Gran Canaria are especially popular in spring and autumn, when prices drop, the weather is warm, and resorts are generally quieter than peak seasons.

  • Weather in Gran Canaria March-May: ideal for beach time, sightseeing, and coastal walks
  • Weather in Gran Canaria September-November: still hot in early autumn, with warm sea temperatures and quieter resorts
  • Great destinations include: Puerto Rico, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín and Las Palmas
  • Enjoy: sandy beaches, dune landscapes, local markets, and relaxed resort stays at better value outside peak season


Explore last minute holidays to Gran Canaria
 

5 reasons to choose Gran Canaria for your next holiday

  1. Year-round warm climate: Often called a “mini continent” for its diverse landscapes.
  2. Easy access from the UK: Approx. 4.5 hours flight time.
  3. Wide choice of resorts: From budget-friendly all-inclusive to luxury escapes.
  4. Made for everyone: Ideally suited for both relaxed family trips and romantic getaways.
  5. Diverse landscapes: Blends sweeping dunes, mountains, and urban culture.


More Gran Canaria travel guides

Northern Gran Canaria holidays

Vegueta: The Old Town Of Las Palmas

Catedral de Santa Ana

Jardin Canario

Roque Nublo

Southern Gran Canaria holidays

Maspalomas

Playa del Ingles

Puerto Rico

San Agustin

Our Gran Canaria holidays guide was last revised and updated in May 2026.

Map of Gran Canaria

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15-28°C

Known for its year-round sunshine, holidays to Gran Canaria promise warm days whatever the season, with very little rainfall.

Gran Canaria weather forecast >

4 hours and 30 minutes
Gran Canaria airport (or Gando Airport) is on the eastern side of the island. Approx 23 km from Las Palmas and 30 km from Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas.
Types of holidays in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is best for...

History buffs: Las Palmas old town, Columbus sites & Santa Ana Cathedral
Party lovers: Playa del Inglés nightlife, Yumbo Centre shows & Kasbah clubs
Sun seekers: Maspalomas dunes, Playa del Inglés watersports & Las Canteras beach


Must-try food in Gran Canaria

🧀 Traditional snacks

  • Queso de Flor - Unique floral goat’s cheese, often served grilled or with honey
  • Chorizo de Teror - A soft, spreadable sausage often served as tapas or in sandwiches
     

🍽️ Traditional main dishes

  • Sancocho canario - Salted fish with potatoes and mojo, a coastal favourite
  • Carne de cabra - Slow-cooked goat meat, rich and hearty
     

🍰 Desserts & traditional treats

  • Bienmesabe - Sweet almond cream dessert, rich and indulgent
  • Truchas de batata - Pastry filled with sweet potato or pumpkin, popular at Christmas
     

🍷 Local drinks

  • Ron miel - Sweet honey rum, a Canarian favourite served as a digestif or in cocktails
  • Local wines - Volcanic-grown reds and whites from Gran Canaria’s hillside vineyards
     

Travel tips for Gran Canaria

Get the most from your Gran Canaria holidays 2026 with a few simple local tips for easy island exploring.

☀️ Do in Gran Canaria

  • Mix beaches and mountains - Combine Maspalomas dunes with inland villages like Tejeda for contrast
  • Book excursions early - Popular tours and last minute Gran Canaria holiday extras can get snapped up in peak season
  • Explore beyond the south - Head to Las Palmas for culture and Las Canteras beach for city vibes
  • Try local food spots - Small inland restaurants often serve the most authentic dishes
  • Stay sun smart - SPF is essential year-round, especially on exposed coastal areas
     

🚫 Don’t in Gran Canaria

  • Don’t underestimate its size - Driving times can be longer than expected
  • Don’t rely just on resort areas - Some of the best experiences are inland
  • Don’t ignore beach flags - Sea conditions can change quickly
  • Don’t assume everywhere is walkable - A hire car or taxi is often needed between resorts

Fast facts for Gran Canaria

Language: Spanish - but English is widely spoken in most resorts.

Currency: Gran Canaria uses the Euro.

Local time: The same as at home! There’s no difference between Gran Canaria and GMT/UK time!

Fly to:

  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA).
  • Transfer times are 45 mins - 1 hour;
    - Maspalomas / Playa del Inglés: 45 mins
    - Puerto Rico: 1 hr

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Gran Canaria is around  4.5 hours.

Tourist information: Find inside knowledge on the Gran Canaria tourism website and read up on the latest entry requirements and safety tips from the FCDO team.

Top tip: Book early for Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés in peak season as Gran Canaria holidays sell out fast and prices rise quickly.

Getting around Gran Canaria

By hire car: A great way to get more from your holiday to Gran Canaria, hiring a car gives you easy access to the island’s rural spots and smaller villages. Arrange airport pick-up and you can set your own timetable from the moment you arrive.

By bus: Thanks to a good bus network, it’s also easy to explore Gran Canaria without a car. Check the Guagua timetables before you head to the bus stop, as services may be reduced on weekends and fiesta days.

By taxi: There are plenty of metred taxis on the island, ideal for getting from A to B in the bigger towns, such as Las Palmas. There’s no Uber service, though (yet!).

Getting to / from the airport: Pre-book your airport transfers so you know exactly how you’ll get to your hotel. Alternatively, grab a taxi at the airport or hop on the bus to your resort.

Events in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria hosts vibrant festivals year-round, from island-wide carnivals to colourful cultural and pride celebrations.

🎭 Gran Canaria Carnival
Month: February-March
Location: Island-wide (Las Palmas, Maspalomas, resorts)
What it is: Huge carnival season with parades, costumes, music and street parties across the island.

🌸 Almond Blossom Festival
Month: January-February (first weekend in February peak)
Location: Tejeda and mountain villages
What it is: Spring celebration with blossom walks, folk dancing and traditional Canarian food in the mountains.

🏳️‍🌈 Maspalomas Gay Pride
Month: May (plus Winter Pride in November)
Location: Maspalomas
What it is: 10-day celebration featuring drag shows, pool parties, boat trips and a lively street parade.

⚓ Fiestas del Carmen
Month: July
Location: Arguineguín, Puerto de Mogán, Las Palmas
What it is: Coastal festival honouring the patron saint of fishermen, with processions, flowers, music and late-night celebrations.

Gran Canaria safety and security

Passport and visa requirements

UK holidaymakers need a valid British passport to enter Spain and can stay visa-free in Gran Canaria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Always check the latest UK government travel advice before you travel.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Gran Canaria holidays, especially if you’re planning activities like hiking, watersports or boat trips. Make sure your policy includes EU cover and any adventure activities you’ve booked.

Local tips

  • Gran Canaria is generally very safe, but it’s always wise to keep an eye on valuables in busy resorts like Las Palmas and Playa del Inglés.
  • Shops may close for a short siesta in smaller towns.
  • The emergency number is 112.
  • Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces.
     

Worth knowing

The legal drinking age in Spain is 18.

Gran Canaria all inclusive holidays are not subject to the same drink limits found in parts of the Balearic Islands, including Majorca and Ibiza.

Gran Canaria weather

Gran Canaria enjoys year-round sunshine and a warm, spring-like climate, making it one of the most reliable Canary Islands for Gran Canaria holidays. Average highs sit around 24°C, with cooler winter months still ideal for exploring.

Best time to visit Gran Canaria

  • Spring (March-May): warm, sunny, fewer crowds, great-value Gran Canaria holidays
  • Summer (June-August): hottest (26-28°C), ideal for beaches and all inclusive holidays
  • Autumn (Sept-Nov): warm seas, good weather, strong value
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): mild sun (20-22°C), perfect for last minute adventures
     

Avoid peak summer holidays for quieter beaches and better-value Gran Canaria holidays.

When to go (by holiday type)

Best for winter sun
November-March
Mild, sunny conditions, reliable warmth, perfect for a winter escape

Best for beach holidays
May-October
Long sunny days, warm sea temperatures, ideal for resorts like Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés

Best for cheap holidays
March-May & late September-November
Great-value deals and quieter resorts outside peak school holidays

Best for fewer crowds
January-March (excluding peak weeks)
Calmer beaches and a more relaxed vibe across the island’s resorts

Best time to go review
Best for winter sun → Nov-Mar
Best for beach holidays → May-Oct
Best for cheap holidays → Mar-May & late Sept-Nov
Best for fewer crowds → Jan-Mar

More hotels in Gran Canaria

Popular Gran Canaria holiday resorts

Places similar to Gran Canaria to visit

FAQs

FAQs

What entry requirements do UK travellers need?

UK holidaymakers can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Check the latest advice before booking your Gran Canaria holidays 2026.

What’s included in Gran Canaria holiday packages?

Most holidays to Gran Canaria include return flights, hotels and luggage options, with many packages also offering transfers and board upgrades. You’ll find everything from cheap Gran Canaria holidays to luxury beachfront stays.

Are Gran Canaria holidays good for all-inclusive?

Yes, Gran Canaria all inclusive holidays are popular due to beachfront resorts and great value.

Which areas are best for Gran Canaria holidays for families or couples?

For Gran Canaria family holidays, Puerto Rico and Maspalomas are favourites for beaches, waterparks and family resorts. Couples often choose Meloneras or Puerto de Mogán for stylish hotels, marina dining and a more relaxed vibe. These are some of Gran Canaria’s top resorts for family breaks, couples holidays and beach escapes.

How many days do you need for Gran Canaria holidays?

A 7-night break is ideal for enjoying the beaches, resorts and island attractions, while 10 to 14 nights gives you more time to explore. Gran Canaria holidays work well for both week-long escapes and longer winter sun breaks.

Is Gran Canaria suitable for first-time travellers?

Yes, Gran Canaria is a great choice for first-time travellers thanks to its year-round sunshine, modern resorts, reliable transport and wide range of hotels. It’s especially popular for easy beach breaks, family holidays and last minute Gran Canaria holidays.

What’s the best way to get around?

Hiring a car is easiest for exploring mountain villages, while taxis/buses are great for resort hopping.

Are there extra or hidden costs on Gran Canaria holidays?

Most package holidays include your main costs upfront, but it’s worth budgeting for extras like local transport, attractions and meals out. Choosing Gran Canaria all inclusive holidays is a great way to keep spending simple and under control.

Popular Gran Canaria destinations
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