Gran Canaria Holidays 2026/2027

Playa de Mogan, an idyllic spot for holidays in Gran Canaria

Best hotels in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria continues to draw plenty of Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 4,126 guests visiting the island over the past year. Often called a "continent in miniature" for its varied landscape of dunes, mountains and coastline, it suits both relaxed beach holidays and more active breaks. A 7-night stay is the favourite choice, with shorter 5- and 4-night breaks also popular.

August is the top month to travel, followed by September and June, though prices here stay pretty steady across the year. Our customers typically jet off from London Stansted, Bristol and Manchester, and there’s a great selection of other departure airports across the UK.

Popular hotels include Hotel Mogán Princess & Beach Club - All Inclusive, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogán, and the adults-only Occidental Roca Negra. Holidays typically start from around £892pp – from prices hold at roughly £891pp over winter and around £892pp in peak summer too. All flight-and-hotel bookings are ATOL-protected, with a low deposit to secure your holiday.

Who Gran Canaria is best for

Gran Canaria is best for:

Families - child-friendly resorts and world-class water parks
Couples - romantic boutique stays and vibrant sunset dining
Adventure seekers - hiking through dramatic mountains and lush ravines
Beach lovers - diverse coastlines, from rolling sand dunes to golden coves
Nightlife - a mix of lively clubs and nature vs the more laid-back vibe of rural Lanzarote holidays

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:

Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa - Family-friendly luxury resort, extensive pools, refined dining options.
Hotel Tabaiba Princess (Maspalomas) - Large all-inclusive resort with pools and adults-only zones.
Bohemia Suites & Spa (Playa del Ingles) - Adults-only boutique hotel, rooftop pool.

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.

Lopesan Baobab Resort (Meloneras) - Themed resort, large pool areas, kids’ club
Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel - Seafront resort with large pools, thalassotherapy spa, family-friendly facilities
Abora Buenaventura (Playa del Inglés) - Central location, family entertainment, on-site activities

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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:

Hotel Gran Canaria Princess (Playa del Ingles) - Adults-only resort with pools, entertainment, central location
VEINTIUNO Emblematic Hotels (Las Palmas) - Adults-only boutique hotel, rooftop terrace, historic setting
Hotel Riu Palace Oasis (Maspalomas) - Beachfront resort with gardens, pools, adults-only swim-up rooms, spa, entertainment

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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

Year-round warm climate: Often called a “mini continent” for its diverse landscapes.
Easy access from the UK: Approx. 4.5 hours flight time.
Wide choice of resorts: From budget-friendly all-inclusive to luxury escapes.
Made for everyone: Ideally suited for both relaxed family trips and romantic getaways.
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

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

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

Map of 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

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.

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.

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

MaspalomasThe vibrant seaside resort of Maspalomas is a family favourite on Gran Canaria’s southern coast. A laid-back alternative to the island’s party capitals, it’s perfect for families with kids, or couples who want something a little bit more relaxed. Holidays to Maspalomas are full of magnificent beaches and an upbeat town centre with a top choice of family-friendly hotels.

Playa del InglesBig and buzzing Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria is one of the island's oldest party resorts, pulling in visitors since the 1960s to make the most of its gorgeous beaches and nightlife. There’s plenty of room for everyone, with 3km of golden sand backing into a colourful waterfront with top bars, pubs and shops, and the resort’s best hotels close by.

Puerto RicoPuerto Rico in Gran Canaria is one of the island’s sunniest spots! So get ready for beach days and sunshine on your Puerto Rico holidays – you’re going to love the golden beaches and easy-going charm. Plus, this once-tiny fishing village now has all the shops, bars and restaurants you could need for a fantastic getaway, and a tempting array of hotels to boot.

San AgustinEscape to the sunny Gran Canaria resort of San Agustín, a tranquil resort with wonderful Atlantic views. A much more low-key alternative to Playa del Inglés, it's great for beach lovers and swimmers, and has long been popular with holidaymakers.

Places similar to Gran Canaria to visit

MadeiraMadeira has built up a loyal following among Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 712 holidaymakers visiting this Atlantic island over the past year. Its dramatic volcanic scenery, levada walking trails, and mild year-round climate make it a top choice for adventurous types who want something that differs from Europe's typical beach destinations.

FuerteventuraFuerteventura is one of our most in-demand Canary Islands destinations, with 5,511 Thomas Cook holidaymakers heading there over the past year. Known for its wide, wind-swept beaches, dune landscapes, and near-constant sunshine, it's an island that works well year-round, not just in peak summer.

LanzaroteLanzarote is a consistent favourite with Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 6,618 guests visiting the island over the past year. Its volcanic landscape, black-sand beaches, and year-round mild climate set it apart from many other Canary Islands, making it a great choice whatever time of year you're travelling.

TenerifeTenerife holidays give you the most reliable winter and summer sun in Europe, a different coastline at almost every resort, and Spain's tallest mountain in the middle of it all. The largest of the Canary Islands sits off the coast of Africa, so it stays warm when the rest of Europe cools down — which is exactly why holidays to Tenerife work in February as well as they do in August.

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.