Gran Canaria Holidays

What are the best places to visit in Gran Canaria?

1. Yumbo Centrum opened in 1982 and swiftly became one of the most popular shopping centres in Gran Canaria. Today you can find nearly 200 outlets including shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, plus the Mantrix gay night club and numerous hotels. It includes a wide variety of fashion, electronics and jewellery shops. The centre also hosts the gay-friendly Freedom Festival twice a year.
2. The Maspalomas Sand Dunes are a protected nature reserve stretching for about 1,000 acres. They were formed by strong Atlantic winds blowing the sand from the seabed after the last ice age and are constantly shifting by about 2-5 metres every year. There’s a five-mile network of public paths which visitors must stick to, in order to protect the dunes. Nearby you’ll find the 56-metre-tall Maspalomas Lighthouse and the Maspalomas Lagoon, which is home to various protected and migrating bird species including kingfishers, egrets and curlews.
3. The Maspalomas Beach is another popular draw. It’s considered one of the island’s most unique beaches thanks to its vast stretches of golden sands, plus views of the dunes and the mountainous interior. The family-friendly section is near the lighthouse and it’s worth noting that a large stretch of the beach is reserved for nude bathing. Parking is limited so it’s best to arrive early in the morning if you’re coming by car.
4. Gran Canaria has some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands with no fewer than 12 with Blue Flag status. From secluded coves to large family beaches with heaps of amenities, there’s something for every kind of beach lover. Some of the best include Playa Amadores with its raft of amenities, the thronged white-sand beach at Puerto Rico, the more romantic Playa Mogan, the party mecca that is Playa del Ingles, Las Canteras, frequently cited as Spain’s best urban beach, the diver’s paradise that is North Beach Sardina and Playa Hoya Del Pozo, a beautiful, clean black-sand beach.
5. Want to hit the beach and escape the crowds? Playa Tourito could be the answer. This small, quiet black-sand beach has just a modest cluster of hotels stacked up the sides of its rugged volcanic cliffs giving it a more secluded feel than most in the area. It may only be 150 metres long but it’s wide enough for everyone to stretch out, with gently shelving waters that make it ideal for families with younger children. Try water sports here or grab a bite from one of the well-stocked snack bars lining the promenade. Behind the beach there’s the fun Lago Taurito Water Park.