If you are looking for a place to vacation (or perhaps to live?) with mild temperatures all year round and beautiful beaches, you will certainly find it in Gran Canaria, as in all the Canary Islands. But that's not all: here you can enjoy the comforts and amusements of the big cities, savor the real life of old, untouristy villages and discover that the landscape can change in just a few kilometers, from desert to coniferous forests, from arid rocky coasts to snow-capped peaks.
It is no coincidence that Gran Canaria is known as the "miniature continent"! So pack a little bit of everything and get ready for a stay full of unforgettable experiences.
But first, let's see how to get to Gran Canaria...
🚢 Traveling to Gran Canaria by ferry
Gran Canaria is, together with Tenerife, one of the two main islands of the Canary archipelago and Las Palmas is the provincial capital of the neighboring Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Graciosa. Therefore, ferry connections with the mainland are guaranteed all year round with a constant frequency.
To reach Gran Canaria from Spain, you can travel:
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Cadiz to Las Palmas 1 departure per week, with intermediate stops.
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Huelva to Las Palmas 3 departures per week, direct
Within the archipelago, there are the following connections:
from Tenerife
from Fuerteventura
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
Choosing the area in which to stay during your vacations is not easy, as Gran Canaria offers a wide range of very different solutions. Here are some suggestions for the most popular areas of the island.
South Coast: it is the warmest and sheltered from the winds, so its beautiful beaches are crowded all year round. The main center is Maspalomas, where most of the hotels and tourist attractions are located. It is an ideal solution for the whole family. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a bit of a shake, Playa del Inglés is perfect for young people, while Meloneras, with its luxury hotels and elegant restaurants, is certainly a more refined destination,
Southeast coast: Always sheltered from the winds, this stretch of coastline is characterized by cliffs alternating with white sandy beaches, with marinas and modern hotel complexes. Here you will find the towns of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, perfect for relaxing, practicing water sports and making the most of a sun and beach vacation.
Northeast coast: here you will find the capital, Las Palmas, and the main port of Gran Canaria. It is perfect if your idea of a vacation combines the sea with cultural aspects, museums, exhibitions, shows, and historical centers. Not far from Las Palmas, you will find picturesque villages such as Arucas and Teror, where you can admire the colonial-style buildings and taste the authentic Canarian life.
Northwest coast: it is undoubtedly the most attractive if you are looking for tourism away from the hustle and bustle and immersed in nature. Around Agaete, which also houses the port, there are numerous natural attractions, such as the natural pools of Las Salinas and the steep cliffs from which you can admire breathtaking views. If adventure is your idea of a vacation, you'll be spoilt for choice with the numerous hiking trails here.
Read on to find out all about ferry trips in Gran Canaria!