Travel Tips Gran Canaria – The third largest island in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria offers something for almost every type of traveller, from beachgoers and hikers to water sports enthusiasts. Thanks to its wildly changing landscapes and topography, the island is known as a miniature continent, so much so that Gran Canaria has become a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Needless to say, there is plenty to explore no matter where your travel interests lie. Ready to go? Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to and around the island, with tips from our Gran Canaria local guides.
The best way to get to Gran Canaria International Airport is by bus. The bus stop is located in the national/international departure terminal and if you are outside the baggage claim area, you have to go up one floor (escalator or elevator) and follow the signs. Tickets can be purchased on the bus itself or at the ticket machine at the bus stop. Bus 60 is located directly at the Estación de Guaguas (bus station) in San Telmo in the city center of the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The first flight from the airport to the capital leaves at 6:15 a.m., and the last one at 11:15 p.m. The price of the flight is 2.30 euros.
Travel Tips Gran Canaria
Bus 66 leaves from the airport (international departures) and takes you straight to the main tourist resort of Maspalomas, next to Meloneras. In the south, it stops at the following tourist areas: Playa del Águila, San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Campo Internacional de Maspalomas, and ends at Faro de Maspalomas. It offers a regular service from 7:20 am to approximately 9 pm. The cost of this is 4.05 euros.
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If you are traveling outside the bus route or have a lot of luggage, there are taxi stands outside the national/international and local terminals as well. The cost of a trip to Las Palmas is around 40 euros.
Bus: Buses are a convenient way to get around the island, especially between the capital city of Las Palmas and the tourist towns in the south. Gran Canaria’s intercity bus network (blue buses) is extensive, with more than 100 routes connecting almost every major point on the island. The capital of Las Palmas also has its own comprehensive city bus network, which are colored yellow.
Local buses in Las Palmas cost €1.40 one way if you buy a ticket on the bus (coins preferred).
If you plan to take the bus several times, it’s worth investing in a 10-ticket card (€8.50), which you can buy at bus stations and newsstands.
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Taxi: Taxis are fairly cheap and easy to find, and you can usually hail one on the street. They lead with a sign that you will read
Walking: Walking is a great way to explore Las Palmas, especially the narrow cobbled streets of historic Vegueta, home to many museums, bars and restaurants, as well as an artisan market on Sundays.
Bicycle: The city of Las Palmas is also suitable for exploring on two wheels. There are 11 kilometers of bike paths and many companies offer bike rentals. The best way to find a bike to rent is to ask for the nearest bike at your accommodation.
There is plenty to do in Gran Canaria, especially if you like to be active. Water sports including surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing and SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) are particularly popular island activities. Gran Canaria is also a very popular surfing destination in Europe. Las Canteras Beach is a perfect zone for beginners, while El Confital, north of Las Palmas, is famous for its big waves and is also popular with experienced surfers. If you want to learn to surf or SUP, try Mojosurf Canarias.
Fun Things To Do In Las Palmas De Gran Canaria
If you only want to spend some time on the sand, water sports aside, be sure to spend some time at the aforementioned Las Canteras beach. Known as one of the best urban beaches in Europe, Las Canteras stretches for about two kilometers and the water is calm and warm all year round. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the beach promenade, many of which have terraces overlooking the water.
The island is not only known for water-related activities. Gran Canaria is one of the best mountain bike destinations in the world. There are many undiscovered tracks, but note that the routes are quite tough and are therefore best for experienced mountain bikers. Various companies provide equipment and organize mountain bike tours. Free Motion is the most popular.
Hiking is another great way to explore the island. There are many different routes to explore and the most popular points are the Pico De las Nieves (the highest point on the island) and the hike next to Roque Nublo and Roque Bentiaga. Roque Nublo is considered one of the largest natural cliffs in the world, standing at a height of 80 meters.
For anyone who loves live music, Las Palmas is a great place to visit. You can listen to live music for free every week at different venues on Las Canteras Beach. A jazz festival is held in July, and the TEMUDAS theater, music and dance festival is held in July and August.
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Looking for more things to do? Urban Adventures offers day tours in Gran Canaria and beyond, all led by local experts and giving you a taste of local life:
Most visitors to Las Palmas stick to the beach and don’t realize they’re missing out on a vibrant urban experience that boasts historic sites, colonial architecture and a thriving food scene. Break away from the pack and take this fun introductory tour to get to know the city beyond the beach.
The old town of Las Palmas is a secret mecca for foodies, full of tiny hidden bars and authentic restaurants boasting tapas delicacies to whet your taste buds. Take a stroll through the charming colonial streets with a local and try regional specialties you won’t find in your guidebook! During the walk, you will learn about the unique cuisine of the Canary Islands and discover some fascinating facts about their history.
Escape the tourist traps and discover Madrid’s lesser-known historic neighborhoods. Learn how these areas have changed over time, discover the hidden gems of these residential neighborhoods and experience how the locals live – and eat! Along the way, stop by local markets and sample traditional Spanish tapas.
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Take a Moroccan masterclass on this Marrakech tour, leaving you with the ultimate insider knowledge of tajine-making and the fine art of market haggling. Smug home cook alert!
Gran Canaria is a very popular choice among filmmakers due to its unique landscapes. Some films include scenes shot on the island
Efecto Pasillo is an alternative rock/pop rock band formed in the Canary Islands. Their songs will make you want to visit the island.
Agatha Christie’s Thirteen Problems was written while the author was living in Las Palmas, and contains many references to the island, especially Las Nieves beach in Agaete.
The Complete Guide To: Gran Canaria Travel
Gran Canaria Day Tours Gran Canaria is one of the largest and most important islands belonging to the sun-blessed Canary Islands. Popular with holidaymakers for its year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches, there are many hidden gems that would impress even the most seasoned traveller, but you’ll need a local guide to help you find them! Often described as “miniature”. continent.” Gran Canaria is home to an amazing diversity of landscape; from sweeping sandy beaches and red earth pine forests to rolling mountains and dusty deserts.
Part of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago floating off the coast of Western Sahara, the island has long been used as a sun-drenched destination for European vacationers. Cheap package deals and boozy British tourists tarnished its sunny image, but in recent years the island has reinvented itself as a healthier destination. Driven by the deluxe end of the market, Gran Canaria’s hotels and restaurants are undergoing something of a transformation as the island transforms its cheesy seventies aesthetic into one of retro chic and boho beau monde.
Located at the maritime crossroads between Europe, Africa and the Americas, Gran Canaria has been an important trading post for centuries and has long welcomed foreign influences, which can be seen in everything from the local cuisine to the Latino rhythm that is ubiquitous on the island.
With year-round sunshine, Gran Canaria is where most people come to bathe on sweeping sandy beaches, recharge with vitamin D and soak up the island’s legendary nightlife. Others are armed with hiking boots and want to explore Gran Canaria’s magnificent interior, which presents truly remarkable landscapes.
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The interior remains largely uncluttered. Forget the sprawling resorts and bustling clubs, boutique hotels and bucolic retreats of Gran Canaria’s countryside, where evening entertainment revolves around playing dominoes with the locals and watching the sunset over neighboring Tenerife.
There’s also the northern hinterland, characterized by verdant mountains, leafy gorges and quaint villages. These landscapes are one