It’s Beaches and Parties Galore: Here’s why you should ditch Ibiza and head to Gran Canaria instead.

If you are not a beach person, then Gran Canaria may not be the place for you. Indeed, the island offers other beautiful landscapes (such as mountains and volcanoes), but the main attraction is the island’s various and numerous beaches. Now, there is a long list of strips to choose from, but we’ll make things easier for you. So here are the top 5 beaches with differentiating features so that you can choose the one that best fits your needs!

A classic beach destination is Las Canteras as it has everything you need - it is long (over 2 km) and wide, right by the city, Las Palmas, and has that perfect, golden sandy texture. An ideal place to snorkel, you will be blown away by the sheer beauty that these waters have to offer thanks to its natural offshore lava reef and various marine species. Spend the whole day bathed in the sun and refreshed by the salty breeze as you sip on a delicious cocktail.

Pounding with loud and colourful activity, Anfi del Mar is not for relaxing but rather for participating in lively activity. Enjoy a perfect, sunny day with your friends and play a volleyball match or rent out a bright and colourful buoy to splash in the water! Feel free to grab some snacks and order drinks to enjoy while you sunbathe and gossip on a club lounging chair. 

Now, if you want to experience something different from the rest, you must make a beeline to the Maspalomas Dunes and capture a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean at sunset. Completely out of sight from the city lights, you will feel deserted and free. It’s without a doubt the best opportunity to take photos that you will cherish forever. An unforgettable escape and just a short distance from your hotel!

Now, the particularity of the Playa del Ingles is its overwhelming choices of bars and restaurants along its strip. Long and narrow, this beach is guaranteed to accommodate your summer needs. Golden sand beach, warm weather, and plenty of space to play in, everyone has their part! But for those looking for that wow factor when the sun sets, Playa del Ingles hosts over 50 bars and clubs to choose from - so much to work with when parading the streets with your mates! Amongst these is the Yumbo Centrum, Kasbah and the Plaza, three different shopping malls that offer a sea of restaurants, discos, and bars open until morning! There is even an Irish centre full of Irish pubs called the Aguila Roja for those craving a pint. So get dressed and ready for the night as Playa del Ingles embarks you on an unforgettable nightlife adventure.

Puerto Rico is the largest golden sand beach in Gran Canaria and is arguably one of the most visited by UK and Irish tourists. The temperature of this area is relatively high all year round, making any impromptu visit worthwhile! This beach offers all sorts of activities, such as beach volleyball, waterskiing, jet skiing, and kayaking. It is also popular for sailing enthusiasts and offers sailing school for young learners! Wondering where you can stop for a bite to eat during your break from swimming and sunbathing? You will have no issue finding a restaurant or shop that will cater your needs as this strip is known to host the best of international and local cuisine in all of Gran Canaria! 

Gran Canaria and its city, Las Palmas, offer a unique nightlife experience thanks to its countless parties and events in its numerous bars or nightclubs open until 6 AM. But it also hosts recurring and annual events, such as:

Gran Canaria hosts its annual world renowned Carnival Las Palmas January through February. From a grand parade, to festive lower-scale events all over the city and never-ending nights of fun, welcome to the Spanish version of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Extremely popular and progressive, the Carnival invites LGBTQ+ friendly celebrities, drag queens, and over 200,000 participants every year! Fret not if you cannot attend, as it broadcasts concerts on national television along with drag queen pageants and countless music and dance performances for those at home.The central stage located in Santa Catalina Park also invites random members of the crowd to participate in music and dance contests - it may just be your chance to show off your talent(s)! 

Interested in a water cruising adventure? Celebrating something special? What better way to experience the Gran Canaria party scene than through its VIP Boat Party experience! Music and endless booze, you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. Departing every Wednesday and Saturday for 4.5 hours, this VIP Boat Party includes unlimited free drinks (beer, cocktails, soft drinks) and non-stop DJ music and dance performances as you tour around the island. Lunch is also included as well as a chance to do some jet skiing or parasailing at a reduced half price! Finally, you will anchor by the Anfi del Mar for a well deserved swim in its caribbean-like waters. A truly cheerful and eventful atmosphere that you and your friends will enjoy! 

Hosted on the 21st of October, Las Palmas’ Binter Night Run truly embodies the city’s nightlife culture. Watch as locals and tourists rally together to root for their athletes in a sea of green! For those interested in participating, the run includes 4 different tracks depending on your level: the milla verde (1.7K), the vuelo 5.4K (the most popular), vuelo 10K (takes you through the best views of the city), and vuelo 21K (essentially a half marathon). But whether you are a runner or a supporter, you will be contributing to a festive and lively crowd in the streets of vibrant Gran Canaria at night.The city organises dance, music, and drum performances to motivate runners and get the crowd on their feet, and of course food and drink stands are offered at the finish line for those looking to unwind after their victory with their loved ones. Smiles and adrenaline guaranteed! 

Operating every year since 1986, the Atlantic Route for Cruisers Plus (ARC+) brings about avid sailors from all over the world to compete in their Atlantic to Carribean race. Departing from Las Palmas on the 19th of November 2023, the race lasts just under a month, with the majority of boats expecting to arrive in Rodney Bay between the 7th and 12th of December 2023. But Las Palmas preps for its visitors earlier, from the 6th of November onwards as the boats start to arrive. This 13 day interval is where the fun begins. Competitors and international supporters travel ahead of time to Las Palmas to enjoy the perks of the competition. Tents for drinking and eating, organised concerts, music and dance performances, and all-nighters are things to be expected. So what are you waiting for? Mingle with the locals and international participants! And for those who aren’t into sailing, this is your chance to ignite that fire! Finally, for sailors interested in participating in the race, entries are now open and can be found here. 

Looking for a healthy break from all the partying? Or simply looking for a natural breakaway? Consider participating in the Gran Canaria Walking Festival. Experience extremely varying landscapes in a matter of hours while you hike through Gran Canaria’s breathtaking nature. From coastal valleys to volcanic peaks, the Gran Canaria Walking Festival will leave you speechless and hungry for more. Speaking of hunger, you will also be able to enjoy the culinary specialties of the island as this festival offers hikes geared towards food tasting! Finally, this festival is not only athletic, it also offers a historical and geographical component as you will learn about the aboriginal origins of the Gran Canarian environment and biodiversity. 

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogán

Spacious and modern, the in-valley Radisson Blu Resort offers the best to its guests. Whether you are with your family or with your best friends, this hotel has got you covered. Not one but two swimming pools are available for adults, and a special one just for kids. In addition, for those looking for that extra bathing experience, you can go for the hot tub, indoor water-jet pool, or yet again a Turkish bath! All included around the elegant spa area, the Radisson Blu does not disappoint, also offering massages or beauty treatments. Another plus: the resort also hosts activities such as rock climbing, volleyball, and tennis! Finally, enjoy fine dining at its Filini restaurant or, for those looking for a more laid back atmosphere, the Larder buffet. 

Club Cala Blanca, Gran Canaria Mogán

In the mood for a coastal paradise? No problem. Club Cala Blanca and its white and blue themed architecture gives you more than what you need. Comfortable, clean, and practical, this resort offers spacious rooms with fitted double beds, spectacular ocean views, and an exceptional swimming and sunbathing environment. This hotel makes the most out of its mountainous situation, offering incredible views from all levels of the building thanks to its exposed balconies - leaving no one missed out! If you prefer in-room dining, the hotel includes a fully equipped kitchenette. Finally, the hotel is strategically located close to various beaches, such as the Maspalomas beach, Little Venice, Puerto de Mogan, and Puerto Rico that provide endless choices for eating and drinking. 

Servatur Green Beach, La Playa de Arguineguin

Now, what we’ve all been waiting for: a party-packed hotel for those looking for that spring break getaway. Feast your eyes on Servatur Green Beach in southern Gran Canaria. Yes, there is a pool bar for those wondering, but that’s not all. This modern apart-hotel is just 50 metres from the beach, and has a massive outdoor pool exposed to the sun all day. The best feature, however, is that you can enjoy a candle-lit dinner for you and your loved ones during sunset as you contemplate your life. Overall, a typical resort excursion at an affordable price!  

Hotel Rural Fonda de la Tea, Tejeda

Finally, for the courageous hiking during the Walking Festival, let yourself be rewarded with the unique experience of the Hotel Rural Fonda de la Tea. Ready to be mesmerised by the views from its terrace over the valleys and surrounding towns of Gran Canaria. Rural and warm, this hotel and its simplistic wooden-themed decor allows its visitors to feel at home instantly. Moreover, the cuisine is local and healthy - perfect to give you the energy you need to finish off the Walking Festival! Finally, this natural side of Gran Canaria opens a vista of activities, such as canyoning, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more tours & excursions of the surrounding areas!