There’s something lovely about escaping to the warm sunshine for a while when the rest of Europe starts to freeze – one of the many privileges this beautiful continent has to offer. That’s when places like Gran Canaria start to call. The reliably warm weather, clear blue skies, soft golden light, and that relaxed island feeling immediately slows everything down. And the best part? With early booking, it can be surprisingly affordable or even a great deal. Flights and accommodation are generally good value outside of peak summer, and food, excursions and car rentals are all reasonably priced.
The wonderful Spanish island of Gran Canaria combines dramatic volcanic landscapes, charming harbour towns, long beaches and beautiful viewpoints—making it the ideal mix for a short, sunny winter break.

• When to go
• Getting around
• Nature and climate
• Maspalomas Dunes
• Puerto de Mogán
• Mirador del Balcón
• Las Palmas & Playa del Inglés
• Fuente de los Azulejos

When to go

When it comes to timing for a Gran Canaria visit, winter really is the sweet spot. From November to February, temperatures sit comfortably around 22–26°C, rain is rare, and the days feel long and bright. The sea stays warm enough for swimming and evenings only require a light jacket. Spring and autumn are also lovely, but winter offers that perfect combination of sunshine, smaller crowds and gentle warmth—something that feels like a treat when the rest of Europe is in coats and scarves. The summer can get quite hot, but April and September can also offer great deals and an even warmer climate than in the winter without getting too uncomfortable.

Getting around

Gran Canaria isn’t particularly big but big enough and certainly interesting enough that you’ll want to explore more than just one small area. Buses cover most of the island’s coastline and work well for shorter distances, but renting a car is by far the easiest and most flexible option. Most of the roads are in good condition, parking is usually straightforward, and having your own car makes it effortless to explore viewpoints, tucked-away beaches and mountain routes you’d otherwise miss. Fuel and rental rates are relatively affordable, especially if you book ahead.
Do stay alert for pickpockets around bus stations, busy beaches and in Las Palmas’ central areas—nothing dramatic, but the usual holiday awareness.

Nature & Climate

This beautiful Spanish island is often described as a “mini continent,” and it’s genuinely true. You can go from golden desert-like dunes to lush green valleys to rugged volcanic cliffs in under an hour. The island’s climate is shaped by the trade winds and the volcanic mountains: the south is warm, dry and sunny almost year-round, while the north is greener and more humid.
This variety creates incredible hiking opportunities, dramatic viewpoints and a mix of beaches ranging from calm and family-friendly to wild and windswept. Even in winter, the days are bright and warm, making it the perfect season for nature lovers, photographers and anyone who enjoys exploring landscapes. I’ve listed some of my favourite features in Gran Canaria below but I’m sure there’s even more beautiful places to explore.

Maspalomas Dunes

The Maspalomas Dunes are one of Gran Canaria’s most striking natural sights—a protected nature reserve shaped continuously by tides and wind blowing in from the Atlantic. Over thousands of years, sand carried from the seabed and pushed inland by the waves has created these rolling golden dunes that look almost desert-like.
Walking barefoot across the warm sand is a must. The soft shapes, the patterns formed by the wind and the contrast between the beach, the dunes, and the palm-lined walkway create a landscape that feels surreal and incredibly peaceful. You can explore the dunes themselves, walk to the lighthouse area for cafés and shops, or head further along the coast to find more sheltered spots for sunbathing. I wouldn’t recommend sunbathing on the beach directly next to the dunes, as it gets very windy and the blowing sand can be uncomfortable. Sunset is especially beautiful here, with the dunes glowing orange and long shadows stretching across the sand.

Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán is one of those harbour towns that instantly feels inviting: white houses with colourful shutters, balconies covered in bougainvillea, little bridges crossing the canals and narrow alleys full of cafés and boutique shops. The beach here is sheltered and calm, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the sea. The harbour also offers boat trips—everything from glass-bottom tours to dolphin-watching cruises—which give you incredible views of the rugged coastline. The natural landscape around Mogán is shaped by deep volcanic valleys opening into the ocean, creating this beautiful mix of mountains and sea that makes the whole town feel tucked away and cosy. The town also has plenty of great options for food, from relaxed beachfront cafés to small local restaurants. In my opinion, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed lunch followed by an afternoon swim.

Mirador del Balcón

Mirador del Balcón is one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints. From here, you look down onto towering cliffs that drop steeply into the Atlantic—an area formed by ancient lava flows and millions of years of erosion. The jagged rock formations along the coast are often called the “Dragon’s Tail” because of their dramatic shape.

On clear days, the ocean shifts from deep blue to turquoise, and you can see the layered volcanic rock that makes up much of Gran Canaria’s coastline. It’s a great place to stop for photos, take in the sea breeze and enjoy the rugged, untouched beauty of the west coast.

Las Palmas & Playa del Inglés

Las Palmas, the island’s capital, mixes modern life with island charm: long shopping streets, a historic old quarter (Vegueta), great cafés and one of Spain’s best city beaches, Playa de las Canteras. The natural bay here is protected by volcanic rock, creating calm swimming areas and dramatic waves further out—making it great for both swimmers and surfers.
Playa del Inglés has a more resort-like vibe with lots of restaurants, shops and nightlife. It’s busy, fun and full of energy—ideal for holiday shopping, a relaxed beach walk or a cocktail in the evening.

Fuente de los Azulejos

Fuente de los Azulejos is one of Gran Canaria’s most unique geological formations. The mountains here are streaked in shades of turquoise, green, yellow and orange—almost like a painted mural. These colours come from volcanic rock reacting with minerals and moisture over thousands of years, especially copper and iron oxides that create the bright, layered effect.
It’s easy to stop at the roadside viewpoint, but the area also has small walking paths that let you explore the colourful cliffs from different angles. The surrounding valley is equally beautiful, shaped by erosion over time and dotted with palm trees and small farms. It’s a great spot for photography or a short scenic walk.

Gran Canaria is one of those destinations that offers far more than you expect—especially in winter. It has beaches, mountains, dramatic cliffs, desert-like dunes, charming towns, great food and warm temperatures when a lot of Europe starts to cool down. With early planning, it’s budget-friendly, easy to get around and always full of things to see and do, whether you’re travelling for relaxation, nature, adventure or a mix of everything. It’s an island that feels welcoming and simple to explore, with landscapes that change constantly as you drive. For a winter escape that delivers sunshine, nature and generally a little bit of everything—Gran Canaria is certainly a great option in Europe.

If you’re interested in some Top 10’s, travel and packing tips or more information on different destinations, then check out some of my other Meg’s Places articles and stay tuned for more! In case your questions aren’t answered here, or you have any comments or personal experiences you’d like to share, don’t be afraid to get in touch, comment and let me know. 

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