Holidays in Gran Canaria

The nickname 'continent in miniature' is no coincidence. Gran Canaria is a nearly endless collection of ecosystems, microclimates and unforgettable landscapes. On its coasts you'll find an austere environment and heavenly beaches. The interior is dominated by abrupt valleys and canyons that conceal lost villages, rivers, lakes and incredible vegetation. And the southern zone, protected from clouds and storms by the mountains, enjoys sun all year round and an average temperature of 24 degrees. As you can see, it's hard to resist the charms of Gran Canaria. 

If you want to experience this island, RIU Hotels & Resorts offers you eight hotels so you can enjoy an unforgettable stay. In all of them you'll have the best facilities for enjoying a real holiday with entertainment programmes, a varied gastronomic offer and exclusive RIU amenities.

Discover Gran Canaria

No doubt when you land in Gran Canaria you'll want to see its incredible beaches right away. You shouldn't miss Playa de Maspalomas, with its enormous dunes that descend to the sea; Playa del Inglés, with incredible waters and the golden ridges of the Dunas de Maspalomas Nature Reserve; and Playa de Amadores, with its supremely tranquil waters. Although you should know that beaches aren't the island's only attraction. The incredible wilderness areas you'll find in Gran Canaria will amaze you. The interior of the island has always been overlooked. Little by little things are changing, and visitors are starting to explore the canyons that connect the arid coast to the exuberant mountains. You shouldn't miss Roque Nublo, or 'cloud rock', with its monumental rock that crowns the volcanic peak; the historic village of Agüimes, with its maze of narrow streets lined with picturesque white, pastel and ochre façades; the Barranco de Guayadeque, a ravine where craggy valleys hold hundreds of caves once inhabited by the Guanches (Canarian aborigines) and important archaeological sites; and the Monumento Natural de Bandama, a large volcanic crater in a spectacular setting.

The capital of Gran Canaria

During your visit to Gran Canaria, we recommend you get to know its capital, Las Palmas. You can visit the lively Playa de las Canteras or visit the most important places in the city. You must see the charming La Vegueta neighbourhood, where you'll find the Santa Ana Cathedral; Ciudad Jardín, also known as the English quarter; and Doramas Park with its gardens planted with a variety of native flowers.

Gastronomy

Canarian cuisine is the result of very diverse influences. In it, the ingredients and recipes of the islands' aboriginal peoples and the culinary customs of the European and African continents live on. Amongst the best-known recipes are papas arrugás, small potatoes cooked in their skins served with a variety of 'mojos' or sauces; gofio, a kneaded mixture of barley flour and diverse ingredients; ropa vieja, a stew made with chicken, chick peas, potatoes, a dash of white wine and abundant spices; and puchero canario, a recipe with a long list of ingredients that includes both typical and exotic vegetables. And for dessert, we recommend you try bienmesabe, made with honey, egg yolks and ground almonds; huevos mole, a custard-like dish; frangollo, a corn pudding with raisins; and the sopas de miel, or honey soups.

Puerto de Mogan:

The canals that pass through this coastal town offer unique vistas. The port of the municipality and its houses, with flower-laden balconies and canals at their feet, are the main attraction.

Playa de Maspalomas:

Its blond sand, which meets waters of varying shades of blue, make this beach the most emblematic of Gran Canaria.