About Gran Canaria
Las Palmas, officially Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands in Spain. With a population of 383,516 as of 2024, it is the ninth-largest city in Spain. It is also the fifth-most populous urban area in Spain and, depending on sources, the ninth or tenth most populous metropolitan area in Spain.
Cheap flights to Gran Canaria
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,083 from New York, travelling 11 Apr – 14 Apr. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- MIA Miami to Gran Canaria22 Feb – 4 Mar · LPA from$1,136
- NYC New York to Gran Canaria11 Apr – 14 Apr · LPA from$1,083
- BOS Boston to Gran Canaria9 Dec – 16 Dec · LPA from$1,153
- ORD Chicago to Gran Canaria23 Feb – 2 Mar · LPA from$1,142
- WAS Washington to Gran Canaria26 Feb – 25 Mar · LPA from$1,129
- ATL Atlanta to Gran Canaria20 Jan – 3 Feb · LPA from$1,190
- LAX Los Angeles to Gran Canaria13 Apr – 24 Apr · LPA from$1,152
- SFO San Francisco to Gran Canaria2 Dec – 8 Dec · LPA from$1,097
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Air Canada, Aer Lingus, Swiss International Air Lines, Finnair, Lufthansa, American Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to Gran CanariaPlaces to visit in Gran Canaria
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Maspalomas Dunes
Nature · 28 mi from centreA large protected area of sand dunes on the south coast, next to a lagoon and lighthouse. Stay on the marked paths, and walk early or late in the day to avoid the heat.
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Roque Nublo
Nature · 15 mi from centreA huge volcanic rock pinnacle near the center of the island, one of its best-known symbols. The short trail from the parking area takes about half an hour each way, and mornings are clearest.
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Vegueta
NeighborhoodThe oldest district of Las Palmas, with cobbled streets, colonial houses and museums such as the Columbus House. Explore on foot, and visit the Sunday market for a lively local atmosphere.
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Las Canteras Beach
BeachA long city beach in Las Palmas protected by a natural reef, with a lively promenade behind it. Snorkel near the reef at low tide, and walk the promenade at sunset.
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Las Palmas Cathedral
Religious · 2 mi from centreThe main cathedral of the Canary Islands, facing Santa Ana Square in the Vegueta district. Take the elevator up the tower for great views over the old town and harbor.
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Puerto de Mogan
Neighborhood · 30 mi from centreA pretty fishing village and marina on the southwest coast, crossed by small canals and flowered houses. Visit the Friday market, and stay for a seafood dinner by the harbor.
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Teror
Neighborhood · 9 mi from centreA historic mountain town known for its wooden balconies and the Basilica of the Virgin of the Pine, the island's patron saint. Visit on Sunday for the local market.
Top experiences in Gran Canaria
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 23 available.
Poema del Mar Aquarium - Ticket
From $29 per adult
City Sightseeing Las Palmas Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $29 per adult
Spirit of the Sea cruise
From $39 per adult
Supercat with Transfer
From $37 per adult
Las Palmas Private Walking Tour
From $268 per adult
Supercat Direct
From $37 per adult
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Private Walking Tour
From $148 per adult
4x4 Gran Canaria Safari Adventure - Half-Day Tour
From $68 per adult
VIP Tour: Panoramas de Gran Canaria - Full-Day Tour
From $77 per adult
Las Palmas Premium Shore Excursion: Northern Villages & Rum
From $64 per adult
Gran Canaria circular route: Full-Day Tour
From $44 per adult
Discover the city of Las Palmas on your own - Full-Day Tour
From $26 per adult
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
Popular hotels in Gran Canaria, out of 487 properties you can book.
NH Las Palmas Playa las Canteras
From $108 per night
NH Imperial Playa
From $120 per night
HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria
From $304 per night
HD Acuario Lifestyle
From $99 per night
RK City Center
From $251 per night
Sercotel Parque Las Palmas
From $148 per night
Servatur Don Miguel Adults Only
From $217 per night
Crisol Faycan
From $113 per night
Silken Saaj Las Palmas
From $130 per night
Hotel Riu Palace Palmeras - All Inclusive
From $338 per night
RK Farallon Canteras
From $219 per night
Elba Vecindario Aeropuerto Business & Convention
From $106 per night
Best time to visit Gran Canaria
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gran Canaria is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 75–81°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Gran Canaria weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 90° 69° 48%
- Thu 12 Nov 75° 70° 38%
- Fri 13 Nov 75° 69° 10%
- Sat 14 Nov 76° 68° 13%
- Sun 15 Nov 75° 68° 25%
- Mon 16 Nov 75° 65° 0%
- Tue 17 Nov 76° 67° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +34
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Atlantic/CanaryUTC+0
- Capital
- Madrid
Upcoming public holidays in Spain
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor
- Good FridayViernes Santo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Gran Canaria
These are the airports closest to central Gran Canaria. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- LPA Gran Canaria Airport14 mi (22 km) from the city centre
Getting around Gran Canaria
Google Maps and Moovit cover the city and the island for finding the right bus line to your destination.
City buses
Las Palmas has the best quality bus system in the archipelago and one of the best in Spain. The service is provided by Guaguas Municipales, +34 928 446 500, and that's why the bright yellow buses are known as guaguas pronounced wah-wahs as the g is silent in Spanish. A simple fare, paid directly to the city bus driver, is €1.10 per person per any city bus trip in x1 direction only (can not stay on the city Guagua or islands Global buses for a circular journey).
Interisland buses
Interisland Global buses (blue in color) accept most debit & credit cards for a journey purchase on the bus as most travel around the island will cost around €1 per every 15km one-way with deals for specific routes. Dual Guagua city + Global Interisland bus cards can be purchased as well at official vendors and online for significant savings.
By taxi
Taxis with the green light on are vacant and you can flag it down. It's also possible to go to one of the city's 42 taxi stops or call for a taxi.
Gran Canaria travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Gran Canaria is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 75–81°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Gran Canaria?
August is usually the warmest month in Gran Canaria, with average highs of 81°F (27°C). March is the coolest, with average lows of 60°F (16°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 148 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is the closest airport, about 14 miles (22 km) from the centre of Gran Canaria.
How much are flights to Gran Canaria?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Gran Canaria in the last 30 days was $1,083 from New York, travelling 11 Apr – 14 Apr. April is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $1,083.
What currency is used in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Gran Canaria in?
Gran Canaria uses the Atlantic/Canary time zone (currently UTC+0). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Gran Canaria?
Google Maps and Moovit cover the city and the island for finding the right bus line to your destination.
What are the best places to visit in Gran Canaria?
Top sights in Gran Canaria include Maspalomas Dunes, Roque Nublo, Vegueta and Las Canteras Beach. A large protected area of sand dunes on the south coast, next to a lagoon and lighthouse. Stay on the marked paths, and walk early or late in the day to avoid the heat.
What are the top things to do in Gran Canaria?
Popular experiences you can book in Gran Canaria include Poema del Mar Aquarium - Ticket, City Sightseeing Las Palmas Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and Spirit of the Sea cruise. Destina Holidays offers 23 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Gran Canaria?
Popular areas for hotels in Gran Canaria include Las Palmas, Playa del Ingles and Vecindario. Well-reviewed options include NH Las Palmas Playa las Canteras and NH Imperial Playa.
How many hotels can I book in Gran Canaria?
Destina Holidays currently lists 487 properties in and around Gran Canaria, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
