Weekend in Gran Canaria, Spain: How to Spend 3 Days in Gran Canaria, Spain
Looking for inspiration for a weekend in Gran Canaria? Read our tips below on the things to do in Gran Canaria, Spain plus a sample weekend itinerary, where to stay, how to get around, and the best restaurants to try!
Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, off northwestern Africa. Las Palmas or popularly known as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital city. It’s popular for its black lava and white sand beaches. But what other places can we explore in Gran Canaria? What other adventures can we do? In this article, we’ll let you know all the things that you could possibly do during the weekend while enjoying your stay on this wonderful island of Gran Canaria.
Table of Contents
3 Day Weekend Trip Guide to Gran Canaria, Spain
DAY 1 – Weekend Guide to Gran Canaria, Spain
Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park– On your first day, it is important to learn about the history of the country you’re into. In that way, you would totally understand about how things are going in a certain place and it would help you have an idea of what the country is famous for. Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park is a recommended place to visit on your first day in Gran Canaria as it offers you a glimpse of Gran Canaria’s past. In this cave, you’ll see artifacts and stunning architecture that was formed a long time ago.
Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas– Before you end your day 1, it is recommended to visit Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, it is a stunning sand dune that would literally take your breath away. It is best to visit this place during sunset until evening as the heat of the sun and the sand can burn your skin. Plus, the view of the sun setting behind the mountains is definitely a sight to see.
DAY 2 – Weekend Guide to Gran Canaria, Spain
Pico de las Nieves– Your Gran Canaria trip won’t be complete if you will not climb the Pico de Las Nieves. This beautiful mountain would let you experience the fun while climbing the highest peak in Gran Canaria. It is challenging to climb the mountain but definitely worth it. You would spend at least 7 hours to climb Pico de Las Nieves. However, if you’re not into hiking but would still love to see the view at the top, you can ride a vehicle to get to the summit. A must place to visit!
DAY 3 – Weekend Guide to Gran Canaria, Spain
Palmitos Park– On your last day, it is recommended to check out Gran Canaria’s Palmitos Park. Not only you’d enjoy the animal shows, but the park itself is definitely stunning. With trees and plants that surround the park, it is impossible for people not to feel calm while having a day trip to this park. Relax before you leave the beautiful place of Gran Canaria!
Where to Stay in Gran Canaria, Spain
Where to Stay in Gran Canaria if you’re a Backpacker
Located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Avocado Surf Hostel offers beachfront accommodation 1.9 km from Parque de Santa Catalina and provides various facilities, such as a garden, a bar, and a shared lounge. Featuring a tour desk, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. The accommodation features evening entertainment and a shared kitchen. All rooms at the hostel are equipped with a seating area. Guest rooms include a shared bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Guests at Avocado Surf Hostel can enjoy a vegetarian breakfast. The nearest airport is Gran Canaria, 27 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Bed in 8-Bed Dormitory Room with a price of €16 per night, including taxes and charges, add €8 for breakfast, and it’s non-refundable.
Set in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and with Parque de Santa Catalina reachable within 5 km, Columbus Apartments Co-Living offers a bar, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and barbecue facilities. The property is situated 1.8 km from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria University, 2.6 km from Calle Triana and 2.8 km from Casa Museo Colon. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. The units at the hostel come with a seating area. At Columbus Apartments Co-Living all rooms are equipped with a desk and a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a sun terrace. You can play table tennis at Columbus Apartments Co-Living, and bike hire is available. The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport, 22 km from Columbus Apartments Co-Living.
Single Room with Shared Bathroom with a price of €20 per night, including taxes and charges, and free cancellation.
Located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and with Parque de Santa Catalina reachable within 400 meters, Cactus Host features concierge services, non-smoking rooms, free bikes, free WiFi and a shared lounge. 2.1 km from Centro Commercial El Muelle and 2.4 km from Poema Del Mar Aquarium, the property offers barbecue facilities and a terrace. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, a tour desk and luggage storage for guests. Cycling and canoeing are among the activities that guests of the hostel can find nearby. Parque Romano is 2.6 km from Cactus Host, while Centro Comercial Las Arenas is 2.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Gran Canaria, 27 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Double Room with Shared Bathroom with a price of €27 per night (plus €10 for taxes and charges), and it’s non-refundable.
Where to Stay in Gran Canaria if you’re on a Budget
Hotel Verol is located around 280 m from Playa de Las Canteras Beach, Las Palmas. Puerto de La Luz Port is 1.3 km and Santa Catalina Park is 400 m away. Verol’s simple rooms feature wooden furniture, air-conditioned and tiled floors. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a TV and a private bathroom. Hotel Verol has a restaurant, which offers traditional dishes. There are also many restaurants and bars in the resort of Las Palmas. Hotel Verol has a coffee shop and a communal lounge area with a TV. Local facilities include a gym, spa, golf, and surfing. Public parking is available near the hotel.
Single Room with a price of €50 per night, including taxes and charges, add €7 for breakfast (optional), and free cancellation.
This centrally located hotel offers free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms next to Las Palmas’ La Canteras Beach. It features a rooftop swimming pool. The Astoria is located just a short walk from some of the best shopping streets in Las Palmas. Enjoy views over the city’s streets from the hotel’s terrace bar. Besides this you will also find a gym, allowing you to stay active during your stay. Start the day with the Astoria’s buffet breakfast, served in the restaurant. This venue also offers a buffet lunch and dinner.
Single Room with a price of €44 per night, including taxes and charges, and free cancellation.
Hotel Blanca Paloma is located less than 150 m from Las Canteras Beach, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Family-run, it offers a 24-hour reception service. The rooms at Blanca Paloma are all bright and simple, with a TV and a private bathroom. Services at the value-for-money Blanca Paloma include a tour desk, laundry, and car rental. Guests can enjoy special rates at restaurants near the hotel. The Playa de las Alcaravaneras and Las Palmas Beach are both a short walk away.
Single Room with a price of €34 per night, including taxes and charges, and it’s non-refundable.
Where to Stay in Gran Canaria if you want Luxury
This modern aparthotel is located just 50 m from a wonderful sandy beach in southern Gran Canaria. Most apartments offer sea views and some feature a private terrace with direct access to the pool. Enjoy all that this tropical island has to offer from your base at the Green Beach. There are also free sun loungers, allowing you to relax in comfort. The pool bar means that you do not even have to leave the swimming pool to enjoy a delicious snack or a refreshing drink. In the evening, take in the spectacular ocean sunsets whilst enjoying a candlelit meal in the informal restaurant before finishing off the night in the piano bar.
Standard Apartment with Garden View-Ground Floor with a price of €125 per night, including taxes and charges, and it’s non-refundable.
Cordial Mogan Playa Hotel is a large complex built in the style of a Canarian village. Set in tropical gardens, it features 2 outdoor swimming pools, a spa, and rooms with balconies. The hotel offers bright, attractive décor. Its rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There are also 2 pool bars, a lounge bar, and a terrace. The spa at the Cordial Playa Mogan has a hot tub and sauna. There is a range of treatments on offer, including wraps, massages, and aromatherapy. The resort covers an area of 48 000 square meters. The property offers activities such as diving and cycling for an extra charge.
Single Room with a price of €149 per night, including taxes and charges, breakfast, with free cancellation, and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan
This property is 10 minutes far from the beach. Featuring an on-site fitness center and a spa, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Mogan, Gran Canaria is located in Puerto de Mogan. This resort offers 2 swimming pools with a hot tub, as well as 1 pool for children. All spacious, air-conditioned rooms and suites at Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogan have modern décor and large balconies or terraces. There is a seating area with satellite TV and Apple TV, free WiFi and a bathroom with a bathrobe and slippers. The spa features an indoor pool with water jets, a hot tub, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. Massages and a range of beauty treatments are also available. Guests can also enjoy a drink and snacks from the Pool Bar II Taglio, as well as from the Pool Lounge. An array of activities are offered in the area, such as snorkeling, diving, and cycling. The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport, 38 km from Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Mogan, Gran Canaria.
Standard Room-Balcony with a price of €169 per night, including taxes and charges, breakfast, with free cancellation, and no prepayment needed, you can pay at the property.
List of restaurants that you can try while in Gran Canaria, Spain
La Aquarela is a fine-dining restaurant. It has an excellent location as it overlooks the Arguineguin Bay. It serves International, Mediterranean, European and Spanish cuisines.
Operating hours: 6:30pm-10:30pm (Tuesday-Sunday)
Address: Barranco de la Verga | Apartamentos Aquamar, 35120 Patalavaca, Gran Canaria, Spain
La Marinera Restaurant is located on Las Canteras Beach. It offers seafood, wine bar and Spanish cuisines.
Operating hours: 12:30pm-12:30am (Sunday-Saturday)
Address: Paseo Canteras 1 Bajo | C/ Alonso Ojeda S/N Plaza de la Puntilla, 35009 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
Deliciosa Marta is located in the Old Town of Las Palmas. It serves Mediterranean, European, and Spanish cuisines.
Operating hours: 1:30pm-3:30pm and 9:00pm-11:30pm (Monday-Friday)
Address: Calle Perez Galdos 23 | Número 33, 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
Que Tal By Stena is a contemporary restaurant that is open for dinner time only. It serves European, International, and Deli cuisines.
Operating hours: 8:00pm-11:45pm (Sunday-Saturday)
Address: Urbanization de Puerto de Mogan, Local 101, 35138 Puerto de Mogan, Mogan, Gran Canaria, Spain
El Churrasco is named the best Argentinian steakhouse on the Canary Islands. It serves Steakhouse, Mediterranean, and Spanish cuisines.
Operating hours: 1:00pm-4:00pm and 8:00pm-11:59pm (Sunday-Saturday)
Address: Calle Romero 16, 14003 Cordoba, Spain
How to go to Gran Canaria, Spain from the UK
Via Ryanair: (one way)
*From London Stansted to Gran Canaria Airport
Ticket Price: £37.53
Via Easyjet: (one way)
*From London Gatwick to Gran Canaria Airport
Ticket Price: £138.27
* Prices are subject to change. You can visit Skyscanner for more details about the ticket prices.
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About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.