Gran Canaria, Canary Islands 🏝️
"A miniature continent with dramatic dunes and volcanic mist-shrouded peaks."
December offers spring-like weather perfect for hiking the Nublo Rural Park. With a group of friends, renting a car to drive the winding GC-200 coastal road is affordable and hits all your requirements from beaches to mountains.
A diverse loop of Gran Canaria blending the historic grit of Las Palmas with the dramatic Saharan dunes of the south and the volcanic interior peaks.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · City Vibrations in Las Palmas
Morning — Arrive at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Take the cheap Global bus (Line 60 or 91) from the airport to the city center.
Afternoon — Check into your accommodation and walk along the 3km-long Las Canteras beach. Grab a cheap 'bocadillo' (sandwich) for lunch by the shore.
Evening — Explore the lively Santa Catalina area. Eat at a local tapas bar like 'La Garriga' for affordable tortilla and local snacks.
💡 Avoid the beachfront restaurants for dinner to save money; go two blocks inland.
Day 2 · History and Botanical Wonders
Morning — Stroll through the historic Vegueta district. Visit the Santa Ana Cathedral and the exterior of Casa de Colón.
Afternoon — Take a local bus to the Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, Spain's largest botanical garden (Free entry), featuring massive cacti.
Evening — Head to a local 'Boquería' style market like Mercado del Puerto for high-quality food stall dining at budget prices.
💡 The cathedral tower has a small fee but offers the best city view.
Day 3 · Southern Dunes and Resorts
Morning — Depart Las Palmas for the south. Check into a budget apartment or hostel in the Playa del Inglés/Maspalomas area.
Afternoon — Arrive in Maspalomas. Walk through the stunning Dunas de Maspalomas, a desert-like landscape by the sea. Choose a spot for a swim.
Evening — Enjoy the sunset by the Faro de Maspalomas (lighthouse) and find a budget-friendly pizzeria in the nearby shopping centers.
💡 Supermarkets like HiperDino are great for beach picnic supplies.
Day 4 · The Southwest Coast Roadtrip
Morning — Rent a budget car for a 2-day mini road trip. Head west to Puerto Rico for a morning dip in the turquoise Amadores Beach.
Afternoon — Drive or take a bus to the charming 'Little Venice' of Puerto de Mogán. Walk the flower-lined streets and harbor.
Evening — Return to Maspalomas. Explore the nightlife at the Yumbo Centrum for a vibrant, busy atmosphere.
💡 Parking at Amadores is free if you arrive early; Mogán parking is tricky.
Day 5 · Volcanic Peaks and Mountain Villages
Morning — Drive into the interior mountains (the 'Cumbre'). Stop in the village of Tejeda, often voted one of Spain’s most beautiful towns.
Afternoon — Hike the 30-minute trail to the base of Roque Nublo, an iconic volcanic rock with views of Mount Teide on neighboring Tenerife.
Evening — Return to the coast via the winding roads of Fataga, known as 'The Valley of the Thousand Palms.' Overnighter in the south.
💡 Bring a light jacket; temperatures drop significantly in the mountains.
Day 6 · Beach Relaxation and Local Flavors
Morning — Spend a slow morning at Playa del Inglés. Walk the promenade or browse the local flea markets for souvenirs.
Afternoon — Relax on the golden sands or try a trial surf lesson at the south end of the beach where the waves are beginner-friendly.
Evening — Enjoy a final Canarian meal of 'Papas Arrugadas' (wrinkly potatoes) with mojo sauce at a local 'guachinche' style eatery.
💡 Mojo sauce jars are cheap and make great authentic gifts.
Day 7 · Final Views and Departure
Morning — Check out and head towards the airport. If time permits, visit the town of Agüimes to see the colorful houses and sculptures.
Afternoon — Last walk along the Melenara beach (near the airport) to see the Neptune statue and have a final coffee.
Evening — Flight departure. Use the remaining bus credit to reach the terminal.
💡 The bus stop for the airport is usually different from the one that brought you south.