The February school holidays or the Christmas winter break are the best time to escape the miserable cold and head for cheap all inclusive holidays to Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro) and Gran Canaria ticks all the right boxes if you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, superb beaches, fascinating sights and natural scenery.
Cheap all-inclusive holidays to Gran Canaria will offer you the best destinations for families, solo travellers, and couples of diverse backgrounds.
For family travellers, cheap all-inclusive holidays to Gran Canaria is convenient because the flight time is around 4 hours and 25 minutes. Gran Canaria has no time difference (at 0 GMT) with the UK (so there is no chance for jet-lagged children). Families can also enjoy cheap all-inclusive holidays to Gran Canaria because there are a variety of resorts with professional child care services and entertainment for children.
For solo travellers, cheap all inclusive holidays to Gran Canaria is welcoming and vibrant. You will discover amazing restaurants, beaches and bar well suited for your personality.
For couples of diverse backgrounds, cheap holidays to Gran Canaria offers a wonderful array of colour and celebration. Every May, Gran Canaria’s Gay Pride takes place in Maspalomas.
Gran Canaria is situated just off the coast of North Africa, it offers year-round sunshine, well equipped all-inclusive hotels, family-friendly activities, sightseeing, day trips and tours.
Direct Flights for cheap Holidays to Gran Canaria
There are a variety of direct flights from UK airports for cheap holidays to Gran Canaria.
They include:
Easy Jet
Iberia
Jet2
Norwegian Airways
Ryanair
Tui
My favourite direct flight, Jet2 offers an amazing fleet of nine direct flights from the UK to Gran Canaria.
They are:
- Flights from Belfast to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Birmingham to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Edinburgh to Gran Canaria
- Flights from East Midlands to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Glasgow to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Leeds Bradford to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Manchester to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Newcastle to Gran Canaria
- Flights from London Stansted to Gran Canaria
Tui
Tui offers direct flights from 11 different locations in the UK.
They are:
- Flights from London Gatwick to Gran Canaria
- Flights from London Stansted to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Birmingham to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Bournemouth to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Bristol to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Cardiff to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Doncaster to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Exeter to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Glasgow to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Manchester to Gran Canaria
- Flights from Newcastle to Gran Canaria
Ryanair
Although Ryanair has announced that from Summer 2020, there will be a reduced service, we need to wait and see if this will be the case.
The direct flights Ryanair currently offer to Gran Canaria are:
- London Stansted to Gran Canaria
- London Luton to Gran Canaria
- Edinburgh to London Luton.
Cheap Holidays to Gran Canaria
When to visit Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria can be visited year round because of its amazing temperatures. After all, it is closer to North Western Africa than it is to Spain.The weather is warm and sunny virtually all year round. Around August, the temperatures soar to highs of about 30 degrees Celsius while in the cooler winter months (November to March), the temperatures are around 21 degrees Celsius.
We visited in October during the school half term holidays and the temperatures were prefect for hiking, walking, lodging on the beach and sightseeing.
Cheap Holidays to Gran Canaria
What to pack for Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria travel essentials aren’t very demanding. You just have to plan in advance what activities you want to do in order to match them with appropriate wardrobe essentials.
The Spring season stretches from April to October with the exception of soaring temperatures in August. As such, summer clothes are appropriate.
During the Winter months (November to March), there might be a need for you to pack a light jacket and probably a travel portable umbrella. The temperatures are usually between 20 to 22 degrees Celsuis. This is good enough to still surf and swim.
If you plan hiking, remember to pack appropriate foot wear. You really don’t want to climb El Roque Nublo wearing your flipflops.
Cheap Holidays to Gran Canaria
Best places to stay in Gran Canaria
The best places to stay in Gran Canaria are:
- Maspalomas – Great for families.
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Great for cultural trips.
- Meloneras – Great for luxury travellers.
- Playa del Ingles – Great for Nightlife.
- Puerto Rico – Great for Sailing activities.
- Puerto de Mogan – Great for its local markets.
- San Agustin – Great for Scrub diving and snorkelling.
Maspalomas
Maspalomas is the beautiful, popular resort town in the Southernmost part of Gran Canaria. With sun-sparkled sand dunes and the magnificent lighthouse that actively serves the town.
I believe Maspalomas is popular for a reason, a high number of tourists visit every year, there are ample cheap all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches for every type of traveller.
It is by far the best-known area in Gran Canaria with lots of travel suppliers like Tui and Jet2 holidays offering cheap all-inclusive package holiday deals.
There are several things to see and do in Maspalomas and it serves as a perfect base for exploring the surrounding villages and other areas.
Families will love Maspalomas, it is home to Aqualand – one of the largest water parks in Europe. Nestled close to Aqualand is Palmitos Park – a botanical zoo boasting of exotic plants and animals from 5 continents. Last, every type of traveller can enjoy The Holidayworld, Maspalomas. It is the entertainment arcade in Gran Canaria with Amusement park rides, bars and restaurants. It opens around 4 pm until late. It is a glorious spot for travellers willing to groove until the eel hours of the morning.
If theme parks and entertainment spots are not up to your street for your cheap all-inclusive holidays in Gran Canaria, you will find your spot on the beach. Maspalomas beach is where the pristine desert meets the sea. The beach is lovely for children to roll on end in and houses beautiful displays of sand sculptures. The beach is also home to nudist. Check the well signposted Maspalomas Nudist Area so you don’t wander into the nudist area unprepared.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital city of Gran Canaria and where Gran Canaria Airport Gando is. Stay at Las Palmas during your cheap all-inclusive holidays in Gran Canaria for a cultural trip and history of the beautiful island. There are cheap, all-inclusive resorts and houses to rent.
In this city, you will explore the rectangular Plaza de Santa Ana (Saint Anne’s square). A square which served as a social and commercial arena and now home to the Town Hall and the Bishop’s Palace. Vegueta, the name of this historical district. The architecture here dates back to 1100 and holds some fascinating facts including The Alameda de Colon (Columbus Boulevard), the site believed to be where Christopher Columbus stayed when he visited the Island.
The Plaza Santa Ana in Vegueta is impressive with historic buildings, including the magnificent Cathedral of St Ana where you can enjoy the views of the town and learn about its architecture. It is an immersion of history and architecture at its best. It is a definitely must see if you are going to Las Palmas! It is a stunning cathedral with even more breathtaking views from above. Only €1.50 will take you to top through an elevator up the cathedral.
Tip: not many people know they could keep walking up but you certainly can! There are stairs on the right of the elevator and you can go up to the towers but it is very narrow.
The views from the top of the #laspalmascathedral is outstanding.
Starting from the rectangular Plaza de Santa Ana in #Vegueta to views of the beach of La Laja and part of the city of Telde to neighbouring San José and San Juan.
It is truly an immersion of history and architecture.
The beautiful bronze statues of dogs (eight statues – two sets of four) adore the lower part of the square in front of the stunning Cathedral de St Ana. The historical stories of the dogs are interesting. Some people believed, when the Spanish invaded the Island for a forceful takeover, the original habitats of the Guanche from North Africa had their dogs who protected them. The dogs called Canis are now a symbol of Gran Canaria. Others believe The Canary Islands (all seven of them) are named after the hunting dogs that the Spanish found there (Canis – dog).
Las Palmas is home to secluded beaches. If you’re looking for cheap all-inclusive holidays in Gran Canaria away from everyone else, head to these beaches:
- Playa del Confital.
A great beach for naturist, you will love the secluded coves of this beach.
- Playa de Las Alcaravane
Head to this bustling district with your kids where they can learn how to Kayak.
- Playa de La Puntilla
A local beach offering grilled fish at its seaside restaurant.
Meloneras
Possibly not totally for cheap all inclusive holidays in Gran Canaria but if you’re like me and you love a bit of class then Meloneras is the best place to stay.
It is peaceful here with fine dining restaurants from the best chefs on the island and cool live music at the night.
Meloneras is the perfect for luxury travel enthusiasts.
Playa del Ingles
Playa del Ingles popularly known as the tourist destinations of the English is the perfect area to stay for your cheap holidays in Gran Canaria. The vibe in this area is nightlife, music blazing, live bands on the beach, sea front restaurants and international pub showing football matches. This area will definitely appeal to you if you crave this vibrant lifestyle.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a more relaxed vibe to it. It is a great area for families on cheap holidays to Gran Canaria who have a love for sailing and relaxed beach vibes. It has a walkway which leads directly to Playa de Amadores. It also has all the amenities you would expect such as a centrally located shopping centre with taxis, buses, bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Families will love Angry Parks Activity Park – a friendly place for kids to spend the day.
Puerto de Mogan
This area is nicknamed ‘Little Venice’ for all the right reasons. It is a picturesque port with amazing vibes. It is for travellers on cheap holidays to Gran Canaria who value quality over quantity.
Cheap Holidays to Gran Canaria
Palmitos Park
Holidayworld Maspalomas
Faro de Maspalomas
Kids Friendly Things to do in Gran Canaria: Boat Trips
Cheap Holidays to Gran Canaria - Final thoughts
A cheap holiday to Gran Canaria is the best value for money. The options to decide how you want to spend your cheap holidays in Gran Canaria are open. This post looks at the direct flights available from the UK to Gran Canaria, the best places to stay in Gran Canaria and the family- friendly things to do in Gran Canaria to maximise your cheap holidays in Gran Canaria.
Let me know in the comments if you have been to Gran Canaria and what your best experiences are or if you will plan to visit Gran Canaria one day, what experiences and activities will you love to do there.
38 thoughts on “Cheap All Inclusive Holidays to Gran Canaria”
Wow those dunes look amazing! I had no idea there were such large sand dunes in Gran Canaria. Also love that there’s an Angry Birds activity park, I had no idea that was even a thing haha. Thanks for sharing 🙂
The Sand Dunes came as a surprise to me too and the Angry Birds activity park is really lovely for kids. My kids definitely had fun here.
Gran Canaria looks like a place for all age groups. An all-inclusive holiday at the island seems like a great option. St. Annes Square looks like an interesting place to visit. I am happy that the place has so many options for kids also. I am sure they will love the Holidayworld Maspolamas. For me, I would prefer visiting the beaches. Thanks for such a comprehensive post on the place. It will surely help all those planning a trip to Gran Canaria.
Thanks. Gran Canaria is the full package for all types of travellers with several to-do lists.
Such a comprehensive guide! I’ve never been to Gran Canaria but would love to go there with my boyfriend. Winter months seem like a great time to visit this island. Beaches, beautiful villages, fun parks are definitely on my travel list.
Thanks, Ha. Yes, the Winter months will be the best time to escape to Gran Canaria.
This looks like an amazing place for vacation. I will absolutely add it to our Spain bucket list. Great post with super helpful information, especially about the budget-friendly airlines.
Thank you, Keri. It is such a great destination for kids and there are several budget-friendly options for flight and all-inclusive hotels.
The last time we stayed at an All-Inclusive was a huge letdown, so I am glad that you provide a clear rundown of the best all-inclusive stays in Gran Canaria. Las Palmas looks beautiful so I would definitely explore that area. I had no idea the Canary Islands were named after the hunting dogs they found there. I learned something new!
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria, it is absolutely stunning here. I hope you get to visit soon.
Oh I’d love to visit Gran Canaria. It looks like a really fun family friendly desination! I know my kids would love the Angry Birds park.
Gran Canaria is a family-friendly destination, My kids loved Angry Birds so much.
I can’t believe I still haven’t been to the Canaries. Those beautiful villages, the volcanic landscape and sand dunes should really make it to top of my list!
The villages are absolutely beautiful and the sand dunes are a must to see.
Wow! I am so intrigued! I want to go here! I have always heard about sand dunes, but to see it in this light is so exciting! Thanks for sharing this awesome article!
Yes, the Sand Dunes at Gran Canaria was a pretty surprise for me too. It’s a lovely place to see. Thank you.
This was an amazingly detailed article! Thanks for all of insight on these beautiful destinations. I’ve been to the Canary Islands before and LOVED it!
Thanks, the Canary Islands are truly beautiful.
I love going to the beach, and reading that Gran Canaria has 38 beaches made me excited. I would also want to try the waterboarding activities as I also do wakeboarding here in Manila. The aesthetics of the village is beautiful, definitely instagram worthy.
You’re right, the Fataga village and other villages in Gran Canaria are surely Instagram worthy!
I can’t get over the amount of info packed into one post! This is super helpful. I especially love the list of places to stay a San Agustin sounds right up my street! I’ve only been to the Canary Islands once – Tenerife – but I’d love to take a trip to Gran Canaria maybe one Spring.
Yes, definitely visit Gran Canaria in the Spring and you’ll be able to see Mount Teide from Tenerife.
We were looking at spending last Christmas and winter in the Canary Islands doing Workaway – it was the winter sun that appealed to me, and the potential that I’d be able to squeeze a quick trip over to Morocco on the way home. It’s an amazing string of islands, and such a balanced climate. I’m intrigued by the desert feel, but on an island, with Spanish culture, and so close to North Africa.
You’re right, the Winter sun is such a draw for me too.
The island has something for everyone. The Plaza Santa Ana is like a treasure trove of heritage and culture. I would not mind paying to get up the cathedral to get the view around. Angry park with the kids might just be a lot of fun. The sand dunes give such a different shade to the entire experience. Good tips on how to get there and stay
Thanks, My kids enjoyed Angry Birds Parks and like you said, the Vegueta, the historic district is a treasure for cultural trips lovers.
Nice travel guide. This makes me want to go Gran Canaria. Btw you have amazing photos!
Thanks, I love photography, it’s my pastime hobby.
This is such a comprehensive post covering all the minutest aspects that one needs to know to plan out the perfect holiday. Although I always go in for self planned holidays as it gives me the flexibility, would not mind this all inclusive Gran Canaria holiday for a change. It offers so much really including beaches, beautiful cathedrals, green lush valleys and boat trips all if which I just love to have in my holidays. Great post and exposure to a beautiful place.
Absolutely, sometimes, the all-inclusive holidays help you explore further because your accommodation and feeding are covered hence you explore more.
hi
Kudos to you for such an extensive post in the first place. You have managed to cover so many aspects in fine detail. I guess Gran Canaria is an amalgamation of everything that a traveller wishes to see or experience in the holidays. As I was reading through the post I couldn’t help marvel at the various kind of options available for each age group. Also, I think cheap all inclusive holidays in Gran Canaria is a must for travellers, they can stay at different areas when they come back again.
Yes, with the number of direct flights from the UK, it’s surely a destination to return to time and time again.
Nice Post. Went here many years ago and this is making me want to go back again!
Great! Hopefully you get to go to Gran Canaria soon.
Even I need to visit Gran Canaria after reading this post. Thank you for the info. Now it is added in bucket list
That’s fantastic! It great that this post has inspired you to want to visit Gran Canaria.
Thank you so much for this post! It was very very helpful. I have always wanted to go to Gran Canaria and it is so kind of you to do all this research and put it all together. I am defo saving this for later!
Em x
Thank you Em. Gran Canaria is in contest for the destination I’love to retire in from the UK.