Visit a new beach

Always go to the same bit of Maspalomas beach, or have you got a favourite restaurant at Amadores? There's such a range of beaches along the island's coast that it seems a shame to stick to the same one all the time. So, this week we challenge you to try a new patch of sand somewhere, anywhere, in Gran Canaria. How about Scandie favourite Patalavaca between Arguineguín and Anfi, or nudist Guayedra in the far north-west? 

Need beach inspiration: See our guide to all of Gran Canaria's beaches here. 

 Go north or up

South Gran Canaria basks in a bubble of sunshine and the warm sand, cool water and sheer convenience of the resorts make it tough to get out and explore. But you never meet anyone who regrets doing a day trip around the island.  

So, rent a car and head up into the highlands, or jump on a bus up to Las Palmas for old town culture and new town shopping. There's an island out there that deserves a visit.

Eat at a location restaurant

When good food and great views combine you get an unforgettable dining experience that's worth travelling to. Gran Canaria's volcanic highlands and rugged valleys mean that there's plenty of spectacular places to choose from. From cave restaurants serving papas con mojo to tree-top Asian fusion, Gran Canaria's got some fantastic places to eat. 

Visit a museum

It may not be why you chose Gran Canaria as a destination, but the island's best museums and galleries, clustered in old town Vegueta, are a bonus. Learn about Columbus' visit to Las Palmas and his journeys to America at the Casa de Colón, see the mummy room at the Museo Canario, or take in the modern art at the CAAM gallery.

For something completely different, visit the La Fortaleza castle museum in Santa Lucia de Tirajana. It's got everything from prehistoric artifacts to vintage farm tools and cannon.  

Take a boat trip

See Gran Canaria as Columbus did as he sailed away on the journey to the Americas by taking a boat trip from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán harbour. Energetic options include party boat and big game fishing while more relaxing options include dolphin watching and doing nothing on a catamaran as it sails from bay to bay along the southwest coast. See our selection of the best boat trips in Gran Canaria.