Are you looking for the perfect place for your next solo trip? The answer may lie in a Spanish island off the North African coast.
With its excellent beaches, historic towns and superb safety record, Gran Canaria is a great destination for those travelling alone. I stayed here for ten days in winter and it has become my favourite Canary Islands solo travel destination..
Whether you are a shutterbug, beach bunny or history fangirl or fanboy, there is something for every solo traveller.
Get the lowdown in this Gran Canaria solo travel guide. Find out why you should add it to your travel bucket list, where to visit, how to get around and where to stay.
Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.
Is Gran Canaria Good for Solo Travel?
In a word, yes. Let’s examine the reasons:
Is Gran Canaria Safe for Solo Travellers?
Personal safety is one of the most important considerations for solo travellers, particularly women.
Crime on Gran Canaria, including pick-pocketing, is rare. But, as with any destination, don’t make yourself a target.
Keep your belongings safe. Stash your valuables at your accommodation and use an anti-theft backpack when you are out and about. I use this PacSafe backpack which has anti-RFID technology and a hidden pocket.
Stick to familiar streets after dark and make sure that you know your way back to your hotel or apartment.
Above all, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation.
What to See: A Gran Canaria Solo Travel Itinerary
With just a week in Gran Canaria, you can easily hit its highlights, from the dunes of Maspalomas to the history and cultural attractions of Las Palmas. For a more relaxed stay with quality beach time, I recommend spending ten days.
Here is my pick of the best places to include in your Gran Canaria solo travel itinerary, all of which can be visited using public transport or on an inexpensive day tour.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The vibrant capital of Gran Canaria has the lot.
The cobblestone streets of Vegueta, Las Palmas Old Town, are packed with historic attractions, including a magnificent cathedral and stunning architecture. But if you are also looking for a spot of R&R, Las Palmas has one of the best urban beaches in Europe, Las Canteras.
Puerto de Mogán
Puerto de Mogán is the island’s sunniest and most photogenic resort.
Unlike its bigger and brasher neighbours, this small resort town has retained the charm of its roots as a fishing village. Sea-filled water channels that run beneath its houses and between the beach and port have led to its nickname, Little Venice
Maspalomas Sand Dunes
Walking through the dunes of Maspalomas, you could easily imagine you’d been transported to the Arabian desert. These 400 hectares of golden sand, washed up from the ocean, are home to abundant flora and bird life. The adjacent Maspalomas Beach is one of the island’s finest.
Agüimes
Featuring a show-stopping church, a perfectly preserved old town and artisans’ workshops, Agüimes in Gran Canaria oozes charm. My favourite thing was hunting down the eclectic sculpture trail that celebrates the town’s history. And if it’s dramatic landscapes you’re after, the Guayadeque ravine is right on its doorstep.
Teror
Don’t let its name put you off. Teror is one of the least scary places you will visit in Gran Canaria.
This mountain town has a rich religious heritage and a beautifully preserved old town. It’s home to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, the most important religious site for Canarians, which houses an extraordinary altarpiece.
Arucas
Laidback Arucas is one of my favourite places in Gran Canaria.
Architecture buffs flock here to view Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, the town’s architectural masterpiece. Alcohol lovers make a beeline for the Arehucas Rum Distillery. I highly recommend both.
And if that’s not enough, the town has a gorgeous botanical garden.
Tejeda
Tucked into the folds of a volcanic caldera, Tejeda is one of Gran Canaria’s prettiest mountain villages. The town is famous for its almond trees and specialises in almond-flavoured goodies, including mazapanes (almond cakes).
Close by is Roque Nublo, the island’s most famous rock, and Pico de las Nieve.
Planning Your Visit
Best time to go
Gran Canaria has balmy temperatures year-round but visit in spring or autumn (fall) for milder temperatures and less chance of rain. But even in the height of summer, the higher temperatures are moderated by the trade winds.
Getting there
Several scheduled and charter flights from across Europe land at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), 11 miles south of Las Palmas. If you’re travelling from the US, you’ll typically connect through Madrid or Barcelona.
Transmediterranea and Naviera Armas run ferry services between Gran Canaria and the other Canary Islands. Together with Tenerife and Lanzarote, Gran Canaria is also a hugely popular cruise destination.
Getting around
The most flexible way of exploring Gran Canaria is by car but this is not for everyone (and certainly not for me). Thanks to an extensive network and cheap fares, it’s easy to get around Gran Canaria by bus.
Day tours are another good option, particularly for reaching the more remote parts of the island. I book mine through GetYourGuide and usually go for their free cancellation options.
Two tours I’d particularly suggest:
- Highlights of Gran Canaria Tour – this highly-rated day tour from Las Palmas showcases the diversity of the island’s landscapes, from the dunes of Maspalomas to the Guayadeque ravine at Agüimes.
- Volcano Heart Tour & Local Food Tasting – this is my kind of day tour. Dramatic ravines, volcanic calderas, fragrant pine forests plus sampling local food and drink specialities.
Where to stay
Choosing the right accommodation is key to the success of a solo trip. Where you base yourself in Gran Canaria will depend on your itinerary and how long you’re staying.
I split my ten days between Puerto de Mogán in the south and Las Palmas. Puerto de Mogán makes a relaxed base; Las Palmas is the better option if you’re planning to use the buses to explore.
If you want something livelier, Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are the main resort areas, with Maspalomas being the slightly more upmarket of the two.
Puerto de Mogán
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Gran Canaria Mogán – I stayed at this high-end hotel, a ten-minute walk from the beach. This could be the right choice for you if you are looking for an affordable, comfortable 5-star resort hotel with impeccable service.
Mid-range: Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa – If you are looking for a cheaper option that is closer to the beach, take a look at this 4-star hotel set in extensive tropical gardens. Other travellers rate it highly.
HD Mogán Coral Apartments – A self-catering option, a stone’s throw from the beach and marina.
Las Palmas
I opted to stay in the heart of Las Palmas Old Town. But if you prefer to be close to the beach, look at properties near Las Canteras.
Apartments Vegueta Suite – This spacious apartment in the heart of Vegueta was perfect for me: close to Las Palmas Old Town and its restaurants and within easy walking distance of San Telmo Bus Station. It was also very affordable considering its location, size and amenities, which include a washing machine.
Midrange – VEINTIUNO Emblematic Hotels – If you want to stay in the Old Town but prefer a hotel take a look at this lovely 4-star hotel. It has a rooftop terrace with views to die for.
Splurge – Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel – Do you want to stay in a beach hotel in Las Palmas? Santa Catalina might be for you if you are looking for all the facilities, comfort and service you would expect in a 5-star hotel.
Further Reading
- How to Explore Gran Canaria by Bus
- 10 Amazing Things to See in Las Palmas Old Town in One Day
- Top 10 Things to Do in Puerto de Mogán
- The Ultimate Guide to Agüimes, Gran Canaria
- The Ultimate Guide to Teror, Gran Canaria
- Top 10 Things to See in Arucas, Gran Canaria
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.