Cold is relative. It was the coldest winter for 10 years in 2014 but day temperatures were always above 20ºC. The south of the island had a couple of cloudy weeks but other than that it was beach weather most days. 

The south of the island had a couple of cloudy weeks but other than that it was beach weather most days. 

Compared to anywhere else you can fly to easily during the winter, Gran Canaria has the best weather. The south of the island is sunny for over 320 days per year and is shelñtered from the wind. 

It's likely to be sunny but we don't know exactly. When are you coming?

Check our weather section for detailed weather forecasts for each month, as well as lots of useful info about the seasons and the weather in the resorts. 

Gran Canaria has excellent hospitals and private medical clinics. Standards are as high as anywhere in Europe and EU and EEA visitors are covered by their EHIC cards.

Almost everything you buy in Gran Canaria is cheaper than in Europe thanks to our low sales tax and lack of luxury item taxes. Low prices and a great range of shops make the island a top shopping destination. 

We often get asked if it's safe to buy expensive electronics, such as cameras and mobile phones, in Gran Canaria. Our answer is yes, provided that you go to reputable shops and follow the same precautions as you would at home. 

 Back-scratchers, novelty bottle openers and wonky plastic bulls all make amusing souvenirs from Gran Canaria. However, they don't have the authentic kudos of these quality Canarian handicrafts.

UPDATED 03/04/2017: Gran Canaria in April smells of sweat and cheese (and sunscreen, of course) thanks to the Guia cheese festival and the Mogán triathlon. You can also visit a couple of local fiestas close to the resorts. 

After a solid month of partying during February's carnival season you might expect Gran Canaria to take a breather during March. However, some places just aren't ready to pack away the sequins.

Carnival rules supreme in Gran Canaria in February and there's more to the party than the famous events in Las Palmas and Maspalomas.

January may be the height of winter across Europe but here in Gran Canaria there's plenty of outdoor events in the sunshine. If you're on the island this month, here's the top things to see and do.

Sometimes we think there's a giant conspiracy amongst San Agustín fans to keep it quiet and off the radar. It's certainly the most tranquil and least-visited of Gran Canaria's resorts.

You've arrived in Playa del Inglés, unpacked your flip flops and want to explore the resort. Well, Playa del Inglés stretches right along the coast so you're not going to do it all on your first day. Head to the sea and the dune front promenade for an overview.

Once you've arrived in Puerto Rico resort and unpacked you're ready to explore. It's not hard to find your way as all roads in Puerto Rico lead to the beach provided that you aim downhill.

So you've arrived in Maspalomas, the sun is shining (hopefully) and you want to get your bearings. Here's how to explore the resort on your first day.

So you've arrived in Puerto Mogán checked in, located the hotel bar and now you want to go out and explore the resort. We've got good news: You've picked a gorgeous spot and it's easy to get to know.

Gran Canaria sells itself as a Miniature Continent, but this can make the place sound like one of those model villages that nobody visits. Be in no doubt that Gran Canaria's top sights are epic in scale and well worth visiting. 

Gran Canaria wines are just like the island: Intense and with real character. The more you try them, the more you love them. 

Whether you surf, swim, run or drive, there's a Gran Canaria competition that you have to watch or try to win. Here are the Top Ten annual sporting events in Gran Canaria. 

With everything from drag queen galas and wailing widows to tapas stands the Las Palmas carnival is an epic fiesta. It's got be Europe's biggest outdoor party and stretches out over three weeks, four if you count the times it takes to clear up the sequins.

With warm, clear water and a huge range of African, Atlantic and Mediterranean fish Gran Canaria is a top class snorkeling spot. However, you need to know where to go because the sandy beaches, where most people jump in, aren't the best place to meet the marine life. Here's our guide to the best places to snorkel in Gran Canaria.