Gran Canaria is one of the seven main islands of the Canary Islands archipelago, nestled in the Atlantic Ocean. It is often referred to as a "miniature continent" due to its diverse landscapes that gracefully morph from long, golden beaches to charming old towns, and from lush, verdant forests to its towering mountainous peaks. With a perpetually mild climate, it's an outdoor lover's paradise - perfect for hikers, water sports enthusiasts, or beach loungers.
Gran Canaria is a part of the Canary Islands archipelago which is situated in the Atlantic Ocean just off the northwest coast of the continent, making it a staple port of call on many Africa cruises and popular 7-night cruise deals. It can be found southeast of Tenerife and west of Fuerteventura. Interestingly, Gran Canaria is part of a region in the Atlantic known as Macaronesia, which includes other archipelagos such as Madeira, Salvajes, Azores, and Cape Verde.
Alongside its volcanic neighbour Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, often dubbed a 'miniature continent', is the third-largest island in the Canary Islands archipelago and a signature stop on itineraries with Marella Cruises. With its diverse landscapes featuring everything from golden sand dunes to lush forests to rugged mountains, Gran Canaria is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and beach lovers alike, all bathed in year-round sunshine that makes it a perfect holiday destination.
The Maspalomas Dunes form an iconic natural attraction on the southern coast of Gran Canaria, one of the most visited sites within the Canary Islands. Spread across an area of approximately 1,000 acres, the dunes seem more reminiscent of a Saharan desert than typical island terrain. Shifting sands, shaped by the island's trade winds, create a visually stunning and ever-evolving landscape that extends to the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The dunes are situated within a larger protected area, Maspalomas Natural Reserve, which also encompasses a lagoon, the palm grove, and the beautiful Maspalomas Beach.
At the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria lies the historic district of Vegueta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adorned with narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful colonial architecture, including the Santa Ana Cathedral and the Casa de Colon, where Christopher Columbus once stayed. Stretching north from the old town, you’ll find the brilliant Playa de Las Canteras - a long sun-kissed urban beach, lined with excellent seafood restaurants and buzzing night spots, which is often referred to as the city's main draw. The promenade adjacent to it forms a key part of the city's social life. It's a signature port stop that beautifully contrasts the rich cultural tapestries found further south along cruise routes calling into Senegal.
As with the diverse coastlines found across Spain, Gran Canaria's beaches are a mix of bustling resorts, serene secluded coves, and natural coastal treasures. Highlights include Playa de Maspalomas, a golden sand beach merging into iconic dunes in the south of the island, featuring a historic lighthouse, rivalled across the archipelago only by the famous sweeping sands of neighbouring Fuerteventura. Amadores Beach lies in the south near Puerto Rico, and is a man-made beach is renowned for its calm waters, soft sand, and family-friendly atmosphere. Puerto de Mogan, on the other hand, is located within a colourful fishing village, and is sometimes referred to as 'Little Venice'.
3 cruise packages and 3 cruises
