Things to Do in Gran Canaria: From the Sky to the Sea

Most people arrive in Gran Canaria for the winter sun and the beaches of the south. Both are worth the trip, but the island has a lot more to offer once you step away from the pool. At iJump Gran Canaria we see it every day from the open door of a plane, and this is our shortlist of things to do in Gran Canaria: a tandem skydive over Maspalomas, a day on the water, the sunset at Meloneras, a hike to Roque Nublo, a road trip north and a proper night out in Playa del Inglés.

It is not an exhaustive list. These are the plans we would recommend to a friend with a few days on the island and no wish to waste any of them.

Skydive over the Maspalomas dunes

If you only do one thing that is not on the beach, make it this. A tandem skydive in Gran Canaria needs no previous experience: you are attached by a harness to an instructor who stays with you from the briefing to the landing, so your only job is to follow their instructions and take in the view.

The day starts at our meeting point in Playa del Inglés with check-in and a short briefing on how to leave the aircraft, how to hold your body in freefall and how to land. From there we take off from El Berriel aerodrome, on the south coast. The climb takes around twenty to twenty-five minutes and it is already part of the experience: the Atlantic on one side, the mountains of the interior on the other, and Maspalomas shrinking beneath the wing. Feeling nervous on the way up is completely normal. Your instructor checks the kit one last time and talks you through what comes next.

Then the door opens. You jump, and in freefall you pass 200 km/h with the whole south coast laid out in front of you. When the parachute opens everything goes quiet in an instant, and you have several minutes of calm flight over Playa del Inglés with the dunes, the lighthouse and the ocean below. You land in the Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas dunes area, where friends and family can wait for you.

Stable weather, clear skies for most of the year and a landscape that fits ocean, dunes and mountains into a single view: that is why Gran Canaria is one of the best places in the world to skydive. If you want to take the moment home, you can add one of our video and photo packages. One practical tip: skydiving depends on the weather and on air traffic, so do not squeeze the jump into a tight schedule. You will find the requirements and pre-jump advice on our plan your day page.

Things to do in Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas

The south is where most visitors stay, and it is easy to spend days here without running out of things to do. The Maspalomas dunes are a protected nature reserve, so stick to the marked paths and go early or late in the day, when the light is soft and the sand is cooler. If you skydived in the morning, walking across them in the afternoon has a certain satisfaction: you are standing on the golden patch you saw from the sky a few hours earlier.

At the western end of the beach, the Maspalomas lighthouse marks the start of the Meloneras promenade. This is where the day should end. Arrive early, walk west from the lighthouse and find a spot on a terrace or straight on the rocks to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic. Along the same stretch you have restaurants, shops and a calmer, more grown-up atmosphere than Playa del Inglés itself. For more ideas in the area, see our guide to what to visit in Maspalomas.

Water sports and boat trips on the south coast

The south is sheltered from the trade winds, which is why the sea here is usually calmer than in the north. It is the right place to try paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing or parasailing for the first time, and to head out from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán on a boat trip to see dolphins and other cetaceans.

If wind is your thing, the reference is Pozo Izquierdo on the south-east coast, one of the best-known windsurfing spots in Europe. And under the water the island has plenty to show, whether you snorkel or dive.

One warning we give every passenger: if you plan to dive and skydive on the same holiday, leave at least 24 hours between the dive and the jump. Book the skydive first and the diving afterwards and the problem disappears. Our guide to adventure activities in Gran Canaria has more ideas to combine.

Gran Canaria day trips: Roque Nublo and the north

Roque Nublo is the symbol of the island and one of its most rewarding walks: a short, manageable trail leads to the base of this volcanic monolith at more than 1,800 metres. On a clear day you can see Tenerife’s Mount Teide across the sea. The drive up from the south is part of the trip, with viewpoints and villages such as Fataga and Tejeda on the way. Bring a jacket, because the temperature at the summit has nothing to do with the beach, and check access and parking conditions in advance, as they may be regulated.

The north is a different island altogether. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is under an hour from the south by motorway: spend the morning in the old quarter of Vegueta and finish on Las Canteras, one of the best city beaches in Spain. From there the coast road leads to Agaete, with its harbour at Puerto de las Nieves, natural rock pools and a valley where coffee is grown. On the way back, Arucas is worth a stop for its dark stone church and its rum distillery. Green landscapes, fresh fish and winding roads: the perfect counterpoint to the dunes.

Nightlife in Playa del Inglés

Playa del Inglés is the hub of the south’s nightlife, with terraces, live music and bars for every taste around its shopping centres. Meloneras offers a quieter version, built around a long dinner and a drink by the sea.

Just one note if you have a skydive booked: the night before is for a good sleep and no alcohol in the hours we specify when you book. The celebration is far better after you land, when you actually have something to toast.

One day in the south of Gran Canaria

If you have a single free day, the south lets you string several of these plans together without going far. Book the skydive first thing and leave some slack in case the weather asks you to wait. Then have a long lunch in Playa del Inglés, spend the afternoon between the beach and the dunes, and finish with the sunset at Meloneras.

It is a day that goes from maximum intensity to complete calm, and it works precisely because of that contrast. Our post on plans that go well with skydiving has more options for after you land. And once you have your dates, you can book your skydive online or get in touch to check availability.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is a year-round destination thanks to its mild climate. The south is the sunniest and driest part of the island, which is why most outdoor activities are concentrated there. Winter is high season for European visitors, so it is worth booking activities with limited places in advance.

How many days do you need in Gran Canaria?

Four or five days let you combine the south, the summit and the north without rushing. With two or three, base yourself in the south and set aside one day for a trip: Roque Nublo and Tejeda, or Las Palmas and Agaete. The island is small, but its mountain roads take time.

Do I need experience to skydive in Gran Canaria?

No. A tandem skydive is designed for people with no experience. You are attached to an instructor who controls the jump, the parachute opening and the landing, and you receive a short briefing before boarding the aircraft. The recommended minimum age is 9, and under-18s need parental or guardian consent. There is a weight limit, subject to assessment.

Can I go diving and skydiving on the same day?

It is not recommended. At least 24 hours must pass between a scuba dive and a skydive. If you want to do both during your holiday, the simplest option is to schedule the skydive first and leave the diving for the following days.