10 things to do in Gran Canaria during winter

Gran Canaria’s default setting is warm, making it a bit of a winter sun classic. Courtesy of its close proximity to Africa, temps never really dip below 20°C here all year round. It’s one of the biggest Canary Islands and so also only a four-hour flight from the UK. But, aside from landing yourself an out-of-season tan, what’s there to do on a winter break to this Spanish island? If you’re plotting to bin the cold this year, here are some top picks to score some festive feels in the sun.

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1. Look up the largest open-air nativity scene

Just because it’s warm doesn’t mean it’s not still festive in Gran Canaria. Take your classic nativity scene and swap it for one made out of sand at Playa de las Canteras. Artists from all over the island come to reshape the scene every year, from St Joseph to the baby Jesus, and sculptures go up to five metres high. Over 200,000 people come to visit and walk through it all – it’s open from early December until the magical kings’ festival in early January.

2. Camel riding on Playa de Maspalomas

A trip to Gran Canaria wouldn’t be complete without checking out its huge dunes at Maspalomas. The beach itself runs for six kilometres before it morphs into those iconic sandy waves that make up the Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve. Tick off a classic bucket-list item by touring the dunes on a camel – it’s only like you’ve gone and got cast as one of the three kings in the nativity.

3. Visit the market town of Teror

In the central eastern region of the island, this charming colonial-style town is the religious capital of Gran Canaria – a nod to its patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Pino. It’s super pretty and one of the oldest towns on the island, all cobbled streets and cute balconies. Visit on a Sunday morning to check out the bustling market and pick up local specialities like chorizo de Teror, cheeses and herbs. If you haven’t sorted all your Xmas pressies yet… hint, hint.

4. Check out Barranco de Guayadeque

Head not too far from the island’s southern beaches and you’ll find Barranco de Guayadeque. It’s not just any old valley… you’ll clock some mysterious doors in the cliffside. They lead to a labyrinth of natural and man-made caves, once used as pre-historic burial sites and many of the caverns are still lived in by families with farmland in the area. You can climb up to a chapel, the Los Marteles volcanic caldera and there are several restaurants carved into the rock, too.

5. See the sights at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Pick out some comfy shoes for a day exploring Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – the island’s capital’s got plenty to do. Don’t miss Casa de Colon, where Columbus took some time out between his adventures, or the Museo Canario, which recounts the island’s pre-conquest past. The 15th-century cathedral should also squeeze somewhere onto your must-see list. Just make sure you save some time for the boutiques, restaurants and bars, too, for some festive purchases.

6. Head on down to Sioux City

Christmas and cowboys? Yee-haw. Cowboy boots are for all year round, but if you ever need an excuse to whip ‘em out, this is it. Saddle up for Sioux City in San Agustin, just a few miles from Playa del Ingles – it was originally created as a film set in 1971 but now puts on shows and activities as a Wild West theme park. You can watch the can-can and order up a drink in the saloon. But before you head home, definitely check out the live entertainment, which includes cowboys performing bank robberies and lasso stunts.

7. Sunbathe on Playa de Puerto Rico

Some like it hot – and those who do should pick a day on Playa de Puerto Rico. It boasts the title of being the island’s sunniest spot, so lay back and catch those rays like it’s not practically Baltic at home right now. Rumour has it the sand was blown over from the Sahara Desert hundreds of years ago… Plus, it backs onto a subtropical garden, with two outdoor pools – perfect for topping up that winter tan.

8. Try watersports on Playa del Ingles

Get a new experience on your wish list this year, with adventure sports like jet-skiing, parasailing and windsurfing available off the coast of Playa del Ingles. There are also dolphin-watching cruises from here to spot the local wildlife and snorkelling trips. But for those who’d rather skip the adrenaline rush, there are more laidback things to do, too – think days sailing on a catamaran, a glass-bottomed boat trip or even a cheeky booze cruise.

9. Hike Pico de las Nieves

If it’s a hiking holiday you’re after, hit the trails of Pico de las Nieves. It’s the island’s highest mountain, grazing clouds to reach 1,949 metres into the sky. At the top, you get pure, uninterrupted views of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and you can’t beat the sunset up here. If you’d prefer something a little more chilled, you can actually drive up to the viewpoint, too. Or, for a less intense walk, you can always stroll around the pine forest at Tamadaba National Park or venture through the volcanic crater near Las Palmas.

10. Glam up for Garbo’s dinner show

Garbo’s is a Gran Canarian institution. This glamorous gala cabaret has been serenading audiences since 1997 with showstopping dance numbers and enough sequins to rival your fave West End performances. Strictly Christmas special who? At the famous Dinner Show, your waiters transform into the star acts, singing and dancing as you enjoy three courses and unlimited drinks with your ticket.