After landing at Gran Canaria Airport, you'll breathe in the warm island air and a whole new daily rhythm will begin. Once you've picked up your luggage, you'll head to the rental desk to grab the car for your stay (the perfect way to explore the island at your own pace). As soon as you leave the airport, a pleasant drive south towards Maspalomas awaits you, where you'll check in. This is where the real holiday vibe kicks in: palm trees, sun, the scent of the ocean, and endless peace. If you arrive early enough, it's worth heading to the Atlantic Ocean before sunset. A short walk will take you to the iconic Maspalomas dunes, which turn into golden waves in the evening light. You can stroll through the fine sand, dip your feet in the sea, or just sit back and watch day slowly turn into night. The first day is all about arrival, getting into the mood, and your first taste of the island. And Gran Canaria welcomes you exactly as it knows how—warm, calm, and with the promise of adventure.

After breakfast, you can head over to the Maspalomas dunes, walk along their edge, and enjoy the ocean views. The sand shifts with the wind, giving the whole place a nice, calm vibe. Afterwards, just head down to Maspalomas beach, which is perfect for a swim or some relaxation by the water. For lunch, it’s worth stopping at one of the restaurants on the western side of the dunes, where you'll find terraces with sea views and fresh fish.

The journey begins in Fataga, a small village in the valley of the palms, from where you continue through the serpentines to San Bartolomé de Tirajana. From there, the road climbs up to Pico de las Nieves, one of the highest points on the island with views of Roque Nublo and Tenerife. Along the way, you'll pass many spots marked as 'mirador' – meaning viewpoint – and they are definitely worth a stop. They are right by the road and offer great panoramic views of the landscape. The next stop is Tejeda, a quiet mountain town perfect for a short break. The day concludes at Caldera de los Marteles, a circular volcanic crater surrounded by pine trees, where you can take a short walk around the rim.

Today is all about taking it slow along the south coast, where you can stop anytime for a swim, some snorkeling, or a quick stroll through the towns. Every beach has a different vibe, and all the resorts are super easy to reach right from the main road. It's a chill day by the ocean where you can just pick the spots you like best.

Playa del Inglés is one of the longest beaches on the island, so you can choose a quieter spot further from the center or stay near the promenade where there are more amenities. The water is usually pleasant for swimming and you can take a long walk along the coast towards the Maspalomas dunes. If you want, you can take a break for a drink or lunch at one of the beach restaurants and then continue relaxing by the ocean. 

This day is all about driving along the west coast, where dramatic cliffs, calm dams, and small towns alternate. Along the way, there are several great miradors (lookouts) that are worth a quick stop. The route is peaceful, varied, and shows a completely different side of Gran Canaria compared to the south. It's always worth skipping the main road and taking the mountain roads, where you'll experience the most beautiful views.

This day is perfect for relaxing with no set schedule. You can choose any of the beaches you've already visited, whether it's the quieter Playa Amadores, the long Playa del Inglés, the more natural Playa de Tauro, or the smaller beach in Puerto de Mogán. All of them are great for swimming, relaxing, or snorkeling by the rocks. If you don't want to spend the whole day by the water, you can opt for another activity—a short walk, exploring the town, checking out a viewpoint, visiting Palmitos Park, or just having a chill day with a coffee and an ocean view. It's your time to make the day exactly how you want it.

• you can book an organized trip here 

You can spend the morning in Las Palmas - the historic Vegueta district, the Columbus Museum, the little Plaza de las Ranas square, a walk through the center, and relaxing on Las Canteras beach. In the afternoon, head over to Teror, one of the most traditional towns on the island, with its beautiful basilica, wooden balconies, and the calm vibe of a mountain town.

You can spend this day swimming at whichever beach you liked most, or choose an activity like exploring the Maspalomas dunes, riding camels, or another attraction from the list of activities. It's a more relaxed day that everyone can tailor to their own mood. Or you could buy souvenirs at the coastal stalls and some great spices at the supermarkets.

The last day is dedicated to packing, returning the car, and heading to the airport. Depending on your flight time, you can still explore the area around your accommodation or make a quick stop by the ocean, but the main thing is to reach the airport in good time, drop off the car, and get ready for your flight home.