Visiting Gran Canaria in May offers the chance for visitors to discover an island with over 60 kilometres of beaches, taste the local cuisine, and explore all of the island’s corners without the chaos of the summer months. And best of all, the weather in Gran Canaria in May is spectacular! Keep reading and discover what to do in Gran Canaria, the island’s best beaches, activities for the whole family, and dishes you can’t miss.
The Weather in Gran Canaria in May: Ideal for Exploring the Island
The Canary Islands can be visited at any time of the year, but the weather in Gran Canaria in May is especially fantastic: the summer heat hasn’t arrived yet, but the sun already shines in all its glory. The maximum temperature usually hovers around 24°C, while the average minimum temperature is around 19°C. As you can see, these are perfect temperatures for exploring an island, walking, engaging in outdoor activities, and much more. Additionally, as it rains very little on this island, it’s very likely that you won’t have to worry about raincoats and umbrellas.
Events and Festivals You Can't Miss
Visiting Gran Canaria in May means you’ll have the chance to attend the following events:
- Maspalomas Pride 2024: from May 2 to 12, Maspalomas hosts an event aimed at recognising the rights of all people. This massive party offers visitors the chance to enjoy concerts, shows, and parades, all with plenty of animation and fun.
- “¡Henko!” Show: this new show by the Film Symphony Orchestra promises to fill the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium with strong emotions and high-quality music inspired by the best world cinema soundtracks: 007, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, The Godfather, Harry Potter, and many more.
- Rally Islas Canarias: the 48th edition of the Rally Islas Canarias brings to the island the sounds of engines and the skill of the best drivers, as this test is part of the European Rally Championship.
Of course, there are more festivities in May in Gran Canaria and on the other islands, so don’t hesitate to check the official websites of each town hall.
The Best Beaches in Gran Canaria to Visit in May
The temperature in Gran Canaria in May makes it almost always possible to enjoy its spectacular beaches, so take advantage! Here are some recommendations you won’t want to miss:
- Maspalomas: Perhaps the most famous beach on the island, its surroundings are spectacular, as it is located in the Special Natural Reserve of the Dunes of Maspalomas. This means you will find palm groves, ponds, and dunes, three ecosystems of the island. The lighthouse is another point of interest on this beach, which has a large sandy area, including a zone for nudists.
- San Agustín: This very quiet beach in the southern part of the island is perfect for relaxing and disconnecting under the sun. The sea here is calm, so even children can swim without a problem, but always under adult supervision.
- Amadores: Another beach with clean and calm waters, perfect for a relaxed dip and sunbathing on the shore. It has a blue flag and optimal conditions for enjoyment with all comforts.
- Las Canteras: A spectacular urban beach, right in Las Palmas, is very beautiful and offers all the services one could expect. Although it is an urban beach, it is very large and allows for a variety of activities: sunbathing, diving or snorkelling, sports, and more. Afterwards, we recommend an ice cream or a cold beer at one of the terraces in the area.
- Güigüí: This is a virgin, wild, and beautiful beach, which can be accessed after a two-and-a-half-hour hike from Tasartico. It might seem like a lot, but it’s a fantastic option for getting lost in nature, disconnecting from modern life, and enjoying the sea, far from civilization.
Outdoor Activities: Hiking and More
An island with good weather is the perfect setting for outdoor activities, and Gran Canaria has everything for a perfect vacation. These are some of our recommendations, but there are many more:
- Dolphin and Whale Watching: The waters around Gran Canaria are home to various species of cetaceans, making it an ideal place for dolphin and whale watching. There are several boat tours available that offer the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- Camel Rides in the Dunes of Maspalomas: Experience the unique landscape of the Dunes of Maspalomas from the back of a camel. This activity offers a different perspective of the dunes, resembling a miniature desert, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
- Surfing: With its extensive coastline, Gran Canaria offers surf spots for every level, from beginners to advanced surfers. The island is known for its consistent waves, and there are numerous surf schools where you can learn or improve your surfing skills.
- Excursion to Roque Nublo: This is one of the most iconic hikes in Gran Canaria, leading you to the impressive rock formation known as Roque Nublo. Situated at an altitude of around 1,813 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the island and is considered a must-visit for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
These activities not only provide a fun and exciting way to explore the island but also allow visitors to connect with the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Gran Canaria.
Gastronomy of the Canary Islands: Flavours You Must Try
More and more people consider trying local cuisine a vital part of travelling, and we agree that it’s a very good reason to travel. In the Canary Islands, typical dishes can vary from one island to another. Here, we’ll point out some of the dishes you can’t miss in Gran Canaria:
- Canarian Puchero: Imagine a type of stew, but with the sweetness of pineapple and sweet potato. That’s Canarian puchero, which is also topped with a mash of garlic, saffron, and paprika with “piña de millo” (corn cob).
- Ropa Vieja: Made from the leftovers of puchero, chickpeas and meat, fried potatoes, various spices are added and then sautéed. Simple and delicious.
- Scalded Gofio: It can be eaten as a side dish or main course, and it’s base of millo gofio (corn flour) with parsley, diluted with fish broth, resulting in a thick cream with a fantastic flavour.
- Stewed Vieja with Wrinkled Potatoes: Vieja is a very interesting fish that is widely eaten in Gran Canaria. In this dish, it’s accompanied by wrinkled potatoes, another classic from the islands.
- Rancho: This dish of meat, noodles, and vegetables is perfect for replenishing energy and pleasing your stomach.
Don’t hesitate to try everything! There are dishes for all tastes in Gran Canaria.
Come and Enjoy Spring in Gran Canaria
Visiting Gran Canaria is always a good idea. Good weather, activities for all tastes, incredible beaches, and a relaxed and friendly island atmosphere. In this article, we’ve given you some ideas, and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to offer our suggestions for accommodations in Gran Canaria. We know that this is an important matter when planning your vacation.
