Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain)
Spanish sunshine, one direct flight from Montreal
New this winter with Transat. From the golden dunes of Maspalomas to the cobbled lanes of Vegueta, Gran Canaria packs beaches, mountains and Spanish charm into a single island.
- Direct Air Transat flight
- Saturday departures
- December 2026 to April 2027
- About 7.5 hours
See package prices
Direct flight + hotel, 7, 14 or 21 nights. Live prices.
Direct flights on Saturdays. Greyed-out dates reflect your length of stay and the flight season.
Transat packages from Montreal
Beaches, mountains and Spanish charm
Gran Canaria is a little continent on one island: golden dunes in the south, hilltop villages in the centre and a real Spanish city in the north. All one direct flight from Montreal, just as winter settles in back home.
Sunshine when you need it most
From December to April, mild and sunny days, especially in the south of the island.
A beach for every mood
The Maspalomas dunes, lively Playa del Inglés, calm southern coves and the big city beach of Las Canteras.
The real Spain
Tapas on the Meloneras promenade, the cobbled lanes of Vegueta, villages with carved wooden balconies and Sunday markets.
Direct, no connections
About 7.5 hours with Air Transat, the only Canadian airline flying non-stop to Las Palmas.
Gran Canaria at a glance
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of Gran Canaria, one of the seven main islands of Spain’s Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa.
This winter, Air Transat flies there direct from Montreal once a week, on Saturdays, from December 2026 to April 2027. The island’s main resort areas, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín, are in the south, about 30 minutes from the airport.
Six standout hotels in the south of the island
Families, couples or luxury lovers: each hotel has its own personality. Pick the one that suits you and your advisor takes care of the rest.
San Agustín
Paradisus Gran Canaria
Barefoot luxury on the sand: eight restaurants, a full-service spa and The Reserve, an exclusive section with sea-view suites.
Ask about this hotelPlaya del Inglés
Abora Buenaventura by Lopesan Hotels
In the heart of Playa del Inglés, a lively family pick with pools, a water park and entertainment for all ages.
Ask about this hotelPlaya del Inglés
Corallium Dunamar by Lopesan Hotels
An adults-only retreat with striking pyramid-shaped architecture, dune views and a piano bar facing the Atlantic.
Ask about this hotelMaspalomas
Hotel Faro, a Lopesan Collection Hotel
An adults-only five-star next to the Maspalomas lighthouse, with a rooftop infinity pool and 360° views.
Ask about this hotelMeloneras
Lopesan Baobab Resort
African-inspired architecture, several pools and all the space a family needs to feel right at home.
Ask about this hotelMeloneras
Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa
An oceanfront resort with beautiful pools, a vast tropical garden and a prime location near the Maspalomas dunes.
Ask about this hotelDescriptions provided by Transat. Your advisor confirms room types, meal plans and availability for your dates.
Things to do in Gran Canaria
Between beach afternoons, the island is easy to explore in a day trip: dunes, mountain villages, fishing ports and historic quarters.
The Maspalomas dunes
Nearly 400 hectares of golden sand rolling into the Atlantic. A nature reserve best explored on foot early in the morning or at sunset, all the way to the lighthouse and the Meloneras promenade.
Vegueta, the historic quarter
Founded in 1478, the heart of Las Palmas has kept its cobbled lanes, wooden balconies and Santa Ana Cathedral. Visit the Casa de Colón, linked to Christopher Columbus’s stopover in 1492.
Roque Nublo
The island’s iconic volcanic monolith, standing at over 1,800 m. The short trail to the top delivers sweeping views, sometimes all the way to Mount Teide on neighbouring Tenerife.
Puerto de Mogán
Known as the Little Venice of the Canaries: canals, white houses draped in flowers, a fishing harbour and seafood restaurants. On Fridays, the market fills the whole village.
Las Canteras Beach
Las Palmas’s big city beach: about 3 km of sand sheltered by a natural reef, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
The lighthouse and Meloneras promenade
The Maspalomas lighthouse, built in the late 19th century, opens onto a promenade lined with terraces. The spot for sunset tapas.
Amadores Beach
A light-sand beach with calm water near Puerto Rico, popular with families with young children.
Tejeda
One of Spain’s most beautiful villages, high in the mountains. Try bienmesabe, a local almond treat, and catch the almond blossoms in January and February.
Pico de las Nieves
The island’s highest point at 1,949 m. On clear days the view stretches across the ridges, Roque Nublo and Mount Teide.
Risco Caído
The sacred mountains of Gran Canaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, reflect the culture of the island’s first inhabitants.
Teror
Colourful facades with carved wooden balconies and the basilica of the Virgen del Pino, the island’s patron saint. The Sunday market is worth the trip.
Arucas
Rum town: tour the Arehucas distillery, then the neo-Gothic church of San Juan Bautista, carved from volcanic stone.
Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves
The Agaete Valley grows one of the few coffees cultivated in Europe. Down by the sea, a fishing port and natural pools.
Guayadeque Ravine
A dramatic ravine where homes and restaurants are still carved right into the rock.
Caldera de Bandama
A volcanic crater about 1 km wide, to admire from the lookout or explore on foot.
Cueva Pintada in Gáldar
A museum and archaeological park built around a cave decorated with geometric paintings left by the ancient Canarians.
Get active, explore, unwind
Nearly half the island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Fill your days as much, or as little, as you like.
Dolphins and whales
Boat trips leave from Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán to spot marine life off the south coast.
Excursion extra.Hiking
Marked trails to Roque Nublo, Pico de las Nieves and the central ravines, through volcanic scenery.
Golf
Several courses in the south of the island, some right near the dunes and Meloneras.
Green fees extra.Diving and surfing
Snorkelling on the Las Canteras reef, diving along the east coast and surfing near Las Palmas.
Boat to Mogán
Ferries follow the cliffs of the south coast all the way to Puerto de Mogán. A great way to arrive.
Extra.Water park
Aqualand Maspalomas and its slides, plus the pools and water parks at some family hotels.
Extra.Curious what it costs for your dates?
Prices vary by week, hotel and meal plan. See live prices or let an advisor compare for you.
What to eat while you’re there
Canarian cooking is simple, generous and full of character. Enjoy it in small village restaurants or on the terraces of Meloneras.
Day trips from the south
You can cross the island in just over an hour. Here are approximate drive times from Maspalomas to the must-sees.
| Destination | Drive | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto de Mogán | ≈ 30 min | Canals, fishing harbour and the Friday market. |
| Guayadeque Ravine | ≈ 35 min | Cave homes and restaurants carved into the rock. |
| Las Palmas | ≈ 50 min | Vegueta, Santa Ana Cathedral and Las Canteras Beach. |
| Arucas | ≈ 1 h | Rum distillery and neo-Gothic church. |
| Tejeda and Roque Nublo | ≈ 1 h 10 | Mountain village and a hike to the monolith. |
| Teror | ≈ 1 h 10 | Wooden balconies, basilica and Sunday market. |
| Gáldar and Agaete | ≈ 1 h 15 | Cueva Pintada, coffee valley and natural pools. |
Approximate drive times. Your advisor can suggest organized excursions.
When to go to Gran Canaria
Direct flights from Montreal cover the whole winter. The south is the sunniest part of the island, the north a little cooler and the mountains much colder in the evening.
Holidays in the sun
First flights on December 12. Christmas and New Year’s on the beach, with mild days.
Almond blossoms
The mountains around Tejeda burst into bloom: the best season for hiking.
Carnival
The Las Palmas Carnival is one of the biggest in Spain: parades, costumes and street parties. Dates change every year.
Spring
Longer days, warming seas and Holy Week celebrations in the villages. Last flights in early April.
An advisor, not a shopping cart
Your Mon Voyage Mon Agence advisor helps you choose the right hotel and meal plan for your group, checks flight dates and stays reachable before, during and after your trip.
- The right hotel for your style: family, adults-only or luxury
- Direct Air Transat flights from Montreal
- A local Quebec-based contact
- Personalized quote, no obligation
Get a personalized quote
Choose your dates and hotel, then leave your contact details. An advisor from the Voyages en Direct network gets back to you with a tailored offer, no obligation.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria FAQ
Are there direct flights from Montreal to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
Yes. This winter, Air Transat offers one direct flight a week, on Saturdays, between Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) and Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), from December 2026 to April 2027. It is the only Canadian airline flying non-stop to Las Palmas.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Las Palmas?
The direct flight takes about 7.5 hours. Gran Canaria is 5 hours ahead of Quebec, and 4 hours ahead for about two weeks in mid-March because of the daylight saving time change.
Where is Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is one of the seven main islands of Spain’s Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. Las Palmas, the capital, is in the northeast of the island. The resort areas of Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín are in the south.
What is the weather like in Gran Canaria in winter?
Winter is mild and sunny, with daytime highs usually around 20 to 24 °C. The south is the warmest and sunniest part of the island, the north is a little cooler and the mountains are much colder in the evening. The sea is around 19 °C.
Should I stay in Las Palmas or in the south of the island?
For beaches and sunshine, the south is the best choice: Maspalomas, Meloneras, Playa del Inglés and San Agustín, about 30 minutes from the airport. Las Palmas is better suited to a city and culture stay. The six hotels featured on this page are all in the south.
Which hotels should I choose in Gran Canaria?
For families: Abora Buenaventura by Lopesan Hotels and Lopesan Baobab Resort. Adults only: Corallium Dunamar by Lopesan Hotels and Hotel Faro, a Lopesan Collection Hotel. For luxury: Paradisus Gran Canaria and Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort and Spa. Your advisor helps you choose based on your group and budget.
What is there to do in Gran Canaria?
Top sights include the Maspalomas dunes and lighthouse, the Meloneras promenade, the historic Vegueta quarter and Las Canteras Beach in Las Palmas, Puerto de Mogán, Roque Nublo, the village of Tejeda, Teror, Arucas and Agaete. You can also go dolphin watching, hiking, golfing or diving.
How many nights can I stay in Gran Canaria?
Since direct flights leave Montreal on Saturdays, packages are offered for 7, 14 or 21 nights. For a longer stay, request a quote and an advisor will suggest the available options.
Do I need a passport or visa to travel to Gran Canaria?
You need a valid passport. The Canary Islands are part of Spain and the Schengen Area, where Canadians can stay visa-free for short tourist visits. Entry requirements for Europe are evolving, so your advisor will confirm the rules in effect at the time of your trip.
What currency is used in Gran Canaria?
The euro. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in tourist areas.
Why book Gran Canaria with a travel advisor?
Your Voyages en Direct network advisor helps you choose the right hotel, room and meal plan for your group, checks flight dates and stays available before, during and after your trip. The quote is personalized and comes with no obligation.
Direct Air Transat flights between Montreal and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offered from December 2026 to April 2027, once a week on Saturdays, according to the current schedule. Hotel descriptions provided by Transat. Prices, availability and inclusions set by the tour operator at time of booking. Transat Tours Canada Inc., Quebec permit holder (no. 754241).