Learn Spanish

Not just Spanish, but cool Spanish. The Canarian dialect of Castillian Spanish was voted the sexiest accent in Spain and is closer to Cuban and South American Spanish than to the formal Madrid sound. 

Lots of Las Palmas academies do intensive Spanish courses and there a few in the south too. For semi-intensive courses that let you enjoy the city as well as learn, talk to the World Language Centre.

For detailed info on learning Spanish in Gran Canaria, see this Gran Canaria Guru article.

Do a CELTA course in Gran Canaria

A CELTA TEFL course gives you an ESL (Teaching English as a second language) qualification that's recognised all over the world. The Irish Centre in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city offers regular intensive courses that last for a month. 

Learn to surf

It takes a while to look cool on the waves, but surfing is great fun and Gran Canaria is perfect for learners. In Las Palmas, the surf schools cluster at the south end of Las Canteras beach and many can arrange hostel or rental accommodation. 

In the south, the surf schools use east coast beaches to get the grommets standing for the first time. 

With water that never drops below 18ºC and sunshine most days, an intensive surfing course in Gran Canaria is the perfect family activity. It's also the perfect way to keep the kids busy while their parents, ahem, explore the island and its wines.

Become a diver

Clear, calm water makes Gran Canaria an excellent place to learn to dive. The island's dive shops have all the gear you need and specialise in introductory dives and intensive courses.

You'll see dozens of types of colourful fish on every dive in Gran Canaria. 

Learn about the local food

Guía town in north Gran Canaria is famous for its goat and sheep cheese and you can do more than just try it; The Queseria de Guía does intensive day courses that teach you exactly how to turn goat juice into delicious cheese. 

Handmade Tours offer day trips with a difference; a personal guide, small groups and a detailed learning experience with lots of tasty treats. Learn about Gran Canaria's wine, coffee, cheese, and olive oil and have fun at the same time.