Maspalomas has its own palm tree oasis, lagoon and sand dune system. It's basically a miniature desert by the sea rather than a beach. It even has camels (which you can ride) but unlike a desert, there are convenient snack stands, comfy sun loungers and trained lifeguards.

Gran Canaria has excellent hospitals and private medical clinics. Standards are as high as anywhere in Europe and EU and EEA visitors are covered by their EHIC cards.

Bloggers and travel writers obsess about the real Gran Canaria. They write about exploring hidden beaches and finding secret villages. It's silly, to be honest.

Most people rent a car in Gran Canaria and have no problems at all. Here's our guide to hassle-free rentals and our advice on choosing a good company and avoiding sneaky tricks. 

Here's a simple breakdown taxes, fees and ongoing expenses associated with buying and owning a Gran Canaria property. 

December is often a sunny month in Gran Canaria although we do get a few days of rain almost every year.

Winter in the Canary Islands is relative. While there are an average of three rainy days in November you get six hours of sunshine every day. Day temperatures are about 24ºC on average and the minimum temperature at night is 18ºC. Days when the mercury hits 30ºC are common. 

The sea is still warm in November and is 22ºC on average. Its much warmer in shallow water and the sun is strong enough to keep the swimming pools at an ideal temperature.

Walkers flock to Gran Canaria in November as the top of the island is still warm and sunny. You do get cold, cloudy days in the Cumbres so bring a fleece or a windcheater. You still need a hat and plenty of water as the sun beats down on hot days.

You can sit o the beach in Gran Canaria in November and it still feels like midsummer anywhere else. It cools down as the sun sinks but you are guaranteed a tan if you come to Gran Canaria in November. 

October is our favourite month in Gran Canaria. After a long, hot summer the temperatures start to drop and the sky is blue and full of pretty little clouds. With average day temperatures at 26ºC and the lows at 20ºC, the weather is as close to perfect as it gets.

September in Gran Canaria is the islands real summer month. The Trade winds die down and the whole island is sunny and hot. We love September because you get lots of little fluffy clouds that are perfect for photography. 

The average daily high is 27ºC and the lows are over 24ºC. You can expect an average of eight hours of sunshine every day and just one rainy day during the whole month. 

The sea in September is at its warmest in Gran Canaria. The average water temperature is 23ºC and it’s almost too warm in the shallow water close to the beaches. You often have to swim out or dive down to find a cool layer. 

September is a great month to visit Las Palmas as the clouds that often hang over the city in July and August disappear. Canteras Beach in September is gorgeous with blue skies and calm water. The reef pops right up at low tide thanks to the large Neap Tides so you can swim out and walk along it. 

For a last minute summer escape before the start of term, or a sneaky trip just after school has started, Gran Canaria in September is perfect. It’s hot, sunny and the sky is as blue as it gets. 

August is the hottest month in Gran Canaria with average temperatures of 27ºC and minimum of 22ºC. Most days the temperature reaches 30ºC on the beaches and you can expect 9.5 hours of sunshine every day.