You may think this sun-baked slice of Spain is all glistening sands and neon-lit resorts, but this diverse destination encompasses a little bit of everything. Emerald-green forests? Tick. Desert-like dunes? You bet. Whether you’re looking to get savvy about the south, or more in the know about the north, our handy guide will help you plan your next island escape.

The north

Few places waltz so effortlessly between urban and beach as Gran Canaria’s capital, Las Palmas. This modern metropolis is the ideal spot for a city break, with everything from tropical gardens to classic architecture to keep you occupied. Sun-seekers make a beeline for Playa de Las Canteras, a popular patch lined with cafés, bars and restaurants. You’ll also clock lots of surf schools – fabulous if you fancy tackling the Atlantic swell.

If great gastronomy is the highlight of your holiday, you won’t be disappointed here. In the heart of the city, Mercado del Puerto is a foodie oasis. Peruse stalls piled high with traffic light stacks of fresh vegetables, then pop into a tapas bar for more tempting treats. Salt-encrusted papas arrugadas (potatoes) dipped in tangy mojo sauce and albóndigas (spicy meatballs) are a few of the chomping champions.

For a splash of history, head to the city’s cultural core, Vegueta, where cobbled lanes cluster around grand churches and quaint piazzas spring up around every corner. Afternoons are tailor-made for mooching around museums like Casa de Colón, which is dedicated to Christopher Columbus’ travels. There’s also the modern art gallery, CAAM, and the Museo Canario, which traces the life of the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches.

Las Palmas is also the perfect base for exploring the tree-clad interior. Laid-back villages and rugged peaks offer a refreshing contrast to the cosmopolitan capital. Active types should don their boots and tackle the tallest peak, Pico de las Nieves. And you can’t miss a visit to the tango-tinged Roque Nublo, an ancient rock formation made even more magical by its ever-present cloud wreath. Once you’re all stomped out, hotfoot it to the rural town of Galdár, where you can uncover archaeological remains and even dine in a cave restaurant.

Don’t miss

The Canarian calendar is jam-packed with events of every kind, and many of these take place in and around Las Palmas. One of the biggest and best celebrations, Carnival, rolls into the city in February. You can’t beat the atmosphere during this party period, with costume parades, dance troupes and more to enjoy!

The south

If R&R is top of your holiday agenda, then turn your attention to Gran Canaria’s south coast. Around these parts, days consist of lazing in the rays on sparkling swathes. There’s a stretch of sand for every situation, from the Blue Flag Playa de Amadores to family favourite Puerto Rico Beach.

Maspalomas’ sand dunes headline any Gran Canaria itinerary, and rightly so. Wander across these maple-syrup-hued marvels and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the Sahara. Beyond the beach, there’s an array of accommodation options, with luxury hotels lining the seafront. This resort knows how to throw a party too! In May and November, the streets are decked in rainbow flags to celebrate Pride. Alongside the main parade, there are pool parties, fashion shows and performances aplenty.

Playa Del Ingles is the place to be if you’re looking for a resort which buzzes day and night. There are stacks of shops too if you’d like a bit of retail therapy and more bars than days in your holiday! If you’d rather turn things down a notch, mellow Mogan is just the ticket. Take a stroll past the town’s whitewashed houses draped in colour-popping bougainvillea and it’s easy to see why it got its nickname ‘Little Venice’. On Friday’s, the local market arrives in town. It’s a great opportunity to buy some local products to take home as souvenirs.

Don’t miss

The south is synonymous with aquatic adventures, whether that’s cruising along the coast on a catamaran, embarking on a dolphin-spotting trip or leisurely skimming the waves on a pedalo. Divers flock here thanks to the calm and clear waters which are brimming with marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for parrotfish and barracudas!