May is in charge of connecting spring with summer, making it one of the best times of the year to enjoy the colourful landscapes of an island as diverse as Gran Canaria in all its splendour.
We’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Gran Canaria in May, an ideal month for lovers of popular festivals and pilgrimages that are celebrated all over the island.
Things to do in Gran Canaria in May
Gran Canaria, known as “miniature continent”, stands out for its extreme contrasts and various landscapes and climate. In the same day you can take a dip in the beach of Maspalomas, surrounded by dunes, and in the afternoon you can climb to the summit of the island to watch the sun set with breathtaking views of the Mount Teide in the distance. But in this article we don’t have just one day… but a whole month!
May, the ideal month for hiking in Gran Canaria
In Gran Canaria there are numerous hiking routes where you can make the most of your hiking boots. The paths run through a wide variety of landscapes.
In a short distance, the altitude of the island can change drastically, and with it both the landscape and the fauna and flora that can be found on the many routes, that are suitable for all levels.
Some of the best hiking routes you can do in May on the island are the following:
- Route las Vacas ravine
- Route Barranco de los Cernícalos ravine
- Route Barranco de Azuaje
- Route la Plata
- Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria)
Maspalomas Pride, the craziest and fun pride in the world
Photo by Raphael Renter on Unsplash
This island is one of the most important LGTBI+ destinations in the world. Beaches, relaxation, nightlife and good weather all year round come together in one of the biggest tourist centres in Spain: Maspalomas.
In the south of Gran Canaria you can find the Yumbo Centrum, the first LGTBI+ shopping centre in the world created specifically for this group, with more than 200 gay-friendly establishments.
Likewise, Maspalomas beach, with its spectacular landscape of almost three kilometres of golden sand backed by dunes, has one of the biggest meeting points for the LGTBI+ public, the famous beach bar Nr. 7, with an unparalleled atmosphere to enjoy near the sea.
Also, this locality is home to one of the events of the year in Gran Canaria: Maspalomas Pride. This year, 2023, the 22st edition will be held from the 4th to the 14th of May, with night galas, exhibitions, culture, pool parties, themed parties and much more in a unique destination.
Day of the Canary Islands, the great festival of the Canary archipelago
One of the most representative days of the month and of the year in the archipelago is the 30th of May, the Day of the Canary Islands (Día de Canarias), which commemorates the anniversary of the first session of the autonomous parliament.
On this date, numerous cultural, folkloric, sporting and social events take place on the island. It’s a day to vindicate the feeling and identity of the Canary Islands and the best excuse to try the most delicious traditional dishes, as well as to enjoy the music of the parrandas and typical dances.
Circular de Tejeda, for the bravest runners
Trail running is a sport of sensations and adrenaline, in which you have to know first-hand what your limits and capabilities are. And on the island there’s no better place to practice it than Tejeda, a place that offers endless possibilities.
Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, the village par excellence of the summits of Gran Canaria has all the ideal conditions for trailing in one of the most beautiful races on the island: the Circular de Tejeda.
This year a new edition will be held on Saturday 27th May in Gran Canaria with three distances for all levels:
- Short distance: 12.7 km
- Medium distance: 24.2 km
- Long distance: 47.5 km
Holidayworld Maspalomas, the amusement centre of reference
In addition to all of the above, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the largest entertainment and leisure centre in the whole of the Canary Islands, located in the south of Gran Canaria: Holidayworld Maspalomas.
Only here can you enjoy the best attractions in the Canary Islands, go bowling in a professional bowling alley, become a music star in a spectacular karaoke, decipher the riddles to get out of an escape room, taste the flavours of the world in a gastronomic market…
In short, it’s the epicentre of leisure and entertainment on the island. It’s a place full of magic where young and old alike will have a great time. What are you waiting for?
