Gran Canaria sits in the shadow of its bigger neighbour. When UK golfers think "Canary Islands," they think Tenerife. When they think "winter sun," they think Algarve or Mallorca. Gran Canaria rarely gets a mention in the first conversation.
That's actually great news if you go there. Because while Tenerife's courses are busy with package tourists and the Algarve's spring tee times are booked solid, Gran Canaria offers the same year-round warm weather, decent courses, and significantly fewer golfers fighting for the same tee slot.
I've been three times now, most recently in February, and I think it's one of the most underrated golf destinations we sell. Here's the full picture.
The Weather: It's Always Warm
Gran Canaria sits at the same latitude as the Sahara Desert. The temperature in the south of the island (where the golf is) ranges from about 22°C in January to 28°C in August. It barely rains between April and October, and even in winter the rainfall is modest — a couple of days per month at most.
What this means in practice: you can book a golf trip to Gran Canaria in any month of the year and expect warm, dry weather. November? Fine. February? Also fine. That's not something you can say about the Algarve (where January and February can be wet) or even Tenerife (where the north of the island gets significantly more rain than the south).
The wind is worth mentioning. The Canary Islands are known for trade winds, and Gran Canaria gets them too — particularly in the afternoons and more so in summer. It's not as windy as Fuerteventura, but if you're playing Anfi Tauro on an exposed hillside at 2pm in July, you'll notice it. Morning tee times are generally calmer.
The Courses
Salobre Golf — Old and New Courses
These are the headline courses and the ones most visitors play. The resort itself sits in the south of the island in a volcanic valley, about 20 minutes from Maspalomas.
The Old Course is more forgiving — wider fairways, more generous landing areas, and a layout that flows naturally through the valley. The 3rd is a lovely par 4 that drops down towards the valley floor with views to the ocean in the distance. The greens are large and receptive, which makes it a good course for higher handicappers or a first-day warm-up round.
The New Course cranks things up. It's longer, tighter, and the greens are smaller and more contoured. The 12th is the stand-out — a par 3 from an elevated tee to a green surrounded by volcanic rock. It's about 190 yards from the back tees and any miss is punished. The New Course will properly test a single-figure player while remaining playable from the forward tees for everyone else.
The Salobre Golf Resort package — £750pp for 7 nights, golf-inclusive — is probably the best value deal we offer anywhere. Golf-inclusive means unlimited rounds on both courses. If you want to play 36 holes a day, you can. Most people manage about 10-12 rounds in a week before their legs give up.
Anfi Tauro
This is the course that makes architects and course design enthusiasts go a bit weak at the knees. It's carved into the side of a mountain above the coast, with dramatic elevation changes on almost every hole. The 4th plays uphill from a valley floor to a green perched on a ridge — the view behind you as you walk to the green takes in the entire southwest coast.
It's not long — about 5,800 yards from the yellows — but the hills, the wind, and the tight fairways make it play harder than the card suggests. The 16th drops about 100 metres from tee to green, and the temptation to hit driver and send it into orbit is real. Don't — a 5-iron down the middle is the smart play.
Green fee is about €85. It's a 20-minute drive from Maspalomas. Worth doing once for the experience, but I wouldn't play it every day — the hill walking is exhausting.
Maspalomas Golf
The oldest course on the island, right in the middle of the tourist area. It's flat, tree-lined parkland — a complete contrast to Salobre and Anfi Tauro. The fairways are mature and well-established, with eucalyptus and palm trees lining every hole.
It's not going to make any world rankings, but it's a pleasant course that works for all levels. The 7th is a good par 3 over water, and the back nine has more character than the front. Green fees are around €75, and the clubhouse does a decent lunch.
Real Club de Las Palmas
The oldest golf club in Spain — established in 1891. It's in the volcanic caldera of Bandama, about 25 minutes from Las Palmas city centre. The setting is extraordinary — you're playing golf inside an extinct volcano.
The course is short (under 6,000 yards), narrow, and quirky. Some of the greens are tiny — the 5th can't be more than 15 yards across. It's not a resort course, it's a proper members' club, and visitors are welcome but need to book in advance. Green fee is about €70.
If you're in Gran Canaria for a week, play it once for the experience. The combination of the volcanic setting and the club's history makes it unlike anything you'll play in Europe.
Why Gran Canaria Over Tenerife?
I get asked this a lot. Here's my straight answer:
- Choose Gran Canaria if: you want a golf-inclusive resort deal, you prefer fewer crowds, you're looking for value, or you want to play as many rounds as possible in a week.
- Choose Tenerife if: you want to play Buenavista (the best course in the Canaries), you prefer a wider choice of hotels, or you want more off-course nightlife and restaurant options.
The courses in Tenerife are probably slightly better overall — Buenavista is a genuine top-tier course that Gran Canaria can't match. But Salobre's golf-inclusive model means you get far more golf for your money, and the quieter atmosphere is a genuine advantage if you don't like waiting on every tee.
Getting There
Gran Canaria (LPA airport) has direct flights from 8 UK airports: Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, and East Midlands. Flight time is about 4.5 hours.
Jet2 and Ryanair are the main carriers, with easyJet on some routes. Return flights typically cost £120-250pp depending on timing and how far in advance you book.
The airport to Salobre Golf Resort is about 35 minutes — we include transfers in the package, so you'll be met at arrivals and driven directly to the hotel.
Where to Eat
- La Aquarela, Playa de Mogán — a 20-minute drive from Salobre, this is the best restaurant in the south of the island. Fresh seafood, excellent wine list, terrace overlooking the marina. About €40pp. Book ahead.
- Samsara, Maspalomas — relaxed beachfront restaurant with good steaks and local Canarian wines. About €25pp. Perfect for a casual evening.
- Restaurante El Churrasco, San Agustín — as the name suggests, grilled meats are the speciality. The Argentine-style steak is superb. About €30pp with wine.
The Bottom Line
Gran Canaria is the destination I recommend to golfers who want maximum golf for minimum spend. The Salobre Golf Resort package at £750pp for 7 nights golf-inclusive is genuinely outstanding value — you'd pay more for three rounds and four nights in the Algarve in April.
It's not the most glamorous destination on our list. The courses aren't as famous as the Algarve or Mallorca. But if you want warm weather, quiet tee times, and the freedom to play as much golf as your body allows, it's very hard to beat.
A retired couple from Dorset booked Salobre last November — their first golf holiday. They played 11 rounds in 7 days, had dinner at the resort every night, and spent £750 each for the entire trip (excluding flights). "We can't believe we've never done this before," they told me. "We're already planning the next one." That's what a golf-inclusive resort does — it removes the barriers and lets you just play.
7 nights at Salobre Golf Resort. Unlimited golf. Buggies included.
Get a Free QuoteRing us on 01277 284284 or visit golfplanetholidays.com. We'll build you a Gran Canaria package with flights, golf, and everything sorted.