Gran Canaria is Spain’s miniature continent: beaches with honey-gold sand, volcanic peaks, and colonial quarters layered with centuries of Atlantic trade. The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, blends a lively urban scene with one of Europe’s best city beaches, Las Canteras. Down south, Maspalomas delivers winter sun, sweeping dunes, and a relaxed promenade rhythm.

History wanders these streets—from Vegueta’s handsome 15th‑century plazas and the Casa de Colón (linked to Columbus’s Atlantic crossings) to Arehucas rum and island wines grown in volcanic soils. Food-wise, expect grilled local fish, papas arrugadas with mojo sauces, and creative tapas that feel fresh, not fussy. Coffee culture and beachside brunch are alive and well.

Practical notes: Early December is pleasantly warm (18–24°C; south often sunnier), with sea temperatures around 20–21°C. As a German traveler, you can fly with an ID card (no passport needed) since this is Spain. For your budget (max €1,200, breakfast included), pairing 3 nights in Las Palmas with 2 nights in Maspalomas works perfectly—gentle activities, not an “action holiday,” but far from a slow shuffle.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas marries culture and coast: the golden curve of Playa de Las Canteras runs alongside lively neighborhoods like Triana and Vegueta. Surfers greet the morning, locals linger over cortados, and the Mercado del Puerto buzzes at tapas hour. It’s a place where you can museum-hop, then be barefoot in the sand 10 minutes later.

Top sights include Vegueta’s Catedral de Santa Ana (climb the tower for views), Casa de Colón, and the promenade that arcs from La Cícer surf zone to La Puntilla’s seafood tables. Evenings glow with sunsets at El Confital and cocktails along the beachfront.

• Where to stay (breakfast-friendly): Search good-value beachfront and boutique options on Hotels.com (Las Palmas) or VRBO (Las Palmas). Look for “breakfast included” rates at classics like Bull Reina Isabel & Spa (beachfront buffet), Sercotel Hotel Cristina, or well-located boutiques in Triana.
• Getting there from Munich: Fly Munich (MUC) to Gran Canaria (LPA) in about 4.5–5.5 hours; December round‑trips are often €200–€300 if booked ahead. Compare options on Omio (Flights). From LPA to Las Palmas, the Global Bus 60 runs ~30 min to San Telmo (~€3–€4), taxis ~€30–€35.

Day 1 — Arrival in Las Palmas (Afternoon/Evening)

Afternoon: Land at LPA and bus/taxi to your Las Palmas hotel. Shake off the travel with a promenade stroll along Playa de Las Canteras. For a light late lunch or snack, try Amélie Green (healthy bowls, eggs, good espresso) or Organic Jungle (veggie-leaning brunch plates) near the beachfront.

Evening: Watch sunset from La Puntilla or El Confital’s wild headland. Dinner at La Marinera is a classic: order the catch-of-the-day a la plancha, plus papas arrugadas with red/green mojo. If you prefer modern Canarian cuisine, Que Leche offers inventive small plates; reserve if possible.

Day 2 — Vegueta, Triana, and Las Canteras

Morning: Coffee at Café Regina (Triana) and a short walk to Casa de Colón to dive into Atlantic exploration history. Climb the tower of Catedral de Santa Ana for rooftops and ocean views. Wander Vegueta’s cobbles to the courtyard restaurant Casa Montesdeoca for a mid-morning snack or just admire the architecture.

Afternoon: Lunch at Allende Triana (tapas staples like pulpo a la brasa, croquetas) or Deliciosa Marta for seasonal Spanish plates. Head back to Las Canteras for a beach nap or snorkel the shallow reef near Playa Chica (on calm days). Grab a gelato at the promenade to keep the stroll sweet.

Evening: Tapas crawl at Mercado del Puerto: sample oysters, Andalusian-style fried fish, and Canarian cheeses at different stalls; share raciones and keep it casual. Nightcap at a beachfront bar—La Bikina mixes good margaritas with a breezy surf vibe.

Day 3 — Volcanic Views or North-Coast Flavor

Morning: Choose a gentle outing: - Caldera de Bandama viewpoint (drive or taxi ~25 min from Las Palmas; short rim walk with sweeping crater views). - Or a local culture trip to Arucas (bus ~25–35 min): see the neo-Gothic church and, if timing fits, tour the Arehucas Rum Distillery (weekday tours, check times on arrival day).

Afternoon: Lunch near Bandama at a country restaurant (grilled meats, wrinkled potatoes) or in Arucas old town. Return to Las Canteras for a swim and coffee at Hula Hula or Café Regina (beachfront branch) with views of surfers at La Cícer.

Evening: Treat yourself at Deliciosa Marta (book ahead) or keep it breezy with seafood and a view at El Tipico Español on the promenade. If you like live music, check small venues along Calle Joaquín Costa off the beach.

Maspalomas (South Coast)

Maspalomas is all about warmth and space: rolling dunes, palm-dotted lagoons, and long, easy walks to the faro (lighthouse). Meloneras’ promenade lines up sunset bars and slow dinners where the main event is the horizon.

Base here for beaches, a gentle catamaran day, and a potential day trip to Puerto de Mogán’s “little Venice” canals. Expect mellow mornings, swims at noon, and golden-hour wanders over the sands.

• Where to stay (breakfast-friendly): Compare south-coast resorts on Hotels.com (Maspalomas) or VRBO (Maspalomas). Look for breakfast-included deals at Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas (dune views), Lopesan Costa Meloneras, Seaside Palm Beach, or budget-friendlier Playa del Inglés options like Servatur Waikiki (B&B).
• Getting there: From Las Palmas, Global Bus 30 to Maspalomas is ~45–55 min (~€6–€7). Taxis take ~35–40 min. For broader bus options in Europe, see Omio (Buses)—local island buses are purchased on board.

Day 4 — Transfer South and Dunes at Sunset

Morning: Depart Las Palmas after breakfast. Bus 30 to Maspalomas; check into your hotel. Take it easy by the pool or at Playa de Maspalomas to soak in the extra degrees of warmth the south enjoys.

Afternoon: Brunch or light lunch at La Palmera Sur (stylish plates, great ceviche and bao) or sample street-food variety at Nomad Gastro Market inside Holiday World (from Canarian tapas to ramen and tacos—perfect for mixed tastes).

Evening: Golden hour over the Maspalomas Dunes is unmissable. Follow the wooden walkways to avoid trampling the delicate ecosystem, then wander to the lighthouse. Dinner along Meloneras promenade: try El Churrasco (steaks and salads) or Grand Italia for wood-fired pizza with sea breeze. Cocktails afterward at Chester Meloneras Club & Lounge.

Day 5 — Gentle Catamaran + Puerto de Mogán

Morning: Head to Puerto Rico or Anfi del Mar (bus ~45 min) for a relaxed catamaran cruise—swim stops, sun loungers, and a simple lunch on board are standard; dolphin-spotting runs year-round. Choose a mid-morning departure to keep the day unrushed.

Afternoon: Post-cruise, hop to Puerto de Mogán (10–15 min) for a pastel-hued harbor stroll. Lunch late at Casito Mediterráneo (fresh fish, risotto) or enjoy a treat at a marina café. If you want a splurge dinner, Los Guayres (Michelin-starred) does refined Canarian tasting menus—book ahead and budget accordingly.

Evening: Bus back to Maspalomas for a quiet nightcap near your hotel. If you skipped the splurge, try El Salsete in San Fernando (local favorite for modern Canarian dishes like cherne fish and slow-cooked goat).

Day 6 — Slow Morning and Departure

Morning: Final swim or dune-side walk. Brunch at Samsara (Pan-Asian fusion with garden seating) or an easy café by the lighthouse for tostadas and fresh juice. Pack up with a last espresso and a bag of local mojo sauces or Flor de Guía cheese from a deli.

Afternoon: Bus 66 or 90 to the airport from Maspalomas (~35–45 min; taxis ~€40–€45). Fly home with sand still in your shoes and the sun still in your eyes—mission “warmer December” accomplished.

Costs and Practical Budgeting (aiming ≤ €1,200 p.p.)

• Flights (Munich–LPA–Munich): ~€200–€300 in early December; compare on Omio (Flights).
• Hotels with breakfast (5 nights): Smart midrange picks in Las Palmas + Maspalomas often total ~€500–€700 p.p. (double occupancy). Search on Hotels.com (Las Palmas), Hotels.com (Maspalomas).
• Local transport + bus transfers: ~€40–€80 total (buses and a couple of taxis).
• Catamaran day (optional): ~€55–€75 p.p. with a light lunch on board.
• Meals not covered by breakfast: €25–€40 per person per day if you mix tapas, casual lunches, and a couple of nicer dinners.

All in, staying under €1,200 per person is realistic—especially if you snag a flight deal and choose B&B hotel rates.

Why This Trip Fits Your Brief

• 5 nights / 6 days: Balanced between city-and-beach Las Palmas and sunny-south Maspalomas.
• Warmer weather: One of Europe’s most reliable winter-sun spots.
• No passport needed: Spain accepts German ID cards.
• Not “action,” not “retiree” pace: Gentle hikes, easy boat day, culture, great food, and plenty of downtime.
• Breakfast included: Recommended hotels commonly include B&B rates.
• Budget-friendly: Realistic, current pricing to keep it ≤ €1,200 p.p.

In six easy days, you’ll trace Gran Canaria from cultured Las Palmas to the warm calm of Maspalomas, with seafood, sunsets, and a relaxed catamaran in between. It’s the sweet spot between idle and intense—just enough to feel refreshed, not rushed.