Gran Canaria, Spain’s “miniature continent,” offers warm weather in December, golden beaches, volcanic landscapes, and a capital city with serious culture. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed trip that still feels vivid and varied. With 5 nights and a €1,200 ceiling, you can comfortably combine city flavor in Las Palmas with the easy-breezy south around Maspalomas.

Founded by the Crown of Castile in the 15th century, Las Palmas became a vital Atlantic stopover; Columbus even paused here before sailing west. Today, Vegueta’s colonial streets whisper that history, while Las Canteras Beach hums with surfers, swimmers, and sunset strollers. Inland, pine forests and volcanic crags rise toward Roque Nublo, one of the island’s icons.

Practical notes: From Munich there are direct flights to Gran Canaria (LPA) in about 5 hours. EU/Schengen citizens can fly with a national ID—no passport required. Expect 20–24°C daytime highs in early December and water temps around 20–22°C. Book hotels with breakfast included (we highlight options), tap into local buses for easy transfers, and savor Canarian classics like papas arrugadas with mojo.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas balances beach life and city life beautifully. Las Canteras, one of Europe’s best urban beaches, stretches for 3 km with a protective reef (“La Barra”) that calms the water for swimming and snorkeling. A few blocks inland you’ll find Triana’s Art Deco storefronts and the old-town quarter of Vegueta, home to the Casa de Colón museum and contemporary art at CAAM.

Food is a highlight: seafood at La Marinera by the surf, tapas riffs at Allende Triana, and refined Canarian plates at Deliciosa Marta (reserve ahead). Coffee lovers can start at Café Regina (specialty beans, good pastries) before a seafront paseo. For a view, time sunset on the Playa de las Canteras promenade and listen to street musicians while the sky goes watercolor.

• Stay (breakfast options via Hotels.com or apartments via VRBO): Search Las Palmas here: Hotels.com – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | VRBO – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Consider Design Plus Bex Hotel (stylish, strong breakfast, rooftop bar), NH Imperial Playa (rooms with sea views, breakfast buffet), or Exe Las Canteras (right on the sand).
• Getting there from Munich: Direct flights ~5h; typical returns in early December €150–€300 if booked in advance. Compare options via Omio flights.
• Local flavors and stops: Casa de Colón (Columbus lore), CAAM (contemporary art), Mercado de Vegueta (snacks and fruit juices), Poema del Mar Aquarium (spectacular tanks near the port), and the El Confital coastal path (wild, photogenic).

Maspalomas

Down south, Maspalomas trades city energy for Atlantic horizons, palm-fringed paths, and its star attraction: the rolling Maspalomas Dunes. The lighthouse (Faro de Maspalomas) has watched over the shore since 1890, and winter sunsets along the Meloneras promenade are glorious.

Dining runs from breezy chiringuitos to inventive kitchens. La Palmera Sur (near Playa del Inglés) delivers modern tapas with Canarian soul; Samsara adds Southeast Asian spice in a lush setting; and El Senador serves beachside seafood and salads next to the dunes. For a proper cocktail, Atelier Rooftop at Bohemia Suites is an island favorite.

• Stay (breakfast included options): Hotels.com – Maspalomas | VRBO – Maspalomas. Look at Gold by Marina (adults-only, excellent breakfasts, stylish pool scene), Riu Palace Maspalomas (elegant, right by the dunes), or Palm Oasis (spacious rooms, good value).
• Getting from Las Palmas to Maspalomas: Global Bus line 30 runs ~every 20 min; 50–60 min; about €7–€9. Check regional buses via Omio buses.
• Easy add-ons: Dolphin-watching cruises from Puerto Rico (2–3 hours, ~€35–€45); a lazy afternoon in Puerto de Mogán, the “Little Venice” harbor town with bougainvillea-draped lanes.

Day 1: Arrival in Las Palmas – Beachfront Golden Hour

Morning: Fly Munich to Gran Canaria (LPA). Direct flights ~5h; compare routes and fares with Omio flights. Aim for a midday/early afternoon arrival.

Afternoon: Check in near Las Canteras. Stretch your legs along the promenade from La Cícer toward La Puntilla. For a first taste, order papas arrugadas with red and green mojo at La Bikina Cantina (surf-side tacos, mezcal cocktails) or share a seafood platter at La Marinera by the breakers.

Evening: Sip a cortado or a sunset tinto de verano and watch surfers silhouette against the Atlantic. Option: rooftop nightcap at the BEX Rooftop (smart-casual vibes) or a gentle stroll to hear street musicians on the paseo.

Day 2: Vegueta History, Markets, and Las Canteras

Morning: Breakfast at your hotel, then specialty coffee at Café Regina on the promenade. Tram/bus or taxi to Vegueta. Visit the Casa de Colón (cartography, maritime routes) and CAAM for rotating exhibitions of Atlantic and African art.

Afternoon: Graze lunch at Mercado de Vegueta—try local cheeses (Flor de Guía), jamón, barraquito coffee, and fresh juices. Return to Las Canteras for a swim; on calmer days, snorkel near La Barra to spot parrotfish and damsels.

Evening: Tapas crawl in Triana/Vegueta: Allende Triana (Canarian-Spanish small plates; crispy octopus, goat cheese salads), Tasca La Travesía (wine-forward, daily specials), and, if you want a refined sit-down, Deliciosa Marta for slow-cooked meats and seasonal produce (reserve). Digestif: a local Ron Arehucas on ice.

Day 3: Volcanic Landscapes and Coastal Villages

Morning: After breakfast, head to the Bandama Caldera overlook (crater views and vineyards). Early lunch at Bodegón Vandama—order rabbit in salmorejo or a vine-grown salad with local wine.

Afternoon: Drive or bus north to Arucas to admire the neo-Gothic church and, time permitting, tour the Arehucas rum distillery (tastings available on weekdays). Alternatively, continue to Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves for a short seaside stroll and coffee with ocean spray.

Evening: Back in Las Palmas for a casual dinner. Options: Amigo Camilo (old-school seafood near La Puntilla—ask about the catch of the day) or 200 Gramos for gourmet burgers if you’re craving something simple. Wind down with a promenade walk.

Day 4: Transfer to Maspalomas – Dunes, Lighthouse, and Seafront Dining

Morning: Check out and ride Global Bus 30 to Maspalomas (50–60 min; ~€7–€9; see Omio buses). Drop bags and grab a light lunch at El Senador beside the dunes—grilled prawns, salads, and sangría with sea views.

Afternoon: Explore the Maspalomas Dunes. Follow the signed walkways to protect the habitat, then continue to the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse museum for coastal exhibits and horizon views.

Evening: Dinner at La Palmera Sur (inventive small plates—octopus, Canarian black pork, excellent croquetas) or Samsara (scented curries and Thai-inspired dishes; book ahead). Post-dinner, linger along the Meloneras promenade or opt for a crafted cocktail at Atelier Rooftop (sunset reservations recommended).

Day 5: South Coast Easy Day – Boat, Beach, and Puerto de Mogán

Morning: Leisurely hotel breakfast. Optional dolphin-watching cruise from Puerto Rico (2–3 hours, usually morning departures, ~€35–€45; calm sailing, great for photos). If you prefer land, walk the coastal path toward Meloneras for a relaxing seaside morning.

Afternoon: Taxi or bus to Puerto de Mogán, the postcard harbor with canals and flower-laced balconies. Lunch at Puerto Grill (fresh fish, grilled octopus, canary potatoes) or La Cicala (wood-fired pizzas and salads). Browse boutiques and enjoy gelato by the marina.

Evening: Return to Maspalomas. Treat yourself to a mellow spa session at your hotel or sunset feet-in-the-sand time at Playa de Maspalomas. For a farewell dinner, choose a terrace along Meloneras for grilled fish, papas arrugadas, and a local Malvasía wine.

Day 6: Slow Morning and Departure

Morning: Final ocean dip or dune-side stroll. Brunch-style breakfast at your hotel. Pick up edible souvenirs—mojo sauces, Flor de Guía cheese, and Arehucas rum.

Afternoon: Bus 66 from Maspalomas to LPA Airport (~35–45 min) or taxi. Fly back to Munich; check deals and schedules on Omio flights.

Evening: Arrive home with a little sun still in your bones—and several new favorite dishes to recreate.

Budget Snapshot (per person, typical for early December)

• Flights (MUC–LPA–MUC): €150–€300 when booked ahead via Omio flights.
• Hotels with breakfast (5 nights): €400–€650 total (midrange), based on double occupancy; search Las Palmas and Maspalomas on Hotels.com – Las Palmas and Hotels.com – Maspalomas.
• Local transport and day trips: €60–€100 (buses, occasional taxi, optional boat tour).
• Meals beyond breakfast: €25–€40/day × 5 days = €125–€200.

Estimated total: ~€800–€1,200 per person depending on flight/hotel choices—within your target.

With sun-warmed beaches, an easy city-to-coast flow, and food you’ll remember, Gran Canaria is ideal for a winter escape that’s neither high-octane nor sleepy. You’ll wander historic streets, step over sand ridges that look like Sahara miniatures, and toast the Atlantic at sunset. Pack light; bring curiosity and an appetite.