What to pack for a holiday in Gran Canaria
What you pack for a holiday in Gran Canaria will vary depending on the time of year you’re visiting, and the kind of holiday you’re planning.
A beach holiday in August will require a slightly different packing list to a hiking holiday in February. But since the weather is pretty good all year, the layers you need won’t vary too much.
For our laid-back trip in November, which included trips to beaches, hikes, sight-seeing, and working from our villa, packing was easy. So this list should help you pack for Gran Canaria, whenever you’re visiting. But you should still remember to check the weather before your holiday, just in case.
What to pack for the daytime in Gran Canaria
T-shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses, and light layers like shirts and kimonos were enough for the warm weather in Gran Canaria in November. Sandals and casual trainers like Converse were perfect for walking over the dunes and around town.
What to pack for the evening in Gran Canaria
I wore sandals, casual dresses, light trousers, and casual shirts for dinner and drinks in Gran Canaria. If you like to dress up, you won’t be out of place in something more formal. But you’ll probably want to leave your black tie pieces at home.
It can get cooler later into the night so cardigans and light jackets were needed for us in November. And even in summer they might be useful due to the wind.
What to pack for hiking in Gran Canaria
For walks you might prefer hiking shoes. But sensible, comfy running trainers were adequate for all the hikes we did, including Güigüí. Light sports clothes can make your hike feel easier. But I wore casual shorts, a sports bra, and T-shirts with Converse or my running shoes.
Sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and cover-ups were useful on hikes. And they’re needed for the beach, especially in the summer heat.
Everything else
A European plug adapter and relevant chargers for all your electronics.
All toiletries you would use at home, as well as SPF for skin, hair, and face.
Entertainment including books, games, and tablets.
A water bottle and face mask (still required on public transport including taxis).
Cash, if you’re using it. We use our Monzo cards and rarely needed cash during our stay – though it can be useful to have in rural areas.
Your driving licence and credit card if you’re hiring a car.
Your passport!
My full clothing + essentials packing list for Gran Canaria:
On top: enough T-shirts and light tops to last the duration of the trip. A couple of casual sundresses and one nicer dress for evenings out. Two exercise vests and sports bras for hikes and runs.
On the bottom: three pairs of comfy cotton shorts including running shorts, denim shorts, and one pair of light trousers for the evenings.
For my feet: a pair of sandals, a pair of trainers, running shoes, and a pair of boots (you don’t need boots – I just take mine everywhere!). If you like to dress up, a pair of comfy heels won’t be out of place at night.
Outer layers: one long-sleeved top, a plaid shirt, and a light cardigan. I brought a denim jacket and didn’t wear it.
The rest: one sun hat, underwear, and bikinis (at least enough for one per day). I brought workout gear as we ran a couple of times a week and wore exercise clothes for hiking. A beach towel, sunglasses, a backpack for hikes, an evening bag, a beach bag, a water bottle. Chargers and adapters, books, my usual toiletries + SPFs.
Ready to plan your holiday? Read our Gran Canaria travel itinerary here.