Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, known as a “miniature continent” for its diverse landscapes from sandy dunes to mountain peaks. The island offers a welcoming environment for Muslim travelers with halal food options and a mosque in the capital.
Muslim-Friendliness Overview
Gran Canaria provides a comfortable experience for Muslim visitors.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very safe island |
| Halal Food | ⭐⭐⭐ | Good in Las Palmas, moderate elsewhere |
| Mosques | ⭐⭐⭐ | One mosque in Las Palmas |
| Attitude | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Welcoming, tourist-friendly |
| Modesty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Respected, beach culture |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good destination |
Halal Food in Gran Canaria
Las Palmas (Capital)
The capital has the best halal options:
Moroccan Restaurants
- Several in old town area
- Traditional tagines
- Usually halal certified
Kebab Shops
- Throughout the city
- Check certification
- Good quick option
Middle Eastern
- Lebanese restaurants
- Shawarma shops
- Halal meat available
Southern Resorts
Maspalomas & Playa del Inglés
- Some Moroccan restaurants
- Kebab options
- More limited than Las Palmas
- Seafood abundant
Puerto Rico
- Tourist restaurants
- Limited halal
- Seafood focus recommended
Supermarket Options
- HiperDino has some halal products
- International food sections
- Las Palmas has better selection
Seafood (Always Halal)
Gran Canaria’s seafood is excellent:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Pescado fresco | Fresh grilled fish |
| Pulpo | Canarian-style octopus |
| Sancocho | Traditional fish stew |
| Gambas | Fresh prawns |
| Calamares | Squid |
Mosques and Prayer Facilities
Mezquita de Las Palmas
Location: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Friday Prayers: Yes Facilities: Prayer hall, wudu area Community: Active and welcoming
This is Gran Canaria’s main mosque, located in the capital about 45 minutes from southern resorts.
Prayer in Resort Areas
- Hotel room prayer
- Some hotels provide prayer mats
- Quiet beach spots for Fajr
- Use qibla apps
What to Do in Gran Canaria
Nature & Landscapes
Maspalomas Dunes
- Stunning sand dunes
- Sunset walks
- Modest dress comfortable
- Photography paradise
Roque Nublo
- Iconic rock formation
- Mountain hiking
- Pack halal snacks
- Beautiful views
Bandama Crater
- Volcanic crater
- Hiking trails
- Wine country views
Beaches
Playa de Las Canteras (Las Palmas)
- City beach
- 3km long
- Family-friendly
- Near halal food
Maspalomas Beach
- Famous tourist beach
- Dunes backdrop
- Resort area
Amadores Beach
- Calm waters
- Family-friendly
- More secluded
Towns & Culture
Vegueta (Las Palmas Old Town)
- Historic quarter
- Columbus House museum
- Cathedral
- Near halal restaurants
Teror
- Traditional Canarian town
- Basilica
- Sunday market
Arucas
- Rum distillery
- Beautiful church
- Mountain town
Practical Tips for Muslim Visitors
- Las Palmas for food - Best halal concentration
- Friday mosque visit - If near capital
- Rent a car - Essential for exploring
- Self-catering option - Apartment with kitchen
- Moroccan restaurants - Most reliable halal
- Seafood focus - Fresh and delicious
- Pack prayer essentials - Mat, compass
- Dunes at sunset - Beautiful, peaceful
- Beach modesty - No issues with covered swimwear
- Water activities - Jet ski, boat trips available
Best Areas to Stay
| Area | Halal Food | Beach Access | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Palmas | Best | Good (Canteras) | Urban, cultural |
| Maspalomas | Moderate | Excellent | Resort, relaxed |
| Playa del Inglés | Moderate | Good | Tourist, lively |
| Puerto de Mogán | Limited | Good | Quiet, pretty |
Recommended: Las Palmas for culture + halal food, Maspalomas for beach + family.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 20-24°C | Ideal weather |
| Summer | 24-28°C | Peak season |
| Autumn | 22-26°C | Great weather |
| Winter | 18-22°C | Escape European cold |
Gran Canaria has excellent weather year-round.
Getting to Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) - Southern location
Direct flights from:
- UK cities (4-4.5 hours)
- Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia
- Mainland Spain (2.5 hours)
- Morocco (2 hours)
Island Hopping
| Island | Travel Time | Halal Scene |
|---|---|---|
| Tenerife | 1hr ferry | Moderate |
| Fuerteventura | 45min ferry | Limited |
| Lanzarote | 5hr ferry/30min flight | Limited |