Gran Canaria

Departing from Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport is a great choice for anyone flying from the UK. With a great selection of shops, restaurants and places to rest, as well as a wide range of amenities, we’ve got all the facilities to ensure you enjoy your time at the airport. 

If you usually enjoy having a look round the shops before you board your flight, you will find a great selection in the departure lounge. Begin at World Duty Free, where you will find great prices on everything from chocolate to cosmetics. Boots has all your last-minute health and beauty essentials, and you’ll find your forgotten adapter plug at InMotion. We’ve also got fashion stores like Superdry and Kurt Geiger.

All that shopping might leave you feeling peckish, so we’ve got a selection of great cafés, bars and restaurants for you to relax and enjoy a tasty meal before you fly. If you’ve booked an early morning flight, you’ll find plenty of coffee shops like Costa and Caffé Nero. If you’d like a sit-down meal, Wetherspoon has a range of things to choose from or, if you’d prefer to grab something for the plane, Pret a Manger has everything from sandwiches and soups, to salad and pastas, and Burger King is your fast food go-to.  

Need currency for your trip abroad?  Whether you’re looking to top up your Euros before you fly, or withdraw a few UK pounds for your return, then head over to our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge.  If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport.   

If you prefer the finer things in life, why not book into one of our fantastic airport lounges? Enjoy comfy seating, complimentary food & drinks, and WiFi.  

There are plenty of options when it comes to travelling to Birmingham Airport. If you’re driving to the airport, you’ll find a choice of 7 car parks, which are all easily accessible from the terminal by foot or via the free courtesy shuttle bus. Book a parking space in advance online and save up to 70%. 

If you prefer to take public transport, you'll find bus services running directly to the airport or to Birmingham International Airport train station. There is a free and frequent transport from the station which takes you to the terminal in just a few minutes. 

To find out about our other services, head to our terminal facilities page. Going to Gran Canaria with your family? Read our guide to travelling with kids. 

Arriving at Gran Canaria Airport

Once you land in Gran Canaria, you can travel from the airport to your onward destination by bus or taxi. 

The cheapest way to travel is via local bus. There are seven bus routes that serve the airport, many of which travel through the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.  

If you’d prefer to take a taxi, the journey from the airport to the centre will take around 20 minutes and there are taxi ranks dotted around the terminal. 

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Gran Canaria 

‘A continent in miniature’, Gran Canaria earned its reputation for the dramatic variations in terrain, ranging from the green and leafy north to the lush mountainous interior and the desert-like south. It’s an island of microclimates, meaning you can run into three or even four seasons in one day! Sail out to watch whales, walk in the Canary pine forests, star gaze, or just relax on a stretch of the 60km of beach. 

Spanish is the main language in Gran Canaria but English is widely spoken on the island.  

One reason Gran Canaria pulls in so many visitors is its consistently warm weather and little rainfall. The temperature in Gran Canaria is among the most consistent in Europe and rarely drops below an average of 24 °C throughout the year.  

Culture in Gran Canaria

Las Palmas is actually one of the largest cities in Spain and has an interesting history to discover. Explore the historical old town of Vegueta where main attractions include Casa de Colon (a museum dedicated to the story of Christopher Colombus and his journey through the Canary Islands). Also check out Catedral de Santa Ana and Museo Canario (a museum dedicated to the Spanish history of the island). 

By far the biggest event of the calendar year is the Carnival, an explosively colourful street parade held every February, in the spirit of the Rio Carnival or Sydney’s Mardi Gras. There is a whole week of events, including the Queen Gala and Drag Queen Gala, and, of course, the annual closing ritual, which involves the elaborate burying of a sardine.  

Traditional Canarian food can be described in two words: simple and delicious. With the emphasis on freshness, everyday Canarian dishes comprise grilled meats or fish, soups, stews and vegetables – many of which are surprisingly hearty. Order the local speciality sancocho canario, a dish made with fish cooked whole and served with sweet potato, gofio and papas arrugadas.