Thinking of booking the RIU Gran Canaria in 2026? Watch this first

Thinking about a holiday in the Canary Islands? Maybe Gran Canaria? Probably the most popular place to stay for holidaymakers is the area of Maspolomas and Melonares. Melonares is the more upmarket area and this is where you'll find the Riu Gran Canaria hotel. All inclusive, 20c in the winter months, massive sandy beach nearby (including a nudist beach) - what's not to like? This video shows you what you can expect when you stay at the Riu Gran Canaria hotel in Melonares / Maspolomas. See the Friday Night RIU Party!:    • The Friday Night RIU Party With That Full ...   Please subscribe to our channel, to help it grow! https://tinyurl.com/r8tos6k Meloneras Meloneras is an exclusive and upmarket resort area in the south of Gran Canaria, featuring luxury hotels (mostly 4 and 5-star), a beautiful promenade with high-end shops, restaurants, and cafés. The area sits near the famous El Faro lighthouse, which was built in 1889. It's quieter and more sophisticated than neighboring Playa del Inglés, making it popular with visitors seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Maspalomas Maspalomas is home to a vast beach stretching over six kilometers with impressive sand dunes. The area is famous for its enormous natural sand dune reserve and the historic Maspalomas Lighthouse. The lighthouse first shone on February 1st, 1890, originally guiding steamboats traveling between Europe, Africa and America. Maspalomas has a more lively nightlife scene compared to Meloneras and is centrally located among the southern resort areas. The Nudist Beach Maspalomas is considered Europe's unofficial nudist capital, with thousands gathering daily to sunbathe nude. The nudist areas are located between beach bars 3 and 4 (from the lighthouse toward Playa del Inglés), or between bars 5 and 6 (from the other direction). The nudist section is clearly signposted and easily accessible by walking about 15 minutes from either end of the beach. The area has beach bars, sunbed rentals, and is well-supervised by lifeguards. Both clothed and nude beachgoers coexist peacefully along this expansive stretch of sand. Gran Canaria is excellent for winter holidays for several compelling reasons: Year-Round Sunshine and Warmth In winter, average temperatures are around 20 degrees centigrade, and it rarely rains. From December up until April, winter days are warm with average highs of 22°C. The Canary Islands enjoy over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, ensuring long, bright days even in the coldest months. Beaches in Winter Even in January, on the southern beaches of Gran Canaria, sunshine and warmth are guaranteed. You can sunbathe at famous spots like Maspalomas Dunes and Playa del Inglés, and while the sea is cooler than summer (around 19-20°C), many people still swim comfortably. Escape the Cold Often called the "Islands of Eternal Spring," Gran Canaria offers a dramatic contrast to northern Europe's winter chill. You won't need heavy coats or scarves - just beach gear and light layers for cooler evenings. Diverse Activities The mild weather is perfect for outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, water sports (surfing, kayaking, diving), whale watching, and exploring the island's volcanic landscapes and charming mountain villages. The comfortable temperatures make sightseeing far more pleasant than during the intense summer heat. Less Crowded Winter is an ideal time to explore without the peak summer crowds, allowing you to enjoy attractions, beaches, and restaurants in a more relaxed atmosphere. Minimal Rainfall December sees only about 31mm of rain spread across roughly 5 days, so you're unlikely to experience prolonged bad weather disrupting your holiday plans.