Easter 2026 in Gran Canaria: What's Open, What's Closed?
Quick Summary
| Topic | Easter 2026 in Gran Canaria: What's Open, What's Closed? |
|---|---|
| Category | Canary Islands News |
| Source | CITA News Editorial Team |
Good Friday is the critical day — almost everything shut. No Easter Monday in the Canaries. Supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, restaurants, processions, road closures: the complete overview for residents and tourists.
Public Holidays at a Glance
Semana Santa 2026 in Gran Canaria has two closed days: Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Sunday (5 April). Holy Thursday (2 April) is technically a public holiday, but shops are permitted to open — an important distinction. Holy Saturday (4 April) is not a holiday and everything operates normally.
| Day | Date | Status | Shops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Thursday | 2 April | Public holiday, but shops may open | Most open, some with reduced hours |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Public holiday — almost everything closed | Tourist zones + emergency services only |
| Holy Saturday | 4 April | Normal working day | Everything open |
| Easter Sunday | 5 April | Closed as every Sunday | Tourist zones only |
| Monday | 6 April | Normal working day (no Easter Monday!) | Everything open |
Supermarkets: Who's Open When?
Good Friday is the critical day. The big chains close completely, while small shops and Spar outlets in tourist zones may partially open. On Holy Thursday almost everything is open, but often with reduced hours.
Mercadona
| Day | Status |
|---|---|
| Holy Thursday (2 Apr) | 9:00 – 15:00 (reduced hours) |
| Good Friday (3 Apr) | Completely closed — all stores |
| Holy Saturday (4 Apr) | Normal hours |
| Easter Sunday (5 Apr) | Closed (as every Sunday) |
HiperDino
| Day | Status |
|---|---|
| Holy Thursday (2 Apr) | 9:00 – 21:00 (most stores) |
| Good Friday (3 Apr) | Closed (exceptions in tourist zones possible) |
| Holy Saturday (4 Apr) | Normal hours |
| Easter Sunday (5 Apr) | Selected stores in tourist zones only |
Spar
Spar stores in tourist zones (Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico) often stay open on public holidays, at least until 14:00. Stores outside tourist areas follow the regular holiday schedule and close on Good Friday.
Lidl and Aldi
Both chains close on Good Friday. Some stores open with reduced hours on Holy Thursday — best to check the website beforehand. Saturday is normal.
Carrefour
Carrefour is the most flexible of the big chains. Hypermarkets and Express stores try to stay open wherever legally possible. However, most Carrefour stores will also be closed on Good Friday.
Shopping Centres
The large shopping centres are permitted to open on Holy Thursday (it is one of ten approved holiday opening days on the island). On Good Friday most retail shops close, but restaurants and leisure areas may remain open.
| Centre | Holy Thursday | Good Friday |
|---|---|---|
| CC Las Arenas (Las Palmas) | Shops 10–21:30, Dining 11–21:30 | Dining partially open |
| CC El Mirador (Las Palmas) | Open (approved holiday) | Shops closed |
| CC Alisios | Open | Shops closed |
| CC Yumbo (Playa del Inglés) | Open | Tourist zone — partially open |
| CC Faro 2 (Maspalomas) | Open | Tourist zone — partially open |
Banks
All banks in Gran Canaria are closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. No exceptions — not even in tourist zones. ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos) work 24/7 however.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Gran Canaria operate an on-call system (Farmacia de Guardia). On public holidays like Good Friday and Easter Sunday, regular pharmacies close but at least one duty pharmacy per district is open 24 hours.
How to find the nearest duty pharmacy: Every pharmacy displays a notice in its window showing the current on-call pharmacy's address. Alternatively, ask your hotel reception or search online for "Farmacia de Guardia Gran Canaria". Duty pharmacies rotate daily.
In the tourist zones of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, pharmacies are often open on public holidays, at least in the morning.
Restaurants and Cafés
There's a big difference depending on location:
Tourist Zones (Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, Mogán)
Almost all restaurants and cafés are open as normal over Easter — Semana Santa is peak season. Many offer special Easter menus. Booking recommended for Good Friday evening and Easter Sunday as it gets busy.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
In Triana and Vegueta most restaurants are open on Good Friday — the processions draw large crowds. Restaurants away from the old town may be closed. Mesa y López and Las Canteras beach operate as normal.
Villages in the Interior
Options are thin. In places like Tejeda, Artenara, Valleseco or Moya, most restaurants close on Good Friday. If you're planning a trip inland, bring provisions or research beforehand.
Sancocho — the Good Friday Tradition
On Good Friday, Canarios traditionally eat Sancocho: salted fish (usually Cherne or Corvina) with potatoes, sweet potatoes and mojo sauce. Many restaurants that are open offer a special Sancocho menu. It's the culinary highlight of Semana Santa in the Canaries — definitely try it if you get the chance.
Petrol Stations
Good news: the major petrol stations (Repsol, Cepsa, BP, DISA) stay open on public holidays — at least the pumps with card payment. Attached shops may be closed. Current fuel prices on our live fuel price page.
Public Transport
Guaguas Municipales (Las Palmas city buses) and Global (island buses) run a Sunday timetable on public holidays. That means reduced frequency and earlier last buses. On Good Friday and Easter Sunday there may be additional disruptions due to procession routes in Las Palmas.
Processions: Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Semana Santa in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the most impressive on the Canary Islands. The main processions take place in the historic quarters of Vegueta and Triana.
Good Friday, 3 April
Maspalomas / San Fernando
Easter Sunday, 5 April
Weather Over Easter 2026
Current forecast for all 11 climate zones on our live weather page. The Calima dust cloud from recent days has cleared and visibility is improving. For beaches: current conditions (UV, waves, water temperature) on our Beaches & UV page.
Summary: What to Do When
| Task | When to do it |
|---|---|
| Big grocery shop | Today (Holy Thursday) or Saturday |
| Withdraw cash | Today — ATMs always work, but better safe |
| Get medication | Today — or use the duty pharmacy |
| Book a restaurant | Now — Good Friday evening and Easter Sunday fill up |
| Day trip inland | Best on Saturday — everything open, less traffic |
| See processions | Good Friday evening in Vegueta/Triana |
| Fill up the car | Anytime — petrol stations stay open |
Read more: Gran Canaria Tourism Guide
Frequently asked questions
- When are the two closed public holiday days during Semana Santa 2026 in Gran Canaria?
- Semana Santa 2026 in Gran Canaria has two closed days: Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Sunday (5 April).
- What should drivers avoid in Las Palmas on Good Friday?
- Avoid the old town by car between 11:00 and 23:30.
- What is the traditional Canarian dish eaten on Good Friday?
- On Good Friday, Canarios traditionally eat Sancocho: salted fish (usually Cherne or Corvina) with potatoes, sweet potatoes and mojo sauce.
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