Gran Canaria is the ideal destination for those seeking sun and warmth during the dark autumn and winter months, but only have time for a short vacation. On this Canary Island, the temperature rarely drops below twenty degrees, and there’s almost a hundred percent chance of sunshine. You could spend days lounging on the beach, but there’s also plenty to see to keep you amazed for a whole week. Here are the 12 best things to do in Gran Canaria according to us!
All things to do in Gran Canaria on a map
An overview of the best things to do in Gran Canaria can be found on this map. You can download this list of attractions here as a GPX file.
1. Go on beautiful hikes
Those who know us could have guessed this number one: beautiful hikes! No matter which region of the island you visit, you will always find a hiking trail nearby. We have listed our favorite hikes in Gran Canaria and wrote a separate blog post about them, including maps and GPX files so you can start exploring yourself. Happy hiking!
2. Admire the landscape from these viewpoints
A volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean with peaks in the middle that are almost two thousand meters high. You can expect some gorgeous views! As you drive around the island with a rental car and wind through the mountains, you could stop every few kilometers for yet another amazing ‘mirador‘. Here are some of our favorites:
Mirador del BalcónLocation
Mirador del Balcón is on the west side of the island, which is one of the few undeveloped parts of the Canary coast. The area is home to some pretty impressive cliffs that plunge almost vertically into the sea, making it the least hospitable region of Gran Canaria. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking. The Mirador del Balcón is a platform with a glass wall that hangs over the edge of the cliff. Below you, the sea is wild and crashing against the jagged rocks. Right in front of you, you can see Tenerife.
Pico de los Pozos de las NievasLocation
Pico de los Pozos de las Nievas is the highest accessible point in all of Gran Canaria. As a result, this peak is often shrouded in a mysterious mist, which makes the view even more special. Many tourists stop here, and there’s sometimes even a basic food truck in the parking lot. Read on to find out how you can avoid the crowds.
Ventana de MorroLocation
Most people don’t realize that the island has another impressive spot just a hundred meters further on: Ventana de Morro. From the parking lot at Pico de las Nievas, you’ll want to head south for about fifty meters on the hiking trail. You’ll then come to a pretty remarkable rock formation that looks like a mushroom. Keep going to the left, and about thirty more meters will take you to this gorgeous rock arch with a great view of all the top spots in Gran Canaria. You can also use this GPX file to guide you.
Cruz de TejedaLocation
Cruz de Tejeda is just a ten-minute drive from the gorgeous mountain village of Tejeda and is known for its impressive stone cross. This is a great spot for a stopover because it’s where a lot of mountain roads come together. There’s also a hotel and a few restaurants here. On a clear day, you can even see the Roque Bentayga and El Teide on Tenerife.
Mirador de YeguaLocation
Mirador de Yegua isn’t as high as the other viewpoints, but it offers a different view of the island. You can see the more touristy south side. From here, you can see the coastline, including the gorgeous Dunas de Maspalomas. Right below you is the Barranco de Fataga, and further inland, you’ll find lush palm forests.
You can get to all of these viewpoints by car. Plus, there’s plenty more beauty to be found when you go hiking. The hikes we mentioned in point one also pass by some gorgeous, usually more hidden, viewpoints.
3. Enjoy a Vino or Cerveza in Puerto de Mogan
Puerto de Mogan is undoubtedly the most beautiful town in Gran Canaria, located in the southwest of the island. Puerto de Mogan is known as the “Venice of Gran Canaria” thanks to its brightly painted houses, abundant flowers, numerous bridges, and fishing harbor.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat, and on Fridays, you can even check out the local market. It’s a great way to arrive at the harbor by boat. You can catch a line boat along the southwest coast between 10 AM and 5 PM every half hour.
4. Have a Photoshoot in the Dunas de Maspalomas
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, we highly recommend visiting the vast dunes of Maspalomas at sunrise or sunset. This place is especially photogenic in the warm morning and evening light, and it feels like you’re in a fairytale from One Thousand and One Nights. You can walk through the dunes, but just a heads-up that it’s pretty tough going through the loose sand. If you want to stretch your legs, it’s easier to walk along the beach around the dunes.
5. Spot the Rainbow Rocks or Azulejos de Veneguera
Rainbow Rocks, or Azulejos as they’re known locally, are a series of colorful rocks just past the village of Veneguera. The stone walls here have acquired blue, green, yellow, or red colors due to oxidation. It’s a beautiful natural monument! You can admire these rocks from the car as you drive along the GC-200, but it’s probably best to find a quieter spot. This might be a quick stop, but it’s not a detour if you’re already headed west, and we thought it was worth it.
6. Drive through the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Gran Canaria
If you tend to get car sick or are a nervous driver, it’s probably best to skip this tip. If you’re looking for a challenge, the Barranco de la Aldea is the place for you. You’ll need to be a good driver to navigate the corners. You’ll drive through a narrow gorge via passes and along reservoirs towards Artenara, the highest village in Gran Canaria. This is the most remote area of the island, but it’s also the most spectacular. In fact, the canyon has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. One of the best parts of the drive is stopping at a former windmill on top of a steep rock, just after kilometer marker 19. As you continue up the road, you’ll come across some cave dwellings and terraces full of orange trees.
7. Climb to the Offering Place at Roque Bentayga
You can already spot this enormous rock formation from a distance, so you’ve probably already seen it from a few different angles. The good news is that you can also admire it up close! There’s a small visitor center at the foot of the rock where you can learn more about the religious significance of Roque Bentayga. Take the steep stairs up and you’ll find yourself on a high plateau where an ancient Canarian ruler once built an offering place. As you might expect, the view here is absolutely stunning!
8. Indulge in Almond Pastries in Tejeda
If you’re planning a round trip along the high peaks in the heart of Gran Canaria, Tejeda is an idyllic mountain village you shouldn’t miss. This small village is built on terraces against the slope, and the views are incredible. There are so many pastry shops in Tejeda that you’ll want to lick your fingers! They sell almond pastries, cookies, and marzipan, which are all local specialties.
9. Visit the Barranco de las Vacas
Have you ever had the chance to visit the American Antelope Canyon? The Barranco de las Vacas has a similar look to it! It’s not quite the real thing, but we wouldn’t have missed this narrow gorge with its winding walls for the world. You can only walk a few hundred meters through the canyon, but it’s still a very beautiful spot. Just park along the roadside, as there’s no official parking lot and the path is a bit uneven. Perhaps that’s why this place isn’t as well-known to the general public yet.
10. Splash around at Salinas El Bufadero
If you’re looking for a great spot to relax with a view of the ocean, head to the north of the island, just a stone’s throw from the highway. There are some natural pools there where you can sunbathe without having to deal with the wild waves. The beach here is made of black, solidified lava, not sand or stones. The locals use the shallow pools to paddle. Just a few meters away are some salt pans, which were used to extract salt in the past. That’s why it’s called “Salinas.”
11. Check Out El Bufadero de la Garita
We’re not really sure what to call it. Could it be a sinkhole? Could it be a blowhole? Could it be a crater? In any case, it’s a special geological phenomenon that we could keep watching! You’ll find El Bufadero de la Garita in the east of the island, in the municipality of Telde. It’s a hole in the rocky shore that seems to fill with water every few minutes. Sometimes you’ll see what looks like a geyser of water spouting up from the hole. If you want to catch the best view, aim to visit at high tide and when the seas are rough.
12. Don’t Forget the Capital Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas, the provincial capital, is located in the northeast of the island and extends over eleven kilometers. The two most interesting neighborhoods, Triana and La Vegueta, are right next to each other and can be explored on a short walk.
When we were in Las Palmas, we found it not very lively. There weren’t any crowded terraces or that typical, bustling city culture. On the plus side, we did see some gorgeous buildings, like the Casa de Colon museum, which has a great exhibit on medieval explorations, and the Hotel Madrid on the lovely Plaza Almeda de Colon. Another great spot is the palm-lined Plaza Santa Ana, where you’ll find the cathedral. You can also drop by the covered market hall, Mercado de Vegueta, until 2 PM.
