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17 Things To Do in Gran Canaria - Best Places to Visit - 2024 Guide

Gran Canaria is the second most visited island of the Canary Islands (after Tenerife) and it's often referred to as a Mini Continent, due to its diversity in landscapes. From amazing beaches to mountain trails and volcanic landscapes, Gran Canaria has it all.

What to do in Gran Canaria

1. maspalomas dunes, gran canaria's top attraction, 2. playa del ingles - the island's party epicenter, 3. go on a boat tour , 4. puerto de mogan, the little venice of gran canaria, 5. submarine tour in mogan, 6. roque nublo, gran canaria's iconic rock , 7. palmitos park - great place to visit with kids in gran canaria, 8. visit the capital: las palmas de gran canaria, 9. playa de las canteras - best urban beach in the canary islands, 10. poema del mar - amazing aquarium in gran canaria, 11. pico de las nieves - gran canaria's highest peak, 12. amadores beach, one of the most popular beaches in gran canaria, 13. la aldea and its famous fiesta del charco, 14. visit arucas, 15. visit firgas, the city of water, 16. visit the old town of teror, 17. carnival season in gran canaria.

Visitors come here for the beautiful and warm weather even during the winter months when the rest of Europe is suffering from low temperatures and snowfalls.

But the island is much more than beautiful beaches, there are so many breathtaking landscapes and beautiful places to visit in Gran Canaria, from charming small towns to mountain trails with unique views, so everyone can find something they'd like to see. 

If you're planning a holiday to this beautiful island and you're wondering what to do in Gran Canaria besides relaxing by the pool, read our article to get an idea of how diverse and amazing this place really is.

The Maspalomas Dunes are one of the island's symbols - walking along these dunes will make you feel like you're visiting one of the world's great desserts, although you have some hotels still in sight (depending on where you are).

Walking along the dunes is a MUST and afterward, you can spend the day at the beach Playa Maspalomas, followed by a romantic walk at sunset towards the Maspalomas Lighthouse.

Playa del Ingles is probably the liveliest place in Gran Canaria and the place to be if you're looking for nightlife and party atmosphere. Playa del Ingles is famous as a destination for gay tourism in Europe, and it's full of bars and entertainment, including the famous Yumbo Center.

Since you are on holiday on an island, a great idea for a day out would be to go on a boat trip: see the coast and also dolphins in their natural habitat. Most excursions will also include soft drinks and pick-up from your hotel, so all you have to do is to enjoy the experience.

• Dolphin watching cruises
• Luxury catamaran cruises
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Even if you're staying in another part of the island, Puerto de Mogan is worth a visit during your explorations.

It's a picturesque resort, with a charming marina and a nice and quiet beach (compared to other resorts). On Fridays this place is buzzing with tourists from all over the island, coming to the popular market in Puerto de Mogan to buy souvenirs and all sorts of other objects.

Get into this submarine and discover all the charms of the seabed of Puerto de Mogán for 40 minutes. You will be able to see some shipwrecks and the wonderful marine fauna from its big windows. 

Especially for the kids, this can be a really fun activity and it's a great way to spend the morning during your family holiday to Gran Canaria.

• 40-minute submarine tour & TV screens for every passenger to watch maneuvers
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts

Situated inside Nublo Rural Park, Roque Nublo is yet another symbol of Gran Canaria, seen on many postcards and souvenirs sold on the island.

Trekking to see Roque Nuble is easy and the route starts from the main road. From here you have around 1.5 km to walk until you reach the famous rock and also its "brother" Roque de la Rana.  The entire route is circular and it measures a total of about 5 km, along which you can also see the views from Caldera de Tejeda, Llanos de la Pez and Pozo de las Nieves.

Day trip from Las Palmas: Bandama, High Peaks, and Roque Nublo Tour

Admission tickets to Palmitos Park

If you like visiting ZOOs this is the place to see in Gran Canaria. For a holiday in Gran Canaria with the kids this is a great day out and it's better to choose a cloudy day for your visit, so you don't get a sunburn.

Las Palmas is a lively city , great for a city break if you want to explore more around the city. The beach of Las Canteras is a popular beach not only on the island but also in all of Spain. You can also visit The Science and Technology Museum or Casa Colon, but you can read more about these in our guide on what to do in Gran Canaria when it's raining . Walk on the streets of the old town Vegueta, admire the architecture and take a coffee break or lunch at one of the many terraces along the way.

If you only have one day to visit Las Palmas (maybe you're in Gran Canaria just for a day stop on your cruise around the Canaries) you also have the option to get the 24 hours hop-on hop-off bus tour that takes you around the city, so you can visit both the old town and the area of Las Canteras on the same day.

You can also read our review and impressions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus in Las Palmas.

Playa de Las Canteras deserves a separate mention, as it's one of those iconic places that you see in a tone of photos. Spend the day here along with the many residents of the capital who also come here, especially during the summer months. Playa Las Canteras is often recognized as the best urban beach in Spain and it's one of our favorite places in the capital. If you plan on visiting the capital you can find more ideas in our article about things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria .

Another place that is great for kids, but for adults as well. Poema del Mar is one of the most popular places to visit while in Las Palmas and it's owned by the same company that owns Loro Parque and Siam Park in Tenerife. At Poema del Mar you can see a giant Aquarium with many species of marine life, along with many other exhibits which will keep you occupied for a few hours.

• Entry is free for children under 4 years old
• Skip the ticket line
• Wheelchair accessible attraction

Pico de las Nieves is the highest peak in Gran Canaria and its easy to here if you have a car hire or if you take an organized bus tour. The road towards Pico de las Nieves is an attraction in itself, as the inland of Gran Canaria is very different from the coastal towns and tourist resorts. Discover the natural beauty of this island by driving through the small towns, as Pico de las Nieves is situated right in the middle of the island, so it's easy to get there no matter where you stay in Gran Canaria .

For many people, Playa de Amadores is the perfect holiday beach - clear water, extremely calm, clean, sunbeds, umbrellas and all the facilities you may think of. It does get crowded especially during the school holidays, as it is a great place for a family holiday in Gran Canaria. Even if you don't stay in this area it is still worth a visit for the day.

If you are visiting Gran Canaria in September and you want to experience a local event, then you must go to La Aldea de San Nicolas for the Fiesta del Charco . Participants gather around a pond and when the signal is given, everyone rushes into the pond to catch the fishes who start to jump out of the water, due to the fact that it gets crazily crowded with people. This is an event that is popular, especially among locals, so if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, this is one of the best things to do and experience while in Gran Canaria.

And if you're visiting Gran Canaria at another time of the year, La Aldea is still a beautiful place to visit, so relaxed and unique, a perfect spot to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in Gran Canaria .

Arucas is famous mostly for its magnificent San Juan Bautista church, also referred to as the Arucas Cathedral by most people, although it's not officially a cathedral. Arucas is also home to the Arehucas rum distillery which you can visit and participate in a tasting.

Arucas can be visited during the same excursion as Firgas, as the two towns are located near each other and they are usually visited on the same day.

• Visit Telde, Arucas and Firgas
• Admire the stunning mountain landscapes with a stop at Mirador de Tejeda for amazing views over Roque Nublo and El Teide
• Return bus service from the following areas: Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Bahía Feliz, Puerto Rico, Arguineguín, Taurito and Puerto Mogán

Firgas is a small town located in the mountains, in the northern part of the island, a region that is enriched with mineral water (do you know the popular brand Aguas de Firgas?). 

Firgas is famous for its charming street Paseo de Canarias, which you have probably seen around on the internet in many instances, but didn't know where it was. Paseo de Canarias, along with Paseo de Gran Canaria (pictured above) is the focal point of the town and it's really worth a few moments of your time if you want to discover the real Gran Canaria, beyond the resorts in the south . 

Teror is a small town situated close to the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Its historic center is very well preserved and it provides a nice walk where you can see the specific architecture with wooden balconies that are so iconic for the Canary Islands. A good day to visit would be on Sundays when there's also a market happening and the town comes to life. You can read more in our dedicated article about markets in Gran Canaria .

The largest carnival in Gran Canaria is the one in Las Palmas , but there are several other celebrations organized on the island. Maspalomas and Telde have their own carnivals, Aguimes also and many more. If you're on the island between February and March (these are usually the months when the carnivals are organized), then you must participate in these large Spanish celebrations, get costumes to match that year's theme and join in all the fun.

• Best apartments in Gran Canaria:  Monte Feliz (San Agustin)
• Popular hotels in Gran Canaria: Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa (Puerto Mogan) • Palm Oasis Maspalomas (Maspalomas) 
• Luxury 5* hotels in Gran Canaria: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa  (Puerto Mogan) • Hotel Riu Palace Oasis (Meloneras) • Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa (Meloneras) • Santa Catalina Hotel (Las Palmas)  
• See our dedicated guide for the best places to stay in Gran Canaria .
• Best Tours & Excursions: From Puerto Rico: Dolphin Watching Cruise • Half-Day Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Food

Maspalomas Beach and Sand Dunes - A Must See in Gran Canaria

12 Best Things To Do in Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria

12 Best things to do in Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria - 2024 Guide

6 Best Things To Do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

10 Things To Do in Gran Canaria When It Rains or It's Cloudy

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a good way to visit Las Palmas in a day

Travel Safe

Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria

Holidays on the Canary Islands

One day in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Explore Gran Canaria

Plan Your Trip to Gran Canaria: Best of Gran Canaria Tourism

Essential gran canaria.

Gran Canaria Is Great For

Scuba diving.

Eat & drink

• Hotel HL Rondo
• Apartamentos Buen Leon
• Edison by Getaway Fourth
• Delhi Darbar
• Restaurante & grill samara’s
• Restaurante Mi Vida
• Restaurante Guantanamo
• Da Eriselda Pizzería
• Cocodrilo Park Gran Canaria
• Pico de las Nieves
• Beach Gui-Gui
• Barranco de Guayadeque
• Canary Taxi Bus
• 40-minute Submarine Tour in Mogán
• Dolphin and Whales watching cruise from Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria
• Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes
• Full Day Across the Island Tour from Las Palmas
• Barranco de las Vacas, caves & village by 2 native guides

PAID CONTENT FOR THE TOURIST BOARD OF GRAN CANARIA

Exploring history and nature in Gran Canaria’s unmissable UNESCO World Heritage Site

The mountainous site of risco caído and the sacred mountains of gran canaria preserves traces of a long-vanished aboriginal culture in lush natural surroundings. .

Mirador de Unamuno, one of the lookouts in the town of Artenara, located in the mountains of Gran Canaria.

Away from its famous beaches, Gran Canaria’s rural centre is a place where peaks soar, volcanoes reach for the sky and gorges dip into a tangle of green. But it’s not just its biodiverse credentials turning heads: hidden among the landscapes are traces of the island’s pre-Hispanic culture, which travellers can explore at the World Heritage Site of Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria.

Prehistoric cave dwellings, temples and granaries all feature in the troglodyte-era Amazigh settlement of Risco Caído. Scrawls of rock art coating the walls of its 21 caves may relate to magical or religious beliefs, but it’s thought the site might also have functioned as a prehistoric astronomical clock: one of the caves, known as the almogarén or Cave 6, has a small opening in its roof letting light through from the summer solstice to autumn, revealing a series of rock art engravings. As special as Risco Caído is, it’s just one of 1,500 settlements making up the Sacred Mountains’ troglodyte-era landscape, with a set of archaeological sites scattered among the municipalities of Artenara, Tejeda, Agaete and Gáldar.

In its entirety, this gargantuan World Heritage Site covers around 18,000 hectares — including almost all the entire Caldera de Tejeda crater, the Tamadaba massif and part of the Barranco Hondo gorge — meaning it can be hard to know where to start. To get your bearings, head to the visitors’ centre in Artenara; the municipality has recently opened an exact replica of Cave 6, with a larger capacity and visiting hours to avoid pressure on the original cave. Travellers can then set off on one of the island’s hiking trails, many of which are based on age-old  caminos reales  (king’s highways).

With the site sharing part of the territory of the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, scenic views await after every turn. The circular five-mile route of Acusa-Las Hoyas-Lugarejos-Coruña takes you along agricultural terraces that climb steep ravines, through farmland that still retains some of the ancient traditions practised by the Canary-Amazigh people. The route also nudges the Tamadaba Natural Park, where pine trees, cliffs and green valleys merge. Elsewhere, head towards the north edge of the Caldera de Tejeda on a five-mile hike, where dramatic views of the Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountain Areas sit in the shadows of Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga and Altavista. Then there’s the longer trek along the crossroads of Roque Nublo; the seven-mile path takes you to the mountain that’s become a national symbol of the island, where you can stare out across Risco Caído from on high.

The archaeological site of Risco Caído contains pre-Hispanic cave dwellings, temples and granaries.

Two more ways to discover the island’s heritage

Stay at a traditional accommodation For a unique stay that puts you among the soaring peaks of the Guayadeque ravine, bed down in the Casas rurales de Guayadeque , a remote cave hotel where guests perch on wraparound private terraces to gaze at mountain views and eat oranges plucked from nearby trees. Rooms lie underground, hidden in former cave dwellings that have been restored and spruced up for guests, with miles of bucolic beauty right on your doorstep.

Sample local foods and produce Gran Canaria has Europe’s only coffee plantation, a multi-award-winning cheese production and a signature Honey Rum. Travellers can head to age-old places like the Arehucas rum factory, one of the continent’s oldest cellars, or eat at restaurants where young chefs are putting a spin on traditional dishes. Otherwise, learn about local life at farmhouses, such as Finca de los Berrazales , a 200-year-old farm that nurtures avocado, oranges and coffee and holds wine-tasting tours with cheese, jams and cakes all on the menu.

Carriers including EasyJet , BA and Ryanair operate direct flights from the UK to Gran Canaria. When on the island, renting a car is highly recommended, but local buses and taxies are also available.

Head to  grancanaria.com for more information, or click here to watch a video on the island's beautiful landscapes.

Published in the July/August 2021 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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This content is created for Gran Canaria Tourist Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or its editorial staff.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Travel and Adventure

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries’ archipelago, but accounts for almost half the population. It lives up to its reputation as a continent in miniature, with dramatic variations of terrain ranging from the green and leafy north to the lush mountainous interior and the desert south. You can also run headlong into three or even four seasons in one day, with microclimates dotted around the coast and hills that can transport you from piercing sunlight into clammy fog banks at the drop of a hat. To capture a sense of Gran Canaria's breathtaking diversity, head to beautiful Artenara, where the sheer drama of the mountains reaches a crescendo.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park

Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century, this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with…

Casa-Museo de Colón

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic…

Catedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro

The spiritual heart of the city, this brooding, grey cathedral was begun in the early 15th century, soon after the Spanish conquest, but took 350 years to…

Dunas de Maspalomas

These fabulous dunes cover 400 hectares and were designated a nature reserve in the 1990s, ensuring that the rapidly multiplying hotels would never…

Museum of the Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pino

Don't miss this museum (also called the 'treasure house'), accessed upstairs from the rear of the basilica, where you can get a real close-up view of the…

Mirador de Unamuno

One of several viewpoints in town, the Mirador de Unamuno looks out onto a sweeping panorama of the vast volcanic caldera beyond – it is a stupefying…

Playa de las Canteras

The fine 3km stretch of yellow sand is magnificent, and is considered by many to be one of the world's best city beaches. There’s an attractive seaside…

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista

The extraordinary, neo-Gothic church stands sullen watch over the bright, white houses of Arucas in a striking display of disproportion and contrast. The…

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Apr 25, 2018 • 5 min read

As on most of the Canary Islands, once you get away from Gran Canaria’s built-up south-coast beach resorts, you’ll find an astonishing landscape that…

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From Beaches to Vineyards: The Best Things to Do in Gran Canaria, Spain

After my recent visit to Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s Canary Islands situated off the northwestern coast of Africa, I’m puzzled as to why it remains a lesser-known vacation spot.

If you are looking for a holiday destination with beautiful beaches, a diverse landscape, a warm climate, a variety of activities, and a vibrant culture, then Gran Canaria, Spain is the perfect place for you. You’ll find world-class wines and cuisine including a Michelin-starred restaurant, banana farms, sand dunes, snorkeling coves, mountain hikes, and a unique culture and history.

Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

I visited Gran Canaria with a group of content creators and in this guide, I’ll share the places we visited, as well as the best accommodations, how to get there, and the best way to explore the island. I also just published an article all about the location of the Canary Islands that you might find interesting!

If you plan on visiting several of the Canary Islands and you don’t have a lot of time, I recommend booking  this full-day tour  to experience all the  must-sees in Gran Canaria . If you’re able to spend a few days or more, the best option is to rent a car and explore the island at your own pace.

Most Popular Things to do in Gran Canaria

Dunas de maspalomas.

The Maspalomas Dunes are a unique landscape that look more like a Saharan desert, but happen to be nestled on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. These dunes, which stretch for over 980 acres, are thought to have been formed by a tsunami that pushed sand from Africa to the island centuries ago.

Visitors to the Maspalomas Dunes can explore this unique landscape on a paved boardwalk that winds through the dunes. The boardwalk leads to Maspalomas Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming as well as the Maspalomas Lighthouse.

It is important to note that the Maspalomas Dunes are a protected area and walking in the dunes is prohibited. This is to help preserve this delicate ecosystem.

Roque Nublo

Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landmarks, is a towering volcanic monolith that rises 80 meters (262 feet) above the surrounding landscape. This UNESCO-protected natural monument is part of the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, a group of volcanic peaks that hold a special place in the island’s culture and history.

Roque Nublo is located near the town of Tejeda, in the heart of Gran Canaria’s mountainous interior. It is just over 3400 in elevation and was formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 4.5 million years ago. The rock’s distinctive shape, which resembles a giant thumb pointing to the sky, has made it a popular spot for hikers and photographers alike.

The group I traveled with did a short hike to an overlook of Roque Nublo that is part of a longer trail with many view points.

The hike to Roque Nublo is rated as moderately challenging. The trail winds through lush pine forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire island, from the sparkling Atlantic Ocean to the towering peaks of the interior.

While you can do the hike on your own, if you book this excursion , you’ll learn a lot about the area, so I highly recommend it. You could also book this one if you want to combine Roque Nublo with the town of Teror.

Visit the Capital City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The old town of Gran Canaria was my favorite experience during my visit and a place I would have loved more time to explore.

The capital city of Gran Canaria has two areas; the old town known as Vegueta and the area near Canteras Beach. One thing to note, is these two areas are about 10 minutes from each other by car.

The Canteras Beach area has a wide beach with safe swimming. Although this part of the island tends to have more cloud cover than Maspalomas. The area is also filled with shops, nightclubs and businesses. It feels and looks like a downtown metropolis.

One of the best ways to experience the contrasts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is to visit the Mercado del Puerto. This market is a microcosm of the city, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to local handicrafts and souvenirs. You can find everything from traditional Canarian dishes to international cuisine at the market’s many food stalls.

Vegueta Neighborhood

Another great way to experience the city’s contrasts is to visit the Vegueta neighborhood.

This charming historic center is home to narrow cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and boutique hotels. It is also home to some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Plaza de Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Cathedral, and the Museo Canario.

The Santa Ana Cathedral is a beautiful 16th-century cathedral that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The Plaza de Santa Ana is the main square in the Vegueta neighborhood. It is home to eight dog statues, which are known as the guardians of Santa Ana.

The Museo Canario is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Canary Islands. It is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the island’s rich heritage.

Fun Fact: Franco (who was the dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975) stayed at the Hotel Madrid in the Old Town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Quaint Towns to Visit in Gran Canaria

Most of the resorts are located on the South side of Gran Canaria but there are a lot of historic towns, beach towns and mountain towns worth a visit.

Fun Fact: If you take a vacation in Gran Canaria you will be in Europe and on the African Continent.

Maspalomas, one of the best places to stay in Gran Canaria, is a resort town in the south of the island with several hotels. The Maspalomas Lighthouse (Faro de Maspalomas) is an active 19th century lighthouse at Maspalomas beach.

The area has numerous outdoor shopping districts with a variety of dining options, a white sand beach, a scenic malecón, and an array of attractions including the Maspalomas Dunes nature reserve I mentioned earlier.

Where to Stay in Maspalomas

I stayed at the Lopesan Costa-Meloneras, a resort hotel in Maspalomas with seven pools, including a gorgeous infinity pool, a quiet pool, a pool with a lazy river and waterfalls, a children’s pool, and one that’s part of the spa.

Thanks to my Unique status upgrade, which is akin to an all-inclusive experience, it gave me access to exclusive areas, including a Unique pool, a lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks, breakfast every day, and access to several of the hotel restaurants for lunch and dinner.

The hotel is also famed for its Om Spa Costa Meloneras, with a truly unique circuit of 12 different experiences, all thoughtfully created to help relax and detox the body. This was one of my favorite things about the resort and I highly recommend it!

From an ice-cold foot bath to a rainforest shower, Turkish steam bath, salt water flotation pool, ice igloo with crushed ice, and more, the spa left me feeling refreshed and invigorated. Once I had finished all the rooms, I was invited to relax further in the spa gardens with a large pool and jacuzzi.

Check Tripadvisor reviews and find best prices for Lopesan Costa-Meloneras on Booking.com and Hotels.com .

Exploring Puerto de Mogán is a wonderful way to immerse oneself in one of Gran Canaria’s most charming small resort towns.

To learn more about early Gran Canaria history, the group I was with visited Morgan at Cañada de los Gatos, an archaeological site that was once a large coastal settlement. The foundations are of dwellings built in three periods dating back as far as 1,600 years ago.

From the site there is also a fabulous view of the town of Mogan.

Mogan is also a beach town with lot’s of shopping and dining along the waterfront boulevard.

I also enjoyed strolling the alleys and bridges that earned the town its nickname of “Little Venice” with colorful buildings in shades of yellow, pink, blue, and green. The streets and alleys are also filled with flowers that include bougainvillea, hibiscus and geraniums.

Puerto de Mogán is also a great place to book a boat tour. Options range from basic coastal sightseeing tours to all-inclusive snorkeling tours. My group booked a snorkeling and sightseeing tour with AquaSports , and we had a blast! We stopped at one location to snorkel and then cruised the coast, taking in the fabulous views.

Fun Fact: There has been no volcanic activity on Gran Canaria for 1,900 years.

Explore Arucas

Arucas, a small and quaint town in the northern part of Gran Canaria, is a must-visit for its cobbled streets, neo-Gothic church, cute cafes, and great boutique shopping. But don’t miss the two fun tours just outside of town!

La ReKompensa Banana Museum and Plantation offers guided tours that teach visitors fascinating facts about bananas, such as the fact that they are plants, not trees, and that there are over 1,000 varieties of bananas in the world.

Our guide, JC Santana Yánez, walked us through the banana-growing process as we toured the plantation. The tour ended with a delicious sampling of bananas and banana jams.

Our next stop was the Arehucas Rum Distillery , one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. During the guided tour with Cesar Arencibia, we visited the barrel room, where many of the casks have the autographs or art of famous visitors, and the bottling room.

We then headed to an upstairs patio for a rum tasting and to learn more about the distillery’s history and production process. Arehucas uses locally grown sugarcane in its distillation process and has been distilling rum since 1884.

After the tour, we headed to the town of Arucas to stroll the narrow streets, a few parks and admire the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, commonly referred to as Arucas Cathedral. I would have loved more time here for shopping and to enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many umbrella-covered cafes.

Visit Teror

Located in the mountainous northern region of the island, Teror is known for its iconic Nuestra Señora del Pino Basilica and the annual Festival of the Pines, a vibrant celebration held every September 8th. This festival commemorates the miraculous appearance of an image of the Virgin Mary beneath a pine tree in the 15th century, bestowing the title of the patron saint of Gran Canaria upon Virgen del Pino (Virgin of the Pine).

The historic town is small and easily explored on foot, with colorful buildings, charming cafes, and boutique shops.

One shop in particular, L’ARRET Vintage boutique, caught my eye with its unique handmade clothes by local artist Ruth Santana. I wished I had more time to shop in Teror!

Fun Fact: The movie Moby Dick with Gregory Peck was filmed in Gran Canaria.

Food & Wine

Finca escudero.

Gran Canaria is a surprising wine region, with over two dozen wineries . I had the pleasure of visiting Finca Escudero , located in the village of Santa Brígida, known as the “village of wine and flowers.”

The owner, Juan Escudero, welcomed us to his historic home and vineyard, situated at an altitude of 1,837 feet. In addition to grapes, Juan also cultivates 250 olive trees. His vineyard has 4,000 vines, and he produced 2,500 bottles of wine in 2023, with plans to expand to 20,000 bottles per year in the next 3-5 years.

After touring the beautiful gardens, we sat down with Juan in the poolside garden to sample three wines served with bread, locally made cheese, and housemade olive oil.

The first was a single varietal white wine made with grapes indigenous to Gran Canaria named Marmajuelo. We also enjoyed two reds: a 2020 Tempranillo aged in an oak barrel called El Selección and a newer vintage called Joven.

La Aquarela Michelin Restaurant

La Aquarela, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Gran Canaria, is one of the leading names on the island’s restaurant scene. It’s got a romantic vibe, especially at the pool side tables with ocean views.

La Aquarela’s dishes are known for their impeccable presentation and whimsical touches .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by La Aquarela (@laaquarela)

What I appreciated about the dishes is they are delicate, yet highly technical and have lots of flavor. The menu has a strong connection to the local area, as well as an occasional Nordic touch from chef Germán Ortega, who spent several years working in Stockholm.

About 85% of the ingredients are locally sourced and are showcased in modern Canary Island dishes on three menus: Experiencia (combining the sea and the land), Tierra (vegetarian that changes seasonally), and Los Clasicos (a 9-course set menu). All have optional wine pairings.

Fun Fact: Spain has 228 Michelin-starred restaurants, ranking 5th in the world.

Mercado del Puerto

As I mentioned above in the section about the Capital City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Mercado del Puerto is a great spot to enjoy local Canarian food.

Gran Canaria has a delicious and unique cuisine including specialties like papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce), Queso Flor Valsequillo (cheese made with cows milk plus goat or sheep milk), Tirma (locally made chocolate biscuits), and a wide variety of fresh fish (it is an island after all) to name a few.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Piscos y Buches | Gourmet 🇮🇨 (@piscosybuches)

Pinchos are also a favorite that can be found at the mercado, which are small pieces of bread topped with a variety of foods that can range from vegetables, meats, and cheeses. When I visited the market we dined at the Piscos y Buches food stall and shared a variety of dishes from pinchos to chicken dishes, salads, local cheese, and fish.

How To Get Around Gran Canaria

How to get to gran canaria.

By Ferry: Gran Canaria has two ports: Las Palmas (also known as Puerto de La Luz) in the northeast and Agaete (also known as Puerto de las Nieves) in the northwest. All ferry routes from mainland Spain (Huelva and Cádiz) to Gran Canaria arrive at the port of Las Palmas. You can also take ferries to Gran Canaria from many of the other Canary Islands.

By Plane: Gran Canaria International Airport is the island’s airport. There are direct flights from many European countries, but no direct flights from the United States. To reach Gran Canaria from the United States, you will need to change planes at an airport such as Madrid.

Gran Canaria FAQ

Why does gran canaria have the nickname continent in miniature.

Gran Canaria is called a continent in miniature because it has a diverse landscape, with a variety of microclimates. The island is home to beaches, mountains, forests, and deserts. This diversity is due to the island’s volcanic origins. Gran Canaria’s diverse landscape is one of the things that makes it such a popular tourist destination.

When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has a mild climate year round, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer and winter are peak travel. I visited in September and the weather was gorgeous and plenty warm enough to jump in the ocean to snorkel.

Are there any festivals or events that I should be aware of when planning my trip?

The Canary Islands host various festivals and events throughout the year, including Carnival, Fiesta de la Rama, and the Festival of the Pines.

Recommended Travel Resources

* World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads or any other travel insurance company. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.  

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads *.
• Transport: CheapOAir and Skyscanner (Best Sites to Research Flight Prices) 
• Best Car Rental Deals: Rentalcars.com
• Best Sites to Find Hotel Deals: Hotels.com and Booking.com
• My Favorite Hotel Review Website: TripAdvisor
• Best Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide

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Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico.

Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe.

Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and women’s adventure experiences.

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SPONSORED ARTICLE

Sponsored | what to do in gran canaria – how to spend an entertaining five days on the island.

There's more to Gran Canaria than stunning sandy beaches - if you're wondering what to do in Gran Canaria we've teamed up with the tourist board to put together a fab five-day itinerary, covering the bustling capital, the wild north of the island, the volcanic south and of course the gorgeous beaches

SPONSORED | What to do in Gran Canaria - how to spend an entertaining five days on the island

Gran Canaria has long been an obvious choice for sun, sea and sand. As one of the main Canary Islands, with golden sandy beaches and gentle breezes, it’s a safe bet for a brilliant beach holiday.

But there’s so much more to the island than the popular resorts of Playa del Inglés or Puerto Rico on the south of the island. On the island you’ll find everything you’d expect to find across a whole continent – mountains, forests, towns, volcanoes and sand dunes, as well as Europe’s only coffee plantation, 60-plus wineries and the perfect night sky for stargazing.

Follow our five-day itinerary covering what to do in Gran Canaria and you’ll not only bag some brilliant beach time, but you’ll discover a cultural identity that combines European, American and African influences with a diverse landscape. There’s everything from lush green hills covered with pine trees around Tamadaba, to the UNESCO volcanic Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga stacks of rocks and epic sand dunes on the Atlantic shore at the Maspalomas Special Natural Reserve.

Why visit Gran Canaria?

A round drop of an island in the Atlantic Ocean, Gran Canaria is just off the south-western coast of Morocco and has a whopping 120 beaches. With a year-round average temperature of 24º it’s a shoo-in for some decent sunshine at any time of the year. Unlike some of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has plenty of white sandy beaches – as well as a few volcanic sand beaches on the north of the island.

The south of the island is where you’ll find sheltered, shallow golden beaches – rising in the middle of the island, dramatic Caldera de Tejeda (Tejeda crater) with Gran Canaria’s highest point, Pico de las Nieves at 1,949m, provides a natural windbreaker to the north-east trade winds.

Some beaches across the north and west of the island are secluded, and boast excellent fresh seafood restaurants tucked away in little harbours. Some beaches here are also great for surfing, especially La Cicer at Las Canteras beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

How to get around?

Gran Canaria’s airport is approximately four hours 30 minutes from the UK, and there are direct connections from 17 UK airports.

To properly explore the island it’s best to hire a car, and there are loads of car hire companies at the airport. Four stretches of motorway run from the north to the south of the island along the east coast, and well signposted single carriageway roads crisscross the island, with safety barriers on the bends. Drive on the right, don’t speed or use your mobile at the wheel and you’ll steer clear of any on-the-spot fines.

The great thing about Gran Canaria is its size – nowhere is much more than a 45 minute drive from elsewhere, so while it may seem like there’s a lot to fit into five days, getting around won’t take long.

What to do in Gran Canaria – our five-day itinerary

Gran Canaria may only be around 50km in diameter, but due to the amazing variety of landscapes, from the beaches to the mountains, there’s a lot going on and we’re going to see the best of it.

Aim to land in Gran Canaria late morning and drive 15 minutes up the coastal motorway to the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the biggest city in the Canaries.

Check into the Santa Catalina, A Royal Hideaway Hotel by Barceló, a grand dame of a five-star hotel that opened in 1890 and was recently totally renovated. It’s located within the old botanical garden, by the marina, between the Old Quarter and Las Canteras beach. This fine hotel is elegant and welcoming, and has a beautiful pool and spa plus a fantastic rooftop bar.

Wander the cobbled streets of charming Vegueta old town, with its historical buildings that has been standing for five centuries and stop for a healthy lunch and coffee before heading to the 4km golden sand beach of Las Canteras. Stroll along the beautiful promenade and dip your toes in the shallow sea that’s protected by a reef.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has several great food markets and Mercado del Puerto, at the northern end of Las Canteras beach, is a firm favourite for grazing your way through tapas and fresh produce in a beautiful wrought-iron building dating from 1891. Don’t miss the local speciality, papas arrugadas - wrinkled small potatoes, typically served with a chilli pepper garlic sauce, known as Mojo.

Day two and three

We’re heading out to discover the north of the island today. Take the motorway east and stop at the pretty little villages of Arucas, with its black-stone church and rum distillery, Firgas, with its quaint pedestrianised centre, and/or Gáldar, with its prehistoric rock paintings, before arriving at Agaete, on the north-west corner of the island.

The harbour and narrow streets of the Puerto de Las Nieves area are lined with restaurants, craft shops and galleries, so there’s plenty of choice for lunch, but the main highlight is Agaete’s natural saltwater pools built into the rocks. Backed with a lush green pine forest, the three pools are a proper hidden treat, and is just one set of totally unexpected volcanic pools on the north of the island of Gran Canaria.

Agaete is also home to Europe’s only coffee plantation, Finca La Laja in the San Pedro valley. With Gran Canaria’s mild climate and fertile lava soils, conditions are ideal for growing coffee beans. The Finca is open daily for tours.

From here, drive up into the mountains and Tejeda region, at the summit of Gran Canaria, where it’s very easy to spend a couple of days in this beautiful part of the island.

Explore Risco Caído, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers a large rich, biodiverse landscape full of surreal volcanic ravines and rock formations, as well as some ancient troglodyte settlements, including two sacred temples.

Also spend time walking through the Casa Forestal de Pajonales, admiring the strange towering rock formations at Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga (walks from 30 minutes to six hours are signposted around the rocks) and investigating the rich archaeological heritage around Tejeda. If you can squeeze it in, head into the Tamadaba National Park, the island’s oldest and biggest forest with incredible views over the cliffs towards the Atlantic.

We recommend staying at the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda, a hotel located at 1,500m above sea level, with a spa and swimming pool that’s set on a hillside with far-reaching views over the pine woods to the ocean. Double rooms start from a very reasonable €105 a night and this privileged spot in the centre of the island is just the place for some spectacular stargazing.

Before leaving the Tejeda region, it’s also worth visiting the Abraham Cárdenes Sculpture Museum, an influential sculptor from Gran Canaria whose work reflects his homeland.

Days four and five

It’s now time to chill out in beach-front luxury in the south of the island. Head to the southern point for the Maspalomas and Meloneras resorts. Found by the huge sand dunes and with a beautiful 2km-long oceanfront promenade of bars, restaurants, boutiques, there’s a great selection of stylish luxury hotels. Or the sheltered Playa de Amadores is along the southwestern coast, with fantastic hotels offering direct ocean views from the clifftop, and a lift down to the promenade and beach.

For somewhere less obvious, Playa de Güigüí, on the western coast, can only be reached by boat or a two to three hour hike from Tasartico.

While on the south of the island, don’t miss eating at La Aquarela in Patalavaca, one of the island’s three Michelin-starred restaurants, and visit the picturesque fishing village and beach of Puerto Mogán, known locally as Little Venice. Our accommodation pick here is the Hotel Cordial Mogán Playa, which is set among its own botanic garden with over 450 different plant species. It’s a beautiful spot for a relaxed stay in the sun.

When you’ve had your fill of what to do in Gran Canaria and are ready to tear yourself away, it’s approximately a 30 minutes drive to the airport from the south of the island.

THE DETAILS

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Visit the Gran Canaria Tourist Board website

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15 Best Things To Do in Gran Canaria, Spain

Are you planning to travel to Gran Canaria , Spain soon ?  Read our tips below on the things to do in Gran Canaria with suggested tours!

Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, off northwestern Africa. Las Palmas or popularly known as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital city. It’s popular for its black lava and white sand beaches. But what other places can we explore in Gran Canaria? What other adventures can we do? In this article, we’ll let you know all the things that you could possibly do while enjoying your stay on this wonderful island. 

Other articles you can read:

• Weekend in Gran Canaria, Spain: How to Spend 3 Days in Gran Canaria, Spain
• 10 Things to Do in Zaragoza, Spain [Plus a Sample Weekend Trip DIY Itinerary]
• 15 Best Things To Do in South Tenerife, Spain
• 7 Awesome Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
• 7 Most Visited Spots in Barcelona, Spain

Table of Contents

15 Things that you should do and visit in Gran Canaria, Spain

1. cueva pintada museum and archaeological park.

If you love seeing artifacts and unique architecture from the past, then you shouldn’t miss this one. Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park were discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century. It’s a cave with geometric shapes. The main highlight is the cave itself, which would be fully explained during the tour. Enjoy!

2. Cathedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro

This cathedral was begun in the early 15th century but took 350 years to complete. It is located in the large colonial palace and has a lot of paintings, small statues and other artifacts related to the Spanish Catholic Religion. If you’re interested to know the past of the Catholic Church, then you should visit this one. 

3. Climb the Pico de Las Nieves

A paradise for Hikers! It is the highest peak of the Gran Canaria Canary Islands, Spain. It stands 1,949 meters above sea level. But don’t underestimate this one, it is the toughest and worldwide known test for which many specialists say is the hardest pass in Europe. If you like the challenge and adventure, then Pico de Las Nieves is the best place for you. 

Suggested Tour:  Gran Canaria VIP Round Island Coastal Tour

4. Roque Nublo 

Roque Nublo is a volcanic rock on top of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. If you love seeing unique and gorgeous views while climbing a mountain, Roque Nublo is the best one to go to. Not only you will see the beautiful Gran Canaria, but you would also see giants stones on top, which makes this hike unique and fantastic. Challenging walk but it’s surely worth it. 

Suggested Tour:  Cave Town, Teror, Roque Nublo, and Fataga Tour

5. Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas

A breathtaking view of sand dunes will welcome you when you visit Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas. It is located on the south coast of the island of Gran Canaria. It is advisable to visit the dunes at night since the heat of the sun and the sand might burn your skin. If you wish to see the sunset, it is not impossible, because, at the top of the highest dunes, you’ll be able to see the sun disappears behind the mountains.

You can enjoy several days in Maspalomas by renting one of the villas in Gran Canaria from a specialised portal.

Suggested Tour:  Maspalomas: 1-Day City Bike Rental and Self-Guided Tour

6. Playa de Las Canteras 

If you’re not into mountains, then worry no more, Gran Canaria got your back. Playa de Las Canteras is a beach popular for snorkeling. It has clear water that’s perfect for swimming. It also has restaurants around the beach in which you can totally relax while having a blast in this beautiful place.

7. Playa de Mogan

It is a small beach with lots of restaurants and bars around it. If you want to go shopping while taking your time at the beach, this is recommended for you, as Playa de Mogan also has shops in the area. If you don’t like shopping, then you can try water activities too, like, scuba diving and any other water sports. Perfect for your beach getaway!

8. El Bufadero de La Garita

A lot of Canarians say that this is the island’s breathing. It’s a marvelous rock formation that has been formed by the power of the ocean. It looks really stunning when the water comes filling up through and out of the hole. Here, you can see the impressive power of the ocean. But be careful and remember to not come too close as it can be very dangerous. 

9. Cocodrilo Park Gran Canaria

It is the only animal rescue center in the Canaries. Crocodile Park is home to many animals brought by people. It is called ‘Crocodile Park’ but you will not only see crocodiles, but they also have other animals like tigers, monkeys, birds, horses, pigs and many more! You would also enjoy the shows that they have here. A must place to visit!

Suggested Tour: Agüimes Cocodrilo Park Admission Ticket

10. Palmitos Park

Palmitos Park is a botanical zoo-themed park located 10 km from the Faro de Maspalomas. It is a beautiful park that is perfect for your quick getaway. The park itself is very well covered with trees and plant life and waterfall runs down through the park adding a refreshing cool breeze. You could also enjoy watching animal shows inside like the dolphin show. Definitely worth your visit!

Suggested Tour:  Admission Tickets for Palmitos Park

11. Roque Bentayga

It is one of the most unique geological formations of the island of Gran Canaria. It is located within the volcanic caldera of Tejeda. You can go there by hiring a car to go up the hill. And while you’re there, you’d definitely enjoy the view!

Suggested Tour:  5-Hour Roque Nublo & Peaks Guided Walk

12. Barranco de Guayadeque

Barranco de Guayadeque or “Guayadeque Ravine” in English is one of the largest ravines on the archipelago. See magnificent views and visit stunning cave houses in this place. Not only that, there are also restaurants or bars in some of the caves, and you can also go to a museum. 

13. Jardin Botanico Viera & Clavijo

The Botanical Garden Viera y Clavijo is located in the northeast of Gran Canaria. This beautiful garden is approximately 27 hectares with at least 500 plant species. The gorgeous views and colorful flowers make this garden more beautiful. Have a relaxing day, go and visit Botanical Garden Viera y Clavijo!

Suggested Tour:  Bandama Caldera, Botanic Garden and Old Town from Las Palmas

14. Mirador de Puerto de Mogan

By visiting Mirador de Puerto de Mogan, you will have to experience a lot of steps to climb to reach the top, but definitely worth it. As you reach the top, a stunning view awaits you. Recommended to try in the morning for an early morning exercise.

15. Playa de Amadores

A white-sand beach in Gran Canaria with plenty of restaurants nearby that is popular for swimming and sunbathing. If you’re the type who prefers the beach more than the mountains, you should never miss this one out. 

These are the possible things you can do in Gran Canaria, Spain. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Gran Canaria .

How to go to Gran Canaria, Spain from the UK

Via Ryanair: (one way)

*From London Stansted to Gran Canaria Airport

Ticket Price: £37.53

Via Easyjet: (one way)

*From London Gatwick to Gran Canaria Airport

Ticket Price: £138.27

* Prices are subject to change. You can visit Skyscanner for more details about the ticket prices.

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Best Things to do in Gran Canaria

Updated: February 14, 2023

Spain , Europe

written by: Steph Kloeckener

Gran Canaria is an island full of amazing places & these are the very best things to do in Gran Canaria. Everything from adventurous activities like diving and canyoning to museum visits. There are the must-do's!

Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands and a part of Spain. And while most people plan vacations there because they want a resort holiday, the island offers much more. There are many amazing things to do in Gran Canaria, and if you do not leave the resort, you will miss out on amazing adventures.

Therefore, I can only encourage you to spend only a part of your holiday at a resort and to venture out. It is more than worth it to explore the island’s attractions and to see as much as possible. Do yourself a favor and do not miss out on all these fantastic activities in Gran Canaria. They take your vacation to the next level and you get to see areas that many tourists never venture to.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.

This post about the attractions and things to do in Gran Canaria is based on a press trip.

Table of Contents

Adventurous Things to do in Gran Canaria

1. hike to roque nublo.

There are hikes you like and then there are hikes you love so much that you do them twice in two weeks. The hike to Roque Nublo falls in the second category and it definitely is one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria. This 67 meters tall volcanic rock is on a plateau and its top is the third highest point on the island.

With a length of less than 2 km, the hike there is rather short, but there are some parts where you have to watch where you step. Therefore, stable footwear is a must.

I first hiked there during the day and then again two weeks later so I could watch the sunset from the endpoint of the hike. And let me tell you, that watching the sunset here is one of the most amazing things to do in Gran Canaria. After all, it might just be the greatest sunset spot.

2. Go scuba diving: explore the underwater world

It might surprise you, but Gran Canaria is a real paradise for scuba divers. It offers divers the chance to see diverse marine life, swim-throughs, caves, wrecks, and even an artificial reef. Therefore, diving in Gran Canaria is one of the adventurous things to do in Gran Canaria that you should include in your itinerary even if you only have the time for a single dive or a double dive.

The diving there is fantastic and if you are a certified diver you do not want to miss out on a good time. If you have no experience, you can book a discover scuba dive.

Some of the most fantastic dive sites are Pasito Artificial, Pasito Blanco, Le Catedral, and of course the El Cabrón Marine Reserve. There are several wrecks as well, so you are bound to find a dive site that is exactly what you are looking for.

Do a Discover Scuba Dive

Learn to Scuba Dive (3-Day Course)

3. Snorkel at El Cabrón

If you love the underwater world but are not a certified diver, you should rent some snorkeling gear and explore the El Cabrón Marine Reserve. While you will not get to see everything that scuba divers can explore, snorkeling here still allows you to see the vibrant underwater world.

In the Marine Reserve you can potentially see more than 400 marine species and even merely exploring the shallow parts is so much more amazing than any aquarium visit will ever be. Snorkeling here is a must-do in Gran Canaria and is suitable for all ages.

Sardina del Norte and Las Canteras Beach are further nice snorkeling spots.

Don’t have snorkeling gear? Book a snorkeling excursion!

• Book a Snorkeling excursion in the city
• Go snorkeling in the south

4. Kayaking, SUPing, surfing, and windsurfing

If you want to explore the coastal area, you can rent a kayak or go on a kayak adventure. While most popular in the south, you can also rent a kayak or SUP in other places around the island.

Other popular watersports are windsurfing and surfing. If you are just learning to surf, the south is ideal, but if you are an experienced surfer, you will love the higher waves of the north.

There are all kinds of watersports courses, so you can easily use your vacation to pick up a new hobby.

• Kayaking Excursion
• Surfing Lessons

5. Go hiking

There are amazing hiking trails, including the Canarian Camino de Santiago. Due to the terrain ascents and descents are close to unavoidable, and good hiking shoes are a must.

I only got to do some shorter hikes but loved every single one. At times, I did find myself wondering where the path continues, so I recommend using a hiking map. I always managed to find my way up or down, but there was one hike where I spent around 5 minutes trying to figure out how the hike starts. It turned out, that the hike starts with climbing up a short rock wall.

There were also times when I had no idea how to get to the starting point of some of the hiking routes I saw as they were in the middle of nowhere. So always do your research on the hike you want to do and bring enough water and some snacks.

If you love hiking, you might want to plan your vacation during the annual Walking Festival.

6. Take in the view from Pico de las Nieves (Viewpoint)

Pico de las Nieves might or might not be the highest point that you can visit*, but it is one of the must-see attractions. After all, it offers a stunning view that requires no hiking or climbing as you can drive all the way to the viewpoint.

While best on a sunny day without clouds, you can still get a nice view when it is cloudy. You just have to wait a while until the low-hanging clouds pass, so you can spot Roque Bentayga and more in the distance. I visited Pico de las Nieves on a cloudy day and had a nice breakfast to go while waiting for the perfect view.

If you are up for a little adventure and some scrambling, you can visit the Ventana de Morro and Roque Señor Champiñon just below the viewpoint. The way there starts around 100 meters before the parking area and at times it can be hard to know where you have to go, but if you are used to hiking with some obstacles, you will be fine. Keep going left until you see the individual formations and always watch your step.

* Note : The highest point is Morro de la Agujereada , which is on the same ridge as Pico de las Nieves.

7. Go whale watching

The ways to explore the underwater world are not limited to snorkeling and scuba diving. If you love the ocean, whales, and dolphins, going on a whale and dolphin safari is a must-do in Gran Canaria. During the 2 to 3 hours long cruise, you will likely see dolphins and whales. And on some days you also get to go for a swim in a bay close to Puerto Rico.

I previously went on a whale watching cruise in Sydney, but this whale-watching cruise felt like a new experience. During the cruise, we got to see a large pod of dolphins and pilot whales. It was an incredible experience that makes me consider whale watching a must-do activity.

Book a ‘Spirit of the Sea’ Whale Watching Cruise

8. See volcanic calderas

Thanks to its volcanic origin, there are calderas that hint at the islands’ explosive past. If you love natural sights, visiting at least one of them is one of the most adventurous activities.

The most popular one is the Bandama Caldera, which is especially stunning when the landscape is green. The caldera is a leftover of the volcano’s last eruption that caused the surface layer to collapse and is now home to several vineyards that use the earth of the crater. It is possible to hike around the crater, but if this rather challenging hike is not for you, you can see it from the Pico de Bandama viewpoint.

The Caldera de Los Marteles is another crater that you can visit. While it is a lot smaller, it is a nice place to visit as the weather here is quite interesting. The upwards drifting wind that goes up the terrain causes a ‘Foehn effect’ and clouds can suddenly appear even on the sunniest days.

9. Swim in natural pools

If you love swimming in natural pools, then Gran Canaria is your ideal destination. After all, there is a plethora of them in the northern part of the island. Some of my favorite ones are the Agaete Piscina Natural, Piscinas de Punta de Gáldar and the Piscina Norte de Gáldar. Jump into the refreshing, salty pools to go for a swim or head there to watch the sunset with a picturesque reflection on the water.

Keep in mind, that there might be crabs in the pools, so watch your step. And know that the ocean’s waves might just slam some of them against the rocks if you visit the pools on a windy day. So only swim there on windy days if you can handle getting up close with a dead crab. They might just get close enough to you to qualify as your new best friend.

10. Explore Tamadaba Natural Park

Located in the northwest of the island, Tamadaba Natural Park is one of the most rugged areas. Covering the area between La Aldea de San Nicolás and Guayedra Beach near Agate, it is vast and has a rich biodiversity. In fact, it is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

More than 14 million years ago, the landscape of Tamadaba was created by a volcano, and today you get to explore vast Canary pine tree forests and the impressive steep cliffs that tower at the coast.

It is an ideal hiking location, but if you are not up for more hiking adventures, you can also drive to the Mirador del Balcon. A viewpoint that grants you a stunning view of a cliff formation known as the ‘ Dragon’s Tail’ .

I only had the chance to see a very small part of it this natural park, but based on what I saw, exploring more of it there is on my ‘things to do in Gran Canaria’ list for my next vacation.

11. Go canyoning

There are a lot of ravines of different kinds, so it should not surprise that one of the main adventurous things to do in Gran Canaria is canyoning. As it requires rappelling and therefore gear, it is a good idea to book a canyoning excursion.

Different ravines have different difficulty levels, so book a climbing adventure that suits your wishes and level of fitness. Alternatively, you can also go dry-canyoning, climb a Vía Ferrata or do traditional climbing. Climbo offers a large variety of climbing tours and even courses.

• Canyoning Tour
• Rock Climbing Tour
• Coasteering Tour
• Via Ferrata Tours

12. Wander through the Maspalomas Sand Dunes

I love exploring sand dunes and throughout my adventures, I have been fortunate enough to visit a variety of them all over the world including those near Lancelin in Western Australia. But even after having seen several of them, the Maspalomas Sand Dunes took my breath away.

The golden sand is a truly incredible sight and it is obvious why they are one of the main attractions. If you want to spend a while walking over the dunes, I recommend going there in the morning, as the sand heats up in the mid-day sun.

They are also an amazing place to watch the sunset. Be sure to go there early, as you will still have to walk through the dunes to get to the best spots. The best access is near the Rio Palace Maspalomas. It took us quite a while to get there, as all paths that exist according to Google Maps were blocked by construction works.

If you want to go on sand buggy rides, Fuerteventura is where you want to go, as those near Maspalomas are a protected natural area.

13. Chase waterfalls

At this point, you will already know that there are many amazing things to do in Gran Canaria outside of the popular resorts, so it should come as no surprise, that this Canary Island also offers stunning waterfalls. While you can only see many of them at their best if you visit Gran Canaria between October and February and some of them not at all if you are there during the late summer months, you should definitely add chasing waterfalls to your itinerary.

They are located in the many gorges and you have to hike a while to reach them, but the way there is well worth it even if you are not a fan of hiking. As my trip there was in September, I was sadly out of luck, but I saw the location of one dry waterfall. And let me tell you that it still looked impressive. Therefore, I look forward to a return trip in the colder months.

14. Go on a road trip

At first glance, Gran Canaria might look small, but once you arrive there, you are bound to realize that the distances are a lot bigger than you would expect them to be. This is especially the case if you want to explore the more rugged interior of this phenomenal island. Due to this, and also thanks to the natural beauty, Gran Canaria is ideal for road trips . In fact, going on a road trip is one of the top activities.

Hereby, you can do one-day loop road trips that allow you to extensively explore one part of the island, or you can plan a road trip over several days whereby you spend the night in different hotels. Both are amazing options and allow you to see some of the hidden gems of Gran Canaria .

As you explore the mountainous areas and drive along scenic roads like the GC-50, GC-60, and GC-200, you will encounter breathtaking views left and right. And while it might seem tempting to stop for every single amazing view, I can only urge you to stay safe while doing so.

Please only park your car you can pull over in a safe location. You might not be able to capture a great view, but I promise that the next stunning sight is just around the corner.

More amazing things to do in Gran Canaria

15. tour europe’s only coffee plantations.

Few people know it, but Gran Canaria is the home of Europe’s only coffee plantation. Therefore, touring one of the three plantations that offer tours is a wonderful and rather unique opportunity to learn more about how coffee is made and also about other tropical fruits that grow on the Canary islands. It is one of the more unique activities to do during your vacation.

A coffee plantation tour in Valle de Agaete usually also includes a taste tasting of some of the products that grow on the plantations. If you choose to visit the Cafe Platinium Plantation, you get to try the coffee and even learn how to roast coffee by hand. A truly unique experience that is well worth the visit.

And thanks to the fact that this plantation grows more than just coffee, the taste tasting is also a fantastic activity for those that do not drink coffee. After all, you also get to try some biscuits, marmalade, and even liquor. Try not to be the designated driver, or you will miss out on some great liquors as I did!

16. Explore Agaete & Puerto de las Nieves

Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves overlap, so you can easily visit them at the same time. Puerto de las Nieves is a charming fishing village with white and blue buildings and the historic Ermita de las Nieves church. Be sure to check out the old crane on the pier and see younger people use it as a jumping platform. There are plenty of restaurants right at the beach, so grab a bite before exploring Agaete.

The historic center of Agaete has some beautiful buildings too, and the vast majority of them are white. I was more than pleasantly surprised by what Agaete has to offer and am incredibly glad that I found the time to add it to my itinerary. I think that the village is especially beautiful during the golden hour as the fading sunlight casts the buildings in amazing soft colors and gives them a dream-like appearance.

Explore the botanical garden ”Huerto de Las Flores’ while there and be sure to check out the small park hidden behind the Rama museum.

17. Take in the view from Cruz de Tejeda

Gran Canaria is full of astonishing viewpoints , but the most famous one is likely Mirador Cruz de Tejeda. Located in the center of Gran Canaria, a visit can easily be combined with Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves. The mirador is at the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda hotel, which happens to have a pool that offers the same view.

Walk through the hotel’s entry arch and then down the walkway on the left to reach the area with arches and the terrace viewpoint of the hotel. Get a slice of cake or a cup of coffee, and enjoy the stunning view of Roque Bentayga, and the surrounding area.

Tip: The view from Mirador Degollada de Becerra is quite similar and a great alternative if you want to take photos that include your rental car.

18. Visit archeological sites

Gran Canaria’s history started long before Europeans colonized the island and if you want to learn more about the island’s long history, you should visit some of the archeological sites. Some of the most impressive ones are the Caves of Valeron and Cueva Pintada (the Painted Cave). Check the opening times of the archeological sites before you head there or you risk standing in front of closed gates which might force you to miss out on this attraction in Gran Canaria.

19. See rainbow rocks

Many of the amazing things to do in Gran Canaria are related to the island’s natural wonders, and the Rainbow Rocks (Los Azulejos De Veneguera) are no different. These colorful rocks are rather remote, so you need a car to get there, but it is well worth it.

The orange, yellow and green parts of this wide ravine received their colors when magma escaped nearby vents and met a moist environment. This in turn altered the mineral composition of the surrounding rocks and caused the colors to change. What is visible today once used to be inside the Tejeda volcano and only became visible as the volcano eroded.

20. Stroll through Firgas

With its fountain and tile art, Firgas is one of the most beautiful towns in Gran Canaria . Visiting Firgas is a must if you love exploring picturesque areas and if you want to see where most of the island’s bottled water comes from.

Check out the tiles that show you images of the different municipalities of Gran Canaria at Paseo de Gran Canaria. You might just see a spot that you will want to add to your itinerary. After that, you can take a look at the tile art that depicts the seven Canary islands at Paseo de Islas Canaria.

Take your time to take some photos of all Firgas has to offer and enjoy the charming town before heading towards the next amazing location.

21. Attend a regional festival

Gran Canaria has a lot of regional festivals, and attending one of them is a great way to learn more about the Canarian culture and customs. I more or less stumbled upon ‘El Pino ‘ in Teror and can only say that it was nice to experience the town during the festival. Seeing the decorative offerings on the houses and getting to stroll over the large market was an unexpected bonus.

The only downside to visiting festivals is that some businesses and supermarkets are closed during festivals. Some of them even for several days if it is a bigger festival. So be sure to buy everything you need for the next several days in advance.

El Pino in Teror is in September and Agaete’s La Rama takes place in early August. There are many other bigger festivals, but the smaller festivals are also worth a visit. the km 0 festivals that happen in different places celebrate the regional agriculture and the short transport ways. And the accompanying markets are a great place to buy groceries.

22. Explore Puerto de Mogán

With its white houses with colorful details and bougainvillea flowers, Puerto de Mogán is what some might call “a very instagrammable location”. This fishing village, which is also known as ‘Little Venice’, is delightful and the perfect place to spend the morning or afternoon.

Stroll through the streets and take in the atmosphere, before eating at one of the many restaurants right at the harbor. Look into the clear water to spot fish chasing each other around the ships and relax at the beach.

Puerto de Mogán is also where the touristic Yellow Submarine departs, so book a submarine ride if you want to explore the local underwater world and intentionally sunken wrecks without having to enter the water yourself. As a scuba diver that did some dives in the area, I can promise you, that you will see interesting structures and plenty of marine life during the submarine ride, even if it was not on my personal list of things to do in Gran Canaria.

Go on a Sail Boat Excursion

Book a Day Trip to this beautiful village

Relaxing Activities in Gran Canaria

23. enjoy the amazing canarian food.

The Canary Islands have an amazing variety of Canarian food, so be sure to try local dishes and specialties like ‘chorizo’ sausages in Teror. The regional cuisine has a lot of fish dishes that I cannot write about as I much prefer to see the fish while diving, but I can tell you that ‘papas arrugadas con mojo’ is amazing. Eating the salty potatoes with one of the mojos is one of the things you have to do in Gran Canaria.

If you want to eat a Canarian dish with chicken you are out of luck, as there is only one Canarian chicken dish. And I have yet to find a restaurant that serves it. So you will not be eating chicken while enjoying the local cuisine. That is unless you decide to hunt down your own food. If you for some reason feel inclined to do so: there are a lot of free-roaming chickens near the parking lot in Cruz de Tejeda. Tho I do suspect that the chicken would win the hunt, as it is a downhill area.

Tip: If you love the mojos, you should know that most souvenir shops sell small mojo cookbooks. I did and cannot wait to make all the delicious mojos at home.

24. Relax at amazing beaches

There is no denying that Gran Canaria has some amazing beaches and that no trio there would be complete without a few hours at a beach. There is everything from dreamy sand beaches to pebble beaches with great tidal pools, so check out a few of them. So be sure to add a trip to one of the beaches to your list of things to do in Gran Canaria.

My favorite beaches are Playa de Guayedra and Playa de La Aldea.

25. Visit a spa or thalasso

While I love all the adventurous things to do in Gran Canaria, it is also important to relax on vacation. And there is no better way than to head to a spa or thalasso. Especially, if you have spent the last several days exploring the great outdoors.

I had the chance to visit the spa and thalasso of the Gloria Palace Amadores hotel and loved the chance to relax for a few hours. And right after relaxing there, I headed to a nearby harbor for another diving trip – my favorite form of relaxation.

26. Enjoy the local life in Ingenio or Agüimes

If you want to know what life on this volcanic archipelago is like, you should actually experience it. So rent a vacation home in a less touristic town like Ingenio or Agüimes and live like a local. Shop at the supermarket or weekend market, and cook your own food – try to make some Canarian dishes yourself!

I spent a week in Ingenio and loved it. Being there for a while and living in a normal home allowed me to see a different side of the island, and I would not have wanted to miss it. Enjoying a ‘regular’ life is a wonderful thing to do in Gran Canaria if you want a deeper understanding of what living there is actually like, and I can only recommend it to you.

The area is incredibly picturesque and home to some stunning locations including the Guayadeque Ravine and Barranco de las Vacas .

Things to do in the capital city Las Palmas

27. explore the old town – vegueta.

If you love architecture and history, exploring the old city district of Las Palmas is an amazing thing to do in Gran Canaria. As the original settlement of Las Palmas, this area is full of historic buildings with imposing architectural features. It is amazing to spend an afternoon strolling through the streets so you can take in the atmosphere and learn more about the history of what you are seeing.

My favorite locations in Vegueta are Plaza del Espíritu Santo, Plaza de Santa Domingo, and Plaza de Santa Ana with its Los Perros statues and the amazing view of the Santa Ana cathedral.

Vegueta Old Town Walking Tour

28. Learn about the Canaries and their connection to the Americas – Casa de Colón

Casa de Colón used to be the residence of the first governors and according to some sources it is also the place where Columbus stayed for a while. Today, it houses exhibitions and a library. The exhibitions focus on the voyages of Columbus, the post-colonization history of the Canary Islands, and how they are historically connected to the Americas. Going here is a great thing to do in Gran Canaria if you want to learn more about the more recent history.

With its beautiful 18th-century facade, it is also worth a visit even if you do not have the time to visit the exhibitions.

29. Learn about the pre-colonial history – Museo Canario

Visiting the Museo Canario is a must-do attraction in Gran Canaria if you want to learn more about the pre-colonial history of the island. It houses the archeological collection and you can see many prehistoric artifacts if you visit the museum.

The permanent exhibitions focus on the Aboriginal population that called the island their home before the Castilians colonized it. The exhibitions are a great way to learn more about pre-colonial customs, traditions, and the life and death of those that originally lived there.

30. See Las Palmas from above – Catedral Rooftop

Gran Canaria has many amazing viewpoints, and even Las Palmas itself has several ‘ miradors ‘ that have a fantastic views. However, it is the rooftop of the Catedral de Santa Ana that has the most amazing view of the historic center ‘Vegueta’. Take the elevator up to the rooftop and enjoy the view before walking up the stairs in one of the two bell towers to reach a second viewing platform.

Where to stay in Gran Canaria

While there are many great hotels in Gran Canaria , the following accommodations are my favorite ones. They are located all over the island, so you can choose one or more based on your choice of activities.

Agaete: Occidental Roca Negra

Maspalomas: Kumara Serenoa by Lopesan Hotels

Las Palmas: Boutique Hotel Cordial La Peregrina or Sweet Stays

Puerto Rico: Gloria Palace Amadores Thalasso & Hotel

Ingenio: Lala’s House, Ingenio – the best place to stay if you want to know what it is actually like to live there

Planning a trip?

Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my own adventures.

Roundup: The Best Things to do in Gran Canaria

There are so many amazing attractions that it can be hard to decide what you should and should not add to your trip itinerary and maybe you will even realize that you should plan two vacations instead of one as different seasons are better for different activities.

At least that was the case for me. Even while only looking at all the adventurous things to do in Gran Canaria I found myself deciding to return to the island that might as well be a continent because it has it all. If there is one thing I know, it is that I cannot wait to return.

More about Gran Canaria

If you are making plans for your vacation, you might also want to check out these: 1 Week Itinerary Barranco de las Vacas Gran Canaria Travel Budget

Which of these things to do in Gran Canaria would you love to do?

Let me know in the comments down below!

Planning to explore this volcanic wonderland? Pin it for later so you can use this list of Great Things to do in Gran Canaria!

Written based on a press trip organized in cooperation with the Gran Canaria Tourism Board .

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a solo traveling digital nomad, photographer, and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia & Mexico.

As an outdoor lover and culture enthusiast, I love writing about all forms of adventure travel ranging from outdoor activities like scuba diving and hiking to cultural experiences, alongside road trips and itineraries that combine these elements.

A Nomad's Passport is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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3 thoughts on “Best Things to do in Gran Canaria”

Wow, it sounds like Gran Canaria has a ton to do, especially outdoorsy activities. I would love to go hiking and snorkeling, and I would love to visit the coffee plantation! That’s so cool Gran Canaria is home to the only coffee plantation in Europe. Thanks for sharing!

It’s great to know that there are things to do here besides staying at resorts, because that’s not my idea of a fun trip! I love the sound of the natural pools and hitting up some hiking trails.

Wow that’s so cool that Gran Canaria has coffee plantations! Would love to tackle one of the beautiful hikes you listed!

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What To See

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Places to see in Gran Canaria

There is so much of interest to see in Gran Canaria that you will undoubtedly find you don't have sufficient time to visit all the places you’d like to. So to really see and appreciate what Gran Canaria has to offer, here’s a quick glance at the must-see of the island: 

The City of Las Palmas : Places to visit: Vegueta  - Triana  - Ciudad Jardín  - Santa Catalina  - Playa de las Canteras  - La Isleta  

Gran Canaria's North: When exploring the north of the island - and you want to make the most of it – there are two specific and different areas, the inland and the coast.

Inland Places to visit: Arucas  – Firgas  – Moya  – Valleseco  – Teror  

Coast Places to visit: Santa María de Guía  – Gáldar  – Agaete  – Puerto de las Nieves  

East to South of Gran Canaria: Places to visit: Telde  – Valsequillo  – Ingenio  – Agüimes  – Barranco de Guayadeque  – Santa Lucía de Tirajana  – San Bartolomé de Tirajana  – Fataga  

South to West of Gran Canaria: Places to visit: Meloneras  - Maspalomas Dunes  – Playa del Inglés  – Pasito Blanco  – Arguineguín  – Puerto Rico  – Puerto Mogán  – Mogán  – San Nicolás de Tolentino  – Puerto de la Aldea  

The Centre of the Island: Places to visit: Tafira  – Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo  – Caldera de Bandama  – Santa Brígida  – Vega de San Mateo  – Pico de las Nieves  - Tejeda  –  Artenara

Top beaches of Gran Canaria: Beaches to visit: Playa de las Canteras  – Playa de las Alcaravaneras  – San Agustín  – Playa del Inglés  – Maspalomas  – Playa de Puerto Rico  – Playa de los Amadores  – Puerto Mogán  –  Playa Meloneras

Most people understand a tourist’s unfamiliarity with the terrain when navigating the island and you’ll find the majority of Canarian drivers friendly and courteous. Petrol stations are dotted throughout the island - but do fill up before leaving on a major excursion. Stay within the legal speed limits and remember that drinking alcohol and driving is an offence throughout Europe. Belt up, take it easy and enjoy the beauty of Gran Canaria.

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Crafts, culture and cuisine: 6 of the best markets in Gran Canaria

Head inland from the sand and sea to explore local markets and communities that showcase the best of Canarian culture.

With a wide variety of climates and landscapes, Gran Canaria's impressive geographical diversity has seen it become known as ‘a continent in miniature’. The third largest of the Canary Islands, it offers everything from pine forest-covered mountain peaks and verdant valleys to undulating sand dunes and chic city neighbourhoods. As a result, its shores attract not just sunseekers, but professional athletes looking to test their mettle on the rugged terrain, historians curious to learn about the island’s pre-Hispanic culture and gourmets seeking a slice of the exciting culinary scene.

Although part of Spain, the island is closer to the west coast of Africa and benefits from balmy year-round temperatures. Its unique microclimate allows for incredible agricultural variety — from avocados and pineapples to potatoes and coffee — and you’ll find local produce on most restaurant menus. But if you’re really looking to try — and buy — some of the best local cuisine and crafts, stop by one of the island’s markets for a true taste of Gran Canaria.

1. Vegueta crafts and culture market

Markets don’t come in much more storied spaces than this. Set in and around the Plaza del Pilar, behind the Santa Ana Cathedral and beside the Casa de Colón (Columbus Museum), this Sunday market is ideal for artisans. Expect everything from local handmade crafts such as woven baskets and leather goods, to cigars and artwork. If you’re here on a weekday, wander the alleyways towards the sea and you’ll also find the Mercado de Vegueta , built in 1856 and still serving the city with the freshest fruit and vegetables. Once you’ve stocked up, head down the road to CAAM , the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art. Offering welcome respite from the sun, the centre has permanent and visiting collections, so there’s always something new to see.

2. Villa de Moya open-air market

Venture up into the island’s northern reaches and you’ll find a number of traditional towns and villages, including the mountain municipality of Moya. To islanders, Moya is known for two main things: forests and biscuits. It’s no surprise then, that the Sunday morning market at the bus station serves up plenty of sweet treats, including the famous bizcocho de Moya — double-baked fingers of biscuit flavoured with lemon. You’ll also find suspiros (delicate swirls of meringue) and gofio — toasted flour that’s characteristic of the island and used in myriad dishes. But don’t just come for the confectionary. The nearby forest, Tilos de Moya , is one of the last remaining places to see native laurisilva trees that date back millions of years and is well worth a visit in its own right.

3. Valsequillo de Gran Canaria agricultural market

A charming historic town amid the island’s eastern peaks, Valsequillo is famous for its bountiful harvests. Thanks to the region’s varied altitude, farmers here can cultivate everything from strawberries to livestock, and from bees to almonds. The Sunday morning market, just minutes from the historic centre of town, is one of the best places to sample this produce. Highlights include queso tierno (fresh soft cheese) and crumbly curado (cured) cheeses, made using goat’s and sheep’s milk and best sampled alongside the region’s much sought-after honey. Visit in April or May to experience Valsequillo’s famous strawberry festival, where over a tonne of strawberries are available to taste in a variety of forms.

4. Vega de San Mateo agriculture and handicraft market

One of the largest regular markets on the islands, Mercado de la Vega de San Mateo is extremely popular with tourists and locals alike. It's made up of two adjacent warehouses, one housing food and produce, the other crafts and clothing. On the agricultural side, visitors can spend the weekend shopping for plants and flowers (including the majestic birds of paradise) and sampling pastries such as truchas de batata (sweet potato pasties) and pan de huevo (light sweet bread often infused with aniseed). Sunday mornings tend to be busiest, as this is when the crafts market is also open, with stalls offering everything from clothing and jewellery to skincare products made using local aloe vera.

5. Villa de Santa Brigida agricultural and craft market

In stark contrast to the arid south of the island, the region of Santa Brigida in the north east is lusciously verdant. The weekend market here enjoys a more rustic atmosphere than others on the island, with locally produced wines, beers, jams, cheese and flowers filling the stalls. Canarian wine dates back centuries — even Shakespeare makes reference to it in Twelfth Night — and there are some standout wines being cultivated on the island. For a taste of some local tipples, head to Casa del Vino just by the market or consider planning an itinerary using the new Ruta del Vino (wine route). Look out for wines made with Malvasía, Negramoll and Listán grapes, among others.

6. Artenara agricultural market

Head up the winding mountain road to Gran Canaria’s highest village, Artenara , where striking volcanic landscapes provide the backdrop to a bustling market at the central Plaza de San Matías. Taking place every Saturday, this is the perfect place to bag a bargain on plants, seeds and fresh fruit. Try the bananas — they might be different to what you’re used to (the Canarian variety are usually smaller and sweeter than their counterparts from Africa or the Caribbean). And be sure to sample   t uno , the Canarian prickly pear, while you’re here too. Once your bag is full, head through the nearby cave to the Mirador de Unamuno viewing point, where you can take in the famous Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga monoliths.

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Gran Canaria travel guide

When to go, what to do and why you’ll love it.

K nown as the continent in miniature, Gran Canaria enjoys a year-round temperate climate that’s ideal for both summer breaks and winter sun. Its diverse landscape includes a dry, desert-like south complete with undulating sand dunes, a lush green north and a cool centre with coniferous forests. Popular resorts such as Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are reinventing themselves as luxury destinations, while the capital city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a vibrant, modern metropolis with a thriving gastronomic scene and two spectacular city beaches.

So whether you’re looking for extreme watersports and challenging terrain, epic vistas and diverse hiking trails, family resorts with plenty of activities, a romantic getaway or you simply want good food and wine and plenty of sunshine, the island has you covered.

The Canarian calendar is also filled with events, ranging from enormous carnival celebrations in late February where the whole island seems to get dressed up, to the Transgrancanaria multi-altitude long-distance running race in March and the Challenge Mogán triathlon competition in April, all the way through to the gravity-defying sand-sculpture nativity on Las Canteras beach every December.

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Life in Gran Canaria is lived in the streets and great outdoors, and visitors should follow suit. As a popular training ground for athletes of all disciplines, the island has plenty of opportunities for cycling and trail running. Hikers should head to the central peaks of La Cumbre, the monolithic Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves. Surfers and water sports enthusiasts will find Pozo Izquierdo has the best swells, or hot-foot it down to Las Canteras beach or Maspalomas for surf schools.

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If culture is more your thing, take a day to explore Vegueta, the old town of Las Palmas. Here you’ll discover the Casa de Colón, where Christopher Columbus is said to have stayed. It’s now a museum that tells of the explorer’s trips from the Canary Islands . There’s also the modern art gallery, CAAM, the Santa Ana Cathedral and the Museo Canario, which details the life of the island’s original inhabitants, the Guanches.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with simply lying on the beach — and here you’ve got more than 80 to choose from as well as mountains of natural sand dunes. Playa de Las Canteras in Las Palmas is famed for its gentle waters thanks to a natural rock barrier that breaks the waves before they reach shore, while the popular beaches of Puerto Rico, Amadores and Maspalomas to the south are ideal for families and sun-worshippers.

• Best things to do in Gran Canaria

Where to stay

Gran Canaria has plenty of hotels and places to stay, from quirky cave houses and traditional Canarian homes to chic boutique hotels, family-friendly spots, rustic rural retreats and all-inclusive resorts.

You’ll find the majority of accommodation options in the island’s southern resorts such as Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico, where inexpensive, cheerful self-catering apartments sit alongside upmarket hotels. This is where the first wave of tourist hotels opened in the 1960s and there are many big-name hotels in these parts, such as the brilliant-white Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas, which hugs the famous sand dunes, or the intriguing Lopesan Baobab Resort with its unique African savanna design.

The other main centre for hotels is Las Palmas. Here you’ll find boutique and design-led hotels such as Veintiuno, and the historical and storied properties such as the Emblemático Hotel Madrid. Pride of place in the city’s garden district lies one of the oldest and most famous hotels, the Santa Catalina. Originally built by the British in the 1890s, it has welcomed everyone from Spanish royalty to Hollywood stars.

Those seeking more rural stays should venture to the island’s centre, where retreats such as Parador Cruz de Tejeda provide comfortable accommodation among pine forests. Elsewhere, you’ll find quieter spots that are ideal for get-away-from-it-all holidays; try the Hotel Puerto de Las Nieves, which is perched right on the port of the fishing town of Agaete.

• Best hotels in Gran Canaria • Best family hotels in Gran Canaria • Best all-inclusive hotels in Gran Canaria • Best villas in Gran Canaria

Food & drink

Gran Canaria has a quirky food culture, having been a stopping point for ships travelling to and from the Americas since Columbus’s time. As a result, Canarian food has integrated cuisines from across the globe along with traditional dishes.

One emblematic dish that appears on nearly every menu is papas arrugadas con mojo picón: tiny potatoes boiled in salty water until a glistening crust forms and then slathered in a punchy, garlicky sauce. Bananas are grown nearly everywhere and tropical fruits such as persimmon, mango and tuno (Canarian prickly pear) are abundant. The rule of thumb is meat in the mountains — baifo (goat) is popular — and fish by the sea, where the local catch is cherne (a bit like cod) and vieja (parrot fish), as well as myriad shellfish options.

Gran Canaria is also the only place in Europe that grows coffee. You’ll find the plantation, Finca Los Castaños, near Agaete in the north of the island. Canarian wine is also having a resurgence and artisan vineyards and wineries are popping up around the island, mainly cultivating the malvasia volcánica grape variety as well as re-establishing older native styles. Try Bodegas Bentayga and Pico de Las Nieves near Tejeda for tastings by appointment Monday to Friday. If rum is more your thing, head to Arehucas rum distillery, one of the biggest and oldest on the island, which has tours and tastings.

In Las Palmas, don’t miss the food markets of Vegueta and Mercado del Puerto for a true taste of the island. Calle Cano and the surrounding streets in upmarket Triana are the place to stop for wine and tapas bars, such as Vinófilos with its gloriously tiled exterior and extensive cellar. For the best pincho de tortilla, stop by Café Midway in Triana — it’s been serving up the city’s best slice for nearly 40 years.

The pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the islands lived in cave houses made from the natural recesses and extinct lava tubes of the volcanic rock. It’s where they also stored and preserved food, and buried or entombed their dead. Learn all about it at the Cueva Pintada museum in Gáldar. Here you can visit the preserved painted cave, held as the best example of native dwellings. Once you know more, head east along the north coast to see the Caves of Valeron before making your way up the Guayadeque ravine, where you can see many more cave houses — some of which you can stay in — and eat in caves that have been turned into restaurants, such as the locally renowned Bar Restaurante Tagoror.

Know before you go

Gran Canaria is the same time zone as the UK at all times of year, so there’s no need to alter your watch.

Canarians are very friendly and love children, so don’t be surprised if they speak to your little ones before you. Pretty much all the island is safe, but always be mindful of pickpockets in touristy areas or near major sights where there are big crowds.

The Spanish spoken here is slightly different to the Spanish mainland and some words are different, such as guagua instead of autobús for bus, and papas for potatoes instead of patatas.

The Global buses have routes to all parts of the island and from the airport to the major resorts. Buses are clean, cheap and reliable, although the island is really easy to navigate by car and rentals are not usually expensive — try local hire company Cicar for good all-in deals.

As with the rest of Spain, many shops are closed on Sundays including supermarkets, especially outside the main resorts.

Gran Canaria is also very LGBTQ+ friendly with huge Pride celebrations and carnivals during the year.

Take me there

Inspired to visit Gran Canaria but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Tui and Jet2 Holidays .

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Belching Volcano and Flowing Lava Dent Tourism in Icelandic Region

In a country that relies heavily on visitors, hotels faced repeated evacuations, and one resort was temporarily shut.

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By Emma Bubola

Reporting from London

The Blue Lagoon resort in the south of Iceland is a scenic network of steaming azure pools surrounded by dark rocks, where tourists dip in the geothermal water, have spa treatments and enjoy what the resort advertises as “a universe of radiant well-being.”

But last week, a stream of radiant lava burst from a crater a few miles from the resort, forcing it to evacuate hundreds of guests, in yet another eruption of a volcano system in the Reykjanes Peninsula that had been dormant for 800 years.

The outbursts began in 2021, and the eruptions and earthquakes in the peninsula have destroyed some houses and forced villagers from their homes. One construction worker went missing in the town of Grindavik after falling down a crack caused by an earthquake.

The effects of the volcanic eruptions have rippled out beyond the peninsula, disrupting the tourism operations of a country that relies heavily on visitors.

Arnar Már Ólafsson, director general of the Icelandic Tourist Board, said that when a looming volcanic eruption led to the evacuation of Grindavik in November, it resulted in global anxiety that brought a drop in tourists.

“A spouting volcano doesn’t sound very inviting,” he said.

Icelandair, the country’s national airline, said it also saw a “significant negative impact on bookings” in the last months of 2023. And the low-cost Icelandic airline Play said that news of the eruption “cooled demand for Iceland as a destination.”

The tourism board did not release an estimate for the financial losses, and the airlines, while saying they experienced significantly slowed sales, did not quantify them.

Airline officials and the tourism board director stated emphatically in interviews and in the national news media that the reaction was unwarranted because the eruptions did not represent a direct threat to visitors or flights. They accused the news media of “alarmism.”

“In the international press, it just looks as if Iceland is ruined,” Birgir Jónsson, then Play’s chief executive, said in an interview published in December by a financial magazine.

Tourists used to flock to the Reykjanes Peninsula to watch the northern lights or bathe in the waters of the Blue Lagoon resort. But since the November earthquakes, the Blue Lagoon has had to close for some days . It said in a statement on Wednesday that it had also shut down from March 16 until at least Thursday and would continue to follow the authorities’ safety guidelines.

The Northern Light Inn, a family-run hotel, has also had to evacuate its guests four times since January and close for weeks, said Fridrik Einarsson, the inn’s owner. Now, they are compensating for the drop in tourists by serving lunches to the construction workers building protection walls in the area.

“If this continues for a long period of time, it will eventually be very, very challenging for us ,” Mr. Einarsson said.

Mr. Ólafsson said that any threat to the Blue Lagoon geothermal resort undermined a key component of Iceland’s tourism sector.

“Without the Blue Lagoon, it would be a different destination,” he said, “like Egypt without the pyramids or Paris without the Eiffel Tower.”

The resort is particularly popular with visitors from the United States, and every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the spa, according to the Blue Lagoon’s website. The spa is now protected by barriers.

The resort owes its existence to the geothermal energy generated by the volcanic system, which heats up its waters. But that same system is also now its main threat.

That paradox, many say, is at the heart of Iceland’s identity as an adventure travel destination where tourists seek out untamed nature in the form of waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs. And 130 volcanoes.

During the volcanic eruptions last year, as tourists flocked to sites where they could see the glowing river of lava, the government had to warn people to steer clear of the area since the situation could turn dangerous.

Now, Icelandic tourism operators say, the anxiety has eased somewhat, and tourism demand has gone up again since January. But for those remaining in the peninsula, there seems to be no immediate end in sight to the disruption of their businesses.

Last week, as Mr. Einarsson, the inn owner, evacuated his guests to another hotel because of the volcanic eruption, he said they could see lava from the parking lot.

“It’s quite a magnificent experience, to see a volcano,” he said.

Mr. Einarsson called his relationship to volcanoes a “tricky love and hate situation.”

On one hand, he said, “people are understandably concerned to stay in a hotel next to an eruption site.” On the other, he said, people come to Iceland for its nature, and the nature would not be the same without the country’s volcanoes.

“And I would not be in the business,” he said.

Egill Bjarnason contributed reporting from Gran Canaria, Spain.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in London, covering news across Europe and around the world. More about Emma Bubola

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A key to the secrets of the small great continent

Mountain and trekking lovers take advantage of the lightest excuse to return to Gran Canaria. You can blame it on the island, a very uncommon spot with a million different sceneries waiting to be discovered.

For Gran Canaria is not just an island filled with beaches, but rather a miniature continent with fine weather practically all year round. A small-scale continent in the middle of the sea, with a special blend of ingredients that lures trekkers. 

Its intricate relief is the first of such ingredients; followed by a peculiar mix of palm-tree groves and pine forests, ravines, and royal paths that wind through the mountains, yielding a huge jigsaw puzzle of different sceneries, so different from each other as the types of yoghurt at a supermarket.

And then there is also the Resistance.

The Resistance is made up of a group of islanders who refuse to give up the way of living of their forebears, people who never knew haste or hurry. 

They are the ones who shape the extraordinary and hospitable human scenery that opens up to those trekkers who choose to dive into the island. They live on hidden corners that pop up at a turn, in small towns and villages, refusing to carry a watch or alter their lifestyle. And it makes perfect sense. Why be in a hurry on such an island? Better to enjoy a place where nature is friendly and makes life simple.

After all, that is the only secret. Come walk the island. Come see it. There is a miniature continent waiting for you where you may rest big time.

Useful hiking route links for Gran Canaria. -Information about the island's municipalities-

Hiking paths in Agaete

Hiking paths in Artenara

Hiking paths in Firgas

Hiking paths in Mogán

Hiking paths in Villa de Moya

Hiking paths in Santa María de Guía

Hiking paths in Tejeda

Hiking paths in Teror

Hiking paths in Valleseco

Hiking paths in Valsequillo

Hiking paths in Vega de San Mateo

Hiking paths in the Highlands of de Gran Canaria: Villa de Santa Brígida, Valsequillo, Vega de San Mateo and Tejeda

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Gran Canaria joins Tenerife in warning UK tourists 'we have had enough'

G ran Canaria has joined Tenerife in warning UK tourists and holidaymakers "we have had enough". The Canary Island holiday hotspot has spoken out alongside Tenerife ahead of a protest against overtourism from Brits next month.

The April 20 Gran Canaria protest, which was reported by local publication Canarian Weekly, has been organised under the same message as the Tenerife demonstration. The message from those protesting is: "The Canary Islands have a limit".

Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN), a Gran Canaria urban development group, said in a statement: "The situation is alarming. Despite the record increase in tourists, poverty continues to rise. The biodiversity and natural spaces of the islands are suffering unprecedented deterioration, while the search for housing has become an increasingly difficult task.

READ MORE UK tourists in Spain warned after 79,000 people receive £514 fine

''Journeys by road that used to last a few minutes can easily now take up to an hour and a half, contributing to general transportation chaos. Furthermore, the declaration of a water emergency in Tenerife and the daily discharge of more than 50 million litres of sewage into the sea in Tenerife alone are unequivocal signs of an unsustainable and unbearable model."

According to ATAN, the institutional response has been ''disheartening''. It is claimed that officials have been betting ''on the destruction of the islands with the construction of more hotels'' such as the Cuna del Alma tourist project or the La Tejita hotel.

A spokeswoman for the Canary Islands tourism board said the archipelago was not suffering from “overtourism” — and could even take more tourists. She said the number of visitors last year was similar to pre-pandemic figures and that local tourism policies were focused on safeguarding sustainability.

Ben Magec-Ecologistas en Acción urgently called for a reevaluation of the tourism model in the Canary Islands. The organisation advocates for a decrease in tourism and a cap on visitor numbers to alleviate social and environmental pressures.