You have little time for whatever reason and you would like to know the things to do in Gran Canaria in a day? Local guide is here to help you. On this island there is much to see and do and it is difficult to make a selection of what to include and what not. In any case, we are going to try that you can see the maximum possible and you take a general impression of the island.
Things to do in Gran Canaria in a day
Regardless of where you stay, this post about things to do in Gran Canaria in a day can be done both starting in the north and ending in the south or vice versa. Of course, if you want to complete the itinerary, you’ll have to get up early. Next we make our proposal about the main things to do in Gran Canaria if you only have one day.
1) Vegueta, the old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Visit the old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on foot, Vegueta. You can also have a walk around the neighborhood of Triana which is very close and is full of beautiful pedestrian streets with small shops and restaurants.
2) Las Canteras beach, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Canteras beach is considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Spain. It is located at the other side of the city. If you like to walk, we recommend that you go from one end of the beach to another on foot. Either by the sand or by the sea promenade. The best area for bathing, as we see it, is at the height of Luis Morote street.
If you do not have a car, from Vegueta you can get to the beach by taxi for around 5 euros. Or you can also go by municipal bus number 17 or 1 from the Teatro Pérez Galdós. In the case that you have a car, you can park at the Las Arenas Shopping Center for three hours free. Take in mind that you also have the option to visit Las Palmas by bike. That is the best and faster option.
3) Have a meal in Las Canteras
The beach of Las Canteras is one of the most pleasant places to eat on the island. In addition, here you have many options for both lunch and dinner: local food, Mediterranean, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, international, etc. We leave you with our post of 10 places to eat in Las Canteras so you can choose the one you want. Below we show you one of our favorites: El Arrosar.
4) Maspalomas beach. Things to do in Gran Canaria in a day
Once we know the essentials of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, we follow the route on what to see in Gran Canaria in one day. We’re heading south. Let’s get to know one of the wonders of Gran Canaria: Maspalomas beach and its sand dunes. To get a general impression of the Maspalomas Dunes, you have two options:
a) Walk the beach on foot from the Maspalomas Lighthouse to the point that connects with Playa del Inglés. You will pass through the nudist area of the beach and you will see yourself in the middle of nowhere. Take advantage of being here to get on a dune and appreciate the spectacular scenery.
b) Visit the viewpoint next to the RIU Palace Maspalomas hotel. From here you will have the best panoramic view of the Dunes of Maspalomas. Later, if you just want to bathe, you can park in the area of Meloneras and walk direction Maspalomas Lighthouse until you see the beach.
✔ How to get from Maspalomas to Las Palmas de G.C. and vice versa with public transport
As we told you at the beginning of the post, you can also start the route from Maspalomas and finish at the city. To go from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Maspalomas or from Maspalomas to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria there is a direct bus. The bus is number 30 and leaves from the Santa Catalina Park (very close to Las Canteras) to the Maspalomas Lighthouse, very close to the Maspalomas Beach. The trip is approximately one hour. We recommend you to have a look at our post about how to get around Gran Canaria.
✔ For those who have a car, time and desire to discover the diversity of Gran Canaria
If you have a car, you have the fastest option to go from north to south is on the east highway of the island. However, if you have time enough after the visit to the city and you want to discover the interior of Gran Canaria, you can also cross the interior of the island by car to get to the south. Keep in mind that the road is mountainous, there are quite a few curves and it’s 2 hours of driving. In any case, it is very worthwhile and you can make stops in Natural Monument of Roque Nublo and Fataga. In this way, you would arrive to Maspalomas later. However, you can always go directly to the viewpoint that we mentioned to appreciate the view.
5) Have a meal in Maspalomas or in the south of Gran Canaria
During your itinerary you will have to stop for a meal. So that, have a look at our article concerning our favorite restaurants in Maspalomas and the south of Gran Canaria.
6) Enjoy the sunset. Things to do in Gran Canaria in a day
We understand that you have a full day in the island. So that, if you have time to enjoy the sunset, in the south of the island we recommend you this spots: Maspalomas beach, Puerto de Mogán or Arguineguín. In the case of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the best place is in Las Canteras. With luck you’ll have the option of seeing Tenerife island also.
That’s all localguiders, we hope you have clear the options of what to see in Gran Canaria in one day. It is true that many enclaves have been overlooked. However, we also want you to enjoy and, above all, to come back! We take advantage of the fact that you are reading us so that you know that if you return, we have at your disposal our local guides of Gran Canaria who can help you get to know the most authentic side of the island. You have them with a single click on the following image.
