Si vas a travel to our beloved island and you want to know what to see in Gran Canaria, let's help you! In this article we will share with you 25 places to visit in Gran Canaria. The island hides countless places that do not appear in the guides. From its capital to its beaches and coast, its interior with landscapes full of contrasts, its towns, its markets, etc. And we cannot fail to mention its typical gastronomy and its people, two factors that make a destination memorable. We started!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN GRAN CANARIA
We leave you with a small script of what you will find in this post with the best places to visit in Gran Canaria on your own.
- What to visit in Gran Canaria capital
- Best BEACHES and SWIMMING POOLS in Gran Canaria
- TOWNS to visit in Gran Canaria
- What to see in Gran Canaria: NATURE
- Canarian food
- carnivals
- What to do in Gran Canaria with CHILDREN
- HOTELS, best areas to stay in Gran Canaria
- HOW to get around Gran Canaria
- Weather in Gran Canaria
- Video
- Podcast
- Our travel guides
- 5% DISCOUNT on your TRAVEL INSURANCE
25 essential places to see in Gran Canaria
Next, we will review the 25 things to do in Gran Canaria, to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, then by its beaches, followed by its towns, monuments and natural spaces and, finally, its gastronomy and most important festivals. Don't miss our tips at the end!
✔ What to visit in Gran Canaria capital
1. Historic center: neighborhoods of Vegueta and Triana
One of the things to do in Gran Canaria is without a doubt touring its capital. If you do not know what to see in Las Palmas, we will tell you. We can say that the most important thing is the Vegueta neighborhood, the historic center of the city. We leave you with a list of the places what to see in Vegueta:
- Columbus House-Museum
- Cathedral of Santa Ana or Cathedral of the Canary Islands
- Plaza de Santa Ana
- Hermitage of San Antonio Abad (where Columbus prayed)
- Canarian Museum
- Vegueta Market
- Plaza del Espiritu Santo
- Atlantic Center of Modern Art (plans you can make on a Sunday in Gran Canaria)
- Streets of Los Balcones, Mendizábal and La Pelota
If you have time, we recommend you jump to the neighborhood of Triana, one of the most beautiful and oldest in the city. Here you can take a walk along Calle Mayor de Triana, visit the Literary Cabinet, go to San Telmo Park, visit the Pérez Galdós Theater and the Benito Pérez Galdós museum, as well as explore its most beautiful pedestrian streets: Pérez Galdós, La Peregrina, Perojo and Cano.
2. Playa de Las Canteras, one of the places to see in Gran Canaria without fail
Another of the best places to see in Gran Canaria is playa de Las Canteras, one of the best urban beaches in Spain. If the weather is not so good, you can simply walk along its maritime avenue from the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium to El Confital. If you travel to the island in winter, one of the things what to do in Gran Canaria in December is to visit the great Sand Bethlehem of the playa de Las Canteras.
We recommend the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as one of the places to stay in Gran Canaria. At least a couple of nights in the capital and the rest in the south of Gran Canaria and even in some inland towns in Gran Canaria.
✔ Best beaches in Gran Canaria and natural pools
One of the best plans what to do in Gran Canaria is without a doubt to discover its coast and enjoy its kilometers of beaches, as well as knowing its characteristic natural pools. Below we mention the most special and unique ones.
3. Maspalomas Beach, what to do in southern Gran Canaria
Come to the island and not visit the south of Gran Canaria to know the Dunes, the Lighthouse, the Pond and the beach Maspalomas, it's a crime. You know, take note of these four places to see in the area. We recommend that you take a look at our detailed post with more tips, the best places to have a panoramic view of the Maspalomas Dunes Special Natural Reserve, places to eat in the south that are not for tourists, etc.
As we see it, the south of Gran Canaria, that is, in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, you will find one of the best areas to stay in Gran Canaria. Keep in mind that there are also very touristy areas here such as Playa del Inglés. We recommend you Maspalomas, Meloneras, San Agustín and Las Burras.
4. Güi güi Beach, La Aldea de San Nicolás
La Güi güi beach, Güigüi Guguy is located in the core of the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO), so you can imagine how virgin and paradisiacal these beaches are. The Güigüi Special Natural Reserve is a essential to visit in Gran Canaria for the most adventurous, since to get here you must pass the test of walking a hard path.
Gui gui is one of the best places to disconnect, since it has no coverage or services nearby (restaurants, bathrooms, supermarkets, etc.).
5. Sardina del Norte Beach, Gáldar
one of the beaches what to see in the north of Gran Canaria Its the Sardine. Furthermore, she is one of the great unknowns and, without a doubt, for us she is one of the most beautiful. The beach has Blue Flag and is located in a 100% local environment. This area of the island is known for its seabed, making it ideal for diving.. It also has good fish restaurants.. From here you can also see a beautiful sunset with views of Tenerife due to its orientation towards the west.
As we see it, the beaches and natural pools of Gáldar they have little to envy of those of the south of Gran Canaria.
6. Tufia Beach, Telde
On the coast of Telde this is hidden small cove of dark sand ideal for diving. The beauty of this beach is the town with sailor details that covers it. Furthermore, thanks to Tufia's nose, it is not usually windy. Of course, planes arriving or leaving the island pass through here. Please note that there are no bars or bathrooms on Tufia beach.
7. El Agujero natural pool, Gáldar
El northern Gran Canaria It has a more volcanic coast and, therefore, special and different. Thus, we invite you to discover one of the best natural pools of Gran Canaria, is El Agujero, on the coast of Gáldar. In our Gran Canaria beach guide you have more options, also below in our top 10 natural pools on the island.
Although we really call this type of bathing area a natural pool, they are really built pools, but with natural water. These types of beaches are very characteristics of the Canary Islands.
✔ Towns to see in Gran Canaria
As we said at the beginning, the towns and their people are one of the elements that make the difference in each destination. We are sure that you will fall in love with the locals and, therefore, their towns too.
8. Agaete and Puerto de Las Nieves
Another place that is worth it visit in Gran Canaria es Agaete. Here is the most beautiful fishing village on the island of Gran Canaria: Las Nieves Port. It is surrounded by cliffs, it has little white houses with nautical touches and its people are friendly. In addition, it is one of the best places to eat fish in Gran Canaria. Here was once one of the main places of interest on the island, the Finger of God. A rock formation shaped like a finger and pointing to the sky. Unfortunately it was demolished by Storm Delta in 2005. Today we can only see what remains of it.
9. Gáldar and the Painted Cave of GáldarWhat to see in northern Gran Canaria
Did you know Gáldar It was the first capital of the island of Gran Canaria? In its historic center you can still see its old theater, casino, market, church, pedestrian streets and, of course, the famous archaeological museum of the Cueva Pintada Gáldar. And, why not, do the Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria to the Church of Santiago de Los Caballeros! We have an article about what to see in Gáldar in case you are interested in expanding details.
10. Town of Tejeda
The people of Tejeda It is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and, therefore, it is one of the places what to see in the center of Gran Canaria. It is also famous for its delicious almonds, Almond Blossom Festival and also for having the best views of Roque Bentayga and the Roque Nublo. The houses in Tejeda are all white like the ones we show you in the following photo. Don't forget your coat in the months of October to June!
11. Teror, one of the essential things to see in Gran Canaria
This is where the Virgen del Pino, patron saint of Gran Canaria, rests. A town that stands out for Basilica of Teror, its Canarian balconies and pedestrian streets. We recommend you visit it on a Sunday, since it coincides with the street market. Teror. Here you can't miss the mythical chorizo sandwich Teror with cheese.
12. Puerto de Mogán. What to see in Gran Canaria
Puerto de Mogán It is one of the best places What to visit in the south of Gran Canaria. Here its white houses stand out with colorful touches, its bougainvillea and marina. In addition, it has a beach, Mogán Beach, with calm waters that is highly recommended for families. From here you can see one of the best sunsets in Gran Canaria, as well as activities such as a romantic catamaran ride.
This place is on our list of places instagrammable o beautiful places to take photos in Gran Canaria. In this link you can discover what to see in Mogán.
13. Agüimes, what to visit in Gran Canaria
In the eastern part of the island, a little inland, we find the town of Agüimes. Its historic center is full of metal sculptures like the one of the camel that we show you in the following photo. At the same time, its colorful cobbled Canarian houses make it one of the essential places to see in Gran Canaria.
14. Arucas, city of Rum
The town of Arucas is mainly known for its church of San Juan Bautista and rum arehucas. Its historic center is full of beautiful pedestrian streets where you can appreciate the Arucas stonework. A gray stone that covers its church and that we can see throughout Arucas, as well as in different areas of the island. Here we tell you what to see in Arucas.
15. Firgas, the Water Village
Firgas is known for its water. In fact, in practically all restaurants they will make you drink Firgas water. This small town stands out for its Paseo de Gran Canaria and Paseo de Canarias, full of tiles in tribute to each municipality with a central fountain in tribute to water. You can combine this place perfectly with Arucas, since they are just about 10 minutes from each other. If you like hiking, take the opportunity to discover the Azuaje Special Nature Reserve.
16. Fatigue. Beautiful towns to see in Gran Canaria
Fataga es another beautiful place to visit in the interior of Gran Canaria, although it belongs to the tourist municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. If you are going to stay in the south of Gran Canaria, we recommend that you take your rental car to enjoy a unique landscape with stop at Degollada de Las Yeguas Viewpoint and the Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees.
✔ What to see in Gran Canaria nature
All the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, UNESCO World Heritage Site and, practically the entire surface of the island, offer endless trails. We strongly recommend that you take a look at our section hiking in Gran Canaria. You can't imagine what the island hides! Meanwhile, we tell you the natural environments that we create what you have to visit in Gran Canaria.
17. Natural Monument of Roque Nublo, Tejeda
El Roque Nublo is one of magical places to visit in Gran Canaria. For the Canarians it is a symbol and icon of the island. You can reach Roque Nublo on foot along a path. It won't take you long and even you can go with children. The views from here to the entire Nublo Rural Park they are spectacular. From here you can appreciate the landscape contrasts of the island: towns, mountains, Canarian pine forest, sunset... Therefore, your visit is a of the essential things to do in Gran Canaria.
18. Guayadeque Ravine, Agüimes / Ingenio
El Guayadeque ravine is one of places to see on the island of Gran Canaria without fail. We locals love to go on weekends to get in touch with nature and enjoy Canarian food at a good price. The Guayadeque restaurants are inside cave housesa gastronomic experience mandatory on your visit to the island.
19. Tamadaba Natural Park
One of the essential places to see in Gran Canaria If you are a nature lover it is the Tamadaba Natural Park. In this protected natural space you will be able to go hiking surrounded by unique species of Gran Canariaand blue finchplatforms, great woodpecker, the Tamadaba flycatcher, the fistulera, among others. Also, if you've never seen a canary pine forest, here you will have the opportunity. One of the places of interest in this natural park is the Llanos de La Mimbre Viewpoint. From here you will have the best views of Agaete and Las Nieves Port.
20. Los Azulejos of Mogan. Gran Canaria what to see by car
Another of the sites What to visit in Gran Canaria is Source of Los Azulejos. An essential stop if you are going to make a road trip along the west coast of the island. This car route has several cool stops like these colorful mountains, as well as the Mirador del Balcón with the best sea views in the west area. There is a path from here that goes to the Inagua Comprehensive Nature Reserve. You have all the information about the hiking route in the previous link and in the hiking section of our website.
21. Ravine Las Vacas
Just a few minutes by car from Agüimes we have the ravine Las Vacas with the most curious formations to see in Gran Canaria: The Colored tuffs. Take a look at the previous link with our advice to keep in mind if you decide to visit this site since it is not worth going just for the Instagram photo. That is, we suggest that you combine it with places like Agüimes or Guayadeque. Our visit here was a little disappointing, but we know that it is a great attraction for many, so we don't want to stop mentioning it to you.
22. Mirador del Pico de Las Nieves & Ventana del Nublo
We recommend that you take a drive to the Viewpoint of the Pico de Las Nieves Well, since from here you can appreciate the highest mountains in Gran Canaria: the Pico de Las Nieves (1948 meters high), the Morro de La Agujereada and the Roque Nublo. In addition, from this point you can walk to the Ventana del Nublo or Ventana Gañifa, an attraction for the most adventurous and lovers of photography. If the day is clear, from here you can see another of our Canary Islands: Tenerife.
23. Caldera de Bandama, another essential place to see in Gran Canaria
Until now we had not recommended you go through the municipality of Santa Brígida. Here is hidden one of our most beautiful natural resources: the Bandama boiler. It's found next to Pico de Bandama, where there is a viewpoint to appreciate the spectacular views. If you're up for hiking, there is a circular route along the edge of the caldera suitable for children. Then you cannot miss on your visit to Gran Canaria the wine tasting from this area, grown in volcanic gravel or picón (as we call it on the Islands).
We have noticed that many of you ask us about what to see in Gran Canarias, what to do in Gran Canary Islands o what to visit in Gran Canarias, remember that the island is called Gran Canaria, Gran Canarias with an "s" at the end does not exist. The archipelago is called the Canary Islands.
✔ Local gastronomy
24. Canarian food, one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria
A visit to Gran Canaria without being interested in the typical gastronomy of the Canary Islands is a crime. We could say that the main ingredient is cheese, especially flower cheese. You also can't miss the gofio escaldao, the chorizo sandwich Teror and the pig's foot. On our blog, we recommend local food places at a good price. We also tell you which dishes canarian food You can order at restaurants.
On the other hand, if you want more information about restaurants in Gran Canaria we an ebook with more than 80 places to eat on the island. Includes all places we residents go. Also, here we mention restaurants and bars that are not even on TripAdvisor :)
✔ Carnivals, the best thing to see in Gran Canaria if you like to party
25. Carnival Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Maspalomas International Carnival
Both carnivals of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, like those of Maspalomas, are one of the fun things to do in Gran Canaria. They normally take place in the months of February and March, it always depends on how Easter falls. First those in Las Palmas take place with key days such as: the Parade, the Drag Gala, Los Indianos and the Vegueta Day Carnival. On the other hand, once the capital Carnival is over, the Carnivals in the south begin, in Maspalomas. Here the biggest party is the day of the ride. A carnival in the street at more than 20 degrees in the middle of winter. What a luxury!
Well, these have been our list of the 25 places that visit on the island of Gran Canaria. Thank you very much for coming this far. Keep in mind that it is normal that you will not have time to visit everything if you come for just a few days, so you can always come back. As we see it, the south of Gran Canaria You have to visit it, but the island offers much more. You can't just stay with the touristy areas of Playa del Inglés or the sandy beaches of the Caribbean (artificial beach) of amphi of the sea y Amadores. Each destination must promote its own, its local, its most authentic side and we are here to help you achieve it.
At the same time, we see a clear example of the destruction that has been allowed to occur in Puerto Rico, a nice beach, but surrounded by cement from the coast to the mountains with restaurants that promote junk food and Irish pubs. In any case, we know that many travelers only visit the island to sunbathe and get drunk. With this blog we hope to be able to change this.
✔ What to do with children in Gran Canaria
Si vas a travel to Gran Canaria With children, we recommend that you take a look at this list of activities you can do:
- Theme park Holiday World Maspalomas
- Park of elastic beds Urban Planet Jump
- Camel ride through the Dunes of Maspalomas
- Aquarius Poem of the Sea
- Palmitos Park Zoo
- Maspalomas water park Aqualand
- Crocodile's Park
- Whale Watching, what to do in Puerto Rico
- Valleseco Lagoon
- Elder Museum of Science and Technology
- Angry birds Activity Park
You have more information in our article about what to do with children in Gran Canaria, including beaches recommended for families.
✔ Hotels in Gran Canaria
On the other hand, we recommend that you visit our article on where to stay in Gran Canaria with recommendations of hotels in Gran Canaria to avoid the most touristy areas. We talk to you about rural hotels, 5-star hotels, hotels to go with children, private villas with pools, cave houses, pet-friendly hotels, etc.
If you are going to stay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, something we recommend, in the area of Las Canteras you have several options to choose from BEST price, since there is more supply. However, our favorites are the Hotel Suites 1478 and Santa Catalina hotel. Regarding the area south of Gran CanariaBetter take a look at the previous article with the best areas to stay on the island.
✔ Rent a car in Gran Canaria
Finally, in order to visit Gran Canaria and visit all the places we suggest, the best way to get around is to rent a car as soon as you arrive at the airport. We recommend the search engine Rentalcars.com in which the prices of all the rent a car on the island, including Canarian companies such as Cicar, Top Car and Auto Reisen. Gran Canaria airport is just half an hour from Las Palmas and the same from Playa del Inglés.
✔ Weather in Gran Canaria
As we see it, the best time for travel to Gran Canaria runs from October to April. It is when it is cold in the rest of the European countries, as well as in other areas of the northern hemisphere. Meanwhile, in the Canary Islands we will continue with our temperate climate in the coastal areas above 20 degrees all year round. Therefore, the best month to visit Gran Canaria It's any month. However, you should keep the following tips in mind:
- The best weather (sunny and warm) It is on the south coast of the island. Here you will never have less than 15 degrees and during the day the temperatures are between 20 (winter) and 35 degrees (summer) all year round.
- If you are going to visit the mountains and inland towns bring some warm clothes. During the winter months we can have less than 5 degrees in the Roque Nublo or Tejeda.
- De June to August is usually cloudy in the north of Gran Canaria (including Las Palmas city). This is due to the Trade winds. This phenomenon is known as the "Donkey Belly."
- Regarding prices, The most expensive months to visit Gran Canaria in terms of flights and hotels are usually from November to March. You will find the highest room night prices for the end of the year.
- By contrast, the cheapest months They go from after Easter and until the end of June.
✔ Video: what to see in Gran Canaria
Next, we leave you with a short video about 10 essential places to visit in Gran Canaria. In our YouTube Channel You have many more, you can subscribe in a moment here.
✔ Gran Canaria travel guide
We hope this blog will help you discover everything What to see and do in Gran Canaria. If you don't have time to read all our articles, Take a look at our guides for get to know the most authentic side of the island on your own and save time when organizing your trip. For example, we have the following guides on places to visit in Gran Canaria already configured for you:
- Guide what to see in Gran Canaria in 2 days
- Guide to Gran Canaria: what to see in 3 days
- Guide to Gran Canaria: what to see in 4 days
- Guide to Gran Canaria: what to see in 5 days
- Guide what to see in Gran Canaria in 7 days
- Guide what to see in Gran Canaria in 10 days
We also have a 14 day guide, a guide with 35 plans to do in Gran Canaria, a beach guide and a restaurant guide with more than 80 places to eat... You can see them all here.
Also, if it is your first time on the island, we will tell you what to see in Gran Canaria in 1 day in case you want to make the most of your time.
✔ 5% discount on your travel insurance
Finally, if you don't already have your travel insurance to Gran Canaria or any other part of the world, benefit from a 5% discount for being our reader. Next, you can choose the destination, number of days of your trip and type of policy to see the prices of each of the coverages that IATI offers during your trip.
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