What to Do in Gran Canaria
Best Things to See & Do for First-Time Visitors
Gran Canaria won me over on my very first visit a few years ago. That’s why I escaped the cold, wet winter in Germany this year and spent ten days on this popular Canary Island – for the third time.
This mix of desert landscapes, mountains, volcanic rock and small villages feels like several countries rolled into one. And all of that on an island that’s smaller than many German states.
If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to spend the whole holiday just lying by the pool, you’re in the right place.
In this guide full of Gran Canaria travel tips, I’m sharing my favourite sights that you can easily explore with average fitness, a bit of curiosity and comfortable shoes.
The focus is on easy-to-reach highlights, great viewpoints and simple walks, perfect for a one-week trip.
Gran Canaria overview: where are the island’s sights located?
To really understand Gran Canaria, it helps to break the island down into a few main areas. It makes planning much easier.
In the south, you’ll find the sunshine guarantee. This is where Maspalomas and other tourist hotspots are located: long sandy beaches, hotels, holiday apartments and promenades.
If your main goal is swimming, soaking up the sun and going out for dinner in the evenings, this area works very well.
The island’s interior is the complete opposite: mountains, pine forests and winding roads. This is where you’ll find Roque Nublo, Pico de las Nieves, Roque Bentayga and lovely mountain villages like Tejeda.
Perfect if you enjoy easy walks with views and don’t want to spend every day on a sun lounger.
In the north around Las Palmas, the coast is rougher and daily Canarian life is more present than resort vibes.
This is where the island’s capital Las Palmas is located, as well as places like the small town of Teror. If you want to combine city life, culture and the beach, this is a good base.
The west of the island is wild and much quieter. Deep ravines, steep cliffs and dramatic viewpoints like Mirador del Balcón. Fewer places to stay, but plenty of scenery.
For a rough idea of driving times:
- South to Las Palmas: around 40–50 minutes
- South to the mountains (Roque Nublo): around 1–1.5 hours
- South to the west coast (Mirador del Balcón): around 1.5 hours
Beaches & coast: Gran Canaria highlights by the sea
If you’re looking for the best things to see in Gran Canaria along the coast, these beaches and promenades are great starting points. The island has plenty of beaches, mostly in the south, but you don’t need to see them all.
The following spots give you a great impression of the variety of beaches the island has to offer.
Playa de Amadores & Puerto de Mogán
Playa de Amadores feels almost like a huge outdoor swimming pool. A sheltered bay, calm water and hardly any waves. Ideal for families, nervous swimmers or simply relaxed beach days with an air mattress.
A bit further west lies Puerto de Mogán, a small harbour town often called the island’s “Little Venice”. It’s divided into a beach and promenade on one side and the harbour on the other, separated by a small stream that actually carries water.
I like the area around the harbour best: white houses, lush bougainvillea, narrow lanes, little canals and bridges. It’s very photogenic and, yes, very touristy too – but still well worth a visit.
Maspalomas dunes & lighthouse
The dunes of Maspalomas are one of those places that amaze me every single time. In front of you there’s nothing but soft sand and rolling dunes, with the ocean in the background and, somewhere in between, the hotels that (luckily) suddenly feel very far away.
Once you start walking through the dunes, you quickly notice how hot the sand can get. Especially in summer, a hat, plenty of water and ideally closed sandals or light shoes really help. Walking barefoot only works for a short while before it becomes uncomfortable.
The best time for a walk through the dunes is early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The light is softer, the colours feel more intense and the heat is much more manageable.
Around the Maspalomas lighthouse, you can enjoy one of the island’s best sunsets, stroll along the promenade, try a few cafés or simply lean on the railing and watch the waves roll in.
Playa de Maspalomas & Playa del Inglés
The beaches of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés basically flow into one another. Together, they form a long curve of light-coloured sand, perfect for long walks by the sea.
Playa del Inglés has a more active, louder vibe, with more bars and beach life. It always reminds me a bit of El Arenal in Mallorca. Maspalomas feels more relaxed in many sections, especially closer to the dunes.
If you’re looking for a classic beach experience with plenty of infrastructure but still enough space for long walks, this area is a very good fit.
Playa de Las Canteras in Las Palmas
Playa de Las Canteras in Las Palmas is often considered one of the best city beaches in Europe. You get a wide sandy beach, a long promenade and cafés, ice cream shops and small restaurants right behind it.
What makes it special is the reef just offshore. It slows down the waves and usually keeps the water fairly calm closer to the beach.
This often makes it great for swimming and, depending on visibility, even for some snorkelling. At low tide, parts of the reef are actually visible above the water.
Vivienda Vacacional La Portada
Well-equipped, small vacation apartment with a unique terrace in the beautiful mountain village of Tejeda. Super central yet quiet. Perfect starting point for excursions into the mountains of Gran Canaria. (⇨ details)
Nature & hiking: Gran Canaria highlights for outdoor fans
If you enjoy hiking like I do, Gran Canaria is a great choice. Many of the island’s highlights can be reached via easy to moderate trails, without any climbing.
The basics always apply: good shoes, enough water, and a quick check of the weather in the island’s interior. It’s often noticeably cooler and windier up there than along the coast.
Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo, often called the “cloud rock”, is something like the island’s landmark. A massive rock sitting on a high plateau, visible from many parts of Gran Canaria.
The closest parking area on the GC-600 (Mirador de la Goleta) is no longer open. From Ayacata, you can take bus line 18, or you can walk in, for example starting from this small parking spot about 600 metres away.
Since February 2025, you now need a tickets to visit Roque Nublo between 9 am and 5 pm. They’re free but limited to 60 per hour.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of this new system. When I’m hiking, I don’t like having to stick to a one-hour time slot. So on my last visit, I chose to admire Roque Nublo from a distance instead.
Roque Bentayga
Roque Bentayga often stands in the shadow of Roque Nublo, but if I had to choose, this would be my favourite. The striking rock sits right in the middle of the former settlement area of the island’s indigenous people and feels almost like a fortress when you get closer.
From the small parking area below the rock, you can walk up on a short but partly steeper path. Plan around 1–2 hours in total for the ascent and descent, plus a visit to the small, free museum.
At the top, several viewpoints are waiting for you. You’re looking straight across to Roque Nublo, down into the Tejeda valley and into the greener valleys nearby.
The history here is just as interesting: around Roque Bentayga you’ll find caves, former sacred sites and information panels explaining the culture of the island’s original inhabitants.
Pico de las Nieves
Pico de las Nieves is the highest point on the island at just under 1,949 metres. The big advantage if you don’t want to hike far: you can drive almost all the way to the top. The downside is that the viewpoint can get quite busy.
From here, you get fantastic views of Roque Nublo and the surrounding mountains – and if you’re lucky with the weather, like I was, you can even see Tenerife in the distance.
My tip: Combine Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves in one day. As a hiker, you can experience both points in a 10 km circular hike. Whether by car or on foot, start with Roque Nublo so you don’t miss your time slot.
Barranco de las Vacas
Barranco de las Vacas is small compared to the island’s big classics, but it’s very photogenic. A narrow gorge with red-brown, curved rock walls that remind many people of a mini Antelope Canyon – although it’s only about 50 metres long.
The walk from the roadside down into the gorge is short. Depending on where you manage to park, you’ll be back at the car after about 20 to 30 minutes. Still, proper shoes are important. When I visited, it had rained and the rocks were very slippery.
The spot has become more popular in recent years thanks to social media, so your best chance for a quieter visit is early in the day. In my opinion, skip it unless you’re already passing through the area.
Mirador del Balcón & the wild west coast
Mirador del Balcón on the west coast truly feels like standing at the edge of the world. A platform with glass walls juts out over the cliffs, waves crashing below you, and in front of you the jagged outline of the coastline, often called the “dragon’s tail”.
Access is via a short stretch of the winding GR-200 road, which ends at the viewpoint. Coming from the south, it’s a dead-end road.
There are only a few parking spaces, so it’s best to come early in the day. When I visited, I had the platform completely to ourselves and could enjoy this incredible viewpoint without any rush. The view really is impressive.
It’s best to combine Mirador del Balcón with a drive along the west coast, for example with a stop in La Aldea de San Nicolás, a small town with a lovely beach and small harbour, and Agaete further north.
Villages, towns & culture: Gran Canaria sights beyond the resorts
Gran Canaria is much more than big hotels. If you add a few villages and towns to your itinerary, you’ll understand the island better and get a nice contrast to beach days.
Las Palmas & the old town of Vegueta
The capital, Las Palmas, is lively, a bit chaotic, but very interesting. I especially liked the old town of Vegueta. Cobblestone streets, colourful houses, narrow lanes and small squares that feel beautifully warm in the evening light.
Around the Santa Ana Cathedral, you can simply wander, visit the Casa de Colón or sit in a bar and watch the world go by. Many doorways and balconies are beautifully decorated – it’s worth slowing down and taking a closer look.
A great option is to combine a walk through Vegueta with a beach stop at Playa de Las Canteras afterwards. That way, you get both city vibes and the sea in one day.
Tejeda
Tejeda sits right in the centre of the island and is often listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. White houses cling to the hillside, with Roque Bentayga rising into the sky behind them.
I usually plan about an hour here for a stroll through the lanes and a coffee with a view over the valley. Make sure to try the local almond pastries the village is famous for.
Tejeda is also a great starting point for a hike to Cruz de Tejeda, a fantastic viewpoint. Unlike what I did, it’s best to start in Tejeda so you walk uphill first and enjoy a downhill walk on the way back.
Teror
Teror shows a very different side of the island. Here you’ll see many traditional Canarian houses with wooden balconies, often richly decorated. In the centre stands the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, an important pilgrimage site for locals.
If you visit on a Sunday, you can catch the weekly market. It’s busier then, but also much more lively. One to two hours are enough for Teror, especially if you combine it with a trip to the greener north of the island.
Guayadeque Gorge & cave dwellings
At first glance, the gorge feels quiet and almost unremarkable, but it shows very clearly how closely nature and tradition are connected on Gran Canaria.
Along the gorge, you’ll find cave dwellings. Some are still lived in, others are used as restaurants. The archaeological interpretation centre (Centro de Interpretación), right by the road, offers excellent background information.
Please be especially mindful here. These are real homes, not an open-air museum. Don’t photograph into windows and don’t climb on walls.
My personal highlight and a hidden gem on the island, was the hike towards the upper end of the Guayadeque Gorge. It’s moderately challenging but absolutely worth it.
You make your way past huge cacti and many other colourful plants before climbing up high above the gorge.
Practical tips for planning your trip
To make the most of your time and not spend it all in the car, a few simple planning tips really help.
Best time to visit, weather and how to avoid climate traps
Gran Canaria has a mild climate all year round. The south is usually warmer and drier, which makes it ideal for a winter beach holiday. In the north and in the island’s interior, clouds are more common, temperatures are cooler and it can be a bit more humid.
For a mix of beaches and easy hikes, I especially like spring and autumn. It’s warm without being too hot, and walking conditions are much more pleasant. Swimming in the ocean is possible year-round, although in winter the water does feel a bit cooler.
Good to know: in the mountains, temperatures can easily be 8 to 10 degrees lower than along the coast, and it’s often windier as well. Even on cloudy days, you can get sunburn very quickly, so don’t forget your sunscreen.
Getting around: car rental, bus or on foot?
If you want to see a lot of the island, a rental car makes things much easier. It’s especially practical for exploring the interior. You can enjoy great road trips and stop whenever something catches your eye.
If you’re visiting Gran Canaria without a car, bus connections work well between major towns like Las Palmas and Maspalomas but they’re more limited in mountain areas. For a trip that mainly combines beach time and city life, this can be enough.
Keep in mind, though:
- In Las Palmas and popular coastal towns, parking can be frustrating, especially during peak times.
- Mountain roads are winding, so drive at a relaxed pace and allow enough time.
Suggested 7-Day Gran Canaria Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Planning a full week in Gran Canaria? This 7-day itinerary combines the island’s most scenic beaches, dramatic viewpoints, charming villages and short hikes. All based on what I’ve personally enjoyed the most over several visits.
Day 1 – Southern beaches & first impressions
Start your trip with a relaxing day at Playa de Amadores or Playa del Inglés. Enjoy the sea, stretch your legs on the promenade, and ease into the island’s vibe.
Day 2 – Sand dunes & sunset
Head to Maspalomas and walk through the dunes in the late afternoon when the light is best. End the day by the lighthouse with dinner and a sunset view over the Atlantic.
Day 3 – Puerto de Mogán & coastal charm
Spend the day in the west of the south coast. Explore the canals and white houses of Puerto de Mogán and enjoy a calm swim in the sheltered bay.
Day 4 – Into the mountains
Drive into the island’s interior and hike to Roque Nublo (ticket required). If time allows, continue on to Pico de las Nieves for sweeping views across the island.
Day 5 – Villages & local life
Explore Tejeda and nearby Roque Bentayga in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Teror or Guayadeque Gorge for a quieter, cultural side of Gran Canaria.
Day 6 – Wild west coast & viewpoints
Take a road trip to Mirador del Balcón on the GC-200. Combine it with a stop in La Aldea de San Nicolás or Agaete to see the island’s more rugged coastline.
Day 7 – City & beach in Las Palmas
Spend your last day in Las Palmas: wander the historic streets of Vegueta, then relax at Playa de Las Canteras for one last swim before heading home.
Feel free to swap days around based on where you’re staying or the weather – but this route gives you a balanced look at everything Gran Canaria has to offer.
What to do next
Now that you know the island’s main sights and highlights, the next step is choosing the right base. Take a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria to find the area that suits your travel style best.
