A guide to visiting Gran Canaria
Situated in the heart of the Canary Isles just off the African coast, Gran Canaria is a sunny destination that you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a nature lover, a beach goer or you are just looking for a getaway to remember, Gran Canaria is the place for you. With stunning beaches and sand dunes, dramatic coastlines, breathtaking mountains, charming towns and plenty of culture, this Spanish island has so much to offer. With good weather pretty much all year round, Gran Canaria is ideal for those looking for some winter sun as well as a summer holiday destination.
My name is Emily and I have lived in the Andalusia region of Spain for over two years. I enjoyed a four day vacation in Gran Canaria in February and I completely fell in love with the island. This travel guide aims to give you all the help and inspiration you need to plan your own visit to Gran Canaria. In this guide I will share with you my top places to visit, along with recommendations for how to get around the island, where to stay and more. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
how to get around Gran canaria
There is one major airport in Gran Canaria: ‘Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport’ which is positioned on the east of the island. The best way to get around Gran Canaria and enjoy it to its full potential is to hire a car, especially to reach the more remote or less accessible locations. I recommend a local car hire company called Cicar who do not sting you with hidden deposit fees and offer a good range of vehicles, with collection and drop off directly at the airport. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that fuel prices in Gran Canaria are cheap (in February 2025) due to a government subsidy initiative, which is helpful when it comes to budgeting for your trip.
If however you don’t know how to drive or are not confident to drive, don’t worry as you can absolutely visit Gran Canaria without a car. Gran Canaria has a great public bus service called Global, which has an extensive network that runs regularly connecting major towns, tourist areas, and attractions across the island. Uber does operate in some areas of Gran Canaria too. I would also recommend enjoying a selection of tours with GetYourGuide which will include pick up and transport from your hotel.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
Depending on the time of year you visit and the duration of your stay, there are numerous options of where you can base yourself in Gran Canaria. I decided to stay in an apartment in the south of the island just outside of Maspalomas, as this area is known for getting the better weather in the winter months. The south of Gran Canaria is the main tourist area, where you will predominantly find resorts and hotels for accomodation. If you are planning a relaxing beach holiday, then the south of Gran Canaria is the best place to stay. If you plan to spend over 4 days Gran Canaria, I would recommend dividing your stay in two: half your time based in the south of the island and half your time based in Las Palmas (capital city) or the northern area. Staying in Las Palmas will allow for better connections to public transport and tours if you don’t plan to hire a car. If you want to stay somewhere on a budget, Las Palmas is where you will find more affordable options, including a selection of hostels.
TOP PLACES TO SEE Gran Canaria
The Dunes of Maspalomas
Located in the south of Gran Canaria, this incredible natural wonder will make you feel like you have been transported to the middle of the desert. These golden sand dunes stretch over 400 hectares and are in fact a protected nature reserve. You can wander and climb the dunes or head towards the beach to enjoy a dip in the crystal clear waters. TOP TIP: Pack a towel as there is a high possibility you will get covered in sand, especially if it is windy. Don’t miss the chance of catching a sunset here too. The dunes are close to a variety of restaurants and hotels where you can enjoy a meal or perhaps a drink from a rooftop bar. There is ample street parking around the Riu Palace Hotel close to the dunes.
Puerto de Mogán
Continuing along the south coast you will find the charming coastal town of Puerto de Mogán. With its pretty white town houses covered in florals, al fresco dining and a handful of canals around the marina, Puerto de Mogán has affectionately been nicknamed ‘Little Venice’. It is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll and a bite to eat, with a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and bars around the marina or along the beachfront. I would recommend enjoying a drink with a view from the terrace of Beach Club Faro. Don’t forget to make the climb up to the Mirador of Puerto da Mogán to enjoy the best views overlooking the town and coastline. Puerto da Mogán is a great place if you enjoy snorkelling or water sports, with a variety of tour operators offering activities, boat trips, kayaking to nearby caves and even a submarine tour to explore the ocean floor.
The Grand Canyon of Gran Canaria
Now it’s time to head inland to enjoy Gran Canaria’s mountainous volcanic landscape. Starting in the south, take the GC-60 road towards the town of Fataga and be prepared to be amazed by what you witness along the way. This stretch of winding road has become known as the Gran Canyon of the Gran Canaria, which transcend canyons with towering rock formations at every turn. Make sure to stop at the Mirador Astronómico along the way, which offers breathtaking views of the canyon and mountains. If you love stargazing, then you will want to come back to this spot at night and marvel at the night sky. I highly recommend a pitstop at the whitewashed mountain village of Fataga. Here you will find traditional Canarian stone houses along winding cobbled streets, surrounded by towering mountains and green pine trees. You can find small selection of bars and cafes in Fataga, along with local artisan and craft shops where you can find a local handmade souvenir or two.
Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo
You cannot miss the chance to visit the highest point of Gran Canaria! Continue your drive up to the Mirador Pico de las Nieves and get ready to be met with the most breathtaking views at an altitude of 1,950 metres! From here you will see the rock of ‘Roque Nublo’ perching above a vast area of the island that has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Take in the sights of endless deep ravines, luscious green pine forests and basins formed from volcanic activity over time. And the most impressive sight of all, the Teide volcano on the island of Tenerife protruding above the clouds on the horizon. This view is something truly special and it appears as if Teide is floating above the ocean. A sunset from Mirador Pico de las Nieves is a spectacle that you won’t see in many places in the world! If you love hiking, you can enjoy a circular route which takes you to the Roque Nublo through the pine forests. It takes around 2 and a half hours and is signposted throughout. TOP TIP: If parking at the mirador is full, you can park near the entry of the nearby military base and take a short walk up along the road instead.
Tejeda
Whilst you are visiting the highest point of Gran Canaria, don’t pass the opportunity to visit the mountain village of Tejeda. This is the place if you want to sample some of Gran Canaria’s gastronomy and traditional island cuisine. Typical dishes in Gran Canaria include stew made with chickpeas, meat and vegetables, ‘Papas con mojo picón’ aka wrinkly potatoes with a spicy mojo sauce (my personal favourite favourite), roasted cheese and the most famous, Gofio Escaldado (a puree made from a toasted grain). Take a stroll along the parador to enjoy Tejeda’s selection of restaurants and bars, where you can eat and enjoy incredible views of Roque Nublo from above. Every day from early in the morning in Tejeda you can enjoy a small street market, where you can treat yourself to souvenir, including typical sweets and a variety of traditional Canarian crafts.
Streets of Tejeda, Gran Canaria
Las Palmas
No trip to Gran Canaria is complete without visiting the capital city of Las Palmas. Take a stroll around the charming historic centre called Vegueta, which is in fact protected under UNESCO. There are several historical and cultural places of interest in the area, including the impressive cathedral and Casa de Colon, where explorer Christopher Columbus stayed on his way to the Americas. The building is over 500 years old and is home to a museum where you can learn more about Columbus’ adventures. Allow time to wander through the cobblestoned streets and take in the colonial architecture of the historic centre before heading to the beach Playa de las Canteras. Here you can enjoy golden sands and a lively promenade with numerous bars, restaurants and shops.
Teror and Arucas
Situated in the north of the island, I would recommend a visit to the charming historic towns of Teror and Arucas. In Teror, make sure to take a stroll down the main street where you will see bright colourful colonial buildings with shops and restaurants to enjoy. It will lead you to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, a church with the most beautiful alter inside. Teror hosts a weekly Sunday market around the Basilica, where you can sample Canarian foods including typical pastries, sweet black pudding and the “chorizos de Teror” (a type of spiced sausage spread).
Arucas was one of my favourite towns I visited in Gran Canaria due to its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. The biggest attraction here is the impressive neo-Gothic Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, a true architectural marvel. A short stroll away you will find the colourful León y Castillo Street which is a great place to enjoy a coffee and shopping. I would also recommend a stroll through the charming municipal gardens and pass by another architectural delight in the old Water Company building. If you enjoy a cheeky glass of rum, then don’t pass at the chance to take a tour of the Arehucas Rum Distillery! The 45-minute tour ends with tastings of four spirits, including a mango gin.
Thank you for reading my guide to visiting Gran Canaria. I hope you have found it useful. If so, please leave your feedback in the comments section below or reach out to me on Instagram!
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Planning a getaway to the Canary Islands? Then check out my travel guide for visiting the island of Gran Canaria! This Spanish island has so much to offer, with activities for nature lovers, beach goers, foodies and those wanting to soak up some culture. Let’s dive in and discover the best of what Gran Canaria has to offer!