Also known as the continent in miniature, Gran Canaria is where Mother Nature celebrates diversity in the most exquisite way. Visitors to this extraordinary Canary Island will be welcomed to ever-changing landscapes from the rugged northern coast to accolade forests, followed by extinct volcanoes and mountainous peaks right in the centre of the island. Further south, there are pine woodlands before deep canyons and desert dunes leading into the golden southern beaches. The island of Gran Canaria really is an explorer’s playground with an extensive historical background and local flavour to experience along the way. Another added benefit is Gran Canaria is one of the warmest European destinations during winter, making a great winter-sun getaway! Below, we share some of our favourite places to visit and how to make the most of them! 

LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA

The vibrant and colourful capital city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city in the Canary Islands, located on the northeast coast. With its stunning beaches and charming old town, it is certainly worth exploring this stylish capital. A trip through the streets of the old quarter, Vegueta, is very high on the must-see list for many visitors. Why not take a guided walking tour around the city where you will truly be able to fully appreciate the city’s history and a mixture of late Gothic to Renaissance traditional Spanish architecture, making excellent photo opportunities. For those with an interest in history can immerse themselves in several museums and galleries along with making a stop to see the museum Casa de Colon, believed to be the place where Columbus historically stayed on his way to the Americas. You can then refuel at a variety of excellent tapas bars and restaurants before hitting the shops or heading to one of the best city beaches in Europe, Las Canteras. The city’s extensive sandy beach is a hub of local activity filled with fishing boats down one end and surfers at the other. A visit here is a local experience in itself and the ideal place to cool off following from exploring the city centre. Plus, its beachfront terraces fill up at sunset and the cafes, bars and restaurants along the promenade, come alive at night. 

Top Tip: We recommended dining at Casa Montesdeoca, a family-run restaurant tucked away in a quaint little courtyard. This hidden gem serves the most mouth-watering steak and phenomenal seafood, also highly recommended on TripAdvisor.   

THE NORTH, AGAETE AND LAS SALINAS

Before heading to the popular southern resorts and beaches, why not explore the rugged yet beautiful northern coast of Gran Canaria, home to unspoilt beaches and natural swimming pools such as El Puertillo, Charco de San Lorenzo and Las Salinas in Agaete. El Puertillo is a fantastic place to stop for local, freshly caught seafood, but be warned, Puerto de Las Nieves, Agaete and the natural pools of Las Salinas will certainly tempt you to an even stay longer. This delightful fishing village is home to a colourful and bright harbour, a gorgeous cluster of blue and white Canarian houses and a chain of craft shops and galleries lining Paseo de los Poetas. Before they became the ideal bathing spot that they are today, the natural pools in Las Salinas were used to harvest salt for many centuries. Here rocks form a natural barrier from the waves, also allowing fresh seawater to rush in, making it mesmerise and exhilarating to watch. The three pools are connected together by volcanic tubes and have flat areas ideal for sunbathing. Pine forests cover the mountains that lead inland, making a dramatic backdrop for bathers and a truly beautiful scene for pool-side photos. Gran Canaria’s northern towns and villages away from Agaete and the coast are a true delight. From Firgas’ 30-meter terraced waterfall to Terors stunning, wooden balconied streets, it is certainly worth getting to know a few of the towns in between the great outdoor activities that the island has to offer. Not to mention Santa Maria de Guia, the town famed for its local flower cheeses made from curdling cow, goat or sheep’s milk with the head of an artichoke thistle.  

EXPLORE THE ANCIENT SIDE OF GRAN CANARIA

Did you know the Canary Islands were previously inhabited by the Guanches, native people with links to the Berbers of North Africa? A visit to the centre of Gran Canaria is the perfect place to explore pre-Hispanic sights such as Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga as they combine incredible natural experiences with a fascinating glimpse into the island’s heritage. Roque Nublo, a 70-metre giant crag, is one of the world’s largest free-standing crags and an ancient place of worship by the Gaunches, standing proudly at 1,813 metres above sea level. It isn’t hard to see why it was so respected as the panoramic views across the island are truly mesmerising. You can even sometimes see the peak of Teide Volcano from the island’s neighbour Tenerife. Dependent on weather conditions, you could also be looking out over the island above the clouds so make sure you don’t forget your camera! For those who want to absorb Nublo Rural Park’s landscape and picturesque views will find several hiking trails – the shortest trail is just under an hour round-trip.  

Top Tip: Make sure you incorporate a visit to Tejeda village, perched under Roque Nublo, where you will find a local ethnography museum for those who want to delve further into the island’s ancient cultures. The nearby natural fortress, Roque Bentayga is where generations of Guanches lived, built community granaries and memorial caves, lined with paintings and inscriptions. A short but steep path leads to their almogarén, a spiritual ceremonial place where the rocky landscape is a theatre of light and shadow. 

TAMADABA NATURAL PARK

With many incredible hiking routes through volcanic landscapes, mountains, canyons and forests, it is not surprising that Gran Canaria attracts thousands of hikers throughout the year. Why not explore the trails of Tamadaba National Park, part of the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you will be able to summit either the Tamadaba volcano or the Pico de la Banders, the highest peak in the park where you can enjoy bird watching in the forest of primitive Canary pines along the way. Tamadaba is the undisputed climbing and hiking hotspot, although some trails can be challenging in parts. Hikers will be fully rewarded with spectacular views from the top.  

PUERTO DE MOGÁN

The picturesque resort of Puerto Mogan has been an excellent family resort for some time. Located on the southwest coast, the resort is home to a fishing point, yacht marina and a well-protected sandy beach. The village itself sits at the mouth of a steep-sided valley with white-washed buildings contradictory with the mountainous landscapes behind. Take a wander down the narrow alleyways and admire houses that are bursting with colour from floral window boxes to bougainvillea adoring walls.  Often described as “the Venice of the Canaries”, Puerto Mogan has a network of seawater canals that connects the marina to the port, making it a beautiful town and the perfect place to take an evening stroll.  

MASPALOMAS DUNES

In the south of Gran Canaria, you will find the beautiful desert-like Maspalomas dunes, a contrast to the pine and prestige forests of the island's interior. The breath-taking ripples of Maspalomas inspire the Sahara and with Playa Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles on either side, they are an enjoyable addition to relaxing beach days. Even locals find the dunes mesmerising due to the fact that they are similar to living sculptors, constantly changing and evolving, adjustable with the wind. Comprising of three distinct eco-systems, the sweeping, powdery sands have been protected since 1987, along with the oasis palm grove and the lagoon. The eco-systems provide a habitat for African fauna on the island including the giant lizard and several migratory bird species. Take a look over the dunes for the Mirador Maspalomas or even join one of the trails leading to Maspalomas beach. The best time to visit the dunes are either at dawn or dusk, when the light levels accentuate the texture in the sand, ideal for photo opportunities.  

If you are feeling ready to explore Gran Canaria from tip-to-toe, contact us today to start planning your trip to this diverse and beautiful island!