Usually it’s the wondrously blue ocean and golden beaches that attract tourists to Gran Canaria. This is hardly all this little green island has to offer though. Today’s post will go over some of the best attractions you can find in Gran Canaria so you can plan your holidays well informed.
Gran Canaria
What to visit in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has something for everyone. Are you more of a party person? Gran Canarians will welcome you with both their open arms and plenty of clubs to scavenge through. Do you prefer it quiet and natural? Abundance of beautiful views and natural spots, hills, caves and beaches.
The best way to get around Gran Canaria is by car, hired from a local rental, or by taking one of the local buses that’ll take you to most of the more popular spots on the island. Speaking of which, Gran Canaria is relatively sizable for the Canaries, at approximately 31 miles in diameter. There is an airport in Gran Canaria, as well as a ferry port from where you can take a boat to Tenerife, for example.
Just a random tidbit before we start: try not to drink tap water in Gran Canaria. It’s not the best.
Pico de las Nieves
Gran Canaria’s highest peak
Pico de las Nieves is Gran Canaria’s highest peak, at almost 2,000 metres above sea level. You can conquer it in two ways: on foot (the trails are well signposted) or by car (there is a car park at the top). It offers a fabulous panoramic view of the island and of the nearby Tenerife.
If you can get yourself to the top for sunset, the view’s well worth it – the view of the Roque Nublo monolith submerged in an ocean of clouds and illuminated by the rays, and of Tenerife shimmering in colour, gradually succumbing to the darkness, will stay in your mind for a long, long time.
Puerto de Las Nieves
A charming fishing village in Gran Canaria
A steep cliff, cafés bathed in harbour sunshine and the sound of the ocean – this is what greets you in the fishing village of Puerto de las Nieves. Additionally you have the Dedo de Dios, an unusual rock formation submerged in the ocean and shaped like a finger, adding even more of a charm to the place.
It’s sleepy and blissful here, and you’ll invariably get swept up in this feeling too. So take a seat in one of the local restaurants and enjoy some Canarian dishes while soaking up the beauty that surrounds you.
Puerto de Mogan
Gran Canaria’s lovely harbour
This lovely little settlement on the south coast of Gran Canaria too shares a magical atmosphere. Colourful flowers bloom in front of the whitewashed colonial-style houses. Narrow streets cut through canals, making Puerto de Mogan resemble a miniature version of Venice. A walk along the beach and a stroll through the town will leave you feeling like you have arrived in a fairytale land. The perfect end to a day in Puerto de Mogan is to enjoy the sunset in one of the waterfront restaurants, serving excellent seafood.
Teror
The most beautiful town in Gran Canaria
Teror is closer to the centre of the island and is a sight to behold. The colourful facades of the buildings with carved wooden balconies, the winding streets and the typical Canarian architecture of an old town create an unmatched feeling. Walking between the green, blue, yellow and red townhouses is a delight and we highly advise you not to skip out on this one.
Arucas
The famed city of Gran Canaria
Sunny Arucas is Gran Canaria’s second largest city (after its capital, Las Palmas), located in the northern part of the island. It’s quite well known for its historic buildings, especially the parish church of Saint John the Baptist.
It’s not the historical architecture that is the most recognisable element of the city, though. That would be the rum produced here. It’s not just Arucas, but the whole Canaries which are famous for rum production. So, when in Arucas, be sure to treat yourself to a ‘chupito’ or a glass of the local spirit.
Barranco de Guayadeque
A stunning natural spot in Gran Canaria
If you’re more of a nature person, make sure not to skip out on a hike in Barranco de Guayadeque. It’s a sand-red canyon, comparable to the most beautiful canyons in the US. One of the biggest attractions is the unusual rock formation called Tobas de Colores.
Additionally, those of you who love star gazing will appreciate the opportunity to visit the Temisas Astronomical Observatory nearby (about 13 miles away) – it’s got some heavenly views.
Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo
Gran Canaria Botanical Garden
The Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden in Tafira Alta is a great showcase of the richness of flora in Gran Canaria. In its 27 hectares you will see almost 500 different species, many of which are endemic. The Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is divided into several distinct zones, sorting out the flora gathered there. Most notable are: ‘Plaza of the Palms’, the ‘Garden of the Islands’, and, the newest of the areas, the ‘Garden of the World’.
The Dunes of Maspalomas
A natural wonder of Gran Canaria
The south of Gran Canaria will suddenly drop you in the heart of a hot desert. It is here, on the Maspalomas beach, just behind the lighthouse, where nature plays out its extraordinary spectacle – dunes spread out over more than 400 hectares and reaching over 10 metres high. When walking among the Maspalomas dunes, remember to treat this space with care, following only the marked trails – the area is protected, being part of a natural park.
Cenobio de Valerón
Gran Canaria’s extraordinary caves
For the history lovers among you, you should head to the north of the island to see one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the Canary Islands – the Valeron caves. They look like a large beehive carved into the rock. In fact, the Cenobio de Valerón, of which there are nearly 300, served as a huge granary. Centuries ago, the islanders stored grain here, which was the main component of their daily diet. You can visit the caves on your own or with a guide.
Poema del Mar Aquarium
Las Palomas’ biggest attraction
One of the best places you can see in the island’s capital, Las Palomas, is the huge modern Poema del Mar aquarium, a one of a kind for the Canaries. Here you will immerse yourself in an underwater world that will enchant you with its biodiversity – you will see around 350 species of fish and sea creatures. The aquarium is divided into several areas, each representing an ecosystem from a different part of the world – from Africa to Asia to Australia. Particularly impressive is the huge aquarium, 36 metres long and 7 metres tall.
Valle de Agaete
Gran Canaria’s extraordinary valley
The Valle de Agaete is a beautiful, green valley in Gran Canaria. You’ll see plenty of lush vegetation, some charming buildings, lots of tropical fruits (oranges, grapefruit, mangoes and papaya) and coffee plantations. Gran Canaria is even home to the famed Arabica and has been producing it since the 19th century. The islanders claim that their coffee is the number one in all of Spain, and, honestly, they might have a point.
Map of Gran Canaria attractions
What to see in Gran Canaria
1) Maspalomas Dunes
2) Teror
3) Valle de Agaete
4) Poema del Mar
5) Cenobio de Valerón
6) Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo
7) Barranco de Guayadeque
8) Arucas
9) Puerto de Mogan
10) Puerto de Las Nieves
11) Pico de las Nieves
We highly recommend Gran Canaria, as the atmosphere of the Canaries is really one of a kind. It’s so diverse and charming that you’ll invariably find yourself with plenty of memories marked by beams of sunlight and the ocean’s lullaby.
See also:
- Tenerife or Gran Canaria, which one should you choose? Which one’s warmer, cheaper and better?
- What should you buy in Spain? 13 best things to buy in Spain
- 19 best beaches to visit in Spain
