23 best Instagram spots in Gran Canaria, Spain
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After spending months exploring the island, here is my guide to the most iconic Instagram spots in Gran Canaria, Spain! We’ve been to all eight inhabited Canary Islands, and Gran Canaria is definitely one of my favorites!
From golden beaches and scenic mountains to charming villages and unique volcanic rocks – it has it all! Gran Canaria is often called a ‘miniature continent’ because of how diverse this island is so it comes as no surprise that you will find many unique photo spots in Gran Canaria.
I’ve been lucky to spend many months on this beautiful island and explore all corners, so let me share with you the best Instagram spots in Gran Canaria with descriptions, photos, and Google Maps locations. Enjoy your travels!
1. Faro de Maspalomas
One of the must-visit places in Gran Canaria is Faro de Maspalomas or the Maspalomas Lighthouse.
This historic lighthouse dates back to the 19th century and has been guiding passing ships ever since. Today it has become one of the most iconic landmarks in southern Gran Canaria.
Faro de Maspalomas stands 55 meters tall and is located right by the beach in Maspalomas. A beautiful seaside promenade stretches along the shore, passing right by the lighthouse.
The lighthouse is also incredibly photogenic so it rightly fits among the best Instagram spots in Gran Canaria. Come here for sunrise or sunset for that golden sunlight!
Location: Faro de Maspalomas
2. Mirador del Balcón with a view of the Dragon’s Tail
Mirador del Balcón is probably the most famous of all the viewpoints in Gran Canaria. It is located on the West coast of the island – the most dramatic part of Gran Canaria’s coastline with breathtaking scenery.
The gorgeous viewpoint is a man-made glass platform perched on a cliffside, hundreds of meters above sea level which is as dramatic as it sounds. But the real highlight is the view.
The viewpoint offers views of the rugged coastline and the jagged rock formations known as the Dragon’s Tail, named for their resemblance to the spiked back of a dragon.
There are a couple of uniquely iconic Instagram spots in Gran Canaria, and this place is one of them!
Location: Mirador del Balcón
3. Roque Nublo, the sacred symbol of Gran Canaria
Talking about iconic places…Not many attractions in Gran Canaria can compete with Roque Nublo.
Roque Nublo is a massive volcanic rock formation that formed during an eruption millions of years ago. It is a symbol of the island (it was a sacred place for the island’s early settlers – Guanches).
The name Roque Nublo translates to “Cloud Rock” in Spanish. The massive rock itself is 80 meters tall and sits at 1,803 meters above sea level, making it the third-highest peak in Gran Canaria.
Trust me, it feels like the whole island is at your feet so it makes for some incredibly iconic Instagram spots in Gran Canaria! I have been there many times— in the morning, during the day, and at sunset. Each time of day offers a unique perspective and view of the island.
However, getting to Roque Nublo requires a hike.
The shortest and most popular route (1.3 km one way) starts from Road GC-600 but you need to obtain a free permit to walk to Roque Nublo from this checkpoint during the day (from 9:00 to 17:00). No need for a permit outside these hours.
Also, you can’t park your car at the starting point. Instead, you can leave it at one of the nearby campsites (Bailico or Llanos de la Pez) and add a few extra kilometers to your hike, or take a public bus (see ‘Guaguas’), which will take you directly to the starting point.
For other hiking options to Roque Nublo, I recommend a 3-kilometer hike (one way) from Presa de Elba. There are a few parking spots next to the bus stop, and the trail takes you along the water reservoir and up to Roque Nublo.
Location: Roque Nublo
4. Cathedral of Arucas
The gorgeous Church of San Juan Bautista in Arucas town is one of the most emblematic buildings you will find in Gran Canaria. It is amongst my favorite places we visited on the island and its photogenic exterior makes it one of the top Instagram spots in Gran Canaria!
Although it is a church, due to its majestic size and eccentric exterior, it is commonly referred to as the Cathedral of Arucas. I think this name describes the building much better, right?
The stunning neo-Gothic church was built between 1909 and 1977 using local stones of volcanic origin. At first, I thought the church looked a bit ‘dirty’ but it’s the volcanic rocks that give it this tone.
I absolutely loved this charming town. There is a large parking lot right next to the church where you can leave your car and then easily walk around the historic center on foot.
If you can, I highly recommend visiting this place. Arucas is one of the most beautiful places in Gran Canaria and you can easily visit in just 1-2 hours. It’s enough to admire the church and soak in the special charm of a traditional Spanish colonial town.
Location: Parroquia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas
5. Barranco de las Vacas
Barranco de las Vacas is one of the most unique places in Gran Canaria. It is a narrow ravine with wave-like sandstone walls in golden and rust colors that resemble the famous Antelope Canyon in the United States.
Although Barranco de las Vacas slot canyon is really small and short (like 100 meters short!), it has become one of the most sought-after hidden gems in Gran Canaria.
Just like other canyons, Barranco de las Vacas was formed by erosion, wind, and rain over the period of thousands of years.
You can get to Barranco de las Vacas by car, leaving it at the side of the road. From there, you can either take a path leading directly into the valley from the parking area or you can walk along the road and then scramble down into the riverbed from the bridge.
If you’re traveling with kids or don’t have sturdy shoes, I recommend taking the path from the parking area, as it is not as steep as the walls next to the bridge.
After you reach the riverbed, you need to go through the tunnel under the bridge and follow the riverbed uphill. The photo-perfect place with the narrow part of the canyon is just 100 meters from the bridge so it is a very short hike and quite easy to reach.
Location: Barranco de las Vacas
6. Rainbow Rocks: Los Azulejos de Veneguera
Talking about photo-perfect places, let me introduce you to Gran Canaria’s Rainbow Rocks!
Los Azulejos de Veneguera, often referred to as Gran Canaria’s Rainbow Rocks, is one of the most unique and beautiful places in Gran Canaria, where you can admire a large multicolored mountain proudly displaying its vibrant colors.
This area is called ‘Fuente de los Azulejos,’ which translates to ‘Fountain of Tiles.’ For some, these colorful rocks resembled decorative ceramic tiles commonly used in Spanish, Portuguese, and Moorish design so the name of the place was born.
The rocks are located in the southwest of Gran Canaria, and you can easily reach this place by car or by bus. There are many parking places along the road where you can leave your car and go admire the rainbow rocks up close.
Personally, I really enjoyed the view of the rainbow rocks from a distance, where you can see the entire mountain so we stopped by the road before reaching the rocks to take some cool photos.
But why are the rocks colorful? The mountains were formed millions of years ago during volcanic eruptions, and the area is composed of various minerals. As a result of oxidation and other chemical reactions, these minerals each have a different color.
If you feel up to it, there is a wonderful 7-kilometer hike in this area, taking you up to the top of the mountain, around the rocks, and then back down the mountain to the starting point near the rocks. Los Azulejos hike was one of my favorite hikes we did in Gran Canaria!
Location: Los Azulejos de Veneguera
7. La Cesta
La Cesta, or The Basket, is a beautiful Instagram spot in Gran Canaria located in the mountains next to the road near Tejeda village. It is one of the island’s iconic must-visit photo spots and is easy to visit – there are a couple of parking places right next to it for a quick photo stop!
The viewpoint features a large wicker basket-type art installation with a hollow bottom where you can see Gran Canaria’s iconic rock formation, Roque Bentayga, positioned in the center of the hollow end of the basket.
Location: La Cesta
8. Little Venice in Puerto de Mogán
Puerto de Mogán is one of the most beautiful villages in Gran Canaria, especially its iconic port neighborhood, known for its canals, colorful buildings, and boats. That’s why it is called ‘Little Venice,’ as it resembles the famous city in Italy.
Puerto de Mogán was once a peaceful fishing village in the South of Gran Canaria but over the last decades, it has grown into a popular tourist resort town.
Even if you are not staying in Puerto de Mogán, visiting Little Venice should be on your Gran Canaria bucket list. I loved strolling through the narrow streets lined with whitewashed, colorful houses, all decorated with bougainvillea and potted plants!
The colorful streets adorned with flowers create the perfect setting for a perfect photo spot in Gran Canaria. For the best photos, I recommend arriving earlier in the day to avoid the crowds. It gets very busy once the masses wake up and hit the streets.
If you’re traveling by car, there is a paid parking lot right next to the entrance to Little Venice. However, the space is very limited, so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of finding a parking spot and taking cute photos without the crowds!
Location: Puerto de Mogán
9. Dunas de Maspalomas
Dunes of Maspalomas is a vast area of golden sand dunes in Maspalomas town in the South of Gran Canaria. It is one of the island’s more iconic natural landmarks! If I had to guess, I’d say that almost every traveler to Gran Canaria visits this unique place!
I was truly surprised that such a desert-like landscape could be found on an island that was formed by volcanic eruptions. But nature is full of wonders!
The dunes is a protected area, a special nature reserve, so if you want to walk around the dunes, you should do so using the designated walking trails.
The best places to see the sand hills are two viewpoints inside Maspalomas at Mirador de las Dunas or Mirador Dunas Santa Mónica. The view will be especially spectacular at sunset when the sand is glowing in golden hues.
Location: Dunas de Maspalomas
10. Mirador de Cruz de Tejeda
Located in the center of the island, the picture-perfect Mirador de Cruz de Tejeda is one of the most famous viewpoints in Gran Canaria. If you’re driving around the mountains, definitely stop by this place!
The viewpoint is just one part of the experience. The Cruz de Tejeda area also features restaurants, hotels, a large public parking lot, and local vendors selling souvenirs and products made and grown in the Canary Islands.
Cruz de Tejeda is also a popular starting point for scenic hiking trails around the mountains. We did the Cruz de Tejeda–Artenara hike, which is one of the most beautiful hikes in Gran Canaria. This place is a must-visit!
Location: Mirador de Cruz de Tejeda
11. Paseo de Canarias in Firgas
Firgas is a charming village in northern Gran Canaria more widely known for its bottled mineral water with the same name as the village. That’s why it is often referred to as the Village of Water.
Firgas is also home to one of the most beautiful places in Gran Canaria – Paseo de Canarias. It is a gorgeous pedestrian promenade in the heart of the tiny village that is a must-see for every visitor to Gran Canaria.
The Paseo de Canarias promenade leads uphill and has two parts. The bottom part features a 30-meter-long waterfall and ceramic benches along the side of the street each bench displaying one of Gran Canaria’s municipalities.
The upper part of the Paseo de Canarias features large ceramic maps with 3D models of the seven Canary Islands – Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
I’ve visited all of the Canary Islands, so I was really excited to check out the maps and relive the places we explored on each island. The maps are pretty detailed—you can actually spot some of the most iconic landmarks!
With its colorful tiles and waterfall, Paseo de Canarias is super photogenic. It definitely has some of the best photo spots in Gran Canaria, so I highly recommend stopping by this charming village if you’re doing a road trip to the north.
Location: Paseo de Canarias
12. Caves of Valeron
Caves of Valeron or Cenobio de Valerón is a complex of caves carved into the rock in the Northern part of Gran Canaria. It was used as a communal storage place for goods and tools for the indigenous Canarian people.
In my opinion, these were the most picturesque and most beautiful caves in Gran Canaria – not only the caves themselves but also the views over the valley! Such a scenic place and great for photos!
The Valerón caves date back around 800 years and include more than 350 chambers in this cave complex. This is a popular place to visit among tourists who want to explore how the Guanches lived during the pre-Hispanic era.
Cenobio de Valerón is perched on a cliffside next to a quiet road, offering impressive views of the valley below. We only spent one hour here exploring the caves, as there isn’t much else to see but I highly recommend including this place in your Gran Canaria itinerary.
To reach the caves, drive to the parking lot next to the road (location below), cross the road, and climb a short staircase to the entrance. From a viewing platform, you can see the cave chambers up close and learn more about them from the information board.
There is also a small aboriginal house along the staircase where you can enter and get a glimpse of how Guanches lived centuries ago. Nothing extraordinary but definitely quite interesting.
Overall, it’s a small but picturesque place to visit in Gran Canaria. It’s fascinating to see so many storage caves together – I guess Guanches had a small commune living together around this area so they needed many storage units.
There is also a small entrance fee to the caves which we were able to pay with a card.
Location: Caves of Valeron
13. Mirador Degollada de Becerra
Mirador Degollada de Becerra is one of my favorite viewpoints in Gran Canaria. It offers panoramic views of the island’s rugged mountains, including the two most prominent rock formations—Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.
Why is it one of the best viewpoints? You get a front-row seat to the impressive Caldera de Tejeda crater, stunning views of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, and on a clear day, you can even spot Teide volcano in Tenerife!
If you’ve come to Gran Canaria for the mountains and the views, this is the perfect place to soak it all in. If I hadn’t been freezing in that minidress, I probably would have stayed for an hour just gazing at all the natural beauty of this island!
Location: Mirador Degollada de Becerra
14. Vegueta, Old Town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Vegueta is the name of the Old Town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island’s capital. It is also one of my favorite places we visited on the island!
Vegueta Old Town is one of the oldest places in all of the Canary Islands. This is where the Spanish conquistadors first settled on Gran Canaria back in the 15th century.
As a result, the Vegueta neighborhood is filled with centuries-old buildings, cobblestone streets, charming squares, and stunning colonial architecture. The ideal place for photos filled with some of the most beautiful Instagram spots in Gran Canaria!
Vegueta is rather small so you can easily walk to all the most important places on foot. We arrived here in the morning, parked our car by the Mercado de Vegueta, and started exploring.
The most important places to visit in Vegueta include the Cathedral of Canarias located in front of the beautiful Plaza de Santa Ana Square.
Another must-visit is Casa de Colón, a colonial mansion that Christopher Columbus visited during his stop in Gran Canaria on his transatlantic voyages. This was my favorite photo-perfect building in Vegueta!
Right next to it, you will find a charming street Calle de los Balcones known for its charming colonial architecture, historic houses, and their iconic wooden balconies.
I also liked the beautiful 19th-century Gabinete Literario or Literary Cabinet building right next to Alameda de Colón and the gorgeous amphitheater Teatro Pérez Galdós. If you are looking for iconic Instagrammable places in Gran Canaria, Vegueta is the place!
Location: Vegueta
15. Puerto de La Aldea
Puerto de la Aldea is a small, traditional fishing village on the west coast of Gran Canaria, known for its laid-back vibe and stunning coastal views.
The village features a wide pebble beach, a beautiful seaside promenade, a natural rock swimming pool called Charco de la Aldea, and a scenic fishing pier with views of the dramatic cliffs surrounding the beach.
Puerto de la Aldea is one of my favorite hidden gems in Gran Canaria. It’s a peaceful escape, far removed from the touristy areas in the south.
There are two beaches in the village, separated by a large rock. To access both, a pedestrian tunnel has been built through the rock, creating a picture-perfect frame for the dramatic coastline views. The perfect Instagram spot!
Location: Puerto de La Aldea
16. Mirador de Tejeda
Oh, the gorgeous village of Tejeda! Nothing comes close to this charming oasis in the mountains! In my opinion, Tejeda is the most beautiful village in Gran Canaria!
Hidden in the mountains in the heart of the island, this village charms everyone with its serene surrounding landscapes, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere.
Visiting Tejeda is one of the top things to do in Gran Canaria. The village is part of a vast network of popular hiking trails in the mountains, it is also a convenient stop to make during the head-turning road trip around the mountains of Gran Canaria.
Then, Tejeda is famous for its pastries—trying one of the delicious palmeras or almond pastries from Dulcería Nublo is a must! And lastly, the village offers some of the best views in Gran Canaria! Walk down Calle Dr. Domingo Hernández Guerra, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
At the end of the street, you’ll find a small square with benches and a statue right next to the church. This is Mirador de Tejeda offering a front-row view of the Roque Bentayga rock formation. It is one of my favorite viewpoints in Gran Canaria as well as a perfect photo spot!
Location: Mirador de Tejeda
17. Pico de las Nieves, the island’s highest mountain
Standing at 1,949 meters, Pico de las Nieves is the highest mountain in Gran Canaria and a must-visit spot on the island, especially since you can easily reach it by car – there is a parking lot at the summit.
On sunny days Pico de las Nieves offers views of the entire island of Gran Canaria, as well as the Teide volcano on nearby Tenerife. It is one of the most breathtaking views especially at sunset when the island is painted in golden hues.
Right next to the summit, there is a unique rock formation – Ventana de Morro (see photo above). It is one of my favorite hidden gems in Gran Canaria. The volcanic rock arch creates the perfect photo opportunity with Roque Nublo and Mount Teide in the background.
Location: Pico de las Nieves – Ventana de Morro
18. Mirador de Unamuno in Artenara
Another amazing and photo-perfect viewpoint in Gran Canaria’s mountains is Mirador de Unamuno in Artenara! Dedicated to Spanish philosopher and writer Miguel de Unamuno in honor of his visit to the island, this panoramic ‘mirador’ is one of the best viewpoints in Gran Canaria!
We visited Artenara to explore the beautiful ethnographic museum of cave houses and quickly fell in love with the jaw-dropping views from the mountaintop village. But really, what else would you expect from the highest village in Gran Canaria?
Mirador de Unamuno features a bronze statue of the man himself admiring the beauty of the mountains of Gran Canaria. Here you get a front-row seat to the island’s dramatic landscape, especially the Roque Bentayga rock formation.
Although Mirador de Unamuno was my favorite viewpoint in Artenara, there are other viewpoints in the village worth checking out including Mirador de La Atalaya, Mirador de Los Poetas, and Mirador del Corazon de Jesus featuring the statue of Christ.
Location: Mirador de Unamuno
19. Puerto de las Nieves
Puerto de las Nieves, also called Puerto de Agaete, is a charming seaside village with whitewashed houses on the northwest coast of Gran Canaria, far from the crowds. It is one of my favorite places in Gran Canaria and is perfect for scenic photos!
The seaside village overlooks the Agaete mountains in Tamadaba Natural Park and it truly is one of the best coastline views you will find on the island along with Mirador del Balcón.
The black sand beach, the wild Atlantic Ocean, and the sharp and steep mountains create a spectacular view you can observe from anywhere along the beachside, especially from the fishing pier by the beach – the perfect place to snap that Instagram photo!
Location: Puerto de las Nieves
20. Bronze statues in Agüimes
Agüimes has one of the most beautiful old towns on the island, famous for its many bronze sculptures scattered throughout the streets – the statues are perfect for some fun photos!
The bronze camel statue hidden on Callejón de la Vegueta Street is the most famous of them all—everyone wants a photo here, haha! The camel sits in a picturesque alley with a white church visible at the end of the street.
We stopped by Agüimes Old Town for a short stroll through the streets to admire its colorful colonial architecture and check out the beautiful Parroquia de San Sebastián church, which sits right next to the town’s main square, Plaza del Rosario.
The main square hosts a number of bronze statues, including a donkey, two sculptures paying tribute to the Ancient Carnival, and sculptures of four men meeting on a bench inside the park.
Another one of my favorites was the Homage to Lovers’ Bench on Callejón del Reloj, featuring two lovers sitting together on a bench.
If you’re looking for some Instagram spots in Gran Canaria, these bronze statues in Agüimes, as well as the charming streets with colorful houses, are perfect for that!
Location: Agüimes – Sculpture of Camel
21. Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas
If you are staying somewhere in the south of Gran Canaria, visiting the beautiful Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas is a must! The viewpoint is located just a 15-minute drive from Maspalomas.
This spot offers fantastic views of the highs and lows of the Fataga Valley, often called the Grand Canyon of Gran Canaria. I won’t be the judge of that—you’ll have to see for yourself! But I will say, it looks pretty impressive and is the perfect place for photos!
Location: Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas
22. Mirador El Toscón
Another photo-perfect viewpoint in Gran Canaria is Mirador El Toscón.
Mirador El Toscón is hidden in a more remote part of the mountains where not many cars pass by because the road leading to this place is not the easiest to manage, it is narrow and winding.
However, if you make it here, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Roque Palmés rock formation next to the viewpoint and the scenic Valley of Tears (Valle de Las Lágrimas) stretching out to the west below.
My husband was up for a challenge and took on the winding roads, and I’m glad we did. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place. On a clear day, you can even see Teide volcano on Tenerife Island peeking over the horizon.
The viewpoint itself is located on a rocky outcrop next to the mountain village of El Toscón de Tejeda and features a white altar with a bell and a cross. I really liked this hidden gem, and we took some cool photos there!
Location: Mirador El Toscón
23. Cuevas del Rey next to El Roque village
Nestled in the middle of the mountains, Cuevas del Rey, or the King’s Caves, is one of my favorite hidden gems in Gran Canaria. This place is right next to the striking Roque Bentayga rock formation in the Tejeda municipality.
This ancient cave complex, carved into a massive rock, towers above the small mountain village of El Roque. You can reach the caves by following a narrow, steep path from the village, over a village house, and up toward the rock. The hike is short but steep—so be careful!
Many caves are accessible from the path, though some seemed a bit too risky to explore.
I especially loved the caves with views of the El Roque village. We took some cool photos here! This place is definitely not a must-visit place in Gran Canaria, however, if you have time, you feel adventurous, and you are in the area, then check them out!
Location: Cuevas del Rey
Happy exploring!
Gran Canaria, the third-largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is often called a ‘miniature continent’ thanks to its diverse landscapes—everything from golden sand dunes and volcanic cliffs to lush forests and dramatic mountains.
We’ve visited this island in the Atlantic Ocean numerous times, often staying for months at a time, yet there are still many more places to discover, small villages to explore, and trails to hike!
What I love most about Gran Canaria is that it offers exactly what your heart desires—relaxing on sandy beaches, hiking epic mountain trails, exploring charming historic villages, or embarking on exciting road trips. I hope you enjoy this island as much as we did!
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