Bucket list: 25 best things to do in Gran Canaria, Spain

Let me share with you the best things to do in Gran Canaria, Spain! We spent months on the island exploring its gold-sand beaches, scenic mountains, hidden caves, charming villages, and unique volcanic rock formations.

Gran Canaria is one of the eight inhabited Canary Islands—and definitely one of my favorites (yes, we have visited them all!)! This island is often called a ‘miniature continent’ because of how incredibly diverse it is!

I’ve been lucky to spend so much time exploring this beautiful island, so I’m happy to share with you the best things to do in Gran Canaria with descriptions, photos, and Google Maps locations. Happy travels!

1. See the natural wonder of Dunas de Maspalomas

One of the first things to do in Gran Canaria has to be to visit one of the island’s most famous natural wonders – Dunas de Maspalomas, a vast area of golden sand dunes in Maspalomas town in the South of Gran Canaria.

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

2. Visit Gran Canaria’s Rainbow Rocks

Los Azulejos de Veneguera, often referred to as Gran Canaria’s Rainbow Rocks, is one of the most unique places to visit in Gran Canaria, where you can admire a large multicolored mountain proudly displaying its vibrant colors.

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.

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. It is one of those picture-perfect spots in Gran Canaria!

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.

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. It is a beautiful hike!

Location: Los Azulejos de Veneguera

3. Join a tour in a local banana plantation

Growing bananas is a cornerstone of Gran Canaria’s agriculture. Thanks to the Canary Islands’ favorable climate, banana cultivation thrives here—so visiting a banana plantation is definitely one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria.

The best place to tour a banana plantation is Hacienda La Rekompensa, located near Arucas in northern Gran Canaria.

While the southern part of the island is mostly dry, the north receives moisture from the ocean, making it much greener and wetter—perfect conditions for growing bananas.

You can join guided tours through banana plantations every day (they last about 1 hour), learn about thirteen different types of bananas, see the plants, and try different banana products made of the special Canarian banana (like banana wine, jams, or cosmetics!).

Hacienda La Rekompensa is the only banana plantation in the Canary Islands that has such a banana variety. They have over 7,500 banana plants and you’ll have amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean from the plantation. A must-visit place in Gran Canaria!

Location: Banana Plantation Tour

4. Hike to Roque Nublo, the sacred symbol of the island

A hike to Roque Nublo is one of the must-do things to do in Gran Canaria!

Roque Nublo is a massive volcanic rock formation in Gran Canaria that formed during an eruption millions of years ago. It is a symbol of the island and was a sacred place for the island’s early settlers: the Guanches.

The name Roque Nublo translates to “Cloud Rock” in Spanish. The 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!

I have visited Roque Nublo many times— in the morning, during the day, and at sunset. Each time of day offers a unique perspective and view of Gran Canaria. On a clear day, you can even see Teide volcano on the island of Tenerife!

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

5. See the Dragon’s Tail at Mirador del Balcón

Mirador del Balcón is probably the most famous of all the viewpoints in Gran Canaria. It is a man-made glass platform perched on a cliffside, hundreds of meters above sea level.

The viewpoint is located on the West coast of the island – the most dramatic part of Gran Canaria’s coastline known for its breathtaking scenery of the rugged coastline and the jagged rock formations known as the Dragon’s Tail. Do you see those spiked cliffs in the photo?

We came here during the day when there was a constant stream of visitors, but we managed to catch a moment alone. It is especially magical at sunset here, however, the drive there is quite challenging and I’m not sure I’d want to drive there when it’s dark, haha!

Location: Mirador del Balcón

6. Walk the iconic 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.

Paseo de Canarias is a gorgeous pedestrian promenade in the heart of the village. Visiting this pedestrian street in Firgas was one of my favorite things to do in Gran Canaria! It’s a must-visit place!

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 on each of the islands!

With its colorful tiles and waterfall, Paseo de Canarias is super photogenic. It definitely has some of the best photo spots in Gran Canaria. I highly recommend stopping by this charming village – the visit will only take about 1 hour!

Location: Paseo de Canarias

7. Try the famous chorizo sandwich in Teror

There is another unique village that you absolutely should visit in Gran Canaria – Teror!

Located in the north of Gran Canaria, Teror village is a tranquil oasis in the mountains sitting at 543 meters above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Gran Canaria! There’s so much to love about Teror!

Teror is home to a small but beautiful basilica, the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, dedicated to Gran Canaria’s patron saint—the Virgin of the Pine (notice the pine trees next to the church in the photo below?).

Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk to Teror to celebrate the patron saint.

We visited Teror on a Sunday and saw crowds of people walking along the road toward the town many miles before Teror. I even doubted they were heading there because it was a long distance to go.

The iconic basilica is the most important religious site in Gran Canaria. It was built after the apparition of the Virgin back in the 15th century. You can visit the inside of this stunning basilica for a small entrance fee.

Teror is also known as one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Gran Canaria. The typical colorful houses with intricate wooden balconies are on display throughout the town but are especially prominent on Calle Real de la Plaza.

But honestly, we came to Teror for a different reason—to eat its famous chorizo sandwich!

Teror hosts one of the most popular Sunday markets on the island, where local artisans and farmers sell all kinds of goodies like volcanic jewelry, goat cheese, smoked meats and sausages, pastries, and more.

But there’s one special thing you have to try when visiting Gran Canaria: chorizo de Teror.

It’s not a regular sausage but a chorizo spread that you can put on bread or in a sandwich. We got a couple of sandwiches to eat on the spot and even took an extra box of chorizo home.

Chorizo is, of course, famous worldwide, but every country and region has its own unique version. That’s why trying Teror chorizo is one of the top things to do in Gran Canaria, and the Sunday market in Teror is the best place to do that!

Location: Mercadillo de Teror – Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino

8. Hike to the unique slot canyon 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 attractions 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

9. Have lunch in a cave restaurant in Guayadeque Ravine

Guayadeque Ravine is one of the largest and most beautiful valleys in Gran Canaria. The valley was inhabited by the Guanches, Gran Canaria’s indigenous people, for many centuries long before the Spanish conquistadors arrived.

Guanches were primarily cave dwellers and their cave houses have remained all around Gran Canaria until today, including the caves in Guayadeque Ravine.

Some of the cave houses have been transformed into modern homes with electricity and running water (you can’t visit them), but others now serve as rental properties, shops, churches, and even restaurants.

We visited Guayadeque Ravine only because we wanted to try one of the cave restaurants. And, trust me, dining in a cave restaurant is one of the bucket list things to do in Gran Canaria!

Not only did we thoroughly enjoy the restaurant, but also the views of the gorgeous valley! Not many travel guides mention anything about cave restaurants in Gran Canaria, so this was one of my favorite hidden gems on the island!

There are a couple of bars and cave restaurants in the valley, but the most famous ones are Restaurante Tagoror and Restaurante Vega. I recommend choosing one of these two cave restaurants as they have the highest ratings.

We chose Restaurante Vega, and it was such a delight!

They serve local cuisine and specialize in grilled meats, so you can enjoy everything from Canarian dishes to Spanish tapas and hearty grilled meat platters. Portions were big so we had to pack up the leftovers to take home. I’d really love to return here one day!

Location: Restaurante Vega

10. Admire the views at Mirador Degollada de Becerra

Gran Canaria is all about epic mountain views, so you have to stop by Mirador Degollada de Becerra viewpoint!

As you drive around the mountains of Gran Canaria, there are many stops along the way to enjoy fantastic views of the island. But which exactly are the best places to stop and enjoy?

One of my favorite viewpoints in the mountains is Mirador Degollada de Becerra.

This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Caldera de Tejeda crater and Gran Canaria’s rugged mountains, including the island’s two most prominent rock formations—Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.

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 dress, I probably would have stayed for an hour just gazing at all the beauty!

This is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset over the mountains, but I personally loved it during the day when you can see Teide and the stunning landscapes of Gran Canaria.

If you’re up for a walk, there are also many hiking trails that pass through this viewpoint.

Location: Mirador Degollada de Becerra

11. Try the famous almond pastries in Tejeda

Tejeda village is a charming oasis deep in the mountains of Gran Canaria and one of the most beautiful villages on the island. It is a must-visit place in Gran Canaria!

Hidden in the Tejeda Crater, the village is known for its serene surrounding landscapes, scenic views of Roque Bentayga, and Roque Nublo, peaceful atmosphere, and its famous almond pastries you can get at Dulcería Nublo.

Blooming almond trees are a common sight in Gran Canaria, and almonds are widely used in the island’s cuisine. Trying almond pastries is definitely one of the must-do things to do in Gran Canaria, and Dulcería Nublo in Tejeda is especially famous for them.

There’s usually a line outside the pastry shop all day, with people queuing up to buy their delicious treats. We’ve visited this place many times and tried lots of different pastries. Their top specialty is Palmeras with a variety of fillings (see photo above).

Visiting Tejeda is a must. The village is part of a vast network of hiking trails, so it’s a great place for hikers. Fun Fact! Did you know that back in 2017, I participated in Gran Canaria’s most iconic trail race, Transgrancanaria, and its 125-kilometer distance passed through Tejeda?

Tejeda is also a convenient stop to make during the head-turning road trip around the mountains of Gran Canaria. Which, I’m sure, you will do at some point during your visit to the island. This is the best place to stop by for lunch!

Of course, Tejeda mountain village offers some of the most amazing views in Gran Canaria. Walk down Calle Dr. Domingo Hernández Guerra Street in Tejeda, 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 iconic Roque Bentayga rock formation. This village is very special, and I hope you get to feel that too.

Location: Tejeda – Dulceria Nublo

12. Stroll through the Little Venice of Gran Canaria

Puerto de Mogán is a coastal resort town on the south coast of Gran Canaria. It is known for its port neighborhood ‘Little Venice’. With its canals, colorful buildings, and boats, 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 due to its location – the southern coast gets more sunshine than other areas around the island.

Even if you are not staying in Puerto de Mogán, visiting Little Venice should be on your Gran Canaria bucket list. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Gran Canaria!

I loved strolling through the narrow streets lined with whitewashed, colorful houses, all decorated with bougainvillea and potted plants! It feels like a beautiful garden even though we didn’t see the flowers in full bloom!

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!

Puerto de Mogán is also the perfect place to spend time at the beach—there’s a gorgeous golden-sand beach right in the heart of the town. Or you can enjoy a relaxing lunch by the waterfront. There are plenty of great restaurants in the port area by the water!

Location: Puerto de Mogán

13. Tour a coffee plantation in Agaete Valley

Yes, bananas are not the only famous crops people grow in Gran Canaria. There are also coffee plantations in Gran Canaria—one of the only places in Europe where you can find them! And all plantations are located deep inside the beautiful Agaete Valley.

Agaete Valley is one of my favorite places to visit in Gran Canaria. It has it all – amazing mountain views, hiking trails, scenic beachside with black sand beach and waterfront restaurants, and, most importantly, orchards of tropical fruits and coffee plantations.

There are a couple of popular coffee plantations to visit. The most popular are Café Platinium, also Finca los Castaños, and probably the most famous coffee plantation (and vineyard) where you can stop by for a tour is Bodega Los Berrazales.

We decided to visit Café Platinium deep into the valley, where we got a private garden tour, a coffee tasting, and a coffee roasting demonstration.

We didn’t book anything in advance—you just go there, and they’ll sort everything out. This was my first time seeing a coffee plant! Biggest revelation? There are two coffee beans inside a single coffee berry!

After the garden tour, we got to sit at a table and try their coffee with cookies and jam. You can also buy all of that in their shop, along with many other locally produced products. We ended up buying some jam and a bag of their roasted coffee beans.

While we were drinking coffee, they started a coffee roasting demonstration, showing how it was done long before modern technology. It was really interesting—they let you touch and try everything.

I highly recommend doing the tour! When we visited, it was only around 10 EUR per person which is a very reasonable price.

However, if you don’t want to do it, you can simply stop by Café Platinium for a cup of coffee. They operate simply as a café, too! Drinking a cup of coffee which was grown and roasted on this island is one of the top things to do in Gran Canaria!

Location: Café Platinium

14. See Guanche’s cave paintings at Cueva Pintada

Cueva Pintada is one of the most famous caves in Gran Canaria. Located in Gáldar, the ancient capital of the island, this massive archaeological site is known for its well-preserved geometric paintings inside the cave, left by the island’s ancient inhabitants.

The paintings are believed to be over 1,000 years old. While this might not seem extremely ancient, Cueva Pintada is the only cave on the island where such paintings are still visible, so visiting this unique cave is one of the top things to do in Gran Canaria, especially for history lovers.

The cave is located inside a museum with an entrance fee and set opening hours. You can visit the site on your own or join one of the scheduled guided tours. We opted for a self-guided visit, where you follow a planned route through the museum.

The planned route includes checking out artifacts from around the island and watching two short films about the Gran Canaria’s history and life of the island’s indigenous inhabitants, the Guanches, and the Spanish conquest.

The second part of the visit takes you to the archaeological site. It’s a large, roof-covered area filled with caves, replicas of the homes where the Guanches lived, and, of course, the famous Painted Cave.

To better preserve the cave paintings, the entire cave is housed inside a small shed and protected by a glass wall. You can only enter the shed when invited (they organize visits in smaller groups), and no photos are allowed inside the cave.

Overall, the visit took us about an hour. We arrived right after the museum opened, so there were no lines, and everything went smoothly. However, it can get crowded, especially when tour buses arrive.

Location: Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park

15. Swim in natural volcanic pools—charcos

Gran Canaria is known for its natural volcanic pools, called charcos, which are especially common along the north coast of the island.

Sandy beaches in Gran Canaria are quite rare, and much of the coastline is rugged and covered with rocks, which can make finding a spot for swimming a bit challenging.

While sandy beaches are always an option, there are also places around the island where you can swim in natural volcanic pools formed long ago by hot lava reaching the ocean and solidifying in unique shapes.

Some lava rocks have formed pool-like basins that fill with fresh ocean water and are perfect for swimming — their natural edges help protect swimmers from waves and strong currents.

So, where can you find these volcanic pools in Gran Canaria? Most of them are located along the north coast. The most popular ones include Agaete Piscina Natural (pictured above), El Agujero, and Roque Prieto as well as Charcones de Bañaderos.

If you want to try something unique when visiting Gran Canaria, swimming in natural volcanic pools has to be it!

Location: Agaete Piscina Natural – El Agujero – Roque Prieto – Charcones De Bañaderos

16. Admire the majestic 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!

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, but especially the gorgeous church. We took some pretty cool photos here!

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.

I highly recommend including a visit to this gorgeous town in your Gran Canaria road trip itinerary! Even if you can only stop for an hour or two, it’s enough to admire the church and soak in the special charm of this Spanish colonial town.

Location: Parroquia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas

17. Hike around the rim of Bandama Crater

Located near Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city, Caldera de Bandama is a beautiful 1,000-meter-wide and 200-meter-deep crater of a volcano that formed during the island’s most recent volcanic activity.

There are plenty of travelers who only visit the big mountains in the heart of the island and skip such special places as this beautiful crater.

I’m here to tell you that you should absolutely stop by this beautiful place—even if it’s just for a quick photo and a glance at the views!

On one side of the crater is a larger hill called Pico de Bandama, standing at 569 meters, which is the highest point on the rim of the massive volcanic crater. The top of the hill offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and this is where you should drive to!

The crater is super easy to access. You can drive all the way to the top of the Pico de Bandama – there is a parking lot near the summit, which is just a few meters from the viewpoint.

From this viewpoint, you can see the perfectly circular shape of the Bandama Crater, as well as the views of the surrounding area, including Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island’s capital.

But if you have more time, I highly recommend hiking around the rim of the crater—one of my favorite hikes in Gran Canaria!

To do this hike, you can park your car at the summit of Pico de Bandama (though that adds some extra elevation gain) or along the northern side of the crater. We parked our car next to the road and started the hike there.

The hike passes a golf club and follows the rim of the crater. If you only hike around it, it’s a 3.5-kilometer route, but it will be more if you hike inside the crater or climb up to the Pico de Bandama summit. We completed the circular hike in about an hour.

Location: Caldera de Bandama

18. Enjoy seaside lunch with views at 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 away from the crowds.

Many people know this port as the docking point for Tenerife-Gran Canaria ferries, but I know it for its spectacular views. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Gran Canaria!

If you are the same as me and love remote charming places with fantastic views, then visiting Puerto de las Nieves has to be one of the things you do in Gran Canaria!

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 (apart from Mirador del Balcón!). The scenery is truly mesmerizing.

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 beach itself or the fishing pier stretching into the water.

We loved enjoying the views from one of the waterfront restaurants you can find by the port where we had a quick late breakfast. Puerto de las Nieves is a place I would definitely love to return to one day!

Location: Puerto de las Nieves

19. Explore the cliffside caves at Cenobio de Valerón

Caves of Valeron or Cenobio de Valerón is a complex of caves carved into the rock in the Northern part of Gran Canaria. It is such a unique and scenic place!

It was used as a communal storage place for goods and tools for the indigenous Canarian people.

I think these were the most picturesque and beautiful caves in Gran Canaria – not only the caves themselves but also the views over the valley!

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. If you’re a history lover and love exploring ancient places, visiting these caves is definitely one of the top things to do in Gran Canaria!

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.

Location: Caves of Valeron

20. Visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, island’s capital

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital and the birthplace of Gran Canaria. It was founded back in the 15th century and is the perfect place to visit on the island to enjoy the city buzz, historic places, beautiful beach, and fun experiences.

The best and most popular places to visit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are Las Canteras Beach, one of the best urban beaches in Europe, the famous Poema del Mar aquarium, and the city’s old town – Vegueta.

Vegueta is the oldest part of the capital and it is where the Spanish conquistadors first settled on the island so it is full of centuries-old buildings, cobblestone streets, historic charm, and colonial architecture.

But it was my favorite place to visit in the island’s capital! If there is one thing you have to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, then it is spending 1 hour strolling around Vegueta.

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 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.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria often gets overlooked in favor of the mountains and all the sunny places in the south, but there are definitely many beautiful places to explore in this city. My favorite place was the Old Town, so make sure to plan a visit to this place!

At least come, drink a morning coffee in a square, and enjoy the scenery!

Location: Vegueta – Poema del Mar Aquarium – Las Canteras Beach

21. Hike the most scenic mountain hike in Gran Canaria

Everybody should find time to do at least one proper hike through the mountains in Gran Canaria with the most panoramic views of the dramatic volcanic landscapes, and I’m here to tell you which hike it is.

Without a doubt, the hike from Cruz de Tejeda to Artenara is the most scenic hike in Gran Canaria.

The hike is 7 kilometers long (one way!) and very straightforward. It starts at the Cruz de Tejeda parking lot, where you can park your car for free, and follows the rim of the massive Tejeda crater until you reach Artenara—the highest village in Gran Canaria.

It took us around 2 hours, and the views were absolutely fantastic. I had my phone out the entire time and took way too many photos—I can’t possibly post them all here, haha.

If you walk from Cruz de Tejeda to Artenara like we did, the hike includes about 300 meters of elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the most scenic views of the Caldera de Tejeda crater and surrounding mountains, including the iconic Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo.

The trail is pretty easy to follow. If you check the map from time to time, you can’t go wrong—and there are some trail markers along the way, too.

Once we reached Artenara, we finished our hike next to the village church, enjoyed the views for a bit, and then took a taxi (they’re parked right by the church) back to Cruz de Tejeda, where we had left our rental car.

You can also hike back the same way, but you’ll need to add another 600 meters of elevation gain since Artenara is much lower than Cruz de Tejeda—and there’s a mountain in between. But if you can dedicate most of the day to the hike, then why not?

Location: Cruz de Tejeda

22. See the mountains at Mirador de Cruz de Tejeda

Even if you are not into hiking and won’t be doing the hike I just mentioned, I still highly recommend stopping by Cruz de Tejeda, at least to get a glimpse of the views!

Located in the center of the island, Mirador de Cruz de Tejeda is one of the most famous viewpoints in Gran Canaria. But 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. Almost every visitor to the island stops by this place. Did I convince you yet?

Location: Mirador de Cruz de Tejeda

23. Drive to the highest mountain—Pico de las Nieves

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

24. Hit the beach at Playa Inglés & Playa Maspalomas

So, in case you came to the Gran Canaria for the beaches, I thought I had to include two of the most iconic beaches on the island in this list.

Playa del Inglés and Playa de Maspalomas are the two most popular beaches in Gran Canaria located in the south of the island in Maspalomas town.

Both golden sand beaches are seamlessly connected and stretch along the coastline for about 6 kilometers. If you are planning a beach day, this is the perfect place to come!

While Playa de Maspalomas is more relaxed and quiet (perfect for long beach walks!), Playa del Inglés is known for its vibrant atmosphere as it is hugged by a seaside promenade full of beach bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and beach clubs. Your choice!

Location: Playa del Inglés – Playa de Maspalomas

25. Stop by Artenara, the highest village in Gran Canaria

Located on a cliffside 1,270 meters above sea level, Artenara is the highest village in Gran Canaria, known for its cave houses, breathtaking views of the mountains, and a network of hiking trails passing through the village.

In my opinion, there are two places you must stop by in the mountains – one is Tejeda, and the other is Artenara. I might have loved Tejeda more, but only because it has better views of the Roque Bentayga rock.

However, Artenara is a close second and must be on your Gran Canaria itinerary!

We visited Artenara many times during our stay in Gran Canaria. Some of the best places to visit in Artenara include the famous Mirador de Unamuno, the Ethnographic Museum of Cave Houses, La Cuevita Chapel inside a cave, and Iglesia de San Matías church.

The beautiful Mirador de Unamuno viewpoint is dedicated to Spanish philosopher and writer Miguel de Unamuno in honor of his visit to the island. It features a bronze statue of the man himself admiring the beauty of the mountains of Gran Canaria.

But the museum of cave houses was my favorite place in Artenara. The museum consists of several cave houses, each serving a different purpose—the kitchen cave, the bedroom cave, the workshop cave, and more. Together, they form a complete home for a family.

The cave houses showcase how early settlers adapted to life in Gran Canaria because living in caves was practical and affordable, as the rock naturally provided walls, a ceiling, and a floor—the only thing missing was a door!

By the way, there are many ‘Casa Cueva’ cave houses turned into rental properties in Artenara if you ever wish to stay the night in one! Just choose your dates below and look for ‘Cave’ or ‘Casa Cueva’ in the title:

If you stay longer in Artenara, you can also check out other fantastic viewpoints in the village like Mirador de La Atalaya, Mirador de Los Poetas, and Mirador del Corazon de Jesus featuring the statue of Christ. Come here at sunset for mountain views in golden hues!

And sunset in the mountains seems like the perfect way to finish your trip to Gran Canaria! Enjoy!

Location: Artenara – Mirador de Unamuno