Guide to 17 best viewpoints in Gran Canaria, Spain

Here’s your guide to the most beautiful viewpoints in Gran Canaria, Spain! This volcanic island is famous for its dramatic landscapes and scenic mountains, so we spent a lot of time admiring its valleys, coastline, and towering volcanic monoliths in the mountains.

Gran Canaria, like the other Canary Islands, was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. While there are no active volcanoes on the island today, its dramatic geological history has left behind deep valleys, massive craters, and rugged canyons.

After spending several months living in Gran Canaria and exploring its stunning landscapes, here’s my guide to the most beautiful viewpoints in Gran Canaria complete with detailed descriptions, photos, and Google Maps locations for each spot. Happy travels!

1. Mirador Roque Nublo

Roque Nublo is a massive volcanic rock formation formed during an eruption millions of years ago. It is one of the iconic landmarks and symbols of Gran Canaria. Literally, everybody comes here when visiting Gran Canaria.

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!

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.

You can even take a small detour during this hike to visit one of my favorite hidden gems in Gran Canaria—Ventana de Bentayga. If you do, you’ll need to turn left uphill at the water reservoir and follow a path up the mountain to reach this unique volcanic arch. Thank me later!

Location: Mirador Roque Nublo

2. Mirador del Balcón

Mirador del Balcón is probably the most famous of all the viewpoints in Gran Canaria. Located on the West coast, the island’s most dramatic coastline, this viewpoint attracts crowds with its breathtaking scenery.

The road to get there is slow and challenging, but that hasn’t stopped road-trippers and even tour buses from making their way to this scenic spot! It sees a steady stream of visitors throughout the day but we managed to catch a moment alone there.

So, what makes this place so unique? Mirador del Balcón is a man-made glass platform perched on a cliffside, hundreds of meters above sea level. But the real highlight is the view.

Mirador del Balcón offers you a view 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.

No matter how many days you are staying on the island, Mirador del Balcón is one of the must-visit places you have to see in Gran Canaria!

Location: Mirador del Balcón

3. Mirador de Tejeda

Oh, 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—if you manage to avoid the midday crowds!

Visiting Tejeda is one of the top things to do in Gran Canaria, and I mean it for many reasons. First of all, it is part of a vast network of popular hiking trails in the mountains so many hikers start their hikes here, finish their hikes here, or pass through the village during their hikes.

Second, it is a convenient stop to make during the head-turning road trip around the mountains of Gran Canaria. Third, 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—one of my favorite viewpoints in Gran Canaria, offering a front-row view of the iconic Roque Bentayga rock formation.

If you have more time to spend at this mountain oasis, I recommend finding a lunch spot with a mountain view and having lunch here. There’s just something special about this village!

Location: Mirador de Tejeda

4. Mirador Degollada de Becerra

Mirador Degollada de Becerra offers panoramic views of Gran Canaria’s rugged mountains, including the island’s two most prominent rock formations—Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.

Honestly, this is one of my favorite viewpoints in Gran Canaria! Why? 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 beauty, haha!

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. Enjoy!

Location: Mirador Degollada de Becerra

5. Mirador de Cruz de Tejeda

Located in the center of the island, Mirador de Cruz de Tejeda is one of the most famous viewpoints in Gran Canaria. From what I saw, every other visitor to the island managed to stop by this famous lookout point.

However, 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

6. 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.

At the top of the mountain next to the military base, there is a parking lot where you can stop by and see the whole of Gran Canaria below your feet.

Okay, actually, not the whole island. Just next to Pico de las Nieves, there’s a unique volcanic rock formation called Morro de la Agujereada, which actually holds the title for the highest point on the island, standing seven meters taller than Pico de las Nieves.

However, the volcanic rock formation gets overlooked because you can’t really access it or climb it so everyone enjoys the views from Pico de las Nieves.

On sunny days, you can see the entire island of Gran Canaria, as well as the Teide volcano on nearby Tenerife. This is one of the most impressive viewpoints, especially at sunset when the island is painted in golden hues—truly magical!

Location: Pico de las Nieves

7. 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 most scenic 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

8. 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.

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!

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. 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

9. Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas

If you are staying somewhere in the south of Gran Canaria, visiting 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!

As the name suggests, during the day, it’s all about mountains and valleys, but at night, this place transforms into an astronomical viewpoint. Thanks to its remote location and lack of light pollution, it’s perfect for stargazing!

Growing up in the countryside, miles away from neighbors, I never realized that people in cities couldn’t see stars, planets, constellations, or the Milky Way at night because of city lights. Now, as an adult, I do appreciate such things more and more.

But it’s not only Gran Canaria. Thanks to their remote locations, all the Canary Islands are known as top stargazing destinations (I’ve visited all the islands!). People travel here for events like meteor showers or to witness other celestial events. That’s pretty cool, isn’t it?

Location: Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas

10. La Cesta

La Cesta, or The Basket, is a beautiful photo spot along the road near Tejeda village in the mountains of Gran Canaria. It is one of the island’s iconic must-visit photo spots!

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.

Honestly, there isn’t much else to see at this spot—it was clearly designed for picturesque touristy photos so a quick 5-minute stop is enough to check it out.

Location: La Cesta

11. Agaete Valley

Oh, the beautiful Agaete Valley! Located in the northwest of Gran Canaria, this unique place absolutely captivated my heart. And not only because of its views!

A visit to Agaete Valley should be on every Gran Canaria bucket list, as it’s packed with unique sights and experiences. The village of Agaete sits deep in the valley, surrounded by lush vegetation and green mountains—a popular spot for hiking.

Thanks to its favorable climate, the valley is perfect for growing a wide variety of tropical fruits and plants. You’ll find many fincas (countryside estates) and plantations here, including Agaete’s pride and joy—its coffee plantations!

Yes, there are coffee plantations in Gran Canaria—one of the only places in Europe where you can find them! We visited one at Café Platinium, where we got a private tour, a coffee tasting, and a coffee roasting demonstration.

But what about the views? Well, they’re everywhere! Just take road GC-231 and drive into the valley—you’ll definitely find a spot to stop and admire the scenery. For the photo above, we climbed up to Mirador de la Cruz inside the village.

Location: Road GC-231

12. Mirador Pico de la Gorra

Mirador Pico de la Gorra, also known as Degollada de las Palomas, is a stunning scenic viewpoint perched on the rim of the Caldera de Tejeda crater. Feels like the whole island (almost) is at your feet!

The viewpoint features a small seating area with a roof, offering window views of Gran Canaria’s mountains, including Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.

This is a great stop during a road trip through the mountains—perfect for stretching your legs and taking a break from the twists and turns of the winding roads. Plus, it’s a great spot for a quick picnic!

There are also several hiking trails that pass through this viewpoint—we walked by it during our hike from Cruz de Tejeda to Artenara. You’ll find several trail markers near the viewpoint.

If you want to stretch your legs, I recommend following the trail for a while to enjoy the mountain views from a different angle especially if the viewpoint is already busy with other visitors!

It can get really busy and loud so, for a more relaxing experience, just walk a couple of hundred meters along the trail and you’ll be able to enjoy all the mountain views in peace and quiet!

Location: Mirador Pico de la Gorra

13. Pico de Bandama

Located near Las Palmas de Gran Canaria city, Pico de Bandama, standing at 569 meters, is one of the most unique places on the island.

Pico de Bandama is not really a mountain—it is the highest point on the rim of the massive Caldera de Bandama, a volcanic crater formed during the island’s most recent volcanic activity.

The best part? You can drive all the way to the top! A parking lot near the summit is just a few meters from the viewpoint.

The viewpoint overlooks the perfectly circular 1,000-meter-wide and 200-meter-deep Bandama Crater, as well as the surrounding area, including Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island’s capital.

Stopping by this unique viewpoint should be on your Gran Canaria itinerary. If you have more time, I highly recommend hiking around the rim of the crater—one of my favorite hikes in Gran Canaria!

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: Pico de Bandama

14. Mirador El Guriete

Located along a quiet road off the beaten path in Gran Canaria, Mirador El Guriete offers breathtaking views of the rugged Barranco de Tirajana valley, one of the most beautiful ones in Gran Canaria.

This valley holds historical significance as it was the last stronghold of the island’s indigenous people, Guanches, during their final battles against the Spanish conquistadors.

Just a few minutes down the road, you’ll find La Fortaleza de Ansite, the exact site where the Guanches made their last stand before losing the years-long battle to Spanish conquistadors.

Before heading to La Fortaleza de Ansite, we took a moment at this viewpoint to admire Gran Canaria’s stunning landscapes—no wonder people were willing to fight for this beautiful land!

Location: Mirador El Guriete

15. Mirador El Toscón

Mirador El Toscón is one of the most unique viewpoints in Gran Canaria. It 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 in Gran Canaria. Unsurprisingly, we were the only ones there.

Location: Mirador El Toscón

16. Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre

Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre is a unique viewpoint in the beautiful Tamadaba Natural Park in the northwest of Gran Canaria. It is perched on a cliffside with sweeping views of the coastline and the valley below.

If you manage to come here on a clear day, you will also be able to see Mount Teide on Tenerife!

The viewpoint is located next to a camping area popular among locals. On weekends, you’ll find plenty of cars parked at the campsite and people enjoying nature.

We visited on a Sunday morning when many campers were still asleep, so we got to fully enjoy the sweeping views and fresh pine forest air at the viewpoint.

You can’t park directly at the viewpoint since it’s a protected natural area, but you can leave your car right before entering the campsite and walk a few minutes to where the viewpoint is.

Overall, I really loved this place. It was so peaceful, and the fresh scent of the pine forest was a pleasant escape from city life. However, I wouldn’t necessarily travel here just for the viewpoint, as it’s a bit out of the way. But if you’re in the area, then definitely stop by!

Location: Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre

17. Mirador del Molino

If you ever gather the courage to test your driving skills on Gran Canaria’s winding mountain roads, make sure to stop by Mirador del Molino, also known as the Windmill Viewpoint.

This scenic spot sits near the Presa del Parralillo water reservoir at the base of Roque Bentayga, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga.

We made a quick stop here because the drive up to that point was pretty exhausting and nerve-wracking! Narrow, winding roads along steep cliffs are definitely not for the faint-hearted, haha. Luckily, my husband (a.k.a. the driver!) enjoys them!

The viewpoint has a large parking lot, making it a popular stop for road trippers (like us!) looking to stretch their legs—and give their heads a break from all the twists and turns.

The view is, of course, beautiful, but I wouldn’t drive to this viewpoint specifically. However, if you’re passing by, it’s definitely worth a stop!

Location: Mirador del Molino