Exploring the best things to do in Gran Canaria reveals a destination that seamlessly blends natural wonders, cultural heritage and modern attractions. This circular island is home to everything from golden beaches and sand dunes to lush forests and rugged mountains. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, historical exploration, or simply relaxing in a subtropical climate, Gran Canaria provides a rich tapestry of activities. From the vibrant capital of Las Palmas to the tranquil villages in the interior, the island caters to a wide range of interests, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking a multifaceted holiday experience.
Things to See in Gran Canaria
Maspalomas Dunes
The Maspalomas Dunes are one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landscapes. This protected natural reserve covers an area of 400 hectares and features a stunning expanse of golden sand dunes reminiscent of the Sahara Desert. The dunes are constantly shaped by wind and sea, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
Visitors can explore the dunes on foot or by camel ride. The area also includes a small oasis with palm trees and a lagoon that attracts various bird species. At the edge of the dunes stands the historic Maspalomas Lighthouse, a 56-metre tall structure dating back to 1890, which offers a striking contrast to the natural surroundings. The dunes lie between the holiday resorts of Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Meloneras which are three of the most popular places to stay in Gran Canaria.
Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo, or “Cloud Rock”, is a volcanic rock formation standing at 80 metres tall and is one of Gran Canaria’s most recognisable landmarks. Located in the central part of the island at an altitude of 1,813 metres above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The rock is accessible via a hiking trail that takes about an hour to complete. The path offers stunning vistas of the island’s central mountains and, on clear days, views stretching to Tenerife and its Mount Teide. The area around Roque Nublo is part of a rural park and features unique flora and fauna adapted to the high-altitude environment.
Las Palmas Old Town (Vegueta)
The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is home to more than 380,000 people which represents half the population of Gran Canaria. It’s a busy cosmopolitan port, the seventh largest city in Spain and the governing capital for Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The city’s old town is called Vegueta which is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions. Founded in 1478, this district features well-preserved examples of colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets and charming plazas.
Key sights in Vegueta include the Santa Ana Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and the Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus who sailed into the port during his first trip to the Americas in 1492. The district is also home to several other museums, including the Canarian Museum and the Atlantic Modern Art Centre (CAAM).
Caldera de Bandama
The Caldera de Bandama is a large volcanic crater located in the northeast of Gran Canaria. With a diameter of 1,000 metres and a depth of 200 metres, it’s one of the few inhabited volcanic calderas in the world. The crater offers a unique insight into the island’s volcanic past and present.
Visitors can drive to the viewpoint at the top of the caldera for panoramic views of the crater and surrounding landscape. For the more adventurous, a steep path leads down into the caldera itself, where you can observe the unique flora that has adapted to this microclimate.
Teror
Teror is a picturesque town in the mountains of Gran Canaria, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and religious significance. The town’s main attraction is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino which houses the statue of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Gran Canaria.
The historic centre of Teror features colourful buildings with traditional wooden balconies, creating a charming atmosphere. On Sundays, Teror hosts a popular market where visitors can purchase local products and handicrafts. The town also serves as an excellent base for exploring the island’s mountainous interior.
Agüimes
Agüimes is a historic town in the eastern part of Gran Canaria that has been beautifully restored. The town centre features pedestrianised streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings, ornate balconies and interesting sculptures.
Key attractions include the Parish Church of San Sebastián, a fine example of Canarian religious architecture and the Teatro Cruce de Culturas, a modern cultural centre. The town also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including a popular storytelling festival.
Things to Do in Gran Canaria
Attend Carnival Celebrations in Las Palmas
Carnival in Las Palmas is one of the oldest and largest carnival celebrations in Spain, with a history dating back to the 16th century. This vibrant and colourful festival typically takes place in February or March, depending on the date of Easter and lasts for several weeks.
The carnival features a variety of events and activities, beginning with the Opening Parade, a grand procession that marks the official start of the celebrations. One of the most anticipated events is the Gala for the Election of the Carnival Queen, where contestants compete in elaborate costumes for the coveted title. Another popular competition is the Drag Queen Gala, which showcases extravagant performances by drag artists.
Throughout the carnival, the streets of Las Palmas come alive with Mogollones, large open-air parties and concerts held in various parts of the city. Participants and spectators don colourful costumes and masks, adding to the festive atmosphere. The main carnival parade, known as the Cabalgata, features floats, dance groups and musical bands, drawing large crowds.
The carnival concludes with the Burial of the Sardine, a humorous funeral procession that symbolically marks the end of the festivities. While the carnival has religious origins, linked to the Christian tradition of feasting before Lent, today it is largely a secular celebration of music, dance and Canarian culture.
Explore the Island’s Beaches
Gran Canaria boasts over 60 kilometres of beaches, ranging from golden sand stretches to secluded coves. Beach hopping is an excellent way to experience the island’s diverse coastal landscapes.
Popular beaches include the expansive Playa del Inglés, the tranquil Amadores Beach with its white sand and clear waters and the more rugged and naturist-friendly Guigui Beach. For a unique experience, visit Playa de Güigüi, a remote beach accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, offering pristine beauty and seclusion.
Have Fun at Gran Canaria’s Theme Parks
Gran Canaria is home to several theme parks which provide entertainment to visitors of all ages. The main ones are as follows:
Aqualand Maspalomas This stands out as one of the island’s premier water parks. Located in the southern part of Gran Canaria, it features an array of water slides, pools and attractions suitable for both thrill-seekers and families with young children. The park’s Polynesian-themed environment adds to its appeal, creating a tropical atmosphere for visitors.
Palmitos Park: Situated in Maspalomas, this is a popular zoological and botanical garden. It showcases a wide variety of flora and fauna, including birds, reptiles and primates. The park is particularly famous for its dolphin shows and bird of prey demonstrations, offering both entertainment and educational experiences for visitors.
Sioux City Park: Located near San Agustín, provides a unique Wild West experience. This theme park recreates an American frontier town, complete with cowboy shows, Native American performances and period-accurate buildings. It offers a blend of entertainment and historical insight into the American Old West.
Holiday World Maspalomas: This is an amusement park that combines rides, games and dining options. It features a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and various other attractions suitable for different age groups. The park comes alive in the evenings, making it a popular nighttime destination.
Angry Birds Activity Park: Situated within the Holiday World complex, is themed around the popular mobile game. It offers interactive play areas and activities based on the Angry Birds characters, appealing particularly to younger visitors and fans of the franchise.
Cocodrilo Park: Located in Agüimes, is the only crocodile park in the Canary Islands. While smaller than some of the other theme parks, it offers a unique experience with its focus on reptiles, particularly crocodiles and alligators. The park also houses other animals and emphasizes conservation efforts.
Drive the Island’s North Coast
If you have a rental car it’s well worth taking a drive along the north and north-west coast of Gran Canaria with its mountainous cliffs. Just inland are a number of small villages such as Arucas which is well known for its honey rum factory whilst the neighbouring village of Firgas provides Gran Canaria and the other Canary Islands with their bottled water supplies. A little further along the coastline is the historic town of Galdar with its pre-historic painted caves. In the far north west is the port of Agaete which is famous for its fish restaurants and harbour from where you can catch the fast ferry over to Tenerife in only 50 minutes.
Go Hiking in the Mountains
The central part of Gran Canaria is a paradise for hikers, with a network of well-marked trails traversing diverse landscapes. The island’s rugged interior features deep ravines, pine forests and rocky peaks, offering routes suitable for all levels of experience.
Popular hiking areas include the Tamadaba Natural Park, which offers trails through one of the best-preserved pine forests in the Canary Islands and the Roque Nublo Rural Park. For a challenging but rewarding hike, consider the trail from Cruz de Tejeda to Teror, which offers stunning views of the island’s central mountains.
Enjoy the Island’s Water Sports
Gran Canaria’s year-round warm climate and clear waters make it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. The island offers excellent conditions for activities such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Popular spots for surfing include El Confital in Las Palmas and La Cicer in Playa del Inglés. For windsurfing and kitesurfing, Pozo Izquierdo on the east coast is renowned for its strong winds and hosts international competitions. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular, with numerous dive sites around the island offering the chance to explore underwater caves and observe marine life.
Visit a Traditional Market
Exploring Gran Canaria’s traditional markets is an excellent way to immerse yourself in local culture and sample regional products. Many towns host weekly markets selling fresh produce, local cheeses, honey and handicrafts. The Sunday market in Teror is one of the most popular, offering a wide range of local products in a picturesque setting. The San Mateo market, held on Saturdays and Sundays, is known for its agricultural products and traditional food stalls.
In the south, the massive Friday market in Puerto Mogán attracts visitors from all over the island. Visitors can purchase pottery, clothes, leather goods, fruit and vegetables and a wide selection of African artifacts. The market can be reached by the ferry boat from Puerto Rico or on the number 1 bus.
Play Golf
Gran Canaria is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, with several world-class courses set against stunning backdrops. The island’s year-round mild climate makes it possible to enjoy golf at any time.
Notable courses include the Anfi Tauro Golf, designed by Robert von Hagge, which offers challenging holes and spectacular ocean views. The Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, founded in 1891, is the oldest golf club in Spain and provides a parkland-style course in the mountains. The Maspalomas Golf Course, set among the famous dunes, offers a unique golfing experience.
Visit the Cave Houses of Guayadeque
The Cave Houses of Guayadeque, located in the eastern part of Gran Canaria, represent a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern living. Situated in the 15-km long Guayadeque Ravine, these dwellings are carved into the soft volcanic tuff of the valley walls, creating a remarkable example of human adaptation to the natural environment.
Originally created by the indigenous Guanche people before the 15th-century Spanish conquest, these cave houses have been continuously inhabited and modernised over centuries. The natural insulation provided by the surrounding rock maintains a stable internal temperature year-round, demonstrating an early form of sustainable living.
Today, the cave houses serve multiple purposes. While some remain primary residences, others have been converted into restaurants, hotels and even a museum. These structures now feature modern amenities like electricity and running water, while maintaining their traditional external appearance.
The area holds significant archaeological importance, with numerous sites providing insights into pre-conquest island life. The Guayadeque Ravine Interpretation Centre offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the ravine’s history and cultural significance.
Exploring the ravine and its cave houses can be done through hiking trails or partially by car. The Guayadeque Ravine circular pathway, a moderately challenging four-hour hike, is particularly popular among visitors.
Explore the Botanical Gardens
Gran Canaria is home to several beautiful botanical gardens which showcase the island’s diverse flora. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to learn about the unique plant species found in the Canary Islands.
The Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, located near Las Palmas, is the largest botanical garden in Spain and features an extensive collection of Canarian and other Macaronesian flora. The Cactualdea Park, located in La Aldea de San Nicolás, is dedicated to cacti and succulents from around the world. These gardens provide a fascinating insight into the island’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Go Wine Tasting
While perhaps less well-known than other Spanish wine regions, Gran Canaria produces some excellent wines. The island’s volcanic soil and varied microclimates contribute to the unique character of its wines.
Several wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the island’s winemaking traditions and sample local varieties. The wine region of Monte Lentiscal, located near Las Palmas, is home to several bodegas open to visitors. Many restaurants across the island also feature local wines on their menus, providing an opportunity to pair Canarian wines with traditional cuisine.
Visit the Yumbo Centre
The Yumbo Centre is a prominent commercial and entertainment complex located in Playa del Inglés. This large, open-air complex spans four floors and features a central courtyard surrounded by over 200 shops, restaurants, bars and other establishments. During the day, it functions as a shopping centre, offering a wide range of products including clothing, souvenirs, electronics and local handicrafts. The complex also contains numerous dining options, serving a variety of cuisines from local Canarian dishes to international fare.
In the evening, the Yumbo Centre transforms into a bustling nightlife hub, particularly known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with many gay-friendly bars, clubs and shows. It hosts various entertainment options including live music performances, drag shows and other events throughout the year. For several decades this entertainment complex has been a significant feature of Gran Canaria’s tourism landscape, serving as a central hub for shopping, dining and nightlife in the area.
