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There are great many things to do in Spain, and so are in Gran Canaria.
Explore a world of kaleidoscopic beauty and endless possibilities on the sun-kissed shores of Gran Canaria – a ravishing island getaway that promises an unforgettable sensory experience.
From the blazing sands of its legendary beaches to its vibrant culture, gastronomy and nightlife, Gran Canaria has everything a traveler could ask for and more.
So pack your bags, set your heart on adventure, and let the magic of this island paradise sweep you off your feet.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Gran Canaria:
1. Playa del Ingles
Playa del Ingles is a popular tourist destination located on the southern tip of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.
What to see or do: Enjoy the sandy beaches, take a stroll along the scenic promenade, explore the nearby dunes, and indulge in the vibrant nightlife at the many bars and clubs.
Don’t miss: Visit the Yumbo Centrum, a large shopping and entertainment complex, and catch a show at the Kasbah Center, which frequently hosts live music and DJs.
Insider travel tips: Venture out to Maspalomas, a nearby resort town with an old-world charm, and savor some of the local Canarian cuisine at the various restaurants and cafes.
Additionally, tourists should beware of pickpockets and take precautions to avoid theft.
2. Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park is a subtropical oasis covering 20 hectares of land on the island of Gran Canaria.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions including exotic birds, primates, reptiles and dolphins, as well as a butterfly house and aquarium.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Palmitos Park is the dolphin show, which is both entertaining and educational. The park also offers a bird of prey exhibition and a cactus garden.
Insider travel tips: Avoid visiting the park during peak hours to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat as the weather can be very hot.
If you are interested in the dolphin show, arrive early to secure a good seat.
3. Puerto de Mogan
A picturesque fishing village located on the south-west coast of Gran Canaria.
What to see or do: Enjoy a relaxing day walking along the canals which have led to Puerto de Mogan being nicknamed “Little Venice”. Take a dip in the clear waters of the beach or explore the local shops and restaurants.
Don’t miss: The Friday market which sells locally-made crafts and fresh produce. Also, explore the marina where you can see yachts and boats coming in and out of the harbor.
Insider travel tips: During peak season, the village can become quite crowded, so visit outside of July and August for a more peaceful experience.
Additionally, try to visit in the morning or evening when the village is lit up beautifully at night.
4. Roque Nublo
A 67-meter-tall rock formation in the center of Gran Canaria.
What to see or do: Roque Nublo offers spectacular panoramic views of the island and is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. Visitors can also explore the surrounding pine forests and enjoy a picnic with the stunning scenery as their backdrop.
Don’t miss: The best time to visit Roque Nublo is during sunset when the sky turns into a beautiful canvas of colors.
Insider travel tips: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, especially if you are planning to hike. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
Keep in mind that the drive to Roque Nublo involves winding mountain roads, so travel with caution.
5. Las Canteras Beach
Las Canteras Beach is a popular beach located in the heart of Las Palmas, the capital city of Gran Canaria.
What to see or do: Spend the day lounging on the golden sand, swimming in the clear blue waters, and enjoying a variety of water sports.
The beach is also lined with numerous restaurants and bars, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
Don’t miss: The sunset views from the beach are absolutely stunning. Be sure to stick around and watch as the sun dips below the horizon in a burst of fiery colors.
Insider travel tips: For a more secluded beach experience, head to the south end of the beach, which is less crowded than the main stretch.
Additionally, be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong, even in the cooler months.
6. Maspalomas Dunes
A natural area of sand dunes located on the southern coast of Gran Canaria.
What to see or do: Take a walk through the dunes and admire the unique landscape of sand formations and native plant life. Look out for the local bird species that inhabit the area.
Relax on the nearby sandy beach and soak up the sun.
Don’t miss: Watching the sunset over the dunes, which creates an incredible display of colors and shadows.
Insider travel tips: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water as the area can get very hot. Wear comfortable shoes as the sand can be difficult to walk on.
Try to visit during the week as weekends can get very crowded. If you’re feeling adventurous, try sandboarding down the dunes.
7. Vegueta
Vegueta is the historic district of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city of Gran Canaria. Its colonial architecture and charming narrow streets make it a must-see spot on the island.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the beautiful Plaza de Santa Ana, visit the Museo Canario to learn about the island’s history and culture, and admire the stunning Cathedral of Santa Ana.
Don’t miss: Try the traditional Canarian cuisine at one of the restaurants in the area, and visit the Mercado de Vegueta to experience the local food market.
Insider travel tips: Visit Vegueta during the day to fully appreciate its beautiful architecture and colorful streets. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes since the neighborhood is best explored on foot.
Finally, if you’re interested in a bit of nightlife, return to Vegueta at night when the area comes alive with bars and music venues.
8. Casa Museo de Colon
A museum dedicated to the discoveries and achievements of Christopher Columbus.
What to see or do: Explore the museum’s extensive collection of maps, navigation instruments, and personal belongings of Columbus. Admire the intricate wood carvings and colonial architecture of the building itself.
Don’t miss: The “Columbus Room” which displays a replica of the admiral’s cabin on the explorer’s ship, the Santa Maria. Also, make sure to check out the stunning views of the city from the museum’s terrace.
Insider travel tips: Visit the museum in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid large crowds. Guided tours are available and are well worth the investment.
9. Barranco de Guayadeque
Barranco de Guayadeque is a picturesque valley in Gran Canaria that is known for its rugged terrain, stone caves, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
What to see or do: – Take a hike or mountain bike ride through the valley, and explore the natural caves and rock formations.
Don’t miss: – The Chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Guía, a small church that stands at the entrance to the valley.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, as it can get quite hot during the middle of the day.
10. Playa de las Teresitas
Playa de las Teresitas is a stunning golden-sand beach located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on the northeast coast of Gran Canaria.
What to see or do: Enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters and soak up the sun on the soft sand. The beach is surrounded by green hillsides, creating a picturesque backdrop.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll down the promenade and grab a bite to eat or a refreshing beverage from one of the many beach-side cafes and restaurants.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early in the morning to secure a spot on the beach as it can get quite crowded.
11. Arucas Cathedral
Arucas Cathedral is a beautiful neo-Gothic style church located in the town of Arucas on the island of Gran Canaria in Spain.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the grand architecture of the cathedral, with its intricate carvings and stained glass windows. Inside, there are several side chapels, a towering ceiling, and a magnificent altar.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a stroll around the tranquil gardens surrounding the cathedral, which are dotted with fountains and sculptures.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the cathedral is early in the morning when it is not too crowded.
12. Caldera de Bandama
A volcanic crater located in the center of Gran Canaria island in the Canary Islands.
What to see or do: Visitors can hike to the top to see panoramic views of the island, explore the botanical gardens, and learn about the history of the volcano in the nearby visitor center.
Don’t miss: The stunning view of the crater from the top, as well as tasting the famous wine produced from the vineyards surrounding the crater.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the hike, and bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
13. Teror
Teror is a charming town situated in the heart of Gran Canaria, known for its religious significance and traditional architecture.
What to see or do: – Visit Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pino, a stunning 18th-century church home to the patron saint of Gran Canaria.
Don’t miss: – The Sunday market, where locals gather to sell traditional products such as chorizo, cheese and craft goods.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to try the local delicacy, chorizo de Teror, a type of sausage made in the town.
14. Faro de Maspalomas
A historic lighthouse located on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, Spain.
What to see or do: Enjoy panoramic views of the coast and the rolling dunes of Maspalomas Natural Park. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade or go birdwatching in the nearby Oasis pond.
Don’t miss: The sunset views from the lighthouse are spectacular, providing a stunning backdrop for your holiday memories.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, visit during the quieter hours of the day or in the late afternoon when the temperature is cooler.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the surrounding area and don’t forget your camera to capture breathtaking views.