As a seasonal traveller, your aim should be visiting places that have it all: from pristine beaches and stunning landscapes to charming towns and good cuisine; and while you can find a couple of places with those characteristics, none of them does it like Gran Canaria. This Canary Island is a small continent in itself, with a diversity that will leave you speechless. In this guide, we take you to five must-see places.
But before you start planning the places to visit, you need an accommodation that combines comfort, location, and authenticity. For that, I recommend VillaGranCanaria, which offers a selection of holiday rentals in Gran Canaria that suit most types of travelers, from couples to families.
Check out the Maspalomas Dunes
As soon as you say “Gran Canarias”, the first thing that people imagine is beaches, and the Maspalomas Dunes. For many years, this place has crowned itself as a must-visit. Why? Well, there are many places in the world where you can walk along a desert of golden sand and a few minutes later, take a swim in a crystal clear beach. It was declared a special natural reserve in 1994, and its extent alongside the Maspalomas Beach creates an almost surreal landscape.
If you want the best experience, I highly recommend that you visit it during sunset; the colors of the sun on the sand are stunning. Also, don’t forget to wear a nice and comfortable pair of shoes, as walking on the sand can be challenging.
The Maspalomas Dunes are unique, and one of those places that makes a destination special, something that you must experience when visiting Gran Canaria.
Visit Roque Nublo, The Stone Giant of Gran Canaria
While Maspalomas Dunes is on most tourists’ minds, what truly represents the would of the island is Roque Nublo, an imposing volcanic monolith that reaches an altitude of over 1800 meters. It’s situated at the heart of the island, and the hike to its base is one of the most popular trails in Gran Canaria. It is considered to be an easy to medium hike, but it’s overly demanding. While it can get crowded sometimes, the views from the top are 100% worth the challenge. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Teide in Tenerife. So, even if you’re not a fan of hiking or outdoor adventure, a visit to Roque Nublo is a must.
Stroll Around Puerto de Mogán
There are a ton of towns in Gran Canaria that get tons of recommendations, like Galdar or Santa María de Guía, and while those are worth checking out, there’s no place like Puerto de Mogán. It’s a finishing village that looks like a movie set, and being situated at the beginning of the side valley on the south/west coast of the island, makes it perfect to explore the countryside.
The town is characterized by its whitewashed houses that are packed with bougainvillea, its tranquil canals, and its fishing port. It’s not hard to see why it’s called “Little Venice” by some people. Make sure you take your time strolling around its cobblestone streets, and try enjoying fresh fish at one of the restaurants. If you visit on Fridays, don’t miss the open-air market, where you’ll find local crafts and typical products.
Check The Capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Now, there’s no visit to Gran Canaria without checking out Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, it’s the capital city of the island, and it’s vibrant, a place where history meets with modernity and is packed with everything you need: from stunning squares and parks to beaches and markets. Las Canteras beach is one of the best urban beaches in Europe, and it’s just a few minutes away from the historic center of Vegueta, where you will find the Santa Ana Cathedral and colonial architecture.
I highly recommend that you check out the Columbus House Museum, which pays tribute to the explorer’s passage through the islands. And, of course, you can’t leave without trying wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce, a dish that encapsulates the essence of Canarian cuisine.
Go on A Journey into Canarian Tradition in Teror
Another town on the must-see list is Teror, which is also the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the real Gran Canaria. This little town is packed with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses. It is known for its Basilica del Pino, where the island’s patron saint is venerated. On Sundays, the market is full of stalls from which you can buy everything from artisanal cheeses to traditional sweet treats like Moya biscuits.
Conclusion
Gran Canaria is packed with places to visit and amazing attractions to check out, but if you need to pick just a few, then those are the best options. The island surprises you at every turn with its unique blend of nature, tradition, and culture. If you’re planning your trip, be sure to include these five must-sees and consider staying in a villa that will make your stay even more memorable.
For more inspiration, visit the official Gran Canaria tourism website (https://www.grancanaria.com/turismo/en/what-to-do/), where you’ll find up-to-date recommendations.