15 Best Things To Do In Gran Canaria

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Gran Canaria is an island located off the coast of Northwest Africa and part of the Canary Islands group. It offers visitors a variety of activities and tourist attractions to enjoy while on vacation. From its amazing beaches to spectacular volcanic landscapes, Gran Canaria is a great place to explore. Whether you’re looking for some adventure or simply want to relax on the beach, this beautiful island will not disappoint. Here are some of the best things to do in Gran Canaria that you don’t want to miss.

1. Roque Nublo

Located at 1,813 m above sea level, Roque Nublo is a prominent landmark on Gran Canaria. This natural rock formation is an impressive sight to behold and has been revered for centuries. It stands 67 meters tall and covers about 200 square meters of land. The locals revere it as a sacred site, since they believe it holds spiritual significance to their ancestors from the early Bronze Age. For them, Roque Nublo represents the point where the earth meets the sky.

The views from the top of Roque Nublo are breathtaking and worth every step of the climb up to its summit. On clear days, visitors can see all seven Canary islands of the archipelago stretching out before them in one single view.

2. Pico de las Nieves

Pico de las Nieves is a mountain that stands at an impressive 1,949 meters and is the highest peak on the island. The mountain provides a stunning viewpoint and can be seen from miles away. In fact, it has become an icon of Gran Canaria and tourists flock to its summit each year when visiting Gran Canaria.

The area surrounding Pico de las Nieves also offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. There are trails for hiking or mountain biking, rock climbing routes, as well as guided tours that take you around some of the most beautiful places in Gran Canaria. Those wanting to spend some time outdoors will love exploring this region. If you're looking for a bit more adventure there's even paragliding available from some locations nearby Pico de las Nieves.

3. Caldera de Bandama

Caldera de Bandama is a volcanic crater in Gran Canaria that has been dormant for over 100,000 years and stands at an impressive 656 meters above sea level. The crater measures about 1 kilometer in diameter and the walls of the caldera reach heights of up to 140 meters high. It is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes found on Gran Canaria, with lush green foliage surrounding its walls and vast fields inside the basin it's definitely worth a visit.

Visiting Caldera de Bandama gives holiday makers a unique opportunity to explore this natural wonder up close. You can enjoy incredible views from atop the Pico de Bandama walls or take an easy hike around its perimeter to appreciate all this crater has to offer.

4. City of Las Palmas

Visiting the city of Las Palmas is an experience like no other. Situated on the coast of Gran Canaria, the city offers a wealth of stunning sights and top activities sure to please any traveler. From shopping and dining to exploring world-renowned attractions, Las Palmas is one of the top destinations on the island.

The first place to visit in Las Palmas is undoubtedly its beautiful beachfront. Here visitors can spend hours soaking up the sun while admiring the best views of nearby mountains and sailing ships cruising into the port of Las Palmas. Afterwards, they can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Playa de las Canteras – a well-known beach promenade lined with palm trees and colorful gardens.

5. Palmitos Park

Palmitos Park is a unique wildlife park that can be found nestled in the mountain range of Gran Canaria. It offers visitors a chance to experience nature up close and personal while learning about the local flora and fauna. From its lush tropical gardens to its spacious enclosures, Palmitos Park is sure to capture any visitor's heart with its beauty and variety of sights.

The park features a wide collection of animals from around the world, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and even butterflies. Guests can enjoy fun things and one-of-a-kind experiences such as bird watching or an animal interaction program where they can get up close with some of their favorite animals. The park also has a stunning lake area where you can relax while admiring the view or take part in activities like kayaking, scuba diving or pedal boating.

Contact:

Address: Barranco de los Palmitos, s/n, 35109 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain

Phone: +34 928 79 70 70

6. Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas

Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas is a beautiful beach destination known for its large, golden sand dunes that stretch over four miles, giving visitors the chance to enjoy some of Europe's most expansive natural beauty.

The Maspalomas dunes are part of one of Spain's largest coastal reserves, and are home to many rare species including loggerhead turtles and purple herons. Vacationers can take part in activities such as water sports, swimming, sunbathing or simply strolling along the shoreline of Maspalomas beach; it's also possible to rent bikes or quad bikes to explore further afield.

The reserve also provides an educational experience; there are numerous informative boards and signs around the area that explain the unique habitats found here and offer insights into their conservation needs.

7. Vegueta

Vegueta is a historic neighborhood in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The old town area dates back to the late 15th century and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. It features many old buildings with colonial architecture that were built during Spanish rule, offering visitors an insight into both the past and present.

The oldest street in Vegueta is Calle Real de Vegueta, which contains some of the most important monuments in Gran Canaria including San Juan Bautista Church and the Colon House Museum. This district also has several narrow cobbled streets lined with picturesque canarian balconies decorated with flowers, which are characteristic to the island’s traditional architecture.

8. El Faro de Maspalomas

El Faro de Maspalomas is a beautiful, historical landmark on Gran Canaria's southern coast, and one of Spain's most popular places to visit in Gran Canaria. It is the only lighthouse of its kind in the Canary Islands and has been standing since 1887. Located in the popular resort area of Maspalomas, El Faro stands at 184 feet tall and offers spectacular views from its terrace around 65 meters up in the air. The lighthouse is constructed out of thick stone and features an octagonal design with seven turrets around it.

Visitors to El Faro can take part in a variety of activities including guided tours, watching live music performances or simply admiring the panoramic view around the island from the lighthouse. You are also able to explore nearby tourist attractions in Gran Canaria such as Playa del Inglés beach and the Dunes of Maspalomas Nature Reserve.

Contact:

Address: Pl. del Faro, 15, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain

Phone: +34 928 77 24 45

9. Casa De Colon

Casa de Colon is a place of historical and cultural significance for the Canary island. Once visited by Christopher Columbus, this museum was built around 500 years ago and has been restored, preserving its original colonial architecture. The building has seen many different occupants throughout its life, from governors to private families, serving as a reminder of the island’s rich past.

Visiting the Casa de Colón during your stay in Gran Canaria is more than just a typical tourist experience. The site is home to an impressive collection of artworks depicting rural life on the Canary island during colonial times. Its main galleries are filled with artifacts representing Gran Canaria’s culture and history as well as works by renowned contemporary artists such as Eduardo Chillida and Luis Rodríguez Caballero.

Contact:

Address: C. Colón, 1, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain

Phone: +34 928 31 23 73

10. Jardin Botanico Viera & Clavijo

The Jardin Botanico Viera & Clavijo is a botanical garden of immense beauty and splendor in Gran Canaria. This stunning park was founded in 1952 by two dedicated scientists and botanists, Honorato Viera and Tomás María Clavijo. It is composed of over 10,000 different species of plants from all over the world, making it one of the largest collections in Europe, and one of the best places to see in Gran Canaria.

The garden spans approximately 20 hectares with an altitude ranging between 500 to 1500 meters above sea level. There are various climate zones throughout the grounds that allow a mix of exotic species to thrive within its boundaries.

Contact:

Address: Carretera del Dragonal Km 7 (GC-310, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Phone: +34 928 21 95 80

11. Sioux City Park

Sioux City Park in Gran Canaria is an amazing place to explore in Gran Canaria. Located on the western tip of the Canary island, it's a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean to the west, as well as breathtaking landscapes of Gran Canaria with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and plenty of trails to traverse.

Guests can take part in various activities such as hiking, swimming and bird-watching. There are also several cultural attractions within the park that are well worth a visit. One such attraction is a replica of a Sioux Indian Village located at the entrance to the park, which showcases traditional tools used by Native American tribes in their everyday life.

Contact:

Address: Barranco del Aguila, s/n, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain

12. Puerto de Mogán

Puerto de Mogán is a beautiful and picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria. This wonderful port town has become increasingly popular with tourists over the past few years, thanks to its stunning ocean vistas and golden sand beaches.

The harbor is filled with colorful boats which adds to its charm, while the town itself is made up of traditional cobbled streets that lead from the pier to an array of small shops, bars and restaurants. Here you can find some of the best seafood in all of Gran Canaria as well as many other local delights.

On top of this, Puerto de Mogán offers plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling or kayaking around its crystal clear waters; or simply kick back and relax while soaking up some much-needed Mediterranean sunshine!

13. Poema Del Mar Aquarium

When you're in Gran Canaria with kids, Poema Del Mar Aquarium is one of the best things to visit on this Canary island. The aquarium is located in the center of Las Palmas, and is home to some of the most fascinating marine life from around the world. Visitors can observe a variety of different species such as dolphins, sharks, rays, octopuses, eels and sea turtles. They also have a wide selection of invertebrates and tropical fish too.

The main attraction at Poema Del Mar are their spectacular displays of larger predators such as Hammerhead Sharks & White Shark. These impressive creatures along with other species such as Moorish Idols & Lion Fish provide a unique visual experience that will leave visitors mesmerized. In addition, they offer interactive activities such as diving experiences with professional instructors and educational programs for children.

Contact:

Address: Av. de Los Consignatarios, s/n, 35008, Las Palmas, Spain

Phone: +34 928 01 03 50

14. Las Canteras Beach

Las Canteras Beach is a spectacular beach which is considered to be one of the most iconic beaches in Gran Canaria due to its long stretch of golden sand and stunningly clear waters. The beach spans approximately three kilometers and has an average width of 95 meters, making it one of the largest urban beaches in Europe. It is also blessed with an almost always perfect climate thanks to its location on the island’s coastal area.

Whether you are looking for some sunbathing or an unforgettable snorkeling experience, you will find it at Las Canteras Beach. There are lots of restaurants, cafes, kiosks and other places where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and refreshing drinks while enjoying breathtaking views across the horizon.

15. Museo & Parque Arqueologico Cueva Pintada

Museo & Parque Arqueologico Cueva Pintada, located in Galdar, Gran Canaria, is an archaeological site that provides a unique window into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of the Gran Canaria island. The park and museum are home to some of Europe's most significant pieces of rock art, which were first discovered in 1899.

Visitors can admire the vibrant paintings on display as they explore this remarkable site. The artwork dates back over 1,500 years and offers insight into the religious practices and cultural heritage of people living during that period.

The cave was initially filled with sand by local villagers to protect it from damage and looting; however, after archaeologists discovered its significance in 1968, extensive excavation work began to uncover its secrets. Today guests can see how this incredible site has been preserved for generations thanks to projects such as cleaning up graffiti and restoring damaged paintings.

Contact:

Address: C. Audiencia, 2, 35460 Gáldar, Las Palmas, Spain

Phone: +34 928 89 54 89