Things to Do in Gran Canaria: Exploring Beyond Dolphin Tours and Boat Trips

One of Gran Canaria's most popular spots is the dunes of Maspalomas: it's here that, thanks to some trick of nature, winds that blow from Africa to South America leave some of the sand behind, creating a unique situation.

The panorama that emerges is truly breathtaking, especially at sunset. Visit the dunes on foot for an unforgettable experience, but avoid windy days.

Visiting the mountain region is a "must-do" on your list of things to do in Gran Canaria, in addition to what you should do in Gran Canaria during your holidays. Roque Nublo is the king of this area. This iconic volcanic rock, often cloudy (from where the name nublo=cloudy) that reaches the height of 1900 mt is one of the best panorama point of the island. The walk to the peak is easy and moderate, taking about an hour, and it rewards visitors with some of  the best places to visit in Gran Canaria  for nature lovers.

Check our hiking tour (easy level), going on every tuesday and thursday, with guide speaking english, german or spanish for a maximum of 8 people, transport and pic-nic included: click here for all the details about this popular hiking in Gran Canaria!

Hidden in the island’s interior,  Guayadeque Valley  is a breathtaking canyon known for its  cave dwellings, lush landscapes, and rich indigenous history . It’s a great place to explore on foot, visit cave restaurants, and learn about the island’s first inhabitants.

This park, which is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the greenest and most uncontaminated areas of the island. The park is characterized by a dense pine forest and cliffs overlooking the sea, with breathtaking views that make it the ideal place for full immersion days in contact with nature and an unparalleled place for lovers of nature photography. The best way to visit it, in our opinion, is to rent a car with which you can easily reach the park in 20 minutes via the GC-216 road.

One of the most photographed places on the island: you have probably seen some images, stories or Instagram reels with the Barranco de las Vacas as the absolute protagonist. It is a canyon that reminds us in every way of the more famous ones of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, where the smooth and stratified walls create a Martian landscape: as mentioned, a fantastic place for some souvenir images or for some envy-catching selfies on social media. Although there are excursions that take tourists to visit the Barranco de las Vacas, in our opinion, the best way is to reach it by your own means or with public transport: the Barranco can be reached by taking a short path from the nearest car park or from the bus stop.

The Charco Azul is a fantastic destination for all those who love contact with nature and walking. It is a natural pool between the cliffs fed by a waterfall, visible unless you go in mid-summer or late summer because the pool will be dry, located in the interior of the island, on the west coast of the island between Agaete and the Aldea de San Nicolas. 

The waterfall only forms in periods following rains so before going, get good information. To get there you have to park in the small village of El Risco, and continue on foot for a few kilometers. It is a magical place, surrounded by nature so make sure you stock up on supplies before setting off because after that it will not be possible: at the beginning of the trail there is a bar where you can buy sandwiches and drinks.

The azulejos de Veneguera are a kind of natural monument formed over millennia, following the infiltration of hydrothermal fluids into the various layers of minerals, which, cooling at different temperatures, gave rise to a range of colours ranging from red, ochre, green and blue, which subsequent erosion made visible. A true natural spectacle not to be missed, especially for nature lovers, hikers and those passionate about photography and spectacular landscapes. The place can be reached from the island via the GC-200, a panoramic and winding road that crosses the Barranco de Mogán.

Vegueta, the old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , is a UNESCO-listed site filled with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and vibrant plazas . Top attractions include the Casa de Colón (Columbus House) and the Santa Ana Cathedral , both offering deep insights into the island’s colonial past.

The Vegueta neighborhood also offers a wide variety of restaurants, bistros, pizzerias and small places with outdoor tables that at night, thanks to the atmosphere of the small ancient streets of the neighborhood, create a very pleasant and suggestive environment.

For history enthusiasts, the Cueva Pintada Museum in Gáldar showcases pre-Hispanic cave paintings and relics from the ancient Canarian civilization. It's one of the most significant tourist attractions in Gran Canaria , providing an immersive experience into the island’s past.

It is a huge aboriginal granary, located in the north of the island, that the first inhabitants of gran canaria used as a warehouse for cereals, the basic food of their diet. It is a truly remarkable work of engineering, showing a fascinating glimpse into their advanced agricultural techniques. and of great cultural heritage. Visits are open from tuesday to sunday and you can visit it in total autonomy. If you are a group of 10 people or more you can also contract a guided tour with an interpreter.

Gran Canaria is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts . Some of the best spots include:

• Playa del Inglés & Maspalomas: Perfect surfing for beginners or the ones who want to give a try: in this case a surf safari day lesson is the right option: check here all the details and what is included. 

• Pozo Izquierdo: a world-famous windsurfing destination, home to international competitions. 

• Las Canteras Beach: ideal for surfing, bodyboard and paddleboarding.

Whether you're a casual walker or an experienced trekker, Gran Canaria has plenty of scenic hiking routes , such as:

• Pico de las Nieves – The highest peak on the island with breathtaking views.

• Barranco de las Vacas – A hidden canyon known as the "Antelope Canyon of Gran Canaria."

• Tamadaba Natural Park – A lush pine forest with coastal cliffs and trails.

For cycling enthusiasts, Gran Canaria offers diverse biking trails , from coastal roads to mountainous terrains. Fataga and Ayagaures are popular areas for scenic yet challenging rides.

• Playa de Amadores – A tranquil bay with calm turquoise waters, perfect for families.

• Puerto de Mogán Beach: better known as the "Venice of Gran Canaria". Click here to read our Guide of Puerto de Mogán and discover all the secrets of this charming village.

• Playa de Güigüí: it's probably the most beautiful and wild beach of Gran Canaria. It is accessible only via boat, if the ocean condition are optimal or a long hike, climbing and descending for around 2,5 km per way. Don't forget to bring water and food if you decide to spend some hours on this beach. 

In Gran Canaria there are some hotels where you can have wellness treatments inspired by nature. Among the best places are Gloria Palace Thalasso & Hotel, Lopesan Costa Meloneras, in the Meloneras area: both with regenerating thermal circuits, massages and holistic therapies.

The Canarian culinary tradition, honestly, does not offer the culinary offering that one would expect and certainly there will be no shortage of opportunities to try these three courses:

• Papas arrugadas con mojo canario: potatoes cooked in salt for dehydration, from which the name arrugadas (wrinkled) comes, seasoned with a sauce, mojo, made with red or green peppers, lots of garlic, vinegar and oil
• Ropa Vieja: a traditional dish of poor Canarian cuisine based on stewed chickpeas, berros (watercress) and ingredients that vary depending on the availability of the day
• Gofío: It is a flour that is produced by grinding toasted cereals and is used to prepare various dishes, both sweet and savory, including bread, tortillas, creamy sauces, ice cream and even a couple of dishes, among which it is worth mentioning the gofio escaldado and the gofio amasado.

Gran Canaria offers far more than sunshine beaches and dolphin tours: it's an island full of opportunities for all kind of travellers and holidays. From hiking ancient volcanic trails and uncovering the secrets of its cultural past, to unwinding on idyllic beaches, the variety of experiences is simply endless.

Eager to explore it all? Start planning today and uncover the best places to visit in Gran Canaria for an unforgettable adventure!