What to do in Gran Canaria?

Soon it will be time to depart for the Canary Islands in Spain, and are you planning to visit Gran Canaria? If you're looking for the best activities to do in Gran Canaria, then this guide is probably made for you If you're searching for a place to travel in Spain, Gran Canaria is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see! Although the island is less populated than its neighbor Tenerife, Gran Canaria remains the main island of the archipelago, housing the capital Las Palmas. In this post, I propose to explore the best activities as well as the most interesting villages to explore during your stay in the Canary Islands!

To travel worry-free and avoid unpleasant surprises like a canceled flight or full accommodation, I strongly recommend always planning everything in advance, including booking your activities! By the way, if you don't know about AirHelp and find yourself a victim of a canceled or delayed flight, feel free to check their site to learn more about your rights to compensation

If you've planned to travel to Gran Canaria, you can now take a look at the activities to do on site, you won't be disappointed In addition to enjoying the stunning landscapes of the island, the sandy dunes, and other paradisiacal beaches, you could for example enjoy a tasting of local products, go diving, or take a guided tour of the towns and villages...

In short, you will have plenty to do! But I repeat myself, remember to book in advance to take advantage of the best prices and save time!

Book your activities now!

Your trip to Gran Canaria is approaching quickly and you still don't know what activities to do? Don't worry, you are in the right place with my article! Between hikes, boat trips, snorkeling, or discovering the Maspalomas dunes, you are in for some surprises In any case, don't forget to book your activities well in advance to ensure you have a spot for your dates

Among the first things to do upon arriving in Gran Canaria is, of course, to discover the island's capital, Las Palmas. In this city of many faces, you will have the opportunity to partake in numerous activities: visiting historical neighborhoods, relaxing on the beach, soaking in the local atmosphere, and more...

Las Palmas is a quite dynamic capital overflowing with restaurants, nightclubs, bars, as well as a beautiful seafront promenade, Las Canteras, a must-see spot. We also find the port of Las Palmas, at the heart of maritime activity, with many promenades, bars, and restaurants.

Among the neighborhoods to visit, the Vegeta district is the oldest. It houses historical buildings such as Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colon, two must-visit places in the city. As for the Triana neighborhood, dating back to the 14th century, it features a lively shopping center brimming with boutiques. Lastly, the La Isleta neighborhood, located on a peninsula, offers stunning views of the ocean and boasts a very warm village atmosphere

Of course, I strongly encourage you to enjoy Las Canteras beach, get lost in the paths of Doramas Park, and admire the architecture of the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, a unique historical building!

If you're looking for a place to hike in Gran Canaria, the Caldera de Bandama is a spectacular geological site located just a few kilometers from Las Palmas This site was formed by the collapse of an ancient volcanic crater, a caldera that offers truly impressive landscapes that you must see! To discover this unique place, you can join a Caldera de Bandama excursion, botanical garden, and Las Palmas, starting at €95 per person For more information, you can click directly below

Among the sights, you will have the chance to descend into the caldera to explore its steep walls and observe the local vegetation up close. Once you reach the top, the panoramic view of the entire island is breathtaking, with a beautiful view of the capital and the Atlantic Ocean in the background...

Note that the Caldera de Bandama is also an important archaeological site, with pre-Hispanic remains that testify to the ancient human occupation of the region

Roque Nublo is one of the most iconic landmarks of Gran Canaria. This rock formation, about 80 meters high, resulted from a volcanic eruption. It is located at over 1,800 m altitude and offers spectacular panoramic views of the area and even the neighboring islands!

For many hikers, Roque Nublo is a favorite destination. It features marked trails that lead to the summit and allow you to enjoy pretty landscapes along the way. By the way, know that this site holds cultural significance for the island's residents, symbolizing strength and resilience...

Hiking to Roque Nublo is accessible to everyone. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking to reach the rock formation, with several spots to pause and enjoy the view.

I think you've understood it, hiking is a more popular activity in the Canaries

There is another site to enjoy exceptional panoramic views! Pico de las Nieves, which means the "Peak of the Snows" in Spanish, is the highest point on the island, reaching 1,949 meters above sea level. It gets its name from the occasional presence of fog or clouds that can resemble snow ❄️

As you walk to the summit of Pico de las Nieves, hikers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island as well as the neighboring islands on clear days. It's a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts, featuring marked trails, rugged and unique landscapes.

My favorite activity on the island

If you want to make sure you don't miss anything on Gran Canaria, how about a complete excursion from Las Palmas? During this day trip, you will travel from north to south, passing the Bandama volcano, Pico de las Nieves, the villages of Santa Brígida, San Bartolomé, and Fataga, and the Maspalomas sand dunes. A very comprehensive experience starting at only €46 per person! Don't miss this opportunity and book now by clicking below

The Casa de Colon is located in the historic Vegueta neighborhood of Las Palmas. This house was attributed to Christopher Columbus during his voyages to the New World, although this topic is debatable... Nevertheless, this house has been transformed into a museum dedicated to exploration and the discovery of America!

On-site, you can explore the various rooms of the house that house exhibitions on the history of Christopher Columbus's voyages as well as the link between the Canaries and the Americas. You can admire historical artifacts, ancient maps, ship models, and a whole array of interesting objects.

Among the most beautiful villages to see in Gran Canaria, Teror is a charming village located in the mountains, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture as well as its peaceful atmosphere.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine is Teror's main attraction, a magnificent church built in the 15th century that houses a statue of the Virgin Mary venerated by the island's residents. The square in front of the basilica, Plaza del Pino, is a lively place where religious and cultural events take place throughout the year.

During your visit, take the time to stroll through the narrow streets to admire the colorful houses, discover artisan shops, and quaint restaurants and cafes. Additionally, you will find some stunning viewpoints of the mountainous landscape and you will not be bothered by crowds since the village is not very touristy.

The Maspalomas dunes are one of the most emblematic natural attractions of Gran Canaria, located near the eponymous city. These are sand dunes stretching for several kilometers along the southern coast of the island, offering a spectacular landscape with sand ridges shaped by the wind If you're wondering what to do in Gran Canaria, this is truly a spectacular place not to miss!

It's a popular spot for walking, jogging, and even swimming if you cross the dunes to reach the water's edge. You can also take a buggy tour or do a camel ride, or simply walk on the dunes and enjoy the sunset It will cost around €18 per person.

However, please note that the Maspalomas dunes remain a delicate ecosystem that is home to many plant and animal species, including migratory birds... So please respect this beautiful site!

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the nightlife in Gran Canaria, Playa del Inglés is one of the most popular beach resorts in the area, located on the southern coast of the island. It attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its beautiful golden sandy beaches and sunny climate

Playa del Inglés beach stretches for several kilometers, offering enough space to relax, engage in water sports, sunbathe, or accommodate families with children. It also features tourist facilities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and small beach bars.

Of course, Playa del Inglés offers a lively nightlife with a multitude of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The shopping area with its boutiques and shopping centers will also satisfy travelers looking for places to do some shopping

If you're unsure of what to do in Gran Canaria, the village of Fataga is in the mountains and offers exceptional scenery. Renowned for its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance, Fataga is one of the most beautiful villages in Gran Canaria. A must-visit destination!

Upon your arrival, you will have the chance to admire the narrow streets of Fataga lined with whitewashed houses, typical Canarian architecture. Allow yourself to be swept away by the traditional and picturesque atmosphere that prevails in the village and discover the local artisan shops!

The surroundings of Fataga also offer various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and observing local fauna and flora. If you enjoy walking, follow the marked hiking trails that will lead you deep into the Fataga valley, with its palm trees and rocks. An absolute must-see, don't miss the Barranco de Fataga, an impressive canyon created by erosion over the centuries.

Visiting Lomo Quiebre and Puerto de Mogán is a must-do in Gran Canaria. Know that these are two closely linked places since Puerto de Mogán is simply the port of Lomo Quiebre. Located in the southwest part of the island, these are two must-visit spots!

Lomo Quiebre is a picturesque hamlet situated in the mountains, known for offering a tranquil and rustic atmosphere for those wanting to get off the beaten path. On-site, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings by hiking to admire the stunning landscapes!

Not far from there is the charming coastal village of Puerto de Mogán, nicknamed the Little Venice of Gran Canaria due to its picturesque canals and flowered bridges. Without a doubt, this village is an ideal destination for those seeking a romantic getaway in Spain... Also, if you didn't know, Puerto de Mogán is a great starting point to go on a sailing cruise in the Atlantic waters. So why not enjoy a romantic escape while you can? Expect to pay €85 per person.

Gran Canaria is a tourist destination that abounds with accommodation options suitable for all budgets. Overall, you won't have trouble finding a place to stay. However, it's important to choose the city where you plan to stay wisely.

Among the best cities to stay in Gran Canaria, the best option would be to stay in Las Palmas, the capital, which has a wide range of hotels. You might also consider Playa del Inglés for nightlife or villages such as Teror, Puerto Rico, or Agüimes for a more authentic stay. It's up to you to decide!

If you don't know which city to choose for your stay, I suggest you consult my article dedicated to the best addresses to sleep in Gran Canaria, where I talk to you about all these must-see places! To save you time, you will also get my selection of the best hotels to stay in each of these cities

Like almost everywhere in Spain, the Canary Islands offer a sunny climate all year round with mild and pleasant temperatures ☀️ However, I highly recommend choosing spring or autumn as the ideal times to visit Gran Canaria, specifically between March and May, as well as between September and November.

These two periods are in my opinion perfect if you want to enjoy the sun, engage in outdoor activities, while experiencing a calmer atmosphere compared to the summer season. Moreover, the price of plane tickets and accommodation is much more attractive if you have a medium or even a limited budget

If you want to travel during the Carnival of Las Palmas in February, or enjoy the summer heat in July and August, I highly recommend anticipating the booking of plane tickets and hotels. This is the high tourist season, just like December with the end-of-year holidays.

If you are wondering how to get to Gran Canaria, the cheapest means of transport is undoubtedly by plane ✈️ Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport is located in the southeast of the island, so expect about a twenty-minute drive to reach the capital's center.

From cities such as Paris and Bordeaux, for example, expect about 3 hours of direct flight time to Gran Canaria. Most journeys include a stop at Barcelona El Prat Airport or Madrid Airport if you choose budget airlines. Otherwise, all major airlines service Las Palmas: Vueling, Iberia, Transavia, Volotea, Air France...

A round-trip ticket to Gran Canaria will cost you on average between €100 and €150. But this really depends on the booking date. Some flights can be as low as €50! I recommend booking well in advance on Ulysse to take advantage of the best prices and ensure you travel at the right time

In summary, going on vacation to Gran Canaria is an excellent decision since this destination offers diverse landscapes ranging from dunes to golden sandy beaches and mountains. Now that you know exactly what to do in Gran Canaria, I can only wish you a good trip! And if you plan to visit Lanzarote or are looking for activities to do in Tenerife, you will also find dedicated articles on this blog