Gran Canaria travel guide: 9 must-see places, best time to travel and tips for your vacation!
- Julian
- Jun 30
- 7 min read
Gran Canaria – an island that has so much more to offer than just sun, sand, and sea. When I first traveled there, I was surprised by the diversity this Canary Island has to offer: from the golden sand dunes of Maspalomas to the green valleys and impressive mountains inland. In this blog post, I'll take you on a journey of discovery and show you the best places and tips you absolutely must experience in Gran Canaria. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, enjoy relaxing on the beach, or want to discover local life in charming villages – Gran Canaria has something for everyone!
Don't have time to read? Here's a quick overview of the most important information:
When is the best time to travel to Gran Canaria?
The best time to visit Gran Canaria is from March to June or in September and October, when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, the island has a pleasant climate year-round, making it suitable for various activities.
How do I get to Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is easily accessible via Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport, which offers international flights. Direct flights from many European cities make getting there quick and easy.
How do I get around Gran Canaria?
A rental car is the best option for exploring the island with flexibility. Alternatively, there's a well-developed bus network connecting many places, but a rental car offers more freedom for more remote destinations.
How many days should I spend in Gran Canaria?
A 7- to 10-day trip is ideal for exploring the main attractions and allowing plenty of time for relaxation. If you're planning a relaxing beach vacation, you can stay longer.
What are the highlights of Gran Canaria?
Highlights include the Maspalomas Dunes, Roque Nublo, Puerto de Mogán, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. These places offer a blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Which beaches should I visit in Gran Canaria?
Playa de Amadores is a beautiful, quiet beach, while Playa de las Canteras in Las Palmas is ideal for activities and culture. For adventure seekers, the Maspalomas Dunes are a must.
What makes Gran Canaria special?
Gran Canaria fascinates with its diverse landscape – from endless sandy beaches to imposing mountain peaks like the Pico de las Nieves. Added to that are charming towns like Puerto de Mogán, which make the island unique.
General information about Gran Canaria:
Gran Canaria is one of the most popular islands in the Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is diverse and offers something for everyone – from expansive beaches to impressive mountains and charming cities. As the third largest island in the archipelago, it is famous for its mild climate and diverse landscape.
Gran Canaria is also called a "miniature continent" because you can find everything from desert to subtropical forests to alpine altitudes here.
The island covers an area of approximately 1,560 km² and is located approximately 150 kilometers from the Moroccan coast. With its diverse climates and landscapes, Gran Canaria attracts thousands of tourists each year seeking sun and adventure.
Best time to travel:
Gran Canaria is an ideal year-round destination. Thanks to its mild climate, it's a particularly popular spot for sun-seekers in winter, while the summer months offer perfect conditions for beach vacationers.
January to March : These months offer pleasant temperatures of around 18-22°C, ideal for hiking and exploring. The beaches are uncrowded, and you can enjoy the island in peace.
April to June : This is the perfect time for activities such as hiking, biking, and surfing. Temperatures range between 22-26°C, and the island is less crowded with tourists.
July to September : Midsummer! Temperatures of 26-30°C make Gran Canaria a perfect destination for a beach holiday. Water temperatures are around 22-24°C.
October to December : Especially in autumn, Gran Canaria offers a perfect blend of sunshine and pleasant water temperatures, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 28°C. Things become a little quieter, ideal for those looking to relax.
Getting to Gran Canaria:
Getting to Gran Canaria is easy thanks to numerous direct flights from Europe. Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is located about 18 km south of the capital, Las Palmas, and is the largest of the Canary Islands. The flight time from Germany is between 4 and 5 hours , depending on the departure airport . After arrival, you can take either a taxi or a public bus to your hotel. Ferries also run regularly between Gran Canaria and other Canary Islands.
Getting around the island:
Gran Canaria is a relatively small island, and you can easily explore it by car or public transport. A rental car is ideal for discovering remote places like the mountains or lesser-known beaches. The roads are well-maintained, and many attractions are easily accessible by car.
The island also has a reliable bus network connecting the larger cities and tourist areas. There are several bus lines to help you travel between the major locations. Public transportation is affordable, but for more remote locations, a rental car is probably a better option.
How many days are enough?
For Gran Canaria, I recommend at least 7 days to experience the island's diversity. During this time, you can enjoy the beaches as well as go on hikes and excursions. However, if you want to plan plenty of time to explore the sights and nature, 10 days or more are also ideal.
Location of the accommodation:
The choice of accommodation depends largely on what you expect from your vacation. For a relaxing beach holiday, places like Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas are ideal.
However, if you want to discover the island from a different perspective, you'll find authentic accommodations in mountain villages like Tejeda or Artenara, where you can fully enjoy nature. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is ideal if you want to combine urban life with beaches and culture.
These are the 9 most beautiful places on Gran Canaria:
Maspalomas Dunes
The Maspalomas Dunes are a true highlight of Gran Canaria and one of the island's most famous natural wonders. The massive sand dunes in the south of the island stretch over 400 hectares and offer an impressive, almost surreal landscape. Maspalomas Beach borders the dunes and is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The Maspalomas Dunes are not only a beautiful place for walks, but also a popular destination for photographers.
Tip: The sunset here is simply breathtaking and should not be missed.
Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo is a striking rock formation and one of Gran Canaria's most famous landmarks . The approximately 80-meter-high basalt rock rises from the rocky landscape in the center of the island and offers spectacular views of the island and its surroundings. A hike to Roque Nublo is a must for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The trail is well signposted and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way.
Puerto de Mogan
Puerto de Mogán, also known as "Little Venice ," is a picturesque fishing village in the south of Gran Canaria. It boasts colorful houses, small canals, and a charming harbor lined with white boats. The village is an idyllic destination for a relaxing day. Here you'll find numerous restaurants and cafés serving fresh fish and local specialties. I highly recommend this place as a base for your vacation.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is a vibrant city with a blend of culture, history, and modern life. The old town of Vegueta is famous for its colonial buildings, the Museo Canario, and the Cathedral of Santa Ana. In the modern city, you'll find numerous shopping streets, restaurants, and bars. On the beautiful city beach, Playa de las Canteras, you can relax or enjoy water sports.
Pico de las Nieves
At 1,949 meters, Pico de las Nieves is Gran Canaria 's highest peak and offers magnificent views of the entire island. You can reach the summit either by car or on hiking trails. From here, in good weather, you'll have fantastic views of Mount Teide in Tenerife and the Gran Canaria mountains. Tip: If you head up early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular panorama you won't soon forget.
Balcony Viewpoint
The Mirador del Balcón is a spectacular viewpoint on the west coast of Gran Canaria, offering breathtaking views of the dramatic cliffs and the sea. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters, the Mirador offers unparalleled views of the Barranco de Guayedque and the steep cliffs that line the coast. The view from here is especially impressive when witnessing the sunset or the mystical sea of mist that settles over the mountains and valleys.
The small village of Agaete
Agaete is a charming mountain village on the northwest coast of Gran Canaria and a true gem off the beaten track. The village is known for its lush vegetation, subtropical climate, and traditional architecture. Particularly worth seeing is the Tamadaba Natural Park , which surrounds the region and offers numerous hiking trails through lush forests and impressive gorges. At Agaete's harbor, you can visit the sea pool or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
Tip: Be sure to try the local specialties in the village, such as fresh fish and the famous Puchero Canario , a Canarian stew. Agaete is also an ideal starting point for a trip to the nearby banana plantations and botanical garden.
The mountain village of Tejeda
Tejeda is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Gran Canaria, offering a blend of breathtaking nature and traditional Canarian architecture. The village is nestled amidst the island's impressive mountains and volcanic landscape and is particularly known for its beautiful surroundings, characterized by pine forests and green valleys.
The Roque Bentayga , a striking rock, is one of Tejeda's landmarks and offers spectacular views of the island. The Mirador de los Poetas is another viewpoint in Tejeda that offers unforgettable views of the surrounding area and pays homage to the poets who were inspired by this beautiful region.
Amadores Beach
Playa de Amadores is a beautiful, man-made beach in the south of Gran Canaria, known for its fine white sand and clear, calm waters. Its sheltered location makes it ideal for families and sun worshippers, while the surrounding restaurants and cafés create a relaxed atmosphere. It's a perfect place to enjoy the day and admire the view.
By the way : Follow me on my social media channels to get exclusive insights into my travels! On Instagram (@juliantravelstheworld), I'll take you to the most beautiful places in the world, share insider tips, inform you about local prices, and show you my accommodations. I'll link everything for you so you're perfectly prepared. Let's discover the most beautiful places in our world together.
Conclusion:
Gran Canaria is a true treasure trove of diversity. Whether you want to enjoy the unique landscapes, picturesque beaches, or the vibrant city life of Las Palmas, you'll definitely find what you're looking for on this island. From the breathtaking Roque Nublo to idyllic beaches like Playa de Amadores, Gran Canaria offers something for everyone. With its blend of nature, culture, and leisure activities, this island is the perfect place for an unforgettable escape. If you've never been there, be sure to add it to your travel bucket list—you'll be surprised by how much there is to discover!