The island of Gran Canaria — known as “the continent in miniature” for its diversity of landscapes and microclimates — is one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain, capable of offering activities for all tastes: beaches, wellness, golf, sailing, rural tourism, natural parks, hiking trails, shopping… Today, we will recommend you the best things to do in Gran Canaria. If you follow our advice, we are quite sure that you will want to repeat!
Now, let’s see what to do in Gran Canaria!
The 7 best things to do and see in Gran Canaria
Now, we are going to talk about what to visit and the 7 top things to do and see in Gran Canaria. Undoubtedly, they are our favourites! So take a look and follow our advice if you visit the island!
Visit Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo is for Gran Canaria what Teide is for Tenerife or Timanfaya for Lanzarote. It is a place of reference for all those who want to know the most natural and authentic face of the island. Roque Nublo means ‘rock cloud’ in Spanish. It is an 80m high monolith, standing on top of the second highest mountain in the island, at 1817m.
It is placed within the nature reserve Parque Rural del Nublo, located in the heart of the island. The so called rock in the clouds is framed by two giant stones shaped like a monk and a toad: El Fraile and La Rana.
For the Guanches, the aboriginal inhabitants, this beautiful spot was a sacred site where offering rituals took place.
On clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views from the rocky plateau at the foot of Roque Nublo and with a bit of luck you can even spot Spain’s highest mountain. The 3.175 meter high Mount Teide is located on the neighbouring island of Tenerife. The peak of Roque Nublo in the Gran Canaria Mountains offers astonishing views of the entire island.
Discover the Botanical Garden Viera y Clavijo
A few kilometres from the Town Centre, the Viera y Clavijo Botanical Gardens, also known as Canary Garden, homes in a spanning 27 hectares a complete example of the botanical wealth of the Gran Canary Islands. This haven of peace for the senses is also a botanical institution and a centre for the conservation and research of the flora of Macaronesia (Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, and Cape Verde).
A stroll around the garden, projected by botanist Eric R. Sventenius in 1952, allows the visitor to see and get to know a wide example of the endemic flora of the Canaries amidst paths, caves and waterfalls. The place, whose name comes after Canarian historian, biologist and writer of the eighteenth century, Jose Viera y Clavijo, opens its doors daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
It is the home of the Gran Canaria’s Giant Lizard (Gallotia stehlini) endemic of the Canary Islands and the world’s largest lizard of the Lacertidae family, some of them even reaching 2 feet of length.
Visit Casa de Colon Museum
If you’re thinking about what to do and see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, here you will find Casa de Colon, where Christopher Columbus rested between ocean voyages. The house is now a museum which tells the story of the island, as well as its trade relationship with America.
The museum has magnificent patios and exhibition halls to revive Columbus’ travels, his stays on the islands, the relationships of the archipelago with America, the history of Las Palmas (capital of Gran Canaria), pre-Columbian America and to admire its outstanding art collection.
Hence, if you’re a history lover you will enjoy this attraction so much!
Visit the Sioux City
Created in 1971 in south Gran Canaria as a film set, Sioux City currently offers shows and unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Children are transported to a time when cowboys rode horses, played horseshoes and slept in the county jail. Sioux City is a special place in San Bartolome de Tirajana designed to fire children’s imagination.
Practice extreme water sports on the beaches
When it comes to water sports in the island, nobody stays dry. Active holidaymakers will not be disappointed with the wide range of water sports on offer. The island is a world-class destination for windsurfers and the coastal area around Pozo Izquierdo doubles up as a Mecca for enthusiasts. Both trade winds and the energetic sea currents in this area of the island make it a natural home for the annual Windsurfing World Championships.
Visit Puerto de Mogan
Puerto de Mogan marina is known as “Little Venice” because of its gorgeous lanes and canals. Strolls in gondola are definitely one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria.
What to do in Puerto de Mogan? It is a small town, located in the south-western part of the island. It is located on the coast, in a narrow and elongated valley.
The town is surrounded by bare and almost devoid of vegetation volcanic mountains.
On the streets of Puerto de Mogan you will see mainly coconut palms. Since larger trees are missing, the streets are not particularly shady. For this reason, most local residents and visitors of Puerto de Mogan prefer to go for a walk in the morning and afternoon hours.
The port area offers many nice restaurants and shops selling various goods and souvenirs to its numerous visitors. The buildings in this part of Puerto de Mogan are two-storey, white with colourful ornaments and small balconies on the second floor.
Most of the entertainment options in Puerto de Mogan are related in one way or another with the Atlantic Ocean. For example, in addition to relax on the beach and walk along the beautiful marina, there are various possibilities for boat trips and other adventures into the ocean. Whether your aim is to admire the dolphins, or just want to enjoy the raw and rugged coastline from a different angle, this is something worthwhile to experience.
Visit the amazing city of Maspalomas
Maspalomas is the main tourist destination of Gran Canaria and is located south of this island. It is only 20 minutes away from the popular municipality of Puerto Rico very close to Playa del Ingles.
What to do in Maspalomas? We will tell you the best things to do during your stay in Maspalomas. There, you will have the opportunity to discover the coast of the island entirely.
Maspalomas is well known for its beautiful natural coastline covered in golden sand dunes and shallow water that stretches for 6 kilometres. This Gran Canaria area offers a luxury treatment for tourists with luxury hotels and intermediate level in addition to having a golf course nearby.
Maspalomas beach is suitable for everyone due to it is divided into four areas: one is for families with children, two nudist areas and another area, very popular, for the gay community.
This is a brief summary of what to do in Gran Canaria during your holidays. If you need more information, please contact us through our web page. You will receive the best advice and attention from our professionals. Don’t think twice and visit this island!
