Gran Canaria is like a mini continent, in less than 1,500 km² you can find ALL you need for an amazing holiday, stunning beaches, desert dunes, mountains, fishing villages, and a lot more.
This island is a lot more than just sun, sand, and nightlife, it’s a destination packed with surprises in every corner. In this guide, I'll tell you the island's best-kept secrets.
Are you a beach or mountain person? Do you prefer the hustle and bustle or the quiet? Gran Canaria has something for everyone, but for an authentic experience, I recommend staying at VillaGranCanaria, where you'll find charming villas, many with private pools and sea views. It's ideal for families or groups seeking privacy and comfort.
A piece of the Sahara in the Canary Islands, and while it’s not a secret to discover, it truly is an amazing place to visit. The Maspalomas dunes are proof of how diverse the island is.
These golden sand dunes, which change shape with the wind, are unique in Europe. They are highly recommended to visit at sunrise or sunset to avoid the heat and enjoy the most intense colours. Also, don't miss the walk to the Maspalomas lighthouse.
Sometimes called “The Heart of Gran Canaria”, it’s by far one of the most popular attractions on the island, a sacred one to the locals. This 80-metre monolith is the symbol of the island.
The hike to the base of the monolith takes around one hour, but it offers stunning panoramic views. Make sure you combine it with a visit to the village of Tejeda, which is famous for its almond trees and artisanal cheeses, and don’t forget to try Bienmesabe Canario, a typical Canarian dessert.
Labelled as ‘The Prettiest Town on the Coast’ by many, Puerto Mogán is truly stunning, with its colourful houses, canals, and flowers everywhere. If you’re looking for what to see in Gran Canaria, then this fishing port needs to be on your bucket list.
If you decide to visit it, try to do it on Fridays since there's a fantastic market where you can buy local crafts. Also, make sure you don't leave without trying the fresh fish at one of the port's restaurants.
Güi Güi Beach is by far one of the most stunning and pristine beaches of the island. It’s usually visited only by locals, but nowadays you can find tourists. Here you won’t find huge crowds, the beach is accessible only by boat or a 1-hour walk, and this wild beach offers black sand and crystal-clear waters.
Make sure you bring everything you need (water, food, sunscreen) because there are no restrooms or anything, and be careful with the tides on your return trip.
The island's most Instagrammable… rocks! Yes, that’s right, Barranco de las Vaca is a stunning canyon with eroded rock formations that look like something straight out of the American West. Perfect for spectacular photos.
You should know that it's best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, also make sure you wear comfortable shoes (you'll have to walk a bit along the ravine bed).
As you can see, Gran Canaria is an island packed with contrasts, you can visit a beach and the next hour visit a dune or a mountain. The beauty of the island goes far beyond its tourist resorts.
With this guide, you'll be ready to discover its most spectacular landscapes and experience unique adventures. Have a good trip!
