Most people think of Gran Canaria as a beach holiday destination – and they would be right – because the Spanish island just off the coast of West Africa has more than 60km of gloriously sandy shoreline. But there’s much more to this millennia-old volcanic island than simply sand and sun. Venture inland to experience soaring monolithic rocks, fragrant pine forests and charming whitewashed towns.
Also, the island’s capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is Spain’s ninth-largest city and is blessed with one of the world’s best urban beaches as well as a stand-out food and drink scene. With that in mind, here are 10 best things to do in Gran Canaria to experience the true essence of the island.
Hike the Roques
Formed some 14 million years ago, Gran Canaria is a geologist’s dream with beguiling rock formations, exploded volcanic craters and soaring monoliths. Roque Nublo is an 80-metre-high finger of basalt that extends into the sky from its lofty plinth in the centre of the island. There’s an easy trek to reach it but thanks to recent measures to control visitor numbers, you need to book a free ticket online.
The rock was revered by the island’s original inhabitants (before the Spanish conquest), as it stands majestically above the exploded Tejeda crater, and glows orange-pink in the sunlight. Its brother, Roque Bentayga, is where the native population took their last stand against their colonisers. Hike to the top to see large curious key-like carvings in the plateau. Experts are still unsure if they were ritualistic, defensive or practical.
Explore a painted cave
Before the Spanish arrived, the island’s population lived in relative isolation for more than 2,000 years. It’s thought that they were Amazigh communities originally from North Africa. They lived off the land and sea and made their homes and lives around caves – either natural volcanic hollows or carved recesses in the rock.
Gáldar, in the island’s north-west, was one of two indigenous capitals and it’s here that you can find the best-preserved example of a cave dwelling adorned with geometric patterns and shapes that’s thought to be more than 1,000 years old.
Tomatoes, cochineal and sugar cane all had their moment in the island’s industrial sunshine, but bananas (before tourism) were the biggest industry, with huge exports at the turn of the 20th century to the UK and further afield.
As you drive around the island today, you’ll see the characteristic leaves of banana plants. To find out more and to taste the host of banana products, head to the Mundo del Plátano at Hacienda La Rekompensa.
You’ll get a tour of the plantation and learn just how important the banana trade was – so much so that it’s responsible for London’s Canary Wharf getting its name.
Go bananas
Tomatoes, cochineal and sugar cane all had their moment in the island’s industrial sunshine, but bananas (before tourism) were the biggest industry, with huge exports at the turn of the 20th century to the UK and further afield.
As you drive around the island today, you’ll see the characteristic leaves of banana plants.
To find out more and to taste the host of banana products, head to the Mundo del Plátano at Hacienda La Rekompensa.
You’ll get a tour of the plantation and learn just how important the banana trade was – so much so that it’s responsible for London’s Canary Wharf getting its name.
Marvel at mountains of sand
It’s almost impossible for any of the yellow sand beaches in Gran Canaria to have begun life here, as volcanic sand is naturally black. But following a colossal tsunami nearly 300 years ago on top of deposits from the last ice age, the island’s southern tip was covered with Saharan sand that today form the famous Maspalomas dunes.
Recently, there’s been concerted efforts by authorities to help preserve this natural landscape which is a habitat to both resident and migratory birds. That doesn’t mean you can’t and shouldn’t visit the dunes – just simply stick to the dedicated routes that will lead you to fabulous beaches for topping up your tan.
Taste the volcano
Did you know that Gran Canaria has one of the only dedicated wine routes in Spain? The Ruta del Vino de Gran Canaria was created in 2021 to link vineyards, wineries, bars, bodegas and restaurants to showcase locally produced wine. Grapevines were first introduced to the island by the Spanish in the 15th century and they took well to the volcanic soils.
At a lot of the modern vineyards – particularly those around Bandama – you’ll spot small, granular volcanic stones and ash clusters on the soil surface. This is known as picón and allows for excellent drainage for vines, and gives a host of mineral properties to the wine.
Walk in the footsteps of Columbus
Gran Canaria was one of the last ports of call before Christopher Columbus sailed onto the Americas. In the capital, head for Vegueta, the oldest part of the city where you’ll be able to walk cobbled streets and see handsome Spanish colonial architecture.
You’ll also be able to visit some of the island’s best cultural institutions such as the Casa de Colón (Columbus museum), CAAM (Modern art museum), Museo Canario (a museum dedicated to the island’s native inhabitants), and the imposing cathedral – the first in the Canary Islands as its construction started in 1500.
Have a hit of honey rum
Talking of Columbus, it’s said that he took sugar cane from the Canaries to the Caribbean, which was then made into rum. And rum has been made in Gran Canaria since at least 1884.
Make your way to the town of Arucas – well worth a visit thanks to its impressive neo-gothic church and pretty streets – to the Arehucas Rum Distillery, and book onto a tour. You’ll learn all about how rum first came to be made here, see the process and get to sample various spirits and liqueurs in the airy tasting room.
Cool off in a volcanic sea pool
Dotted all around the coastline of the island, you’ll find natural sea pools. Some are simply basins that have been eroded by the punishing Atlantic, while others have been adapted to allow for easy access and leisure.
Try Soco Negro at Arinaga on the island’s east coast, where you’ll also find wooden sunbathing platforms, or head north to Charco de San Lorenzo near Moya or to Gáldar for El Agujero which is mostly used by locals for a bracing dip when temperatures soar.
Make for the market
Markets pop up across the island all week with the largest taking place on the weekends in town, such as Teror and San Mateo. You’ll find a mix of fresh produce, baked goods and sweets, plants, spices, embroidery and souvenirs on sale.
Alternatively, stop by one of the two permanent food markets in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The Mercado de Vegueta has been serving the city the freshest produce since 1858, while the Mercado del Puerto has become something of a gastro destination in recent years, with bars and street-food vendors and live music in the evenings.
Experience a celebration
The Gran Canaria calendar is packed with events, and locals live their lives out on the street enjoying community, custom and cuisine. The year starts strong with the annual carnival each February – a week-long party of parades, shows, costumes and music.
For something more tranquil, try the almond blossom festivities in the high mountain towns, which become awash with blooms and special events. If you’re keen to lace up your hiking boots, there’s Gran Canaria Walking Festival, or the Transgrancanaria ultramarathon for those really looking to test their mettle.
Whether you are chasing the golden hour across the rolling crests of the Maspalomas Dunes, scaling the volcanic heights of Roque Nublo, or getting lost in the historic, cobblestone charm of Vegueta, Gran Canaria proves it is far more than just a standard beach getaway.
Ultimately, the best things to do in Gran Canaria are the ones that push you to explore beyond the resort gates. Discover an island defined by dramatic microclimates, phenomenal tapas, and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in Europe.
