While you might know Gran Canaria for its pristine beaches and exuberant nightlife, it offers a wealth of intriguing and immersive experiences away from the coast, from picturesque towns to blooming fruit plantations to top-rate art galleries. We’ve created three Gran Canaria itinerary ideas to help you plan 24 hours on the island depending on your interests.
The food route
Farm-to-fork food has never been a trend in Gran Canaria, because it’s always been the way of eating. Thanks to the fertile soil and temperate climate, you can grow pretty much anything here, from mangoes to avocados, coffee to sugar cane, and typical Canarian dishes are often simple to allow the natural ingredients from the land and ocean to shine.
Start your day off in the elegant Triana district of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (to give the city its full name) with either the city’s most famous tortilla and a leche y leche (milky coffee with condensed milk) at Restaurante Midway, or with thick, freshly fried porras (large churros) and a hot chocolate at Churrería Montesol in Calle Perojo.
Jump in your hire car and make for the northern road out of the city to the nearby town of Arucas. Here, head for La Rekompensa to the Mundo de Plátano. Here you’ll learn about the history of the island’s impressive banana trade, get a tour of the plantation – it has more than 50 varieties of banana – and get to taste products made using the fruit, from jams to wine. The other side of the town is the Arehucas Rum Distillery, where you can sample the famous honey rum, made here for more than 150 years.
Next, make tracks to Firgas. This pretty town is known for its mineral water. Stop for lunch at El Rincón de Marcos to enjoy a traditional potaje de berros (watercress soup). Then continue along the northern coast to the seaside town of Agaete. Head up into the lush valley to Finca La Laja. This farm has orchards, vineyards and a coffee plantation – the fruits of which you can sample on a guided tour and tasting.
Head back to Las Palmas for dinner. Make a reservation in advance for dinner at Restaurante Sorondongo to try a tasting menu of creative dishes using local products such as gofio (toasted flour).
Where to stay
The Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel is one of the most food-forward hotels in Spain and its restaurants hold two Michelin stars and one Green Michelin star between them.
Grab a drink at the rooftop bar of the storied Boutique Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana. It affords the best views of the magnificent façade of the Catedral de Santa Ana, and wonderfully historic rooms.
The nature trail
People often miss the extraordinary landscapes, forests and mountains of Gran Canaria when they stick to the beach, but even a few hours at the island’s centre is well worth it.
This island is forged of fire, and it makes sense to start your nature trail at its most recent eruption. The Bandama Caldera was formed about 2,000 years ago and is one of the most obvious and stark reminders of Gran Canaria’s explosive past. Go right up onto the mountain above to get the best views. While you’re in these parts, stop by Bodega San Juan – it’s one of the oldest on the island and worth a look around and taste of the wine to experience the soil’s rich minerality.
Now take the long, winding road through the mountainous countryside – including the lush surroundings of Santa Brigida with its soaring palms and historic Canarian dragon trees – to Cruz de Tejeda. This is the main crossing point at the centre of the island where you can sidle down the road to the head of the trail for the Roque Nublo (booking necessary).
This imposing monolith was sacred to the island’s pre-Hispanic population and as you draw near to it after a 45-minute hike, you can certainly feel its aura. Once safely back down, stop for lunch at the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda. The restaurant regularly serves local dishes such as baifo (slow-cooked kid goat), and gofio escaldón/escaldao (traditional toasted flour mixed with fish stock and mint).
Make your back down to the north coast to revive the trek-weary muscles in one of the natural sea pools that scatter the coastline. Los Charcones de Bañaderos are always a safe bet as there are several that have been made accessible, including one for children.
Where to stay
Parador Cruz de Tejeda is about as central as you can be on the island, and its wellness pool allows you to swim out into the pine forest surroundings with views over the crater.
Surrounded by banana plantations, the Hacienda del Buen Suceso is a retreat in the middle of nature.
The culture tour
Gran Canaria has such an intriguing history, from its explosive formation around 14 million years ago, its fascinating indigenous population, the brutal Spanish conquest, to its strategic location between three continents. It means there is a complete mix of architectural styles, traditions, cuisine, art and festivities to explore.
Find your way to Agüimes, one of the oldest towns on the island to wander the historic centre with its narrow cobbled streets, elegant architecture and impressive street art sculptures. Stop for a coffee in one of the many cafes to watch the town start its day.
Continue your route up the nearby ravine. The Barranco de Guayadeque is known for its cave houses and has the greatest density of archaeological sites on the whole island with many remains of the island’s pre-Hispanic, troglodyte population. It’s also a protected space and there are many hiking routes if you want to spend some more time here and even a few cave restaurants.
Spend your afternoon wandering the streets of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As the capital city, it’s replete with museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions. Start around the old town of Vegueta where you can escape the sun at the museum of modern art or take solace in the magnificent Catedral de Santa Ana.
Make your way through the city, with stops at Ciudad Jardín – the old British quarter – before taking in the buzz of the streets and sights of the Santa Catalina district.
Where to stay
Check into the Hotel Emblemático Agáldar, an atmospheric and historic property right in the centre of the old indigenous capital of Gáldar.
Whether you find yourself sipping local honey rum in a historic distillery, standing on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater, or exploring centuries-old architecture, Gran Canaria never ceases to surprise.
While its beaches are undeniably spectacular, the island’s true character is found in the vibrant pockets, lush valleys, and creative communities away from the coast. Pack a hire car, step off the sand, and discover a miniature continent waiting to be explored.
