10 Best Things to Do in Gran Canaria

Maspalomas is the big town on Gran Canaria’s south coast, but a large part of it is a desert. The protected dynamic dune system covers about 400 hectares, from the very popular Playa de Maspalomas beach in the west to the even more popular Playa del Inglés beach to the east. Hotels located in Maspalomas and its surroundings are also very popular and some of the best on the island.

The dunes are home to a very fragile ecosystem, so be sure to stick to the clearly marked walking routes. You can also spice up your exploration by taking a camel ride.

Roque Nublo is a popular spot for Instagrammers because of the amazing 360-degree views it provides. The 80-meter-tall rock is almost exactly in the center of the Gran Canaria and, while it isn’t the highest point of the island, it’s not far off. The hike up the iconic, UNESCO-protected rock is relatively short and clearly marked, but it’s still best to bring plenty of water with you. For those willing to take the trek after dark, the area is an excellent place for stargazing.

The east coast of Gran Canaria has the perfect combination of wind and waves to make it a water sports paradise. The most popular sport is windsurfing and Pozo Izquierdo is the best place to do it, particularly in July. If you want a bit of variety, there are schools teaching surfing, scuba diving, kitesurfing, and stand up paddling in the area. There’s plenty of space for people of all skill levels, so why not give it a go?

Vegueta is an ancient town at the southern end of Las Palmas and a fantastic place to explore Gran Canaria’s past. The cobbled streets are lined with beautiful buildings from a mix of different time periods. The Cathedral of Santa Ana is the area’s focal point and has a striking neo-Gothic design. Meanwhile, the Casa de Colón – where Christopher Columbus is said to have stayed in 1492 – clearly dates from the Renaissance era. This old part of town is also home to some excellent traditional tapas restaurants, as well as a recommendable hotel offering.

Pueblo Canario is like a theme park of Gran Canarian culture. At the southern end of Doramas Park in Las Palmas, you’ll find a complex of historical buildings, from which you’ll hear traditional music and smell local foods. You can buy handmade souvenirs in the main square, which is surrounded by great restaurants and one or two museums. While the little village is open every day except Mondays, the best time to go is on a Thursday at 5pm or Sunday at 11.30am, as you’ll see locals in traditional dress doing traditional dances.

The Caldera de Bandama is an ancient crater in the highlands of central Gran Canaria, which has become a natural treasure trove since it was formed millennia ago. If you’ve got a sturdy pair of boots and a good supply of drinking water, it'll take you about 30 minutes to hike down into the 200-meter-deep crater, though there is a clifftop viewpoint if you don’t fancy the climb. It’s worth the effort to walk among the cacti and orange, olive and eucalyptus trees, as well as plants and animals unique to the Canary Islands.

Gran Canaria has about 60 km of beaches, but one of the most popular is found in the island’s capital city – Las Palmas. Playa de Las Canteras (or Las Canteras Beach) has several distinct sections, including bits with great surf and others which are calm and placid. A rocky reef, which protects a lot of the beach, comes close to the coast for a section known as “The Lift”, which local teenagers enjoy leaping off. Las Canteras is known as one of Spain’s best urban beaches, where you can go right from the city to swimming and snorkeling among tropical fish within just a few hundred meters. Choose a hotel in Las Canteras Beach if you're looking for a mix of adventure and relax time.

When it comes to shopping in Gran Canaria, aim for Calle Triana and its surrounding streets. A bustling part of the historical neighborhood of Vegueta, this pedestrianized street and its colorful old buildings are home to high street stores like H&M, Zara and the United Colors of Benetton. There are also several Spanish brands and local boutiques to look around. The first Sunday of every month is a special “shopping party”, with street stalls and performances adding to the attractions. If you've come for a shopping spree, then be sure to browse the hotel options located around Calle Triana.

Sioux City Park was originally built as a movie set, but was then converted into a Wild West theme park. The cactus-filled Canyon of Eagles makes a great backdrop to the rustic houses, saloon, bank and blacksmith. These provide the setting for gunfights, duels, horseback chases, and more action that wouldn’t look out of place in a John Wayne film. For a fistful of euros, you too can saddle up and mosey on into town for a bite at the restaurant or a visit to the souvenir shops.

Arehucas rum is a traditional and much loved drink which is made in Gran Canaria and exported around the world. As the island has a long history of farming sugar cane, the potent tipple is sweetened with sugar cane honey, giving it a smooth, sweet flavor. The distillery, in the city of Arucas, is well worth a visit, especially as the tour includes samples of the many flavored rums. Check out the fronts of the oak casks to see the signatures of celebrities which have visited in the past.