From stunning beaches and breathtaking mountains to vibrant landscapes and culture, learn the best-hidden gems and attractions in the Gran Canaria you can’t miss.
Gran Canaria is one of the many islands you can find on the Spanish archipelago, situated to the northwest side of Africa. A stunning place well known for its white sanded and black volcanic beaches, making it the top choice for a holiday, where you’ll find amazing resorts and Villas in Gran Canaria. Places like VillaGranCanaria offer all the amenities you need, and you can book bungalows, villas, apartments, and rural houses to boost your experience.
The island welcomes millions of tourists each year from all over the world, but only a small portion check out the island completely. With so much to see and explore, it can be overwhelming. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Gran Canaria, I’m going to highlight the must-see spots and hidden gems the island has to offer.
Which Places Are a Must-Visit in Gran Canaria?
Visit La Palma
La Palma is the capital and port city of the island, whether you got there on a cruise or by yourself, strolling around La Palma is a must, it’s home to many hidden gems most tourist overlook.
The first step you need to take is a visit to Vegueta, it’s the old side of the city and is packed with pedestrian streets, historical buildings and a lot of history and culture. It’s home to many interesting buildings like the Catedral de Santa Ana and its square, the Vegueta market and the Casa de Colón, a museum about Columbus and his journeys.
Next, you can head to one of the many parks La Palma has to offer, I highly recommend you visit Parque de Santa Catalina, a bustling park situated in front of the sea packed with cafés and places to eat.
Dunas de Maspalomas
Gran Canaria is home to a wide range of rural and natural parks, as well as nature reserves. While most of them are unique and offer a handful of activities, a must-visit are the Dunas de Maspalomas, a sand dunes park situated to the south side of the island, the 400 hectare offer a unique landscape to explore.
You can combine this trip with a visit to the El Veril beach and the Faro de Maspalomas, to enjoy the mesmerizing views from the observation deck. But not only that, on the first and second floor you’ll find a museum.
Visit a Nature Park
As I said on the previous spot, the island is home to several parks, and each of them has unique draws, it’s worth checking them out.
Head to Del Nublo, a rural park packed with interesting rock formations and volcanic landscapes. It offers several trails to hike, but the main attraction is the Roque Nublo, a huge geographical landmark with an immense value. It’s a 65-meter-tall volcanic rock located at 1800 meters above the sea level, making it one of the highest points on the island.
Next, if you want a more friendly and man-made experience, you can visit the Palmitos Park. It’s a huge botanical garden that offers a zoo and an aviary. You can check out different shows like a dolphin show, and exotic bird show. The place is packed with stunning and many plants, making it a unique scenery to look at.