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Best things to do in Gran Canaria

It may only be the third-biggest Canary Island, but Gran Canaria has plenty to sing about. 
Gran Canaria holidays serve up year-round sunshine, Blue Flag beaches and family-friendly resorts. So it’s hardly surprising that over a million Brits flock there every year for a few days’ R&R. But if you think Gran Canaria is just about fly-and-flop holidays, think again – this place has plenty of things to do.

Ready to say yes to Gran Canaria? Read on for the lowdown, then check out our holidays here.

Spend a day in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

No holiday to Gran Canaria would be complete without a trip to its bustling capital city. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a colourful combination of boutiques, beaches and bars – so you can shop ‘til you drop and dine out on the seafront. The oldest quarter in the city, Vegueta, is well worth exploring, too. Visit the Santa Ana Cathedral while you’re there – this twin-towered building was the first church built in the Canaries.
Santa Ana Cathedral, Las Palmas.

Live la dolce vita in Puerto de Mogan

The fishing town of Puerto de Mogan is perfect for strolling hand-in-hand. For starters, it’s criss-cross with canals and bustling backstreets that pitch boutiques next to springtime flowers. Yes, the Little Venice of the Canaries is as pretty as it sounds – and it knows a thing or two about 'la dolce vita'. The best ways to unwind? Cocktail clinking by the harbour, of course, and dolphin-spotting boat rides out to sea.
Fishing boats in Puerto de Mogan.

Mill around a mountain town

Gran Canaria’s majestic mountain towns give good reason to discover the island’s beauty beyond its resorts. Less than an hour’s drive inland from Maspalomas, whitewashed hamlets takeover the hillside, nesting next to pine forests and leafy palm trees. For a taste of the traditional life make tracks for Teror – it’s one of the oldest towns in the Canaries with a patron saint that draws pilgrims from all over the country. In Tejeda, pastries are big business and the oldest bakeries on the island are found in this pretty province. In Fataga, meanwhile, family-run tavernas have tapas down to a fine art and its artisan shops have a knack for homemade jewellery.
Busy street in Teror.

Get back to nature

Did you know that Gran Canaria is a World Biosphere Reserve? Well, you do now. The patchwork landscape of jagged mountains, pine forests and sweeping sand dunes means there’s no shortage of cross-country activities. So lace up your hiking boots and get set for walks along deep craters where vineyards grow next to wineries. For pinch-yourself views from up high, stomp to the summit of the island’s volcanic peaks, and you’ll feel like you can touch the clouds from the top of Roque Nublo. Don’t forget to peer across to Tenerife from the peak of Pico de las Nieves – the highest mountain in Gran Canaria.
Couple hiking Roque Nublo.

Unwind on one of the beaches

If trekking up a mountain sounds like your idea of a holiday nightmare, Gran Canaria has the solution – miles and miles of sandy beaches. Those who live by the ‘bigger is better’ motto will love Playa del Ingles. This sandy stretch goes on for three kilometres and has loads of restaurants and bars to choose from. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s Playa Taurito. A black-sand bay tucked between two cliffs, this place is perfect for family picnics and paddling.
Couple sunbathing on sandy beach.

Watch the sunset over Maspalomas Dunes

When it comes to golden sandy stretches, Gran Canaria has an ace in its back pocket. To see Sahara-style dunes that look as surreal as any painting, make a beeline for Maspalomas. Rolling, shape-shifting dunes stretch for 400 hectares and loop around a turquoise lagoon speckled with palm groves. For the best views, pop down close to sunset, when the light is at its best, to capture these dunes at their most iconic. Remember to stick to the marked paths – this beauty spot is a protected nature reserve.
Maspalomas dunes.
Ready to discover Gran Canaria’s best bits?

Explore our Gran Canaria holidays and book the island’s top trips.

Or for more inspo, check out the best hotels in Gran Canaria and get the lowdown on the best beaches in the Canary Islands.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Sarah Reeves and Jade Scott

Last updated: 30.01.2025

Holiday Type

Destination

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