What to see and do in Gran Canaria
A continent in miniature
A guide to Gran Canaria with 118 hand-picked places. Each one with how to get there, useful tips and any permits you need.
- Nature & scenery (28)
- Adventure & sport (27)
- Camping & vans (4)
- Towns, heritage & food (45)
- Nightlife (4)
- Fiestas & tradition (10)
Upcoming events in Gran Canaria
- More plans
FINAWEEN 2026: La Inquisición (túnel del terror)
📅 Sat, 10 Oct · La Casa de los Enigmas · Templo de Carvajal · Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Music
Meloneras Beach Fest (1.ª edición)
📅 Sat, 10 Oct · Playa de Meloneras · San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Maspalomas)
Nature & scenery
Viewpoint
Mirador del Balcón
La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran Canaria
Overlooking the western cliffs known as the “Dragon’s Tail”. Wild coastline as far as the eye can see.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Pico de las Nieves viewpoint
Gran Canaria summit, Gran Canaria
The highest point you can drive to, at almost 1,950 m. Roque Nublo in front, Teide floating above the clouds and old snow pits nearby.
📷 Best light: at sunrise
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Degollada de Becerra
Tejeda, Gran Canaria
Direct views of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga over the Tejeda basin. There’s a small landscape interpretation centre.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Mirador de Unamuno
Artenara, Gran Canaria
Overlooking the Tejeda basin beside the statue of the writer who called it a “petrified storm”. Bentayga and Nublo straight ahead.
📷 Best light: at sunset
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Cruz de Tejeda
Tejeda, Gran Canaria
The heart of the island: a crossroads of old royal paths, fruit and sweet stalls, and breathtaking summit views.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Degollada de las Yeguas viewpoint
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
A balcony over the vast Fataga ravine, with the south coast and dunes in the distance. A cinematic canyon minutes from the beach.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Pico de Bandama viewpoint
Santa Brígida, Gran Canaria
From the top you look right into the Bandama crater, over the vineyards, Las Palmas and the sea.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Los Pinos de Gáldar viewpoint
Gáldar, Gran Canaria
An almost perfect volcanic crater ringed by pines, with views over the north of the island and the sea.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Beach & cove
Playa de Güigüí
La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran Canaria
Reachable only on foot via a tough trail, or by boat. Golden sand, huge cliffs and real silence.
Directions: On foot from Tasartico via a demanding trail (several hours return) or on a boat trip.
⚠️ Bring plenty of water; at high tide the beach almost disappears.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de Amadores
Mogán, Gran Canaria
Light sand and calm water sheltered by breakwaters, perfect for a family swim.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de Veneguera
Mogán, Gran Canaria
One of the few unspoilt beaches in the south, at the end of a long ravine. Pebbles, silence and not a single building.
⚠️ Dirt-track access. No facilities: bring water and shade.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa del Inglés
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
Miles of golden sand merging into the Maspalomas dunes. Walk along the shore all the way to the lighthouse.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa del Confital
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
A wild bay a stone’s throw from the city, looking back at Las Canteras. Its wave is famous among expert surfers.
⚠️ Strong currents: better enjoyed from the shore.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de Melenara
Telde, Gran Canaria
A fishing-village beach on the east coast, calm and with great fish right on the sand.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de Maspalomas
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
Golden sand between the lighthouse and the dunes, next to the lagoon. The south’s most iconic beach.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de San Agustín
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
A quiet dark-sand beach with a family feel, linked to Playa del Inglés by the promenade.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de Arinaga
Agüimes, Gran Canaria
A promenade, pebbles and a fishing village with great fish. The El Cabrón seabeds are nearby.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Playa de Puerto Rico
Mogán, Gran Canaria
A golden bay with very calm water, a marina and boat trips.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Rock pool
Las Salinas rock pools
Agaete, Gran Canaria
Lava pools by Puerto de las Nieves. A peaceful swim followed by fresh fish by the sea.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Roque Prieto rock pools
Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria
Pools among the rocks on the north coast, next to a small fishing hamlet. Peaceful when the sea is calm.
⚠️ Check sea conditions before swimming.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
El Puertillo rock pools
Arucas, Gran Canaria
Rock pools in a northern fishing district, with a seafront promenade and bars for after your swim.
⚠️ Check sea conditions before swimming.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Photo spot
Maspalomas dunes
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
A dune nature reserve by the sea. The long shadows at sunset make the best shots.
📷 Best light: at sunset
⚠️ Stay on marked paths: it is a protected area.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Roque Bentayga
Tejeda, Gran Canaria
A rock sacred to the ancient islanders, facing the summit and Roque Nublo. Magical light first thing in the morning.
📷 Best light: at sunrise
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Maspalomas lighthouse
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
The 19th-century lighthouse by the lagoon and dunes. At sunset and lit up at night, it’s a classic southern postcard.
📷 Best light: at sunset
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Barranco de las Vacas
Agüimes, Gran Canaria
A narrow canyon of volcanic tuff with wavy ochre layers, almost a natural sculpture.
📷 Best light: during the day
⚠️ Popular and fragile: respect access rules and signs, and don’t touch or climb the walls.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Soria dam
Mogán, Gran Canaria
The island’s largest dam, among bare mountains. When full, a mirror in the middle of the landscape.
📷 Best light: at sunset
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Stargazing on the summit
Gran Canaria summit, Gran Canaria
The summit has very little light pollution: clear nights full of stars and the Milky Way visible to the naked eye.
📷 Best light: at night
⚠️ Nights are cold up there: bring warm clothes and a red torch.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Finger of God
Agaete (Puerto de las Nieves), Gran Canaria
The island’s most famous sea stack, off Puerto de las Nieves, with the Tamadaba cliffs behind.
📷 Best light: at sunset
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Adventure & sport
Hiking trail
Roque Nublo
Tejeda, Gran Canaria
A short, easy trail to the island’s symbol at over 1,800 m. Go early: sunrise makes the alarm worth it.
📷 Best light: at sunrise
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Bandama crater
Santa Brígida, Gran Canaria
An almost perfect crater about a kilometre across. Walk around the rim or hike down to the bottom.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Guayadeque ravine
Agüimes · Ingenio, Gran Canaria
A deep ravine with cave houses still lived in, restaurants carved into the rock and trails among almond trees. Ancient history everywhere.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Gran Canaria’s Way of St James
San Bartolomé de Tirajana · Gáldar, Gran Canaria
A roughly 70 km crossing from Tunte to Gáldar over the summit, in several stages. Inland scenery and historic villages.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Charco Azul (El Risco)
Agaete, Gran Canaria
A trail up the El Risco ravine to a freshwater pool with a waterfall in the wetter months. A cool corner of the north-west.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Tamadaba pine forest
Artenara, Gran Canaria
One of the loveliest pine forests in the Canaries, perched above the western cliffs. Easy walks among pines and cloud seas.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Azuaje ravine
Firgas · Moya, Gran Canaria
A nature reserve with remnants of laurel forest, running water and the ruins of an old spa. A cool walk in the north.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Los Tilos de Moya forest
Moya, Gran Canaria
The largest remnant of laurel forest on Gran Canaria, with a short shady trail. A glimpse of the island’s north as it once was.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Surf, windsurf & kite
Windsurfing at Pozo Izquierdo
Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
One of the world’s most famous windsurf spots and a regular World Cup venue. Strong wind most of the summer.
⚠️ Experts only. Beginners should book a school.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Kitesurfing at Vargas
Agüimes, Gran Canaria
A pebble beach with steady wind, one of the key kite and windsurf spots on the east coast.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Surfing at La Cícer
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The southern end of Las Canteras, with beginner-friendly waves and surf schools right on the beach. Urban surfing with atmosphere.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Surfing at El Frontón
Gáldar, Gran Canaria
One of the most powerful waves in the Canaries, famous among bodyboarders worldwide.
⚠️ Experts only: shallow reef and heavy power.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Skatepark
Maspalomas skatepark
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria’s largest skatepark, over 5,000 m² with a renovated pool-bowl.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Eduardo Benot skatepark
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
An urban skatepark in the port area, a few minutes from Las Canteras.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Sport
Diving at El Cabrón
Agüimes (Arinaga), Gran Canaria
One of the best dive sites in the Canaries: arches, caves and abundant marine life. On calm days, great for snorkelling too.
⚠️ Dive with a licensed centre and respect marine life.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Climbing at Ayacata
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
One of the island’s best-known sport-climbing areas, with routes of many grades among pines and volcanic rock.
⚠️ Respect seasonal closures for nesting birds and use certified gear.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Cycling: the Fataga climb
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
A classic climb for cyclists from all over the world: from the southern beaches to the summit, through palm groves and canyons.
⚠️ Open road: helmet, lights and extra care on the bends.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Running along Las Canteras promenade
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
About 3 km of flat promenade by the sea. The city runners’ favourite loop, especially at sunrise.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Running the southern promenades
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
Seafront promenades from San Agustín to Playa del Inglés, and from Maspalomas lighthouse to Meloneras. Flat, by the sea and perfect for a run.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Trail running on the summit
Gran Canaria summit, Gran Canaria
The old royal paths on the summit are world-class trail terrain: this is where the Transgrancanaria race is run every year.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Kayak and paddleboarding in Mogán
Mogán, Gran Canaria
The south coast usually has calm water for paddling past cliffs and coves. Rent from local companies.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Snorkelling
Playa de Las Canteras
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
A natural rock reef creates a huge pool for fish-watching right in the city. Best at low tide.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Sardina del Norte
Gáldar, Gran Canaria
A small village beach with clear water and rocky seabeds full of life. A snorkelling classic.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Activity
Whale and dolphin watching
Mogán, Gran Canaria
Boat trips from the southern harbours to see wild dolphins and whales.
⚠️ Choose licensed operators that keep a respectful distance from the animals.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
La Casa de los Enigmas · Templo de Carvajal
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Mystery and horror escape rooms in a dark temple: the Crypt of Abbot Asmodeus, The Sanctuary and The Last Door. Teams of 2 to 7.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
La Casa de los Enigmas · Hotel Palace Las Ramblas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Noir-style escape rooms in a hotel full of secrets: The Director’s Office and Suite 215. In CC Las Ramblas.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
City mystery adventures (street escape)
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Arucas, Gran Canaria
Solve crimes and riddles as you explore Vegueta, Triana, Las Canteras or Arucas with an app. Includes a magic school for kids in Arucas.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Camping & vans
Campsite
Presa de las Niñas campsite
Tejeda, Gran Canaria
Pine forest by a green reservoir, a favourite family camping spot in the mountains.
⚠️ Prior permit from the island council (Cabildo) required.
📝 Permit or advance booking required: apply here.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Llanos de la Mimbre campsite
Agaete (Tamadaba), Gran Canaria
Camping in the pine forest of Tamadaba Natural Park, one of the island’s loveliest woods, with the sea beyond.
⚠️ Prior permit from the island council (Cabildo) required.
📝 Permit or advance booking required: apply here.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Llanos de la Pez campsite
Gran Canaria summit, Gran Canaria
Pine forest right on the summit, near Pico de las Nieves. Cool nights and star-filled skies.
⚠️ Prior permit from the island council (Cabildo) required.
📝 Permit or advance booking required: apply here.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Campervan
Tents and vans in La Aldea
La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran Canaria
Overnight stays on La Aldea’s beaches are not allowed, but the town offers alternatives for tents and vans near the sea, such as the Tasartico campsite.
⚠️ Check the town hall website for each year’s zones and dates.
📝 Permit or advance booking required: apply here.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Towns, heritage & food
Charming town
Tejeda
Tejeda, Gran Canaria
White houses clinging to the basin, facing Nublo and Bentayga. Try the bienmesabe and almond sweets.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Artenara
Artenara, Gran Canaria
The island’s highest village, with cave houses, a chapel carved into the rock and dizzying views over the basin.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Teror
Teror, Gran Canaria
Streets of wooden balconies, the Basilica of El Pino and the Sunday market with Teror’s famous chorizo.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Puerto de Mogán
Mogán, Gran Canaria
Canals, little bridges and white houses draped in bougainvillea. Known as the “little Venice” of the Canaries.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Agaete & Puerto de las Nieves
Agaete, Gran Canaria
A white village at the mouth of a fertile valley, with a harbour, fresh fish and sunsets facing Teide.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Firgas
Firgas, Gran Canaria
Famous for its spring water and its promenades: one with a stepped cascade and another with the coats of arms of the islands and towns.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Fataga
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
A white hamlet in a palm-filled ravine, a few kilometres from the southern beaches yet a world apart.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Agüimes old town
Agüimes, Gran Canaria
Quiet squares, stone streets and the church of San Sebastián. Beautifully kept with a lively cultural scene.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Heritage & museums
Vegueta quarter & Columbus House
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The city’s founding quarter: cobbled streets, wooden balconies, Santa Ana Cathedral and the Columbus House.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Painted Cave of Gáldar
Gáldar, Gran Canaria
A museum and archaeological park built over an ancient islander village, with a cave decorated in geometric paintings.
⚠️ Paid entry; booking recommended.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Cenobio de Valerón
Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria
A communal granary of the ancient islanders: hundreds of small caves carved beneath a huge rock arch.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Risco Caído & the Sacred Mountains
Artenara, Gran Canaria
A UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape: ancient islander caves linked to the sun and moon, high on the summit.
⚠️ Access to the cave is highly restricted: check how to visit beforehand.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Cuatro Puertas
Telde, Gran Canaria
A large cave with four entrances carved by the ancient islanders, on a hilltop with views to the east.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Tufia settlement
Telde, Gran Canaria
Remains of an ancient islander settlement, with stone houses and caves by the sea.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Ansite Fortress
Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Gran Canaria
A great rock riddled with caves where, according to tradition, the last islanders resisted the conquest. There’s an interpretation centre nearby.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Church of St John the Baptist, Arucas
Arucas, Gran Canaria
A neo-Gothic church of dark volcanic stone that looks like a cathedral, in a charming old town.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Viera y Clavijo Canarian Garden
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Tafira), Gran Canaria
A large botanical garden devoted to Canary Island flora: dragon trees, spurges, palms and laurel forest in a ravine.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Pueblo Canario & Doramas Park
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
A complex of traditional Canarian architecture conceived by the painter Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre, with a museum of his work.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Pérez Galdós House Museum
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Triana), Gran Canaria
The birthplace of the great Canarian novelist, in the heart of Triana. Furniture, manuscripts and plenty of history.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Santa Ana Cathedral
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Vegueta), Gran Canaria
Vegueta’s great cathedral, blending Gothic and neoclassical over centuries. Climb the tower for city views.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Museo Canario
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Vegueta), Gran Canaria
The museum of the ancient islanders: mummies, pottery, pintadera stamps and a striking room of skulls.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Castillo de la Luz – Martín Chirino Foundation
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
A historic fortress by the port that now houses Martín Chirino’s iron sculptures.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Alfredo Kraus Auditorium
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
A stone auditorium at the end of Las Canteras, with a huge window framing the ocean behind the stage.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Elder Museum of Science and Technology
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
An interactive science museum in an old port warehouse by Santa Catalina park. Great with kids.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Theatres & venues
Pérez Galdós Theatre
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Triana), Gran Canaria
The city’s great historic theatre, from 1890, decorated by Néstor. Opera, dance, theatre and music.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Teatro Cuyás
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The capital’s season theatre: drama, dance and music, including major national productions.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Teatro Guiniguada
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Vegueta), Gran Canaria
The Canary Islands Government theatre in Vegueta: dance, music, Filmoteca cinema and contemporary work.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Sala Insular de Teatro
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The island council’s small-format theatre for drama, dance and Canarian companies. Its programme is on the Performing Arts Circuit site.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Talleres Palermo
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Former workshops turned into a venue for concerts, comedy and theatre, with Sunday vermouth sessions.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Gran Canaria Performing Arts Circuit
Several municipalities, Gran Canaria
The island council takes theatre, dance and music to towns in the north and south: La Aldea, Moya, Guía, Mogán, Artenara and more.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Teatro Víctor Jara
Santa Lucía de Tirajana (Vecindario), Gran Canaria
The south’s main theatre: comedy, Canarian music, magic and family shows almost every weekend.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Maspalomas Cultural Centre
San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Maspalomas), Gran Canaria
A southern stage for magic, comedy, music and theatre, a stone’s throw from the beaches.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Juan Ramón Jiménez Municipal Theatre
Telde, Gran Canaria
Telde’s theatre, with one of the island’s fullest programmes: concerts, comedy and theatre.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Nuevo Teatro Viejo
Arucas, Gran Canaria
Arucas’ theatre in the historic centre: Canarian comedy, music and family shows.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Teatro Hespérides
Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria
A small northern theatre with drama, music and cultural events all year round.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Guaires Cultural Centre
Gáldar, Gran Canaria
Gáldar’s stage for comedy, concerts and theatre, in the heart of the north.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Agüimes Theatre Auditorium
Agüimes, Gran Canaria
One of the most active cultural venues in the east, with theatre, music and festivals.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Federico García Lorca Cultural Centre
Ingenio, Gran Canaria
Ingenio’s theatre: tribute shows, comedy, Canarian music and affordable family shows.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Candlelight concerts & Fever experiences
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Candlelit concerts in places like the Gabinete Literario, plus shows such as Ballet of Lights and The Jury Experience.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot🌐 Official website
Local flavours
Vegueta Market
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The city’s oldest market: fruit, fish, cheese and a genuine neighbourhood feel.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
San Mateo farmers’ market
Vega de San Mateo, Gran Canaria
A weekend market full of local produce: cheese, potatoes, fruit, bread and sweets.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Agaete Valley coffee
Agaete, Gran Canaria
One of the few places in Europe where coffee is grown. Visit the valley farms and taste it among coffee and orange trees.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Guía flower cheese
Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria
A protected-origin cheese curdled with thistle flowers. Taste it at the local cheese makers.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Arehucas distillery
Arucas, Gran Canaria
A historic rum distillery with guided tours and a cellar of barrels signed by famous visitors.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Bandama wineries
Santa Brígida, Gran Canaria
Monte Lentiscal wines grown on volcanic soil around the crater. Winery tours and tastings.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Nightlife
Nightlife
Mesa y López & Plaza de España
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Terraces busy until late, DJ bars and live music. Where many locals start their night out.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Vegueta & Triana by night
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Charming bars among historic streets: drinks, tapas and live music in the old town.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Kasbah centre
San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Playa del Inglés), Gran Canaria
One of Playa del Inglés’ nightlife hubs, with clubs playing commercial hits for a young crowd.
⚠️ Venues change often: check their socials before you go.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Yumbo Centrum
San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Playa del Inglés), Gran Canaria
The Canaries’ big LGBTQ+ meeting point: bars, shows and themed parties every night.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Fiestas & tradition
Patron saint fiesta
Fiesta del Pino
Teror, Gran Canaria
The feast of Gran Canaria’s patron saint. Night pilgrimages from across the island, a romería with offerings and Teror in its finest.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Bajada de la Rama
Agaete, Gran Canaria
Thousands dance down from the pine forest to the sea waving branches to the band’s rhythm, then strike the water. A tradition with ancient roots.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Fiesta del Charco
La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran Canaria
A rocket goes off and the whole town jumps into the lagoon to try to catch fish by hand. Unique in the Canaries.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
St John’s Night
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Bonfires and fireworks on Las Canteras on the eve of the city’s founding anniversary.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Feast of St James
Gáldar, Gran Canaria
Gáldar’s main festivities, with a romería, music and celebrations for its patron saint, the end of the island’s Way of St James.
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Almond Blossom Festival
Tejeda · Valsequillo, Gran Canaria
When the almond trees bloom, the summit turns white and pink. Markets, music and almond sweets.
📅 Depends on the blossom: January to February
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Cheese Festival
Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria
Guía celebrates its famous flower cheese with a fair, tastings, folk music and crafts.
📅 Usually held in spring
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Cultural event
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The Drag Queen Gala, satirical choirs, dance troupes and huge parades. Weeks of street party.
📅 February or March, depending on the year
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Transgrancanaria
Island-wide, Gran Canaria
The great mountain race crossing the island from north to south. Even if you don’t run, cheering it on is a thrill.
📅 Usually late February or early March
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Gran Canaria Marathon
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Marathon, half marathon and 10 km through the capital’s streets, past the port, Vegueta and the seafront.
📅 Usually in winter
📍 How to get there: By car By bus (guagua) On foot
Opening hours, access and permits can change: always check official sources before you go and respect natural areas.
Other islands
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- Lanzarote44 places · Land of volcanoes
- Fuerteventura34 places · Dunes and wind
- La Palma32 places · The Beautiful Island
- La Gomera28 places · Forests and ravines
- El Hierro25 places · The meridian island
- La Graciosa11 places · The eighth island