Top 7 Things Not to Miss Exploring Gran Canarias, Spain
Gran Canarias was a real surprise for us—we never expected to fall in love with the island so quickly! After some research before our trip, we created a list of the top 7 things not to miss while exploring Gran Canarias, and we tried to do them all. Known for its perfect year-round weather, the island’s charm lies not only in the sun but also in its friendly people, relaxed tourists, and the harmony between locals and animals.
For me, Gran Canarias was perfect: stunning scenery everywhere, fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious food, and the best sangria. In just five days, I found myself wondering if it would be possible to move there, at least for the winter!
Gran Canarias is easily accessible from most European countries—just a 4-hour flight from Birmingham, UK, where we live. From the airport, a 30-minute bus ride took us to Las Palmas, giving us our first taste of the island’s beautiful landscapes. We stayed at La Volpe Rosa B&B, a cosy and tidy shared two-bedroom apartment five minutes from Las Canteras Beach. My favourite part? The little garden, where we spent mornings sipping coffee and enjoying breakfast.
After a relaxing first day, we were ready to explore Gran Canarias. Here are the seven must-see experiences from our trip:
1. Las Canteras Beach, Black Sand, and Surf
It’s hard to separate Las Canteras Beach from the surf and urban life, so I’ve included them together. Considered one of the top urban beaches in the world, Playa Las Canteras is the perfect mix of city life and holiday vibes. The black sand sparkled beautifully under the sun, and for water sports enthusiasts, this is a surfing paradise. Beginners and experienced surfers alike flock here all day long, making it a lively and inspiring spot.
2. Las Palmas de Gran Canarias Old Town (Vegueta)
The historic quarter of Vegueta is a must-visit. Wandering through its colonial streets and colourful buildings is a perfect way to experience authentic Gran Canarias. We spent the afternoon exploring and returned in the evening to soak up the vibrant nightlife. For tapas lovers, Cañas y Tapas is ideal for people-watching while enjoying traditional Spanish dishes and beer.
3. La Caldera de Bandama
One of the highlights of our trip was booking a full-day tour through the island with Get Your Guide. Our first stop was La Caldera de Bandama, an inactive volcanic crater with breath-taking views. The crater is 1,000 meters in diameter and almost 200 meters deep. In the middle sits a small house, inhabited by a man who has lived there since he was 11—truly a glimpse into a unique, secluded life.
4. Pico de las Nieves & Roque Nublo
No trip to Gran Canarias is complete without visiting Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island at 1,949 meters. The views are spectacular, revealing the contrast between the lush North and arid South. Along the way, we also visited Roque Nublo, a stunning volcanic rock formation that offers some of the best panoramic views of the island and even Tenerife in the distance.
5. Spanish Authentic Village – Fataga
For an authentic taste of traditional Spanish village life, stop in Fataga. With only around 400 inhabitants, it exudes charm with winding streets, local shops, and beautiful natural surroundings. On our journey from North to South, Fataga was our favourite village for food, walks, and simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
6. Maspalomas Dunes
Our tour ended in Maspalomas, a more tourist-heavy area, but the dunes are unforgettable. Stretching across 1,000 acres, the desert-like landscape is perfect for walking and photography. We even climbed the dunes to experience that true desert feeling. Nearby, the nudist beach may surprise some visitors, but the sunset by the Maspalomas Lighthouse was the perfect way to end the day.
7. Amazing Canarias Food and Drinks
Gran Canarias’s food is a highlight on its own. Beyond classic Spanish cuisine like paella, croquetas, calamari, and sangria, we tried local Canarias dishes:
· Ropa Vieja – A mix of chicken, pork, or beef with potatoes, chickpeas, vegetables, and rice.
· Papas Arrugadas with Mojos – Small salty potatoes served with green (mojo verde) or red (mojo picón) sauces.
· Conejo al Salmorejo – Rabbit stew with tomatoes, often paired with patatas arrugadas.
· Rancho Canario – A hearty vegetable and chorizo soup.
For drinks, we enjoyed leche y leche (coffee with condensed milk), Malvasia wine, honeyed rum, and banana liqueur. Our favourite? The honeyed rum from Arehucas—we even brought a bottle home!
Final Thoughts
Leaving Gran Canarias was hard; I wish I had more time to explore. I bought a small world pendant necklace as a souvenir, now my favourite piece that I never take off.
My advice: explore beyond the crowded tourist areas, skip attractions that exploit animals, and embrace the island’s natural beauty, authentic villages, and incredible food. For more Canary Islands inspiration, check out my Tenerife post as well!
