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Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canaries’ archipelago, but accounts for almost half the population. It lives up to its reputation as a continent in miniature, with dramatic variations of terrain ranging from the green and leafy north to the lush mountainous interior and the desert south. You can also run headlong into three or even four seasons in one day, with microclimates dotted around the coast and hills that can transport you from piercing sunlight into clammy fog banks at the drop of a hat. To capture a sense of Gran Canaria's breathtaking diversity, head to beautiful Artenara, where the sheer drama of the mountains reaches a crescendo.

Gran Canaria keeps the adrenaline pumping further with hiking, cycling and water sports, while culture vultures won't miss out, particularly in the historic cosmopolitan capital of Las Palmas.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Gran Canaria.

  • See

    Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park

    Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century, this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with geometric shapes, possibly thought to relate to the lunar and solar calendars (though this is debated). It's also the most accessible of the island's archaeological sites, situated not halfway up a cliff but right in the heart of town (it is wheelchair-friendly also). The highlight is the cave itself, fully explained on the tour.

  • See

    Casa-Museo de Colón

    This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic shipping. Don’t miss the large section of model galleons ('La Niña') on the ground floor, which particularly impresses children with its working detail. The crucifix is said to have come from Columbus' ship. In the next room are models of all three of Columbus' ships: La Niña, La Pinta and the Santa María.

  • See

    Catedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro

    The spiritual heart of the city, this brooding, grey cathedral was begun in the early 15th century, soon after the Spanish conquest, but took 350 years to complete. The neoclassical facade contrasts with the sunlight-through-stained-glass-dappled interior, which is a fine example of what some art historians have named Atlantic Gothic, with lofty columns that seem to mimic the palm trees outside. You can also admire several paintings by Juan de Miranda, the Canary Islands’ most-respected 18th-century artist.

  • See

    Dunas de Maspalomas

    These fabulous dunes cover 400 hectares and were designated a nature reserve in the 1990s, ensuring that the rapidly multiplying hotels would never encroach on their golden grains. The best view of the dunes is from the bottom of Avenida Tirajana: stroll through the arches of the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas to the balcony, which is surrounded by a botanical garden displaying shrubs and plants native to the Canaries. There's a small information office here too (open 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday).

  • See

    Museum of the Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pino

    Don't miss this museum (also called the 'treasure house'), accessed upstairs from the rear of the basilica, where you can get a real close-up view of the Virgin and see the armfuls of unusual items gifted by the devout. There's also a room displaying the outfits she's worn through the ages (a new dress is premiered each year during the fiesta held in her honour) – however, the standout image is of the Virgin herself, with child, set upon a brilliantly burnished silver throne.

  • See

    Mirador de Unamuno

    One of several viewpoints in town, the Mirador de Unamuno looks out onto a sweeping panorama of the vast volcanic caldera beyond – it is a stupefying sight.

  • See

    Cruz de Tejeda

    The greenish-grey stone cross from which this spot takes its name marks the centre of Gran Canaria and its historic caminos reales (king’s highways), along which it is still possible to cross the entire island. The site is one of the most popular coach-tour destinations with the resorts, so is usually swarming with tourists (hence the souvenir stalls and donkey rides).

  • See

    Casa Museo Antonio Padrón

    Locals are justifiably proud of native son Antonio Padrón who, in the 1960s, was just starting to gain serious recognition in the European art world when he tragically died of an allergic reaction to penicillin at just 48 years old. The museum is located at the artist’s former studio. His paintings are wonderfully colourful and distinctive, many inspired by the geometric motifs of the Guanches. A combination €6 ticket is available that includes the Cueva Pintada Museum, and the Casa-Museo Tomás Morales in Moya.

  • See

    Playa de las Canteras

    The fine 3km stretch of yellow sand is magnificent, and is considered by many to be one of the world's best city beaches. There’s an attractive seaside promenade – the Paseo de las Canteras – which allows walkers, cyclists and joggers to enjoy the entire length of the beach free from traffic. Perhaps the most marvellous part, though, is the reef, known as La Barra, which in low tide turns the waters of Las Canteras into a giant salty swimming pool that's perfect for snorkelling.

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Just back from: hiking in Gran Canaria

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