GENERAL INFO:
When visiting Gran Canaria, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the island's diverse climate and terrain. Throughout the year, weather conditions vary significantly. Winters tend to be mild and pleasant, while summers can be hot and dry. However, due to its unique geographical features, weather and winds can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas.
There's a noticeable difference in weather and temperatures from the north to the south of the island, with the north being generally cooler and more humid, while the south boasts warmer and drier climates. We went the very first weekend of March and encountered so many different climates and weather patterns. During this time of year, the north was cloudy, rainy, and very windy, with temperatures around 60F that felt colder because of the winds. Instead, in the south, there was significantly less wind and clouds, and we enjoyed some calm and sunny days around 75F.
If you are planning any outdoor activities like hiking, it's crucial to research trails thoroughly and be prepared for varying conditions. Many of the must-see attractions within the mountainous areas require all-day hikes, and we did not end up doing any of these.
Additionally, getting around the island is most convenient with a car, offering flexibility and access to remote locations. However, do note that a few of the attractions we visited, listed below, required some serious driving skills through winding mountain roads.
BEST ACTIVITIES:
Camel Riding in Maspalomas Dunes
Time to saddle up and explore some dunes! Settle into the saddle and let your trusty camel guide you through the dunes and countryside.
Go "Canyoning" with Waterfalls in the Rainforest
If you're an adrenaline junkie like me and are up for a new adventure, you can go "canyoning" in the rainforest of Gran Canaria, Guided by locals, you'll be provided all the equipment you need and will spend the day escaping the city to hunt down waterfalls and explore hidden ravines.
Catamaran Cruise around the Island
One of my all-time favorite things to do on any vacation is go for a boat day. This small group catamaran excursion is fantastic for anyone looking to get out at sea and will take you around the island to snorkel, kayak, and explore hidden gems.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, you can opt for this private catamaran cruise!
Dolphin and Whale Safari
Gran canaria is in an ideal spot to see whales and dolphins, and this excursion will take you out in the ocean for a chance to see them up close!
Underwater Submarine Tour
One of the most interesting experiences I've seen is this underwater submarine tour in Mogán, where you'll get a chance to submerge into the ocean and take in the sea life up close.
Hike & Swim in the Rainforest
Trek through the Doramas rainforest, stop at an ecolodge for a taste of local delicacies, and swim in a secluded cove! This tour is perfect for nature lovers and takes you on a hike of a lifetime with an expert guide by your side.
Hike the Volcano
It's time to add volcano hiking to your bucket list! This excursion is sure to make your trip unforgettable, taking you on a guided hike of Pico de Las Nieves, where you'll get to soak in breathtaking views and indulge in local wine and cheeses.
Horseback Riding
Embark on a journey through Gran Canaria's breathtaking landscapes on horseback! Traverse volcanic plains, winding mountain trails, and iconic sand dunes of Maspalomas.
OUR ROAD TRIP MAP:
(click image to open full map)
DAY 1: ARRIVAL + EAST COAST
Arrival & Car Rental
Our adventure on Gran Canaria began the moment we touched down on the island! Upon arrival, our first order of business was securing a rental car, which we had booked in advance. We chose to rent from OK Mobility for its affordability and convenient location near the airport. Our rental came to just €115 for four days, which included the additional expenses of being a young driver and having an automatic vehicle.
I highly recommend renting a car on this island. Having your own vehicle allows you to explore remote areas, set your own pace, and uncover hidden gems at your leisure. While we did see plenty of buses and stops at popular attractions, I'm not familiar enough with the details of the bus system to provide any insights.
Photos by gaiaonthego
Agüimes Historic Town
A scenic 20-minute drive lands you in the charming town of Agüimes. Once you park, the cozy & colorful streets invite exploration. The town is very small, and you'll likely walk all of it within 30 minutes. After strolling around, we treated ourselves to lunch in one of the main cafes in the plaza.
Barranco de las Vacas (Cave Hike)
After lunch, it's time for some outdoor excitement with a 7-minute drive to Barranco de las Vacas. Unfortunately, it began to rain so we didn't end up venturing down into the ravine. However, we had done some research ahead of time as to how to get there, and this Instagram post provided incredibly helpful instructions.
Jardin Botanico Canario
Looking to enjoy a sunny afternoon? Unwind in the serene beauty of Jardin Botanico Canario, a 35-minute drive away. It's completely free to enter, and we had read that you can spend up to 2 hours exploring the lush gardens. Unfortunately because of the rain, we skipped this spot and headed straight to...
Photos by gaiaonthego
Las Palmas Town
To end the day, we hit Las Palmas, the largest city on the island. This city is big enough to spend all day here, and here are a few things you won't want to miss:
Colorful Houses Observation Deck: Mirador Casas de Colores is an observation deck where you can admire the city and all of its colorful houses from above.
Vegueta Old Town: The old part of the city, ideal for a stroll through the historic streets.
Casa de Colón (Columbus House): Colonial-style mansion and history museum.
Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana: Gothic cathedral located in a scenic plaza.
San Cristóbal Neighborhood: A finishing district characterized by its colorful houses and local feel.
DAY 2: GALDAR & THE NORTH COAST
About a 45-minute drive from Las Palmas, our day was filled with exploring the Gáldar area. Here's how to make the most of one day in this area:
Photo by gaiaonthego
Playa Punta de Gáldar Natural Pool: One of many natural pools in Gran Canaria, this spot is a perfect place for a swim during low tide.
Photos by gaiaonthego
La Furnia Natural Pool: A natural pool tucked away among the cliffs. Getting here in the car was a journey, as we had to drive up some very steep and narrow roads located on the cliffside. But for these views? It was worth it!
Photos by gaiaonthego
Cueva de las Cruces: A unique rock and cave formation located on the side of the road.
Photos by gaiaonthego
Cenobio de Valerón: Located on Valerón's cliffside, this special place is a historical monastery and archaeological site. Tickets to enter cost €3.
Photos by gaiaonthego
Arucas, Moya, & Figras: 3 quaint and historic towns located in the Gran Canaria mountains. On this day, we were a bit pressed for time and stopped just in Arucas, which is the biggest of the 3. We had an amazing lunch here, at La Catedral Bistró.
Guayedra Beach: A rugged and rocky beach with black sand and mountains on the horizon.
DAY 3: MOGAN & THE WEST COAST
Photos by gaiaonthego
Puerto de Mogán
A picturesque fishing village and marina, Puerto de Mogán is the perfect place to spend the morning and stop for lunch.
Photos by gaiaonthego
Rainbow Rocks: Los Azulejos de Veneguera
One of the most well-known spots in Gran Canaria, Los Azulejos de Veneguera is a nature preserve that features stunning rainbow rocks and cliffs! You'll know you've arrived when you see cars parked all along the side of the road, and the iconic fruit stand right below where the hiking trail begins. This place had us completely taken by surprise with its beauty, as I had never seen anything like it! There are a few hikes in this area as well, but they are quite long and intense so I suggest doing your research beforehand.
Photos by gaiaonthego
La Aldea Beach
Playa de la Aldea is a stunning pebble and black sand beach with a mountain backdrop. This beach is known for its iconic tunnel that perfectly frames the mountains in the back. There isn't much going on in this town, but it makes a great spot for a picnic and to catch some sun.
Photos by gaiaonthego
Observation Deck: Mirador de Balcón
Arguably the most iconic observation deck on the island, Mirador de Balcón is a floating glass deck that offers views of the towering sea cliffs nicknamed the "Dragon's Tail." The road up here is incredibly scenic, but also VERY windy. I honestly do not recommend the drive up here for anyone who isn't comfortable with narrow mountain roads, as they can cause a bit of anxiety. Although we would have loved to stay for sunset, we were terrified of driving back down in complete darkness, since there are no lights along the roads (something to keep in mind!).
DAY 4: DESERT DUNES & SOUTHERN COAST
Photos by gaiaonthego
Sand Dunes of Maspalomas
One of the most popular tourist destinations on the islands, the Dunas de Maspalomas are a must-see. This is one of the reasons why Gran Canaria took me by surprise, as it is filled with such a wide variety of landscapes on one small island! These dunes truly are unique, as you get a desert vibe with an ocean backdrop. When you get here, you can find free parking along the various roads, and the entrance is located in the large resort entry.
Beach Day at Playa del Ingles
Located right next to the dunes is Playa de Ingles, where we spent a few hours before we had to fly back home in the afternoon.
Car Drop-off & Departure
After making the most of our last morning on the island, we drove 20 minutes back to the airport, where we dropped the rental car off at OK Mobility and headed to our gate.