Gran Canaria is an island full of sights and opportunities for cozy excursions. It is the third largest island in the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. If you are planning a trip here, this guide will hopefully help you pick the best raisins out of the cake. With a mix of cities, activities and nature areas, there will be something for everyone!
Roque Nublo
According to ehangzhou, this volcanic cliff is located in the middle of the island and offers a mighty view 1,813 meters above sea level. The place is surrounded by kilometers of pristine pine forest and small picturesque villages. The walk from the car park takes about 25 minutes and allows you to get right next door. You will also be able to see the cliff from the several places when you are in the middle of the island, but the best vantage point is clearly Pico de Las Nieves which is the highest point of the island. Roque Nublo is most beautiful in sunrise and sunset as the magical light almost makes the rock shine.
Las Palmas
The island’s capital is Las Palmas, with a mix of city pulse and lovely beach baths. Here you can sit down in a cozy tapas bar and sip on a glass of sangria, watch people in Catalina Park or visit one of the many shopping shops along La Triana. Also, do not miss the old La Vegueta district, where Santa Ana is located, a 15th-century cathedral with mighty architecture. In the middle of Las Palmas you will also find the kilometer-long sandy beach Las Canteras. Here all sun-thirsty and bathers who want to spend a day on the golden-yellow beach gather.
Dunas de Maspalomas
These mighty dunes appear to be directly from the Sahara. No one knows how these were formed, but some experts claim that the dunes came into being after a tsunami over 200 years ago. Hiking here is a magical experience and will contribute with many beautiful holiday photos. To get the best possible experience, you should get up at dawn, this way you get the dunes almost completely to yourself and can enjoy the beautiful golden light.
Bodegas Las Berrazales
Maybe a visit to a vineyard is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Gran Canaria, but the fact is that the island has a long history of wine production due to the favorable climate. At the foot of Tamadaba’s cliffs on the northeastern part of the island you will find Bodegas Las Berrazales and the La Laja winery. It is a popular place for guided tours and to refill the wine cellar at home. The family that runs the vineyard produces rosé, red, and semi-dry and dry white wines from grapes of the variety Black Listán.
Cueva Pintada
If you want to learn more about the island’s culture and history, it is a must to visit one of the Canary Islands’ most important archaeological excavations – La Cueva Pintada de Gáldar. This museum with an archeological park was originally a farm built by the island’s indigenous people. Here you can walk through history and with the help of cave paintings be taken back in time. For the best possible experience, a guided tour is recommended where you will get to know all the secrets of the place! The museum has been equipped with a glass dome so that you can get close without damaging the cave paintings.
