Between beaches, mountains and cliffs, Gran Canaria also boasts a rich architectural offering: colorful houses, Gothic churches, whitewashed stone walls…
In this article, we share our selection of Gran Canaria’s best towns and villages.
Note: This article talks about towns and villages to visit. If you’d like to discover the best towns to stay in Gran Canaria, check out this other article.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Most beautiful towns and villages in Gran Canaria: summary + Map
Map
Gran Canaria offers a wide variety of towns and villages with different architectural styles.
Here’s the map with our top 10 places to visit:
Which Gran Canaria towns to visit? Quick response:
If you only need to visit 4, to get an overview of the different styles:
- Las Palmas old town
- Puerto de Mogan
- Aguïmes
- Tejeda or Artenara, depending on your route.
1. Agüimes
Why we love it
Agüimes is truly our favorite spot on Gran Canaria.
We loved the maze of alleyways. The houses in the old center are made of stone and covered with lime. We found the city very photogenic.
What’s more, you can go camel-hunting – a surprising statue in the heart of these alleys – for a fun photo opportunity.
Attractions
- Colorful alleyways
- The church
- The statues in the village, especially the one of the camel
- The city museum, which pleasantly surprised us
- and nearby: Barranco de las Vaca and Barranco de Guayadeque
Access
- East of the island
- From Las Palmas = 45 min
- From Maspalomas = 30 min
- From Puerto de Mogan = 50 min
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
2. Teror
Why we love it
Teror has a charming historic center with cobbled streets and whitewashed, colorful houses. There are also many wooden balconies, typical of the Canaries.
Its basilica is also very beautiful and well worth a visit. It is an important pilgrimage site on the island.
Attractions
- Basilica of the Madonna del Pino
- Local produce market, especially the chorizo sandwich
- Alleys and architecture
Access
- North of Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 35 min
- From Maspalomas = 50 min
- From Puerto de Mogan = 1h15
- It can be visited as part of an organized tour of the island, which also includes Pico de Las Nieves – see program and availability.
3. Historic center of Las Palmas (Vegueta)
Why we love it
To the south of the capital, Las Palmas, you’ll find the charming old town.
The narrow cobbled streets, the colorful typical houses and the pleasant atmosphere are all there for you to enjoy. The architecture blends styles from Gothic to Renaissance.
We recommend spending at least half a day exploring its streets and buildings.
There are also many small, charming hotels in historic buildings.
For example, we loved staying at the charming Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor in Santa Ana – see prices, photos and availability.
Attractions
- Historic streets
- Santa Ana Cathedral and its superb vaulted ceiling
- The Canario Museum
- Numerous museums
- …
See all Las Palmas attractions.
Access
- North of Gran Canaria
- From Maspalomas = 40 min
- From Puerto de Mogan = 1h
- You can take an audioguide on your phone to guide your route – see details
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
4. Artenara
Why we love it
Artenara is the village of panoramic views. From the village, you can admire the valley dominated by Roque Nublo, which stands out perfectly against the blue sky.
These views inspired one of Spain’s most important writers, Miguel de Unamuno. One of the watchtowers is dedicated to him.
We really enjoyed taking in the sights and visiting the museums.
This village offers a pleasant mix of points of interest.
Attractions
- Viewpoints and sculpture
- Troglodyte houses with a museum
- The interpretation center at the famous Risco Caído archaeological site
Access
- In the center of the island, via winding mountain roads
- From Las Palmas = 1h10
- From Maspalomas = 1h30
- From Puerto de Mogan = 1h25 min
- Artenara is included in this tour, which covers several villages – see program and availability.
5. Puerto de Mogan
Why we love it
Puerto de Mogan is one of Gran Canaria’s best-known towns. Tourists have nicknamed it Gran Canaria’s “Little Venice” because part of the town around the port has a few canals.
The atmosphere of this town is quite unique on the island. We really enjoyed wandering around, admiring the white houses with their colorful borders and the perspectives in the alleyways. What’s more, this part of town is very well kept with bougainvillea and other flowers.
There are many restaurants here, creating a lively atmosphere in the evenings.
Attractions
- Strolling through the narrow streets
- Enjoy the beach
- Climb to the viewpoint above the city
- Archaeological site visit Canada de Los Gatos
- Friday market
See all Puerto de Mogan attractions.
Access
- South of Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 1h10
- From Maspalomas = 25 min
- If you are staying in Las Palmas, this guided tour includes Puerto de Mogan – see program and availability
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
6. Arucas
Why we love it
The pedestrianized center of Arucas is extremely charming.
We start with its impressive Cathedral, with its many sculptures and intricate details. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings on the island, and perhaps even in the Canaries.
Then we recommend you explore the narrow streets of the town: see the colorful houses, the balconies, the garden…
Attractions
- The cathedral
- Pedestrian lanes
- The Run distillery
- The Marquesa garden
- …
Access
- North of Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 25 min
- From Maspalomas = 50 min
- From Puerto de Mogan = 1h10
- If you are staying in Las Palmas, this guided tour includes Arucas – see program and availability
7. Tejeda
Why we love it
This is one of the island’s most visited mountain villages.
It is, in our opinion, less charming than the others for its architecture, but it is exceptional in terms of panorama. It really is a Balcon village with views over the valley and mountains.
Attractions
- Main street
- Panoramas
- The sculptures
- Church
Access
- In the center of the island, via winding mountain roads
- From Las Palmas = 1h30
- From Maspalomas = 1h10
- From Puerto de Mogan = 1h05
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you’d like to be notified when our guide to the Canaries is published, please subscribe:
8. Fataga
Why we love it
A charming little village that’s easy to explore.
We loved the views of the mountains all around, as the village lies in the heart of the valley.
One of these houses is particularly photogenic, with the stones showing through the whitewash.
Attractions
- village lanes
- aloe vera plantations
Access
- Southern Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 1h10
- From Maspalomas = 30 min
- From Puerto de Mogan = 45 min
- Fataga is included in this tour, which covers several villages – see program and availability.
9. Tufia
Why we love it
Small village, not very touristy (except for divers).
This charming village has white houses that stand out against the surrounding cliffs.
It is truly nestled in the rock above its black sand beach.
Attractions
- View of the village
- The black sand beach
- On the other side, Aguadulce beach
- There is also a small archaeological site of a pre-Hispanic city
Access
- West of Gran Canaria, close to the airport
- From Las Palmas = 35 min
- From Maspalomas = 30 min
- From Puerto de Mogan = 45 min
10. Puerto de las Nieves, Agaete
Why we love it
This is the port part of Agaete.
We really enjoyed the atmosphere, with views of the cliffs, seafront restaurants, ferry crossings…
It’s very easy to relax here, especially in the natural pools surrounded by lava rock.
Attractions
- Las Nives Beach
- Agaete natural pools
- Maipes archaeological site
- Agaete Valley
Access
- Northwest of Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 40 min
- From Maspalomas = 1h
- From Puerto de Mogan = 1h30
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
6 other towns and villages to discover
And if you still have time, we also recommend the following towns and villages.
11. Galdar
Galdar is another town with a historic center.
We liked its museums but were a little less charmed by its narrow streets.
Here you’ll find the Cueva Pintada archaeological site and the Antonio Padrón museum.
North-west Gran Canaria, 35 min from Las Palmas.
See all Galdar attractions.
12. Firgas
A village famous for its staircase fountain.
It is indeed surprising, but you should know that there’s nothing else to see in the village.
North of the island, 30min from Las Palmas.
See all Firgas attractions.
13. La Aldea de San Nicolas
Charming little village off the beaten track. It offers beautiful views of cliffs and small archaeological sites.
South-west of the island, 1h20 from Las Palmas
See all Agüimes attractions.
14. Agaete
We saw the port part of Algaete (Puerto de la Nieves) and a little further up is the town of Agaete with a beautiful church and a small garden.
The town is also home to the Maipes archaeological site.
Northwest of Gran Canaria, 40 min from Las Palmas.
See all Agaete attractions.
15. Telde
Telde has some attractive buildings and points of interest, such as the aqueduct.
However, it’s not a tourist town, it’s a town where the locals live, and finding parking can be very complicated.
North-east of Gran Canaria, 30min from Las Palmas.
16. Arguineguin
Arguineguin is a more authentic part of Gran Canaria’s south coast. In the midst of all the seaside resorts, it’s nice to stroll around this more authentic town.
South of Gran Canaria, 45 min from Las Palmas.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
