We loved exploring Gran Canaria, an island where we made many excursions. Between desert dunes, sandy beaches and volcanic mountains, you’ll discover picturesque villages and exceptional landscapes!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 12 best excursions in Gran Canaria to make your choice!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Our 3 favorite Gran Canaria excursions
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- Our dolphin watching boat tour from Puerto Rico – Check photos, photos and availability
- The charming village of Puerto de Mogán – see program and availability
- Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves hikes and viewpoints – see program and availability
1. Spend a day in Las Palmas
Why do we recommend this tour?
We enjoyed visiting Gran Canaria’s capital, Las Palmas. The old town has a lot of charm. Many of the buildings are typical of Canarian architecture. Wooden balconies, columns and ornamental details dress the houses in the colors of Spain. At the heart of the city, the cathedral is well worth a visit, as are the many museums that bring it to life! Those who wish to do so can also visit the Poema del Mar Aquarium or enjoy the city’s beaches and lively markets. Read our article on Las Palmas for more activity ideas.
What you will see
- The historic center of Vegueta
- Exciting museums such as the Casa de Colón and the Museo Canario
- The magnificent Santa Ana Cathedral
- Poema del Mar Aquarium
How much time should I allow?
Allow at least a day to explore the island’s largest city. Some ideas for tours below.
- Hop on a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus to explore the whole city – buy your ticket in advance.
- Opt for a guided walking tour with an experienced guide who will reveal the city’s secrets to you – book your tour now.
- Discover the historic center on foot , with riddles and directions on your smartphone – see program and book.
2. Dolphin watching off Puerto Rico
Why do we recommend this tour?
In addition to its beaches and beautiful hotels, Puerto Rico has an active marina. Numerous boats leave the port every day to explore Gran Canaria’s southern coast. If, like us, you love to see whales and dolphins in the open sea, come aboard a catamaran, a speedboat or a more classic boat. We had high hopes, and were lucky enough to see some dolphins! A wonderful experience at sea with the island’s landscapes in the background. Departures are mainly from the port of Puerto Rico, but many tours offer to pick you up at your hotel. See all boat tour options.
What you will see
- Puerto Rico in the distance
- The island’s magnificent south coast
- If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins, whales and flying fish.
How much time should I allow?
Times vary according to the excursion. You can choose between different formats.
- By catamaran, duration between 2h and 3h, fresh drinks – See details and availability
- By big boat, duration 2h30, with swimming and snorkeling break – See details and availability
- On a speedboat for 4 hours, in a small group, with tapas and drinks, snorkeling and swimming, paddle and parasailing extra – See details and availability
- On a private luxurysailboat, duration 3h, departure from Pasito Blanco in Maspalomas, aperitif and snorkeling break, – See details and availability
3. Along the Maspalomas Dunes in the south
Why do we recommend this tour?
We were won over by the grandiose spectacle of the Maspalomas Dunes. You can admire these golden hills that end in the blue of the ocean from the mirador or the Meloneras promenade, or even from the beach. We also contemplated the lagoon, the Maspalomas lighthouse and the beaches of Playa de Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. A stunning piece of desert on the Gran Canaria coast right next toluxury hotels and a lively seaside resort.
See more photos in our dedicated article here.
What you will see
- Sand dunes stretching to the ocean
- A bird-friendly lagoon
- A lighthouse and a promenade along the seafront
- 2 beaches at the foot of the dunes
How much time should I allow?
Depending on whether you just want to admire the view or venture into the dunes, allow between 15min and 2h.
- Hire an electric bike or scooter to ride along the duneside promenade.
- Try a Segway escapade to admire the dunes at your own pace.
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.
4. Escape to Puerto de Mogán
Why do we recommend this tour?
Puerto de Mogán is, in our opinion, one of the prettiest towns on the island. It’s located in the south-west, and tourists have nicknamed it Gran Canaria’s “Little Venice” because part of the town near the port has a few canals. We really enjoyed wandering around, admiring the white houses with their colorful borders and the perspectives in the alleyways. There are also pretty pink bougainvillea gardens. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and a lively atmosphere in the evenings. Enjoy the beaches that surround the city and its interesting archaeological site, Cañada de los Gatos.
What you will see
- Italian-style canals
- A historic city center and charming alleyways
- Cañada de los Gatos archaeological site
- A lively Friday market
How much time should I allow?
Spend the day, the afternoon or a gust of wind. Anything is possible, depending on what you want to do. Organized excursions also allow you to visit the city. Here’s a suggestion.
Take a tour of the island, passing through Los Azulejos (more on this below) and Gran Canaria’s most beautiful towns, such as Puerto de Mogán – see program and availability.
5. Venture to Barranco de las Vacas, Guayadeque and Agüimes
Why do we recommend this tour?
In the center of the island, we fell in love with Agüimes, one of the most beautiful villages in the Canaries. Like us, lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow streets punctuated by stone and lime-covered houses. A photographer’s paradise! From the village, you can walk to Barranco de Guayadeque and admire this great gully of colorful rocks and vegetation. We also went to Barranco de las Vacas, a tiny piece of the great American West! Here, the curves created by the water give you a tiny glimpse of the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
What you will see
- The beautiful village of Agüimes and its camel statue
- Barranco de las Vacas canyon
- The Barranco de Guayadeque ravine and a small village nestled at the end of the ravine
- Barranco de Guayadeque Interpretation Centre
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day to visit the village and the 2 barrancos. Here are some suggestions for guided excursions.
- Try a guided tour of the Las Vacas ravine, a cave, a farm and the village of Agüimes in a small group – Check photos, photos and availability.
- Discover Barranco de las Vacas, an oasis and other mountain landscapes, and enjoy a picnic lunch on this guided tour – see photos, photos and availability.
6. Take the ferry to Tenerife or Fuerteventura
Why do we recommend this tour?
Gran Canaria is close to 2 other Canary Islands, Tenerife and Fuerteventura. You can also take a ferry to the island for a day trip. From Las Palmas, you can reach Morro Jable in Fuerteventura in 2 hours. From Agaete in the west, the boat will take you to Santa Cruz in Tenerife in 1h20. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break and discover another island. We recommend this adventure!
What you will see
- Busy ports
- The ocean as far as the eye can see
- The volcanic coasts of the islands
- Maybe dolphins or whales
- Cities: Agaete, Las Palmas, Morro Jable or Santa Cruz
How much time should I allow?
Go for a day or more!
- Take the ferry from Agaete to Santa Cruz de Tenerife – see prices, photos and availability.
- Take the ferry from Las Palmas to Morro Jable in Fuerteventura – see prices, photos and availability.
- Day trip to Tenerife’s Loro Parque Zoo in Puerto de la Cruz, one of the world’s largest zoos, which we visited for this very reason. To ensure that your visit is in line with your values, we recommend that you find out in advance about the park’s ethical commitments and its approach to animal welfare. See prices, photos and availability here.
7. Northern villages: Teror, Firgas and Arucas
Why do we recommend this tour?
We found Gran Canaria’s villages to be colorful and full of charm. Teror, Firgas and Arucas are no exception. With their historic centers, pretty cobbled streets, colorful whitewashed houses, gardens and fountains, these mountain hamlets are sure to win you over. They are also places of pilgrimage, with churches, basilicas and cathedrals well worth a visit.
What you will see
- Typical villages with colourful whitewashed houses and small wooden balconies
- Basilica of the Virgin del Pino de Teror
- Arucas Cathedral
- Firgas staircase fountains
How much time should I allow?
Half a day is enough to visit these 3 small villages. Small group tours include them in the day program. Here are some suggestions for excursions.
- Day trip with stopover in Teror: you’ll discover the treasures of Gran Canaria as you pass through Teror and visit its basilica and stroll through its narrow streets – see program and availability.
- Day trip with stopover in Firgas by private bus: you’ll discover the island’s verdant interior and stop in Firgas to admire its fountains – see program and availability.
8. Discover the treasures of Agaete and Gáldar
Why do we recommend this tour?
We ventured into the north-west of the island and discovered 2 charming little towns, Agaete and Gáldar. Take a dip in beautiful natural pools and stroll along unspoilt beaches. Visit unique archaeological sites, small museums and pretty historic town centers. Like us, you’ll be pleasantly disoriented.
What you will see
- The charming town centers of Agaete and Galdar
- Las Salinas Natural Pools
- Playa de Guayedra and Playa de las Nieves
- The archaeological sites of Cueva Pintada and Maipes
- Agaete Valley
- Antonio Padrón Museum
- Banana crops
How much time should I allow?
We recommend taking at least one day to explore the 2 villages and their surroundings. Here’s an interesting tour below.
A day with stops in Agaete and Galdar: you’ll visit the south coast, then stop for lunch in Agaete. You’ll then discover Galdar and its banana-growing history – see program and availability.
9. Hiking Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves
Why do we recommend this tour?
You’ll discover the heart of the island, its mountain landscapes and typical villages. If you’re tempted by the famous hike to Roque Nublo, the uniquely shaped rock emblematic of Gran Canaria, we advise you to get there early before the parking lot is full. The walk is easy (1.5km) and the panorama is well worth the effort. Continue your exploration of the center of the island with the pretty village of Tejeda and why not Artenara and Roque Bentayga. On the way back, stop off at Pico de las Nieves, the island’s best-known viewpoint.
What you will see
- Roque Nublo, a rock with a special shape
- The village of Tejeda
- Artenara, with its troglodyte houses and Risco Caído archaeological site
- Roque Bentayga and its vertigo-inducing hike
- Pico de las Nieves viewpoint
- Numerous hiking trails
How much time should I allow?
Allow several hours, depending on what you want to discover. Numerous tours are available to reveal the secrets of Gran Canaria’s heights.
- Visit the green interior of the island, Roque Nublo but Pico de las Nieves – Check photos, photos and availability.
- This tour will take you through the villages of Tejeda, Artenara and its troglodyte houses – see photos, photos and availability.
10. Climb to the top at Fataga and Mirador Degollada de las Yeguas
Why do we recommend this tour?
The Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas is a viewpoint located 9km from Maspalomas that gave us the chance to admire both the volcanic valley and the starry sky. The sunlight on the basalt mountains and the arrival of the stars made our observation a poetic moment. Continue on to the charming village of Fataga. Nestled in the heart of the valley, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. One of these houses is particularly photogenic, with its stone walls surrounded by whitewash.
What you will see
- A beautiful road winding through the valley
- An ideal view of the valley and the stars at night
- A typical village with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains
How much time should I allow?
Allow less than 2 hours for your visit.
- Let us guide you through the mountains on a Ryker quad bike.
- Try a jeep tour that stops at Fataga.
11. Marvel at Rainbow Rock and Cactueldea Park
Why do we recommend this tour?
In the west of the island, as we rounded a bend in a beautiful mountain road, the landscape changed and we thought we were in North America. Los Azulejos, also known as Rainbow Rocks, are a series of highly colorful walls. Stop off or take a short hike to admire the different layers of minerals and their colors. A little further on, discover the Cactualdea Garden, made up entirely of cacti. The view of the mountains is a sight for sore eyes too!
What you will see
- The magnificent road between Puerto de Mogán and La Aldea
- Rainbow Rocks or Los Azulejos
- The Cactualdea cactus garden and its breathtaking panoramas
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day to explore Los Azulejos and the cactus garden. Tour options below.
- Tour the island via Los Azulejos and Gran Canaria’s most beautiful towns, such as Puerto de Mogán – see program and availability.
- A day of canyoning at Barranco de los Azulejos: experience the thrill of free-fall abseiling and jumping while admiring the superb landscape – see program and availability.
12. Explore the island in unusual ways
Why do we recommend these tours?
It’s also possible to explore the island in an unusual way! Why not take a culinary tour of the island, from the center to the seaside? Or take a horseback ride to the heights to admire the coastline and ocean? We also saw that it was possible to go on excursions by bike or boat. There are also secret places off the beaten track, such as the magnificent Valley of Tears, Playa de Guayedra or the charming little town of La Aldea. These places aren’t completely “secret”, but you’ll see fewer tourists! Read our article on the subject to discover more.
What you will see
- Banana plantations and farms
- Less touristy villages and landscapes
- Places to discover with an unusual mode of transport
How much time should I allow?
It all depends on your destination, but depending on your mode of travel, we recommend you take your time and allow a few hours for sightseeing.
- Combine tasting and scenery with this culinary tour of natural sites
- Try this equestrian adventure in the mountains opposite Maspalomas
- Explore the seabed with scuba diving from Playa del Inglés
- Discover the island by sea on one of our boat tours!
Other excursions in Gran Canaria
Hiking and walking
Here are some other hikes and walks to enjoy:
- The famous and arduous Camino de Santiago de Gran Canaria hiking trail through the center of the island
- Hike through the Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest
- Take the superb Agaete Valley road or route GC210
- A stroll through the village of Telde
Excursions and thrills
Try some of our other thrill-seeking excursions:
- A vertical climbing via ferrata tour of the island
- Canyoning for abseiling and vertiginous jumps into the water
- Buggy tours to speed through volcanic landscapes
- Fun at the island’s theme parks
Frequently asked questions
Is visiting Gran Canaria worth it?
Yes! Of all the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria stands out for its great variety of landscapes. You can explore sand dunes, canyons, archaeological sites and picturesque villages. Lovers of long sandy beaches and mountains will also be delighted! And there’s no shortage of attractions.
What’s the weather like in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria enjoys a mild climate all year round. In summer, expect pleasant temperatures of around 26-30°C, perfect for the beach. Winter is mild, fluctuating between 15-22°C. Showers are rare, offering sunny days perfect for exploring the varied landscape. We went there in winter and found the weather ideal.
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
In our opinion, Gran Canaria is a destination of choice whatever the season. In summer, enjoy warm temperatures and lively beaches, but expect an influx of tourists. In winter, the climate remains mild, ideal for a more tranquil vacation and to escape the cold!
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
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
