Gran Canaria is an island with a wide variety of landscapes: sand dunes, arid valleys, charming villages, geological curiosities and archaeological sites…
Here is our selection of 25 of Grand Canaria’s most beautiful landscapes to discover during your visit.
We hope these beautiful photos of Gran Canaria will convince you to explore the island!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Mirador del Molino – Gran Canaria’s magnificent landscape
The site is well worth a visit, with a winding, narrow road to reach the mill and its viewpoint. But it’s one of our favorite views of Gran Canaria. The shades of orange and brown are superb! This is one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful roads.
2. Maspalomas dunes – photogenic!
The Maspalomas dunes are one of the most surprising places on this mountainous island.
You can admire them from the promenade or have fun climbing on them. We advise you to admire them at sunrise or sunset, so that the colors and shadows stand out more.
This is one of Gran Canaria’s must-see spots.
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.
3. Los Azulejos (Rainbow Rocks)
Los Azulejos, also known as Rainbow Rocks, is the kind of place we love.
What’s more, the colors are visible from the road, so it’s easy to stop and admire the different layers of minerals and their colors. We felt as if someone had painted the mountain!
4. Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo is one of the island’s best-known and most easily identified spots. It’s a landmark in the middle of the mountains.
It’s not the highest point on the island, but its shape stands out from the viewpoints all around.
You have to hike 1.5km to reach its base, and we highly recommend it. But come early in the morning or late in the day so you can park!
5. Playa de Maspalomas
Next to the dunes, Maspalomas beach stretches for several kilometers, with the lighthouse as a landmark.
For those who love long walks with their feet in the water and sand, this is the ideal place!
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:
6. Mirador del Balcon
For a change from sandy beaches, the west coast of the island is more rugged.
Here you’ll find a beautiful road that takes you to the Mirador del Balcon. A glass platform to admire the dragon-tail cliffs.
7. Barranco de las Vacas
If you’ve been dreaming of going to Utah to visit the canyons, but haven’t had the chance yet, check out the Barranco de Las Vacas. The curves created by the water give you a tiny glimpse of the beauty of such landscapes.
If, on the other hand, you’ve already visited the canyons of Utah, you should know that it’s very small.
8. Agüimes Village
Agüimes is one of our favorite Gran Canaria towns(see our list)
We loved the colorful traditional houses, the alleyways to explore, the camel statue and also the small local museum.
We strongly recommend that you include it in your program.
9. Cenebio de Valerón
Gran Canaria is rich in archaeological sites relating to the island’s aboriginal culture. One of the best-known sites is Cebobio de Valeron.
It was a barn for storing seeds and food. The place is unique and fascinating.
10. Cactualdea
If you prefer plants to old stones, Gran Canaria has some beautiful gardens.
We particularly liked Cactualdea: the mix of different cacti and the views of the surrounding mountains. A relaxing walk (if you’re wearing good shoes…).
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
11. Puerto de Mogan
Puerto de Mogan is a truly surprising place, one of the most beautiful towns on the island.
But it’s not a typical Canary Island town. It is often referred to as the “Little Venice of the Canaries”.
Around the port and canals, the narrow streets are full of charm, with white houses with colorful features, and lots of plants.
It’s a romantic spot that couples love.
12. La Fortaleza
This archaeological site is less well known, but in terms of scenery, it was one of our favorite spots on the island. The road to get there is superb. On the spot, you can climb one of the peaks and cross it via a tunnel. The views are unforgettable.
13. Dolphins and views from the sea
To admire Gran Canaria from the sea, we recommend a dolphin-watching tour. So you can both observe these fascinating animals and enjoy the views along the way.
See our boat tour options or our guide to planning your experience (coming soon).
14. Mirador El Guriete
We love arid valley landscapes.
One of Gran Canaria’s finest viewpoints, in our opinion, is the Mirador El Guriete. It’s not very popular, but it’s well worth a visit! To be combined with the Fortaleza.
15. Pico de Bandama
But if you like a little more greenery, you can climb to the north of the island to observe the Bandama crater from the peak at 575m above sea level.
And if you’re brave enough, you can go hiking in it.
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!
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16. Tejeda Village
Another beautiful village in the heart of the island is Fataga. Built into the mountainside, it offers both pretty houses and spectacular views.
17. Pico de las Nieves
The island’s best-known viewpoint is PIco Nieves.
It stands at an altitude of 1949m, with breathtaking views of Roche Nubio and the island of Tenerife in the background.
And, even if the view isn’t unobstructed, the experience can be well worth it as it’s often above the sea of clouds!
18. Arucas Village
For even more different house styles, we recommend a visit to the old center of Arucas. In the alleyways, the colorful houses line up perfectly. What’s more, its San Juan Bautista church is an architectural marvel.
19. Playa de Aldea
To avoid the crowds, we recommend heading for La Aldea de San Nicolas. This small town is quiet and offers beautiful scenery. Its beach doesn’t have much sand, but it’s one of the most beautiful in our opinion.
20. Agaete natural pools
For a change from beaches, we recommend swimming in natural pools. Our favorites are Las Salinas in Agaete, surrounded by lava rocks and with views of the cliffs on one side.
A great place to cool off.
Or see Gran Canaria’s most beautiful natural pools.
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21. Barranco Guayadeque
One of Gran Canaria’s great ravines is Guayadeque. It offers one of the most beautiful roads on the island, and it’s not very long. We recommend that you combine your visit to the village of Aguïmes with this canyon and walk around the village at the far end.
22. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Cathedral
The old center of the capital Las Palmas has a lot of charm. Many of the buildings are typical of Canarian architecture. And, at its heart, Santa Ana Cathedral is well worth a visit. Don’t forget to look up to admire the ceiling!
23. Maipes archaeological site
Another of Gran Canaria’s most impressive archaeological sites is Maipes. It combines a large lava field, reconstructed structures and views over the Agaete Valley. An excellent surprise!
24. Tufia village
This village is less well known, and its houses less charming, but its location on the edge of a black beach surrounded by cliffs makes it very photogenic. So we’re sharing it with you!
25. Canario Botanical Garden
And we finish with a little more greenery.
In the north of the island, the Jardin Botanico Canario is a real oasis, and an adventure too. There are plenty of little hillside paths offering different views of plants and the region.
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
