Want to avoid the crowds at Gran Canaria’s main attractions?
The region still has a few hidden gems for you to discover. These secret spots on Gran Canaria aren’t completely “secret” (nothing is), but you’ll find far fewer tourists.
Volcanoes, beaches, rock formations… Let’s discover Gran Canaria off the beaten track.
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
Secret places in Gran Canaria: facts, selection, map
Can you really go off the beaten track these days? Not really, no place is really secret. And this notion is a matter of perception.
Here’s a map of the places we’ve selected for you to discover:
We chose places that are less well known, where we saw fewer people and where the tourist buses don’t stop (and which don’t necessarily require a 5-hour walk!).
But by bringing them to the fore, these gems won’t stay hidden!
1. Vallée des Larmes, route GC210
Why we love
The Valley of Tears (Valle de las Lágrimas) is a challenging road and cycling route in Gran Canaria. But it’s also one of the most beautiful roads on the island! The scenery is mountainous desert with a few water reservoirs. The average gradient is around 10%, with sections reaching 25%.
This climb is renowned for its steep and unforgiving terrain, and is therefore only suitable for experienced cyclists.
And by car, the road is narrow and winding, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of isolation are well worth it.
Location
- Southwest Gran Canaria
- Start at La Aldea, end at Artenara
- In the middle of the road is the superb Mirador del Molino
- Maspalomas to mirador = 1h35 drive via the southern section
- Las Palmas to the viewpoint = 1h35 drive via the northern section
Useful tips
- If you’re driving, make sure you get there early in the morning, so you don’t run into too many other cars and get stressed out.
- Take your time, the route is not technically difficult.
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:
2. Barranco de las Vacas
Why we love
If you’ve been dreaming of going to Utah to visit the canyons, but haven’t yet had the chance, check out the Barranco de Las Vacas, just outside Agüimes. The curves created by the water give you a tiny glimpse of the beauty of such landscapes. We love this kind of place.
If, on the other hand, you’ve already visited the canyons of Utah, you should know that it’s very small.
Location
- South-east Gran Canaria
- From Agüimes: 10 min drive
- From Las Palmas: 45 min drive
- From Maspalomas: 30 min drive
Useful tips
- Visit early to find parking.
- Only 4 spaces near the entrance, but there is a parking area a little further down the road for more cars.
- Very short canyon
- Do not visit after heavy rain
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. La Fortaleza de Ansite
Why we love
The Ansite fortress is made up of three large rock formations: the Grande Forteresse, the Petite Forteresse and the Basse Forteresse.
The indigenous population built houses and, of course, established burial sites, etc., here. The oldest discoveries come from this area.
After a visit to the interpretation center, we recommend climbing to the left of the main structure to discover spectacular views and a tunnel that crosses the entire hill and engravings.
Location
- South-east of the island, inland, close to route GC-65
- From Las Palmas = 1h20 drive
- From Maspalomas = 50 min drive
Useful tips
- Closed on Mondays
- Normally open at least from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission to interpretation center: 4 euros
- Easy parking, well-marked site
- Wear good shoes to walk on rocks
- Latest news on the official website here
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. Playa de Guayedra
Why we love
Playa de Guayedra is a picturesque beach on Gran Canaria’s northwest coast, renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers a more secluded experience than other beaches. Access to the beach is by a short, steep walk, making it less crowded and ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature.
But it has little sand.
Location
- West coast of Gran Canaria
- South of Agaete
- From Agaete = 15min drive
- From Las Palmas = 45min
- From Maspalomas = 1h15
Useful tips
- No installation
- Limited parking space
Find out more in our article on Playa de Guayedra.
5. Agüimes
Why we love
Agüimes is a town, so it’s not isolated like some of the places on this list.
However, when it comes to historic villages and centers, most tourists prefer those in the north of the island.
Agüimes isn’t often considered, but it really is our favorite 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.
Location
- East of the island
- From Las Palmas = 45 min
- From Maspalomas = 30 min
- From Puerto de Mogan = 50 min
Useful tips
- Easy parking around the center
- Easy-to-explore downtown
- allow 1 to 2 hours
Find out more in our article on Agüimes.
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. La Aldea and Mirador del Balcon
Why we love
In this much less touristy town on Gran Canaria, you can discover a beach, cliffs, a lagoon and small archaeological sites.
Start with the interpretation center, where you can learn about the ruins, the marsh biosphere and the culture of La Aldea.
Or take the car to the Mirador El Balcon, north of town, for views of the cliffs from a glass platform.
Unfortunately, with the development of a new expressway to the west of the island, the town is sure to grow in terms of tourism.
Location
- Southwest Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 1h10 drive
- From Maspalomas = 1h10 drive
Useful tips
- Start at the waterfront and interpretation center
- Then visit one or more of the archaeological sites
- And finish with the point of view!
7. Agaete Valley
Why we love
Don’t confine yourself to the well-known places and the town of Agaete with its natural pools and archaeological site. We recommend you follow the road into the Agete valley. This is one of the most beautiful roads on the island!
The road has a few narrow stretches, but it’s fairly easy and the scenery is magnificent, with mountains rising on either side, and a bit of greenery.
The photos speak for themselves…
Location
- On the north-western tip of Gran Canaria
- From Las Palmas = 40 min drive
- From Maspalomas = 1h
Useful tips
- The road is not very long
- It’s the GC-31
- No major difficulties until the last bus stop at Casa Esperanza
- After that, the road becomes narrower and more winding
- Allow 15 to 20 min drive in each direction from the old town
Find out more in our article on the Agaete Valley.
8. Mirador Pico de la Gorra
Why we love
The best-known viewpoint at the top of Gran Canaria is Pico de las Nieves. It’s always busy. And that’s only to be expected, since the view is so beautiful.
If you want more views without the crowds, don’t go far, to the Mirador Pico de la Gorra.
The views are less impressive (without the rock and without Tenerife) but they’re still very beautiful, and you may be alone!
Location
- In the heart of Gran Canaria
- There are two on Google Maps, but this is the one that’s just a few minutes’ drive from Pico de la Nieves.
- From Las Palmas = 1h drive
- From Maspalomas = 1h
Useful tips
- Don’t go to the end of the road.
- Stop at the parking lot near a gated pathway
- A short walk to the surveillance hut
9. Tufia
Why we love
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.
On the small peninsula there’s also an archaeological site and another black sand beach with no buildings.
Location
- West of Gran Canaria, close to the airport
- From Las Palmas = 35 min
- From Maspalomas = 30 min
- From Puerto de Mogan = 45 min
Useful tips
- Visit at low tide to enjoy the beach
10. GC605, Mirador de Inagua and reservoirs
Why we love
One of Gran Canaria’s lesser-known roads is GC605. And yet, in our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful roads.
It takes you to several viewpoints, including Mirador de Inagua and its view of a dam lake. And then you arrive at the Presa de las Ninas dam.
We found the mountain views fascinating. And we were even lucky enough to arrive above a sea of clouds, which happens regularly if you climb early enough.
Location
- Southern Gran Canaria
- Las Palmas to Presa De Las Niñas = 1h30 drive
- Maspalomas to Presa De Las Niñas = 1h05
Useful tips
- Make the most of the morning hours for a quieter drive
- The road is winding but not narrow. It’s not difficult
- In summer, dams can have very little water.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Other places off the beaten track in Gran Canaria
And if you have a lot of time on your hands, you may also want to consider:
- GuiGui Beach: well-known beach but difficult to access (boat or difficult hike).
- The wine route
- Jardin Canario: it’s crowded, but as it’s a large garden, it’s not overcrowded.
- Bufadero Garita: tower filled with seawater, creating mini waterfalls. There are now people at every tide.
- Charco de los Espejos: a small natural swimming pool that some photographers love. We’re not convinced and access is difficult
- Charco Azul: small water hole, very pretty in photos, but most of the time there’s no water.
- Ventana de Moro: a small arch (accessible via a steep descent) to see Roque Nublo in the window
And for more places away from the crowds, go hiking. The hiking trails (apart from well-known spots like Roque Nublo) remain fairly empty compared to the number of tourists on the island.
Places that are not hidden gems in Gran Canaria
We often see places listed in articles, we prefer to let you know that these are not secret places!
- Roque Nublo, the rocks at the center of the island: as the parking lot isn’t very big, there’s never a huge crowd, but it’s very well known.
- The dunes of Maspalomas, but as they are large, you can find corners with fewer people.
- The village of Teror
- Cenobio de Valeron: one of the best-known archaeological sites
- Barranco des Guayadeque: a beautiful valley with an archaeological center, where buses take you to
- Tejeda is a mountain village where a lot of people stop.
But they’re still a must-see!
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
