Is Gran Canaria worth visiting? Our 8 reasons (with photos)

Would you like to discover the Canary Islands, and want to know why you should go to Gran Canaria rather than another?
If you’re looking for a travel destination that combines a diversity of landscapes, a year-round sunny climate and a multitude of activities, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we share with you the reasons why we love this atypical land.

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

Is Gran Canaria worth visiting: quick answer

Yes, Gran Canaria is well worth a visit. Of all the Canary Islands, choose Gran Canaria if you want to see a wide variety of landscapes. You can explore sand dunes, canyons, archaeological sites and picturesque villages. Lovers of long sandy beaches will also be delighted on this island! There’ s no shortage of attractions.

Reason 1: for the variety of landscapes

Of all the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria offers the greatest diversity. It doesn’t have the most unforgettable landscapes, but it does offer plenty of choice. It’s a mini-continent unto itself. We really enjoyed this mosaic of landscapes:

Sand dunes
Mountains
Dry canyons
Greener canyons
Beautiful sandy beaches
Charming mountain villages
Fascinating rock formations
…

Whether you’re an avid hiker, photographer or simply in search of moments of contemplation, you’ll be delighted by the diversity of panoramas offered by this island.

Get a better idea with our article on the most beautiful landscapes in 25 photos.

Reason 2: for sunny weather all year round

If you’re fleeing the vagaries of the weather and looking for a warm, sunny climate, Gran Canaria is the ideal destination. With pleasant temperatures all year round and few seasonal variations, you can look forward to sunny days conducive to all kinds of activities, whether it’s the beach, hiking or simply relaxing in the great outdoors.
Little rain will disrupt your stay, even in winter.
So, if you need your Vitamin D fix, this is a great option for you.

Expect it to be a little colder if you’re hiking early at altitude…

Choose when to go with our article on the best time to go.

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:

Reason 3: for the beaches

As with all the Canary Islands, its main attractions are its beaches.
You’ll find smaller and larger beaches with sand ranging from golden white to black.
Some beaches are in resorts with activities, restaurants and everything you need.
Others are wilder, or even accessible only by hiking.
Among our favorites:

Playa de Maspolamas
Playa de Amadores
Puerto de Mogan
Playa de Puerto Rico
Playa de Las Nieves
Playa Las Canteras
Playa Hoya del Pozo

Find all our favorite beaches with tips and photos in this article.

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.

See available cars >>

Read our tips

Reason 4: for the variety of villages and towns

In our opinion, Gran Canaria is also the city with the most beautiful villages and old town centers. And here again, it offers a wide variety of styles.
Among our favorites:

Aguïmes with its colourful Canarian houses and sculptures
Teror with its cobbled streets, colonial architecture and wooden balconies
Las Palmas with its cathedral and many beautiful buildings
Arterana and its multitude of viewpoints
…

Find out more about our favorite towns and villages.

Reason 5: for its archaeological sites

Gran Canaria is also one of the archipelago’s richest in archaeological sites. Here you can explore the remains of the island’s ancient inhabitants, the Guanches.
Some sites even offer a combination of historical discoveries and splendid views.
Among our favorites:

Cenobio de Valeron, the island’s granary
Maipés archaeological site, with views over the Agaete valley
Canada de Los Gatos, which can be seen from the heights to get a good idea of its structure.
La Fortaleza, with a tunnel in the hillside
Cueva Pintada and its paintings

Find all our favorite archaeological sites and tips in this article.

Reason 6: for outdoor activities

With all this beautiful weather and nature, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities.

Dolphin watching

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.
The Canary Islands offer good chances of seeing dolphins and whales.
We saw them on all our outings to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
See specialized tour options in Gran Canaria.

And check out our tips for seeing dolphins in Gran Canaria (coming soon).

Water sports and activities

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted by the endless possibilities for adventure in Gran Canaria. From hiking in the rugged mountains to scuba diving in crystal-clear waters and surfing the Atlantic waves, there’s always something to do for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
For example:

Buggy / Quad:
Explore a valley surrounded by mountains
– see program and availability
Horseback riding:
Discover the countryside in total serenity
– see program and availability
Snorkeling:
Admire the seabed at Las Canteras
– see program and availability

Via Ferrata:
A suspended hike with breathtaking views, open to beginners
– see program and availability
Coasteering:
Fun at the Agaete cliffs
– see program and availability
Canyoning:
Lots of thrills, but accessible to beginners
– see program and availability
Kayaking in the Mogan caves:
Magical moments!
– see program and availability

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:

Reason 7: for its spectacular valley roads

If you’re not afraid of winding, narrow roads, we highly recommend an adventure into the heart of the island.
Among our favorite moments:

The Valley of Tears (very narrow road) – for us the most beautiful on the island. It takes you to the Mirador del Molino viewpoint, where the photo above was taken.
The Guayadeque valley (easy route), with a little more greenery. But it’s a fairly short route.
The GC-65 road (medium-sized road, one lane in each direction, narrower at times) – along a superb valley where you’ll find the archaeological site of La Fortaleza de Ansite, among others.
…

See our selection of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful roads.

Reason 8: For the gastronomy

Gran Canaria offers a mix of typical Canarian restaurants, with potatoes in Mojo sauce, tapas and more.
But you’ll also find some interesting gourmet restaurants.
For example, we recommend