Mountains, rock formations, cliffs… thanks to its mountainous center, Gran Canaria offers some very scenic roads.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful roads to drive on Gran Canaria, with our useful tips in pictures!
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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Gran Canaria’s most beautiful roads
It’s not the roads with the most places to see, but the roads with the most beautiful scenery, where just driving is enough.
Gran Canaria is not particularly difficult to drive, but because of the mountains, some roads are winding and have narrower stretches.
See all our driving tips in Gran Canaria (coming soon) and rent a car in Gran Canaria.
Or view the offers directly on our preferred platform.
1. Valley of Tears (GC-210)
Why visit? Our review
The Valley of Tears (Valle de las Lágrimas) is a challenging road and cycling route in Gran Canaria. The landscape is mountainous desert with some water retention. 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.
Stops along the road:
- Along the reservoir
- Mirador del Molino
- Village of Arenara with its troglodyte houses
Useful tips
- 1 hour drive
- Preferred direction: northeast (from La Aldea)
- Southwest Gran Canaria
- Between La Aldea and Artenara
- In the middle of the road is the superb Mirador del Molino
- Preferably early in the morning, to avoid passing many other cars and stress.
- Take your time, the road is not technically difficult, just narrow at times.
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. From Mogan to La Aldea (GC-200 South)
Why visit? Our review
Between Mogan and La Aldea GC-200 winds through mountainous terrain, offering magnificent views to the south, with desert valleys and small villages here and there.
The road is winding but comfortable, with one lane in each direction.
Stop along the road:
- Mirador de Veneguera
- Rainbow rocks (Fuente de los Azulejos)
- Mirador de San Nicolas
Useful tips
- 40 minutes drive
- Favourite direction: both, with a slight preference for heading west.
- Southwest Gran Canaria
- Between Mogan and La Aldea
- No technical difficulties in driving
A LITTLE MORE patience
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3. Route de la Fortaleza (GC-65)
Why visit? Our review
GC65 was a very nice surprise for us, it wasn’t on our radar when we were looking for it, but when we went to see the archaeological site of La Fortaleza, we were fascinated by the views.
It winds through the mountainous interior, with views over some very arid valleys.
The road is renowned for its excellent surface quality. Cyclists particularly appreciate it.
Stops along the road:
- Mirador el Guriete
- A detour to see the Fortaleza de Ansite site
- Mirador de la Sorrueda
Useful tips
- 40 minutes drive
- Favourite direction: both! but perhaps more south-easterly
- East Gran Canaria
- Between Vecidaario and Sant Bartolomé de Tirajana
- Soil in very good summer
- Some tight villages and narrow passages, with trucks on the move
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. The road to the dams (GC-205)
Why visit? Our review
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.
Stops along the road:
- Mirador el Mulato
- Mirador de Inagua
- Presas de la Ninas
Useful tips
- 45 min drive
- Favourite direction: both (mountain or valley views…)
- South of Gran Canaria
- Between Mogan and Ayacata
- Road in fairly good condition.
- Some narrow passages
- Winding roads
- But no technical driving difficulties
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
5. Around Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga (GC-60 + GC-15)
Why visit? Our review
Of course, all the central part of the island with its mountains offers magnificent roads. Even if you don’t go hiking, it’s well worth taking in the panoramic views from the roads and villages that dot the center of the island.
Occasionally you’ll come across a few trees, but on the whole the views are very unobstructed.
Check it out:
- Tejeda
- Roque Nublo hike
- Roque Bentayga
- Mirador Pico de las Nieves
- Miradorde Cruz de Tejeda
Useful tips
- All around the center of the island.
- Roads in excellent condition
- Allow half a day to explore the village of Tejeda and climb to the Pico de las Nieves viewpoint.
- But you can also plan hikes like Roque Nublo
- We advise you to start your day early, as the best-known places in the mountains are very busy and parking spaces are small.
6. West coast cliffs (GC-200 west)
Why visit? Our review
For a change from the arid landscapes of valleys and mountains, here’s a seaside road with cliffs. The road winds along Gran Canaria’s rugged west coast, offering breathtaking views. It passes through the Parque Natural de Tamadaba, showcasing the diversity of the island’s landscapes.
Stops along the road:
- Village of Agaete
- Walk down to Playa de Guayedra
- Mirador access Finca de Tirma
- A detour to the Mirador del Balcon and its transparent platform
Useful tips
- 40 minutes drive
- Preferred direction: Southwest (from Agaete to La Aldea)
- West of Gran Canaria
- Between Agaete and La Aldea
- Road in good condition, winding and sometimes a little narrow
- On the whole, not difficult
7. Barranco de Guayadeque (GC-103)
Why visit? Our review
This is one of Gran Canaria’s best-known valleys. You can walk up the valley to admire the views. It’s also the starting point for several hikes.
At the beginning of the road is a large interpretation center that shows you how the aborigines lived in this valley. In our opinion, this is one of the best museums on the subject.
Useful tips
- 15 minutes drive
- Both directions (it’s a dead end anyway)
- West of Agüimes
- Roads narrow in places but not long
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9. Agaete Valley
Why visit? Our review
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…
Stops along the road
- Agaete village at the start
- Maipes archaeological site
- Visitor center / restaurant
Useful tips
- 20 minutes on the road
- Preferred direction: up towards the valley floor
- Northwest Gran Canaria
- Between Agaete and El Sao
- Very narrow road at times, and difficult at the very end
Frequently asked questions (if applicable)
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
