Unconventional Guide to Gran Canaria: What to Do and Places to See

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golden sand dunes under the blue sky in Maspalomas, Gran Canarias, during morning.

Chances are that you have heard that Gran Canaria is like a continent, but not many people know why! The island is home to a ton of different attractions that are usually far long apart from each other, here you’ll find it all: paradisiacal beaches, green mountains, golden sand deserts, and charming towns but with so many places it may be hard to decide where to check firsts, that why in this article, I take you to the most authentic corners of the island, from beaches to forests, not to mention the fun at HolidayWorld Maspalomas.

So, get ready to discover Gran Canaria from a totally different perspective! From the imposing Roque Nublo to the dunes of Maspalomas, the island is a paradise for nature lovers.

Must-See Places in Gran Canaria

While there are a TON of places to visit on the island, there are some that stand out for some reason to the point where a visit to these places is a MUST for any tourists.

Here are some of these places:

1. The Maspalomas Dunes

Most people, when asked about dunes or desert, think about the Sahara Desert, but Gran Canarias have its own desert, and while it’s not as big as the others, it’s truly impressive to see.

More than that, these golden sand dunes are unique in Europe, which makes a stroll during sunset even better. It’s a must-visit.

Also, you can ride a camel (yes, just like in Morocco!), relax on the adjacent beach, or take spectacular sunrise photos.

2. Roque Nublo

Locals say that this 80-meter monolith is the heart of the island, and it’s sacred to many Canarians, too. The views from here are simply breathtaking, something that will strike you.

The trail out and back is 3.1km and starts near San Bartolome de Tiraja, and lasts anything from 1 hour to 2 hours to complete. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes (you’ll have to walk a bit). I highly recommend that you calculate your timing right and go at sunset to avoid the heat and enjoy the colors of the sky.

Also, don’t forget to go to El Mirador de Tunte, a restaurant with unique views of the area.

3. Teror Town

Teror is often labeled as one of the most beautiful towns on the Island, and for good reasons. Once there, you will see cobbled streets, colorful houses with stunning wood balconies that look like something out of a fairy tale!

It’s also situated in the mountains, which gives the town a mystical aura. Make sure to visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino or Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine, which is the patron saint of the island.

Make a stop at a local shop and try typical sweets like rosquillas or bienmesabe.

4. Guaranteed Fun at HolidayWorld Maspalomas

If you’re looking for something different, HolidayWorld Maspalomas is the largest leisure park in the Canary Islands. It offers attractions for all ages, from roller coasters to children’s games and a bowling alley, karaoke stations, as well as an escape room!

On the other hand, it also offers great options for nightlife like bars, a place for games, and a lively atmosphere.

I highly recommend that you visit during the evening, when the atmosphere is lively. Also, make sure you try the churros with chocolate in one of its cafes.

Unique Experiences Not to Be Missed

If you’re looking for what to do in Gran Canarias, you need to know that there are many unique experiences to do on the island, but eating at a Guachinche is at the top of the list. They are small, family-run restaurants that serve homemade Canarian food (and very cheap!). You need to try dishes like papas arrugadas con mojo (the signature dish) or rabbit in salmorejo (for the more daring).

Another thing you can’t miss is sailing on a boat to see dolphins, Gran Canaria is one of the best places in the world to see dolphins and whales in the wild, that’s why you NEED to experience this once you’re there.

Conclusion

Gran Canaria is much more than beaches. It’s nature, culture, gastronomy, and fun. It’s a destination packed with everything you could wish for a holiday, from the dunes of Maspalomas to the adrenaline rush of HolidayWorld, this island has something for everyone.