Travelers are spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing things to do in Gran Canaria. The third largest of the Canary Islands boasts approximately 236 kilometers of coastline and a rugged interior dotted with some of the most extraordinary volcanic landscapes on the planet. No matter what type of vacation you are looking for – from exhilarating adventures in the mountains to relaxing excursions in the villages – Gran Canaria never ceases to amaze.

To truly immerse yourself in the culture and nature of the island, we suggest traveling here for at least a couple of weeks and exploring from top to bottom because each region of Gran Canaria offers something different. The northern parts are lush and wild, the central areas are mountainous and rocky, and the southern shores are sunny and touristy. Diversity of attractions is the primary reason why this remote island continues to draw millions of visitors annually.

If this is your first trip to Gran Canaria and you would like a brief introduction of the top things to do, then read on below to learn about 15 experiences that will keep you enthralled day after day. You can use these recommendations as the basis of your itinerary but don’t feel pressured to go from place to place ticking them off your list. Sometimes traveling without a plan is the best way to uncover hidden gems and create those magically spontaneous moments.

Best Things To Do in Gran Canaria

1. Book a Private Photography Experience with Epic Tours

Epic Tours Gran Canaria is a company that I (Sergiu) run out of Las Palmas. My main point of difference is that I’m a photographer and each tour finishes with 60 professional photos that you can download and take home. I have several tours that can be booked straight off the shelf (so to speak) or you can request to customize the journey. Adventurers will have a blast on the Roque Nublo hike while architecture-lovers might prefer touring the villages of Gran Canaria.

2. Marvel at the Spectacular Architecture in Arucas

Arucas is situated just 12 kilometers from Las Palmas in the north, so it’s the natural next step after visiting the capital. This historic town is blessed with plenty of magnificent pieces of architecture and none is more impressive than the Church of San Juan Bautista, otherwise known as Arucas Church, with its principal facade looking over Plaza San Juan. Construction began on this neo-Gothic temple back in 1909 and it took many decades to complete.

3. Explore the Magical Laurel Forest of Los Tilos de Moya

A laurel forest is characterized by exotic evergreen trees and leaves that can only be found in certain subtropical environments around the world. Plant species at these forests need a certain amount of humidity and precipitation to be present all year round. At Los Tilos de Moya, a protected natural area in the lush north of Gran Canaria, conditions are perfect for a laurel forest to thrive. The magical paths here lead you to an abundance of vegetation.

4. Go Swimming in the Natural Pools of Agaete

Staying in the north, the next recommendation on our list of the best things to do in Gran Canaria is the Agaete Piscina Natural located right by the fishing village of Puerto de las Nieves. These natural rock pools are idyllic for a swim on a sunny day. There is even an underwater bridge that you can dive through to reach different sections. Depending on the season and tide, some days have waves crashing over the pools while other days are completely calm.

5. Visit Teror on a Sunday for its Famous Chorizo

Teror is one of the oldest towns in the Canary Islands and with this rich history comes a lot of charm. It was founded after the Virgen del Pino appeared here in 1481 and not long after it was declared a pilgrimage town. Religiosity is an important part of Teror’s heritage and there are many beautiful churches to see. Try to visit Teror on a Sunday because on this day every week a market is held where you can try the local chorizo – claimed to be the best in the world.

6. Check out the Jardin Botanico Canario Viera y Clavijo

The Jardin Botanico Canario Viera y Clavijo is the largest of its kind in Spain and no trip to Gran Canaria is complete without visiting this garden for an afternoon. Travelers can walk through its 27 hectares and admire the variety of plants on offer – over 500 species of indigenous plants including palm trees, dragon trees and cacti. This botanical garden was founded by Swedish botanist Eric Sventenius and within these grounds lies his final resting place.

7. Base Yourself in Tejeda for Two or Three Nights

Tejeda is located in the mountainous central region of Gran Canaria and it’s regarded as the most beautiful village on the island. Not only can you enjoy wandering around its picturesque whitewashed buildings and taking in epic views, but you can also utilize Tejeda as a base for a few nights to explore the area. Many people stay in Tejeda for several days to do the Roque Nublo hike, the Roque Bentayga hike and to see the views from atop Pico de las Nieves.

8. Take on the Short but Sweet Roque Nublo Hike

The hike to Roque Nublo starts at an easy to get to car park and follows a 1.5 kilometer (one way) trail through pine forests and ancient lava formations, eventually leading to a barren upper plateau where Roque Nublo stands in all its glory. This massive rock formation is 67 meters tall and is surrounded by smaller crags like Roque de la Rana. If you would like a detailed guide then have a read of this blog we recently put together: Roque Nublo Hiking Guide.

9. Hike the Cruz Grande – Pico de las Nieves Trail

There are quite a few ways to reach the awe-inspiring south-facing viewpoint atop Pico de las Nieves, such as by car or bike, yet the best option is definitely on foot. For this adventure you should begin at Degollada de la Cruz Grande, give yourself the entire day (although six hours is sufficient for experienced hikers), and expect to walk 15 kilometers out-and-back and head up over 950 meters of elevation gain. It’s a pristine but tough hike that everyone will love.

10. Pay a Visit to Fataga and its Surroundings

Fataga is another village with white-colored houses and so of course visiting it had to be on our list of the best things to do in Gran Canaria. The village is absolutely worth exploring in its own right – the food is great, the architecture is cute and each house has the name of its owner labeled on the front. Still, some of the highlights here are found in the surrounding areas. Places like Degollada de las Yeguas and the Valley of a Thousand Palms are must-sees.

11. Hunt out the Coolest Looking Caves in Gran Canaria

Avid photographers will have fun exploring the variety of cave systems in Gran Canaria, many of which are totally off the beaten path. Four caves that I can recommend are Cueva de San Rafael, Cueva del Guincho, Cueva de la Reina Mora and Cueva de Cuatro Puertas. All of these spots provide unique photo opportunities. There are surely more caves to see on the island but these ones make for a great start. Go out hunting for caves and see what you can find.

12. Beach Hop Throughout the Entire Island

With over 80 different beaches to choose from, beachgoers are blessed with endless options on this Canary Island. As a matter of fact, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are considered by many to be the best beach destinations in the Canaries. Playa de Amadores, Playa de Mogan and Maspalomas Beach are some of the most popular stretches of sand here, but don’t overlook the wild and untamed beaches like Playa Montana Arena and Playa de las Mujeres.

13. Try the Delicious Local Food of Gran Canaria

You might not think of the Canaries as a culinary hotspot but the food of Gran Canaria in particular is fantastic. Papas Arrugadas is a staple that you will come across everywhere. It consists of potatoes smothered in a mouth-watering chili pepper garlic sauce. Being an island, there is plenty of seafood to wrap your lips around – fish, octopus and squid are common. Foodies should also book the Luxurious Picnic that we offer at Epic Tours. Great food, views and photos all wrapped up in one.

14. Stay in Puerto de Mogan, the Best Resort Town

Despite its ever-increasing popularity with tourists, there is no denying the allure of Puerto de Mogan. A scenic fishing village with a port, yacht harbor and lovely little beach is the offering. Comparisons have even been made with Venice as the colorful architecture and bridged waterways seduce every traveler that makes it this far south. You can rent a two-storey apartment at Puerto de Mogan and enjoy the views from your accommodation’s balcony.

15. See the Dunas de Maspalomas at Sunrise or Sunset

To round off our list of the best things to do in Gran Canaria, how could we forget the Dunas de Maspalomas in the south. These rolling sand dunes are protected as a nature reserve by the government and when visiting you will understand why. The best time to explore this 400 hectare area is at sunrise or sunset to witness majestic colors blanketing the sand. It’s a playground for social media influencers looking for their next outstanding piece of content. You can take out amazing memories if you book a photoshoot with me. Check out the gallery here.