Gran Canaria- How to spend one week at the gorgeous island

10.02.2023.

Choosing which Canarian island to travel unveiled the windows of Gran Canaria that delights with nature. Surely, it would be fabulous to visit them all, but Gran Canaria alone deserves one month of travel. Besides, it’s an island that brings on surface the most budget-friendly options. Specially when comparing to Tenerife. Though, first question was which island is the sunniest.

Gran Canaria is known by its fabulous beaches, natural pools, scenic mountains and its volcanic nature. This amazing island surprises with cactuses that grow like trees. I saw them here more than in Mexico. The fascinating symbol of Gran Canaria scatters along the Maspalomas Dunes. Gran Canaria is an island where Christopher Columbus spent his time between the travels.

Let’s dive deeper what to expect at Gran Canaria.

Las Palmas- the vibrant capital

Though hustle and bustle of the city are not very attractive, the old town Vegueta is a charming heart of Las Palmas. Its historical shine belongs to the 15th century and beautiful architecture.

Casa de Colon is an amazing place to explore the history of the city. This museum gives honour to Christopher Columbus who lived here. The role between Canary islands and America takes the deep insight. It also displays the rich collection of nautical instruments.

Cathedral of Santa Ana is a fantastic blend of gothical and renaissance styles. Strolling around Plaza de Santa Ana lets you admire its shine with the dog sculptures in front.

Several museums highlight the cultural offer, among which Canario museum and Museum of Sacred Art.

Botanical Gardens at the outskirts of Las Palmas bursts with lush vegetation and has free entrance.

Don’t miss Vegueta market with tropical fruits and affordable prices.

Playa de Las Canteras

Playa de Las Canteras is the most popular beach in Las Palmas, though quite away from the centre. Unfortunately, the weather was pretty cloudy and even rainy during my visit so I couldn’t come. It’s often refered as one of the best urban beaches in the whole Spain.

Being 3 km long, the best way to reach the beach is from the Las Canteras promenade. It’s a lovely area full of shops and restaurants.

The water at Las Canteras beach is pretty clear and sand colour often changes. It’s also mostly calm due to the reef („La Barra) that gives shelter to the beach.

Playa Grande is the most popular area for swimming and includes valley fields and children parks.

Agaete- the charming town & natural pools

Agaete lies at the North of Gran Canaria and consists of white town Agaete and Puerto Nieve, its local port. Puerto Nieve is more vibrant area where many restaurants and souvenir shops fill the vibe. A short walk will lead you to the highlight of Agaete, the stunning natural pools. The streets of Puerto Nieve shine in blue colours, which reminds me on Greece.

Botanical garden in the white town of Agaete is small but probably more alluring in spring. The entrance fee is 1,5€, but I wouldn’t recomment it.

Maipas archeological site is only 15 minutes above Agaete, with its large cemetery.

Rama Museum is a place to learn about the fascinating tradition of Agaete. It’s a festival that happens in August and gather large number of people from Canarias. Celebrating the Virgin of Las Nieves people dance on the street with the piece of branch.

Las Salinas- the natural pools

The natural pools Las Salinas are the fantastic place to take a dip, but it was so many waves during my visit. Only one day it was pretty sunny.

Lovely little restaurant accompanies Las Salinas, as well as the free toilets. The excellent location above Las Salinas offers the wonderful views to one of the nearby hotels.

Beaches of Agaete

The closest beach to Agaete (except the main one at the port and Las Salinas) is lovely La Caleta beach. This volcanic beach is sheltered by rocks. As rocks fill the area and water arrives till the stairs, I would say there’s no proper beach. That certainly depends on the waves and high tide.

Juncal beach requiers a further hike, about 40 minutes from Agaete. Unfortunately there are no signs on the view, so I came only to the viewpoint. The beach looks very calm and picturesque.

The most convenient way to reach Sardina beach is by car, as it takes place near Galdar town. The fantastic pools that surround the beach will give you a reason to delight. While in Galdar, also visit the Painted Cave Museum. It describes the artistic power of the ancient aborigenes.

Guayedra Beach is a small beach that gives shelter to Tamadaba National Park.

Hiking in Agaete

Tamadaba National Park is a gorgeous opportunity to go hiking near Agaete. The Canarian Pine Trees transmit the divine feelings to the nature seekers. There are many trails. The circular route from Agaete would take about 3-4h. The orange line will lead you from the lovely San Pedro town, but first take the purple path to the crossroad.

San Pedro opens the doors of Agaete Valley, where you can visit several coffee plantations. These are the only ones in Europe, so take a chance. La Laja is the most touristic offering the tours and snacks, without reservation. Los Castanos requiers a reservation.

Mountain towns of Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a mountainous island and I must admit that I was pretty seasick while taking a bus to Tejeda. Beyond the relaxing time, you can experience the majestic views. Pico de la Nieves is the second highest peak (1949m) of the volcanic origin. It’s about 3h by walking, both from San Mateo or Tejeda. Many people come by car considering its easy access.

Tejeda- the prettiest mountain town

Tejeda is a lovely gem of Gran Canaria, thanks to its tranquility and sunset views. It’s about 50 minutes drive from San Mateo on a very twisting and tough road. If coming from Las Palmas by bus, you have to reach San Mateo.

The white houses fill the central promenade, where you can relax in one of the several caffe bars or restaurants. During February and March many almond trees enchant the air with its blossoms.

I stayed in gorgeous Finca La Isa and totally recommend it. This picturesque hostel is about 30 minutes walking above Tejeda. There’s a strong community feeling here so the atmosphere is fantastic. I had an opportunity to meet some people that hiked even from Maspalomas. The breakfast and dinner menu are delightful and every day changes.

Roque Nublo is a fantastic hike to the popular site. It’s about 3h from Tejeda.

Teror

Cute and colourful, Teror is a shining star of Gran Canaria. If you don’t have a car, you can easily reach it in 40 minutes by bus from San Telmo station in Las Palmas. The wooden balconies charmingly stretch along the Plaza de Teror. Teror is pretty small but one of the cutest towns on the island.

Firgas

This small town represents the authentic vibe of Gran Canaria. It’s only 30 minutes by bus from Las Palmas and perfect to spend the lovely afternoon.

Typically Spanish decor of Paseo de Canarias make Firgas so charming. Firgas is famous for its mineral water.

Maspalomas dunes

Maspalomas dunes at the south of Gran Canaria delight with unusual adventure like in the dessert. Representing the top attraction of Gran Canaria, Maspalomas is not to be missed. But I missed it!

Final thoughts                                              

Gran Canaria is such a lovely island and Agaete perfect basis. Your one week itinerary can start in Agaete, then circle about lovely Tejeda in the mountains. Perfect to visit during winter time, it brings lots of similarities to Andalusia regarding weather.

Frame it up with the capital, Las Palmas with few days. If you have time, don’t miss Maspalomas (maybe as a day trip from the capital).

Just a little warning at the end: Water at Gran Canaria is not drinkable.

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