Some of the top activities to enjoy in Gran Canaria.

Gran Canaria is a well-liked vacation spot due to its great climate, convenient accessibility from mainland Europe, and a wide selection of year-round offers and vacation packages.

The Canary Island of Spain, ranking as the third largest, boasts an array of luxurious resorts, picturesque coastal villages, and quaint towns inland. Its capital, Las Palmas, is a stunning Spanish city with grand architecture, rich culture, and a well-frequented city beach.

Over a span of approximately 10 million years, Gran Canaria has been molded by volcanic eruptions. This island is a paradise for those who appreciate the outdoors, as it boasts volcanic craters and mountains that are perfect for hiking and trekking.

There are numerous beautiful beaches and sand dunes in Maspalomas that should not be missed. Additionally, visitors can participate in water sports or visit well-maintained archaeological sites, making it possible to have a fulfilling vacation beyond just relaxing on the beach.

These are our top recommendations for activities in Gran Canaria.

Las Palmas is by far the largest settlement on Gran Canaria, and as such it contains a little bit of everything that makes the island so great. Many will start with a visit to the urban beach of Las Canteras, a stretch of golden sands that extends for almost two miles, or a stroll around the old town, known as Vegueta, to see a range of medieval and Renaissance architecture and the Casa de Colon, a museum with exhibits on the voyages of Christopher Columbus.

The city boasts a contemporary art gallery and science museum, as well as a museum focusing on the island’s history before it was conquered. There are also several prominent religious structures, including the Santa Ana cathedral. The primary park in the city is the lush and shaded San Telmo, while the most renowned shopping street is Mayor de Triana. For a more active adventure, consider biking through areas such as Triana and the charming San Cristobal, a traditional fishing district near the coast.

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The vast sand hills of Maspalomas are undoubtedly one of the most impressive views in Gran Canaria. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean towards the well-known resort town of the same name, these sandy areas cover 900 acres and resemble a scene from the Sahara desert.

The sand hills are accessible from Maspalomas, but please be mindful not to leave litter behind. Visit during sunset for optimal photo opportunities and take the time to discover the different parts of the beach. Consider booking a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the dunes and to find the most scenic routes.

Gran Canaria offers a variety of beaches that span almost 40 miles. While Maspalomas and Las Canteras are popular for their stunning scenery and convenient location, there are numerous other options ranging from peaceful and family-friendly to untouched natural wonders.

In the western area of Maspalomas, you will find the stylish and peaceful location of Meloneras, which provides a relaxed atmosphere near some of the more luxurious resorts on the island. If you continue west, you will come across Anfi del Mar, where you can enjoy stunning white sand beaches bordered by palm trees, reminiscent of the Caribbean. On the other hand, if you head northeast, you will reach Amadores, known for its striking cliffs and hidden coves, offering a quieter alternative to the lively water sports and parties found in Puerto Rico. Playa de Morgan is a short 15-minute drive away and is a popular choice for families and those seeking a picturesque base on the island.

The Roque Nublo, located over 1,800m above the sea, is the third-highest peak on the island of Gran Canaria. It is a well-known destination for hikers and serves as the final stop of many hiking trails. Standing at a height of 80 meters, it used to be a significant religious site for the indigenous people of the island. Today, it is situated in a protected natural area and is listed as a Unesco biosphere reserve.

There are multiple paths to trek up to the large rock formation, including guided tours that last approximately two hours. Independent routes that are well-liked can be completed in as little as 75 minutes, spanning a distance of nearly two miles.

Las Palmas may steal the headlines along with larger resorts like Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Puerto Rico, but Gran Canaria is home to a slew of beautiful smaller towns, both on the coast and inland. The aforementioned Mogan is a coastal example, filled with small canals and popular with families looking for a little more peace and quiet; Sardina del Norte is another delightful coastal town surrounded by clear waters. Agaete is a charming coastal town of colourful houses, a charming historic quarter and crystalline natural pools.

Towns including Teror and Tejeda are good places to see traditional Canarian architecture, old churches and countryside views. Other towns have different selling points, from the Gothic Revival cathedral and rum distillery of Arucas to the archaeological sites of Galdar.

The Bandama Caldera is a remarkable illustration of the volcanic actions that have shaped the landscape of Gran Canaria. Situated in the northeast of the island near Las Palmas, this crater has a diameter of approximately one kilometer, a depth of 216 meters, and a height of over 570 meters.

Several hiking trails can be accessed by taking a bus from Las Palmas. The routes vary in length, ranging from 90 minutes to four hours, and can cover up to 6km. One popular destination is the Pico de Bandama, a prominent peak within the caldera, which offers stunning views of the northeast region of Gran Canaria.

The temperate climate of Gran Canaria makes it an ideal location for a variety of sports, both on land and in the water. Golf is a popular activity all year round, with eight courses available on the island. The most well-known of these is the Real Club de Golf Las Palmas, located near the Caldera de Bandama. For a unique experience, you can also play golf next to the dunes at Maspalomas.

The winds surrounding Gran Canaria make it a top destination for surfing and other water activities such as wind surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. Popular beaches like Puerto Rico, Anfi, Maspalomas, and Taurito have specialized water sports companies, and there are also well-known surf schools at Las Canteras and Playa del Ingles.

The island is home to two significant caves with historical significance: Valeron Caves and Cueva Pintada, which translates to “painted cave”. The former is a collection of caves located in the Montana del Gallego and used as storage for grain by the island’s indigenous Guanche people. The latter is a pre-Hispanic cave decorated with geometric designs. Visitors can take tours to view the illustrations from inside a glass room and also have the option to explore reconstructed ancient dwellings.

Some other places to visit for cave exploration are the ‘Four Doors’ of Mount Bermeja and the Cuevas del Rey located near the small village of El Roque. For a beautiful swimming experience, check out the caves at Taurito beach or the Cave of a Thousand Colours in Telde.

Check out our top picks for the best hotels in Spain based on customer reviews.

Source: independent.co.uk