The Ultimate 9 Day Gran Canaria Itinerary and Guide
Las Palmas; the island’s vibrant and bustling capital city, Tejeda; a charming mountain town, Puerto de Mogan; a gorgeous former fishing village, Puerto de las Nieves; a picturesque coastal town, the Tamadaba National Park with dramatic peaks and volcanic landscapes and Maspalomas with its magnificent sand dune system; these are some of the places you’ll visit on Gran Canaria itinerary. Read our guide for everything you need to know and the best things to do in Gran Canaria.
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Gran Canaria; a beautiful island with rugged and volcanic landscapes, colourful historical towns, dramatic mountain peaks, charming fishing villages, wonderful food and idyllic beaches.
Gran Canaria is one of seven Canary Islands that are part of Spain located off the coast of Northwest Africa so it’s treated to warm sunny days all year round. It’s a popular place for Europeans to escape the cold and enjoy some winter sun without travelling too far.
Most people tend to flock to the resort towns on the south coast such as Maspalomas or Puerto Rico, however, we’d recommend spending some time driving around the island to really maximise your experience and visit off-the-beaten-track places.
Gran Canaria is ideal for a road trip as the roads are well-maintained, out of the cities they’re fairly quiet and with a diameter of approximately 50 kilometres, driving distances are never too far.
You’ll also be treated to magnificent views as you drive around the island. From high in the mountains looking into deep valleys below to coastal roads hugging colossal cliffs plunging into the ocean, you’ll find yourself continually wanting to take photos!
In this Gran Canaria itinerary, we’ll share our route, places we stopped at en route to our next destination, hotel recommendations, driving times and distances and the best Gran Canaria activities.
We’ll then tell you everything you need to know including what to expect when driving, alternative ways of getting around, the best time to visit Gran Canaria and more.
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Contents
Gran Canaria Itinerary
Day 1: Las Palmas
This Gran Canaria itinerary starts in Las Palmas; the island’s vibrant capital city offering a wonderful mix of beaches, history, charm, shopping, culture and cuisine.
On your first day in Gran Canaria, you’ll arrive into Las Palmas Airport; located around 25 kilometres south of the city. Pick up your rental car then head straight to Playa de las Canteras for the afternoon.
Playa de las Canteras is one of Europe’s best urban beaches and the largest beach in Gran Canaria. The golden sand stretches for 3 kilometres and along its charming promenade are bars, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and souvenir shops.
If you arrive hungry, head to Mercado del Puerto where you’ll find trendy tapas stalls amongst traditional businesses and fresh fruit, veg and typical products stalls.
Spend some time walking along Playa de las Canteras admiring the impressive mountain backdrop. If you fancy a swim, there’s a natural offshore lava reef which acts as a wavebreak so the water’s lovely and calm. The reef also protects various marine life making it one of Gran Canaria’s best snorkelling spots.
Accommodation for your two nights in Las Palmas:
- Budget: Santa Ana Suite & Rooms: – located 100 metres from Santa Ana Cathedral in Vegueta and boasts wonderful city views.
- Mid-range: Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses – a gorgeous and historical boutique hotel offering a luxurious stay in the heart of the Old Town.
- Luxury: Royal Hideaway Santa Catalina – this 5-star wellness hotel is the oldest hotel in the Canary Islands and dates back to 1890. It features multiple outdoor pools, one at the charming rooftop bar, 3 restaurants and a wellness centre.
Day 2: Las Palmas
Day two of your Gran Canaria itinerary will be spent in the oldest and most beautiful areas of Las Palmas; Vegueta and Triana. These neighbourhoods are next to each other with a short walk between them.
They’re both characterised by quaint cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings, gorgeous unique architecture and bustling plazas.
Start in Triana, which is also the shopping district of Las Palmas. Stroll along the pedestrianised Calle Mayor de Triana and admire the stunning Art Nouveau buildings with elegant balconies before veering down the side streets where you’ll find some of the city’s best foodie spots.
Triana is one of Las Palmas’ most bustling areas as it’s popular for socialising. Pretty plazas house some of the city’s top cafes, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere.
Next, continue to Vegueta; one of our favourite places to visit in Gran Canaria. We could spend hours ambling the charming streets home to historical buildings and museums in the traditional Canary Islands architectural style.
Some of the best places to see in Vegueta are:
- Santa Ana Cathedral – an impressive cathedral whose construction began in the 15th century but wasn’t completed until the 20th resulting in a beautiful combination of Neoclassical, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Head to the top for amazing views over the city.
- Plaza de Santa Ana – dominated by the Santa Ana Cathedral and home to numerous gorgeous centuries-old buildings full of history, this plaza is not to be missed.
- Casa de Colón – a colonial-style mansion dedicated to the history of the Canary Islands.
- Museo Canario – an archaeological museum dedicated to the pre-colonial history of the Canary Islands.
- Plaza de Santa Domingo – a quiet plaza out of the hustle and bustle of Vegueta’s other squares. A lovely spot to sit on a bench under a shaded tree and enjoy the tranquillity.
When you’re feeling peckish, head to Calle Mendizábal, one of the prettiest streets in Vegueta, where you’ll find numerous bars and restaurants serving delicious tapas dishes.
Our top tip: check out Terraza Belvédère on the roof of the Boutique Hotel Cordial Plaza for a glass of local wine while enjoying stunning views over Santa Ana Cathedral, the Plaza de Santa Ana and Las Palmas.
Day 3: Drive to Puerto de las Nieves
On day three of your Gran Canaria itinerary, you’re going to make your way to Puerto de las Nieves; a charming white-washed fishing village on the northwest coast.
It’s only half an hour’s drive to Puerto de las Nieves from Las Palmas, however, there are a few places well worth a stop en route so take the day for the drive.
Your first stop is Arucas; 12 kilometres from Las Palmas. Arucas is a beautiful historical town full of history and surrounded by incredible natural scenery.
It’s centred around its church and plaza and in the surrounding colourful streets are emblematic and historical buildings and quaint cafes and restaurants. Spend some time strolling around the town soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
Other highlights of Arucas are the Jardin de la Marquesa; a small botanical garden, the Arehucas Rum Distillery, La Montana de Arucas; a former volcano with an amazing view over the town and northern Gran Canaria and Piedras la Cantera; a historic quarry.
Your next stop is Firgas, a 20-minute drive from Arucas. Firgas is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gran Canaria.
There are two must-visit streets in Firgas; Paseo de Gran Canaria with a 30-metre waterfall flowing down it and Paseo de Canarias, where each of the Canary Islands has been sculpted and sits alongside its coat of arms and an image of scenery typical to that island.
Other highlights in Firgas are the San Roque Church, Plaza and Mirador, the Old Royal Canal; restored water channels used in the past by women to launder clothes and the monument to the rancher; a tribute to farmers and ranchers who helped the region to prosper.
Your final stop before Puerto de las Nieves is Sardina del Norte; a charming fishing port a 35-minute drive from Firgas that once played an important role in the 15th and 16th centuries and then became a significant site for the sugar trade until the Port of Las Palmas became the main port.
Spend a little time relaxing on the black-sand beach and admire the contrasting backdrop of brightly coloured buildings. The sea here is crystal clear and one of the best scuba diving spots in Gran Canaria.
Puerto de las Nieves is an 18-minute drive from Sardina del Norte where the next 3 nights on your Gran Canaria itinerary will be spent.
The scenery surrounding Puerto de las Nieves is out of this world. The dramatic mountains as a backdrop to the quaint white-washed buildings make you feel like you’re on another planet!
Spend some time strolling around the town, head to the beach and enjoy the view of the colossal cliffs to the south plunging into the ocean before enjoying dinner at one of the seafront restaurants.
Accommodation in Puerto de las Nieves:
- Budget: Apartamento Juli4 – this basic but clean and spacious apartment is located 500 metres from Playa de las Nieves and comes fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a wonderful and relaxing stay.
- Mid-range: Occidental Roca Negra – built into the volcanic rock, this stunning adults-only property is located 200 metres from Las Salinas de Agaete and boasts magnificent views over the rugged coastline from the rooftop bar. Perfect for a luxury seaside stay and one of the best views of sunset in the area.
- Luxury: Paramount views Agaete Apartment – this modern and spacious apartment is ideal for a relaxing stay but still want to cook for yourself at times. Located in the heart of Puerto de las Nieves and has an outdoor pool and lovely terrace where you can soak up the views surrounding the town.
Day 4: Winery & Tamadaba National Park
Your first full day in Puerto de las Nieves and one of our favourite days on our Gran Canaria itinerary!
Wine tasting may not immediately spring to mind when thinking about Gran Canaria activities, however, the rich volcanic soil and invariable weather give wine produced in the Canary Islands a real depth and unique flavour so this is your first activity today.
The best winery near Puerto de las Nieves is Bodega los Berrazales which is also a coffee plantation. It’s over 200 years old and is nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Tamadaba National Park underneath dramatic cliffs and Canarian pine forest.
The winery is open from 10am – 5pm. Guided tours cost €12 and include a wine and coffee tasting alongside local cheese, bread, chorizo, cake, jam and coffee. You’ll learn about the entire process of coffee and wine from the plant to the cup and glass as well as enjoy magnificent views from terraces over the surrounding countryside and towns.
To reach Bodega los Berrazales, catch the 102 bus to El Lomo and walk for about 15 minutes. There are only a couple of buses in each direction a day so your next activity is a hike which will take you back to Puerto de las Nieves through the Tamadaba National Park; one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gran Canaria.
The Tamadaba National Park is characterised by forests of indigenous Canary pine trees, lush valleys, secluded beaches and steep sloping cliffs plunging into the ocean.
This hike is a circular route starting and ending in San Pedro, however, you’ll only hike the section from San Pedro to Puerto de las Nieves.
The trailhead is by the entrance to the winery and from here you ascend through the valley in scenery resembling something from Jurassic Park with the dramatic jagged peaks towering in front of you before traversing volcanic rock up to the highest point of the trail with amazing views over the towns in the valley below and out to the ocean.
As you descend towards Puerto de las Nieves, you’ll be treated to spectacular cliffs plunging into the ocean in front of you and a wonderful view of Puerto de las Nieves’ gorgeous white-washed buildings perched next to the ocean underneath volcanic rock.
Day 5: Puerto de las Nieves
Today is your most chilled day yet on your Gran Canaria itinerary.
You’ll start the day exploring the quaint town of Agaete, a 15-minute walk from Puerto de las Nieves. Agaete is a charming town with white-washed historic buildings sitting amongst the dramatic mountains of the Tamadaba National Park.
There’s not a huge amount to do in the town but it’s lovely for a stroll through the picturesque streets. Walk along Calle Concepción; Agaete’s main street where local life is prominent and bustling.
Enjoy a coffee and pastry at one of the cafes with outdoor seating, peak into the Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción; Agaete’s main church, wander around the Centro Cultural de la Villa de Agaete; a typical Canarian house with beautiful architecture home to art exhibitions and amble through the shaded paths of the Botanical Gardens.
Next is one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria; swim in Las Salinas de Agaete; three natural volcanic swimming pools sheltered from the open ocean and linked by underwater tunnels.
These pools are idyllic to swim in and offer magnificent views of Gran Canaria’s rugged northwest coast. There’s also plenty of space for sunbathing and a small beach.
Watch the big waves from the ocean crash into the rocks and overflow into the pools; this is one of the most unique places on your Gran Canaria itinerary.
There are two beaches in Puerto de las Nieves on either side of the pier so after visiting Las Salinas de Agaete; spend some time in one or both of these.
The beaches have black sand and pebbles and are great for swimming as the water is calm. The view to the south across the cliffs is spectacular from the beaches!
This afternoon is another great opportunity to amble the town’s pretty streets and admire the surrounding scenery.
Walk along the charming promenade that runs between Las Salinas de Agaete and the pier in Puerto de las Nieves. Here, there’s a bridge that provides a great viewpoint over Puerto de las Nieves with the dramatic volcanic mountains behind. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset!
Day 6: Hike to Pico de las Nieves
Today, you have the second hike of your Gran Canaria itinerary which will take you to Pico de las Nieves; the highest point on Gran Canaria.
The hike starts and ends in Llanos de la Pez, approximately an hour’s drive from Puerto de las Nieves. We’d recommend leaving by 9am so you can stop off at some of the viewpoints you’ll drive past as you get higher in the mountains and enjoy the views over the island.
This is the hike you’ll be doing. It’s 13.6 kilometres and rated as intermediate. It’s easy to follow and leads you through lush forests, barren land, fascinating rock formations and amazing viewpoints across Gran Canaria.
The summit of Pico de las Nieves stands at 1,949 metres above sea level and rewards visitors with magnificent views across the island into its deep valleys and across the rugged landscapes. On a clear day, you’ll even see Mount Teide; a volcano on Tenerife and Spain’s highest point!
After the hike, make your way to Tejeda; a 25-minute drive from Llanos de la Pez. You’ll spend your next night here.
Tejeda is Gran Canaria’s mountainous central municipality and also a charming and picturesque town. You’ll arrive late afternoon so save the exploring for tomorrow but we’d recommend a sweet treat from Dulceria Nublo.
Dulceria Nublo is a pastry shop with origins dating back to the 1940s and fuses traditional baking methods with new recipes and modern demands. Enjoy your sweet treat on one of the benches in town overlooking the valley below.
Accommodation in Tejeda:
- Budget: Princess Antonella – this cosy apartment is located down a quaint quiet street within walking distance of Tejeda town. It features a kitchen, BBQ and terrace with wonderful views across the mountains for sunset and sunrise.
- Mid-range: Casita Roque Nublo – this charming holiday home is located within walking distance of Tejeda town and features a fully equipped kitchen and lovely garden with amazing views across the town and surrounding mountains.
- Luxury: Parador de Cruz de Tejeda – situated at one of the highest points of Gran Canaria, this stunning luxurious hotel offers panoramic views across the surrounding mountains and forests and an extensive spa. Located a 10-minute drive from Tejeda town.
Day 7: Explore Tejeda and Drive to Puerto de Mogan
This morning, spend time exploring Tejeda before making your way to the final stop on your Gran Canaria itinerary.
Amble Tejeda’s quaint cobbled streets, visit the beautiful Parochial Church of Nuestra Señora de Socorro dating back to 1921, don’t miss the views of the island from Cruz de Tejeda and enjoy the view from the town over the white-washed houses with red tile roofs and deep into the valley below.
Tejeda is one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria to try traditional Canarian dishes. Goat’s meat and beef are very common and delicious as are potato soups, watercress and jaramagos (cruciferous plant). However, the food that stands out the most is almonds.
Almond trees grow around Tejeda and in the past, it was common for families to have almond trees in their gardens and make their own almond cakes. Until the 1960s, many young girls also had jobs collecting almonds so a lot of them still make marzipan at home.
The best place to visit in Tejeda (and also Gran Canaria) to try sweet treats made with almonds is Dulceria Nublo who use more almonds than sugar in their products and even the ovens are heated up with almond shells!
It’s about 47 kilometres from Tejeda to Puerto de Mogan and should take around an hour and 20 with the windy mountain roads. Again, take your time and stop at viewpoints as you descend to appreciate the view into the valley and out to the ocean as you get to the other side of the mountains.
Your final few days will be the most relaxed on your Gran Canaria itinerary.
Puerto de Mogan is a gorgeous former fishing village now turned tourist resort. It’s one of the best places to visit in Gran Canaria for a relaxing beach destination away from the noisier and crowded resort towns of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles.
Spend this afternoon relaxing at your hotel, ambling the picturesque streets or eating, drinking and watching the world go by in one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating.
These last few days you can mix up which day you do which activity.
Accommodation in Puerto de Mogan:
- Budget: Las Brisas Mogan Apartamentos – located just a 2-minute walk from Playa de Mogán and close to the marina, these fully-equipped apartments enjoy a shared rooftop terrace offering stunning sea views.
- Mid-range: Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa – this stunning property is built in the style of a Canarian Village and is set in gorgeous tropical gardens. It features 2 outdoor swimming pools, a spa and a Michelin-Star restaurant.
- Luxury: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa – built into the rocks, this spa and wellness hotel offers a wealth of activities both on-site and offsite to make the most of your visit. There’s a range of bars and restaurants as well as 2 swimming pools.
Day 8: Maspalomas & Puerto de Mogan
This morning, explore the Maspalomas Sand Dunes; one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria. We’d recommend visiting at sunrise as they get very busy during the day. It’s also an incredibly peaceful and beautiful time to visit.
It’s a 20-minute drive to the sand dunes and you can park along the road next to the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas where there’s a path that leads you through the hotel to the sand dunes.
The Dunas de Maspalomas are one of the most unique places to visit in Gran Canaria. It was established as a protected Nature Reserve in 1987 and consists of a vast beach, dune system, lagoon and palm groves.
The dunes began to form during the last ice age when sand was washed up from the bottom of the ocean when the water retreated and sand was left exposed. Over time, the wind carried the sand towards the shore. Even today, the dunes are constantly moving at a rate of 2 – 5 metres per year from east to west.
Unfortunately, due to increases in urban development and human impact, the dunes are constantly losing sand. It’s estimated around 45,000 cubic metres of sand are lost each year leading to increasing erosion and a negative impact on the animals and plants living here. There’s a concern the dune system may disappear in less than a generation if this continues.
There’s a plan in place to work on the natural recovery of the Dunas de Maspalomas in several phases. Recently, walking routes have been mapped out and visitors must stick to these routes to protect the fauna. These were introduced in 2020 when the system noticeably improved after lockdown.
Maspalomas is home to some of the best Gran Canaria activities, many of which take place at the Dunas de Maspalomas so head to the link below to discover more.
After exploring the dunes, head back to Puerto de Mogan. On Fridays, the Puerto de Mogan Market is on from 9am – 3:30pm which, if you’re here on a Friday we’d recommend visiting.
The Puerto de Mogan Market is Gran Canaria’s biggest outdoor market with hundreds of stalls selling everything from clothing, fresh fruit and veg, shoes, souvenirs, jewellery, and candles, the list is endless. Stalls are sprawled all through the town and along the harbour wall and people come from all over the island to visit the market.
After browsing the market, head to the beach for a relaxing afternoon.
Playa de Mogan is a small, sheltered beach, perfect for swimming as the water is calm. It’s located in the centre of town with a lively promenade home to numerous bars and restaurants.
Day 9: Puerto de Mogan
The final day of your Gran Canaria itinerary will start with exploring the Old Town of Puerto de Mogan; one of our favourite things to do in Gran Canaria.
Quaint Mediterranean cottages with beautiful balconies line the marina while gorgeous colourful bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers climb the white-washed houses and archways in the narrow streets. This is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gran Canaria.
You could spend hours ambling these streets and taking hundreds of photos. You’ll also find charming restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, perfect for sitting and soaking up the wonderful atmosphere.
This afternoon, you can decide how to spend your time. Either head back to the beach to soak up some sun before it’s time to leave, walk up to the Mirador de Puerto de Mogan for amazing views over the town and cliffs to the west or, spend time enjoying your hotel.
For the final evening of your Gran Canaria itinerary, head to Calle Explanada del Castillete where there’s an excellent viewpoint for sunset. You can sit on the harbour wall or the rocky beach underneath the cliffs and watch the sun go down over the ocean.
That’s your Gran Canaria itinerary come to an end, we’ll now share everything you need to know to visit Gran Canaria.
Everything You Need to Know to Visit Gran Canaria
Driving in Gran Canaria
Driving in Gran Canaria is straightforward. Most of the roads are in great condition and out of the cities, they’re fairly quiet. In the mountainous interior, the roads are very windy, often you can’t see around corners, some of the roads could do with resurfacing and in places are too narrow for two cars to pass. Take your time, beep your horn when needed and pull in to let cars pass if necessary.
Alternatives to driving in Gran Canaria
If driving isn’t an option, this Gran Canaria itinerary can still be done, it’ll just take more planning and you’ll have to stick to bus schedules.
The bus company Global operates around the island. You may have to make changes between places and there aren’t many buses a day so you’ll spend a lot of time travelling. Day 3 of this Gran Canaria itinerary will be a struggle. You may have to go straight from Las Palmas to Puerto de las Nieves without making the stops. You can, however, visit Arugas and Firgas on day trips.
Taxis in Gran Canaria are handy if going short distances and not too expensive. If crossing municipalities, however, the fare is considerably increased.
Once you’re staying somewhere, you can visit most of the best things to do in Gran Canaria on excursions with return transport and everything is organised for you.
Get Your Guide offers a wide range of tours with local and knowledgeable guides. Browse some of their tours below and head to their website for more.
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The best time for this Gran Canaria itinerary
This Gran Canaria itinerary can be done year-round. During the winter, temperatures are around 23 degrees making it ideal for some winter sun without having to fly too far.
During the summer, temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 28 degrees, again making it a fantastic summer holiday.
Prices in Gran Canaria
Prices in Gran Canaria are very reasonable and considerably lower than in the UK, especially out of the main tourist hotspots.
Away from the south coast and out of hotels, expect to pay around €3 for a large beer, €5 for spirit and mixer and main meals from €8. Obviously, if you’re somewhere more high-end, these prices will be higher but still lower than in upmarket places in the UK.
Even along the south coast and at hotel bars and restaurants, the average price of food and drinks is lower than the same standard in the UK and still reasonable. Large beers cost around €5 and main meals around €12.
Entry Requirements to visit Gran Canaria as a tourist
As a UK passport holder, you can visit Gran Canaria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa. Your passport must be valid for 3 months from the date you leave.
Currency
Gran Canaria is in Spain so uses the Euro. At the time of writing, 1 USD is 0.91 EUR.
Plug type
Like most countries in Europe, you’ll need either type C, E or F which have two round pins.
We hope you found this post helpful in planning your Gran Canaria itinerary; make sure you check out our Gran Canaria posts below.
