The Most Important Sights at a Glance
Here you will find which sights you must see and how to get there easily. Simply click on the sights on the map and you will automatically be directed to the respective information. Enjoy browsing.
Discover Gran Canaria:
Simply click on the respective point of interest and you will automatically be directed to the relevant information. Have fun exploring.
Index
An Overview of the Most Important Sights
MASPALOMAS DUNES – MINIATURDESERT
The impressive sand landscape at the beach of “Playa del Ingles“, reaches until the emblematic lighthouse “Faro de Maspalomas”. It stretches over a length of 6 kilometers, is between 1 and 2 km wide and formally invites to extensive beach walks. A detour into dunes is worthwhile, as these rise up to 20 imposing meters high in places and offer great views. An evening visit of the dunes is also absolutely recommendable, as these are a stunning scenery for the breathtaking Canarian sunsets. Do not forget your camera!
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LAS PALMAS – CAPITAL
The largest city of the Canaries. The picturesque old town “Vegueta”, is a lovely scenery for a relaxed stroll along the wonderful building architecture, it also boosts numerous shopping possibilities, same as some nice cafeterias and restaurants. “Vegueta” also hosts amongst others the museums “Museo Canario“, which displays plenty of valuable information about the Canarian aborigines, the “Guanches” and the “Casa Colón”, where you will also have the opportunity, to learn a lot about the history of this beautiful island.
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ROQUE NUBLO – LANDMARK OF GRAN CANARIA
Roque Nublo “Cloud Rock” is located at an altitude of 1.750m and got his name as it is shrouded by clouds on overcast days, which is perceived as a mystical fog on the top in the area around the rock. The almost 70m high rock is located, in the center of the island, in a nature reserve surrounded by imposing mountain landscapes with breathtaking gorges it is a popular excursion destination for hikers and nature lovers.
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PICO DE LAS NIEVES – HIGHEST PEAK OF THE ISLAND
The “Snow Summit” is located at 1949 meters above sea level. This rock also took its name from the prevailing meteorological conditions. And indeed it can snow up there in the winter months. Although this only happens in very rare occasions and the snow doesn’t last long, snowball battles take place at the top of the mountains, while at the same time, just a few meters below at the coast it is sunny and warm and the beaches are densely populated by sun seekers.
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ARUCAS – RUMFACTORY
The landmark of the city, the imposing church of San Juan Bautista, made of black basalt stone, already stands out from the distance. The old town of Arucas is well worth a visit; it is under monument protection and treasures some precious architectural jewels. The local rum factory, with a tradition of more than 100 years, is producer of the much liked Canarian Rum Arehucas and also makes the typical Canarian Honey Rum. It invites visitors in the morning, until approximately 13.30h to an interesting guided tour followed by a tasting of the popular sugar cane schnapps in its bodega.
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FIRGAS – MINERALWATER
The smallest community in Gran Canaria is all about water, as the filling station of the most famous mineral water of the Canaries is located here. The most popular sight certainly is the 30m long fountain, with its beautiful mosaics, that symbolizes the water abundance in the municipality. Recently, an old mill for grounding the traditional maize flour “Gofio”, one of the oldest and most important basic foods of the old canarian, has been restored and can be visited.
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ANFI DEL MAR – CARIBBEAN BEACH
Get the ultimate holiday feeling. Lay on the palm-lined white sand beach with Caribbean flair, dive into the turquoise-blue sparkling water and enjoy the view of the brightly colored plant splendor and the marina. This wonderful ambience ensures pure relaxation. The elegant shopping arcade boosts some fashionable brand boutiques, a great selection of stylishly furnished restaurants and the cool chillout lounge bar on the heart-shaped island amidst lush green as well as the wide range of water sports and diving activities make a day at this beach an absolutely fantastic holiday experience.
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TEROR – PLACE OF PILGRIMAGE
Home of the patron of the Island, the “Virgen del Pino” is the basilica of this small, authentic mountain village. In this picturesque place, traditions are still being maintained; this is why nowadays you will still find island-typical crafts here such as braiding, carving, crocheting and ceramics. And in the restaurants you have the opportunity to taste the most popular dishes of the Canarian cuisine. Especially a visit on a Sunday morning is worthwhile, because it is market day and besides the handicraft and many other you may also find some award-winning Canarian cheese.
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GUAYADEQUE – CAVE VILLAGE
To this day, some Canarian still live in caves, just like their ancestors the aborigines in former times. Keep your eyes open, because along the steep mountains of this island you will be able to discover some of those cave villages. In the deep ravine of Guayadeque, a natural monument, you will find such inhabited caves and with some luck you may be invited by one of the hospitable residents to his house. However, you will find interesting information about the development of the canyon and the Canarian cave culture in the Guayadeque Museum, of course a cave museum. The comfort of cavern-living can be tested first hand during a meal in one of the real cave restaurants in the area!
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TAMADABA – NATURE RESERVE
Gran Canaria’s largest forest area, densely covered by an endemic pine tree and habitat for numerous protected and rare animal and plant species, has been declared biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is a fantastic natural park with well-marked hiking trails and a campsite with leisure area amidst lush greenery where you can picnic or even barbecue during the winter. From the dizzying heights of 1.444m, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of gorges and cliffs, the Roque Nublo, the mystical Roque Bentayga and with good visibility also Tenerife and Teide, the highest mountain in Spain.
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AGAETE – PUERTO DE LAS NIEVES
Agaete is a history-charged place. It was already populated before the conquest by the Spanish and its natural harbor “Puerto de las Nieves” has always been important for shipments to Las Palmas and Tenerife. Today you can take the fast ferry service from here and travel to Tenerife within 60min. or enjoy fresh fish in one of the small restaurants. The typical grilled fish plate (Parillada de pescado) with perch, parrotfish, sea bass and octopus depending on the season is absolutely recommendable. If the weather is good, you can even enjoy the view of Tenerife and Teide, the highest mountain in Spain.
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PUERTO DE MOGÁN – LITTLE VENICE
The most beautiful town on the island many people say. Bougainvillea covered arches rise above narrow alleys, which pass colorfully adorned houses and small bridges lead across the canals that cross the small fishermen village. The picturesque ambience can be enjoyed in the cozy cafes and restaurants at the marina; time seems to stand still here. A visit on Friday is best for shopping fans, as it is market day. And it is recommendable packing your bathing cloth, to spend some time at the beautiful beach.
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CALDERA DE BANDAMA – VOLCANIC CRATER
The largest, still visible volcanic crater of Gran Canaria, the last volcanic eruption on the island could have taken place here. On the northern edge of this crater, there are still remains of a settlement of canarian aborigines, with caves and storage silos. The diameter of the crater is 1100m and it is about 200m deep. If the two-hour descent into the crater is too strenuous, it can also be walked around. The crater is located in Santa Brigida, a wine-growing region and right on the edge of the oldest golf club in Spain, the “Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas”.
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JARDÍN CANARIO – BOTANIC GARDEN
It is rated as one of the most beautiful and best-equipped gardens in the northern hemisphere. Gran Canaria is referred to as a miniature continent, due to its unique climatic diversity and that is why it is home to countless different plant species. On the 27 hectares of this garden you will find amongst many other, numerous endemic species such as the Canary date palm trees and the emblematic dragon tree, solely the cacti collection consists of 2.000 different species.
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FATAGA – PICTURESQUE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
In the “valley of the thousand palm trees” you will find this idyllic mountain village. It lies on a mountain peak is surrounded by mighty mountain flanks and is tenderly framed by the lush greenery of the surrounding plantations and bright-colored bougainvilleas. The lovingly restored white cottages with their red roof tiles and the narrow cobblestone streets grant the very special flair of this place. At a first glance at the picturesque Fataga it becomes clear, why everyone will inevitably be mesmerised.
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ARTENARA – STUNNING VIEWS
As the highest municipality of the island, Artenara is a special feature in itself. The place is also interesting, because of the cave museum where you have the opportunity to visit a real cave house. Also its small cave chapel “La Cuevita” is extraordinary. Its history goes back to the 18th century and it is home to the patron saint of folklore groups and cyclists. The altar, pulpit, confessional and choir are carved in rock. Due to its high position, the municipality offers various viewpoints with spectacular views.
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