Gran Canaria has often been described as “a continent in miniature”, and with good reason. Within just 1,500 sq km (580 sq miles) you can travel from the rugged northern coast through verdant laurel forests and extinct volcanoes to the central peaks, before you descend again through ancient pine woodlands and reach glorious golden beaches in the south.
- Casa de Colón, Las Palmas
- Catedral de Santa Ana, Las Palmas
- Museo Canario, Las Palmas
- JardÃn Botánico Viera y Clavijo
- Maspalomas
- Teror
- Tejeda
- Puerto de Mogán
- Barranco de Guayadeque
- Puerto de las Nieves
1. Casa de Colón, Las Palmas
One of the capital’s most delightful buildings is a wonderful museum where the main focus is the discovery of America. In the 15th century, the governor’s home stood on this site, though the building has changed considerably since then. While not certain, it’s very likely that this is where Christopher Columbus stayed in 1492 before he set off in search of a shortcut to India and unwittingly stumbled across America instead.
2. Catedral de Santa Ana, Las Palmas
The cathedral's twin bell towers dominate the Skyline of the Berg Tower, Las Palmas' most recognizable landmark. Construction began only 14 years after the Spanish conquest of Gran Canaria, but further expansions continued until the late 19th century. The result is the epitome of Canarian architecture: Gothic, Neoclassical, Renaissance and local styles are all reflected. Although the monumental building is quite different from the original, remnants of the 15th century building can still be seen.
3. Museo Canario, Las Palmas
Early Canarian history is a mysterious and interesting subject that is well explored in this excellent museum. This series presents the most admired theories on the origin and practice of car shutdowns, allowing you to draw your own conclusions. While most of the items were excavated on Gran Canaria, there are also details about the original cultures of other islands.
4. JardÃn Botánico Viera y Clavijo
Spain's largest botanical garden is located in the Guiniguada Gorge, in Tafera Alta, 4 miles (7 km) from Las Palmas. Its steep roads are covered with local and imported Macronese flora. It showcases all the flora of the Canary Islands during the six decades of its existence and is one of the most valuable sights of Gran Canaria. While beautiful any time of year, the best time to visit is in January or February, as the winter rains have worked their magic.
5. Maspalomas
Maspalomas is known for its magnificent sand dunes, which are protected as a nature reserve. The original extension was destroyed in a spate of construction in the 1960s and 1970s; many species of flora and fauna had disappeared by then, but authorities were working to reintroduce them. Today, Maspalomas is one of the largest resort towns in the Canary Islands, but it's still easy to find a quiet place to soak up the sun away from the tourist crowds.
6. Teror
A visit to Teror is a must, not only for its exquisite Canarian architecture, but also for its historical and religious importance. Teror has been an independent municipality since 1514 and is one of the oldest urban centres on the island. Its religious connection dates back to when the Virgin Mary was discovered under a pine tree in a nearby forest. Our Lady of the Pines later became the island's patron saint, and pilgrims traveled from afar to pay her respects. The city centre was declared a heritage site in 1979.
7. Tejeda
Nestled in the folds of a majestic caldera, Tejeda is one of the most beautiful hilltop towns in Gran Canaria. The first inhabitants of the island have lived in the area since the 3rd century, and it was their last stronghold against Spanish invaders in 1483. The proximity to many important ancient sites makes it an ideal base for exploration. Known for its almond trees, Tejeda specializes in almond products such as bienmesabe (a sweet biscuit dessert) and mazapane (almond cake).
8. Puerto de Mogán
Secluded and surrounded by mountains, this is the most picturesque resort in Gran Canaria. It also claims to have the best climate in the world, enjoys more sunshine hours than Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, and has fantastic sunsets. Mogan Port started as a small fishing village and developed into a marina and resort after land was reclaimed from the sea. The resort is also known as Little Venice because the canals below the houses and between the harbour and the beach are filled with the sea.
9. Barranco de Guayadeque
The deep canyons are characteristic of Gran Canaria, but the most impressive is the Barranco de Guayadeque ("land of flowing water" in the language of concern). In addition to its magnificent natural beauty, this enchanting region has an important cultural heritage and is home to unique flora and fauna. Small local cavemen live in cave houses, struggling to maintain a way of life that has disappeared elsewhere on the island.
10. Puerto de las Nieves
Puerto de las Nieves was once the main port of the island, but suffered a blow in the 19th century with the construction of Puerto de la Luz in Las Palmas. The charming harbour with its blue and white houses retains its charm due to the lack of major shipping traffic. Today it is the main starting point for Tenerife. Hundreds of tourists pass by the village every day, but it can be glimpsed through the bus window on the way to the ferry.
