Gran Canaria, with its population of approximately 900,000, has so much more to offer than just the sun and the beach. It is also a place with more than its fair share of remarkable spots that are well worth discovering thanks to their particular beauty, enhanced by the work of Mother Nature, which has created the intriguing shapes scattered all around the island.
So what are the great landscapes of Gran Canaria? It would be impossible to visit them all in the space of one holiday, but if you want to be able to boast that you’ve been to this Canary Island (which has been designated a Biosphere Reserve), you need to visit emblematic places such as the Dunas de Maspalomas Nature Reserve, and the Roque Nublo Rural Park. So get ready to explore the beautiful landscapes of Gran Canaria, the island where you’ll find stunning scenery wherever you go.
- Roque Nublo
- The Maspalomas Dunes
- Caldera de Bandama
- Tejeda
- The Almendro en Flor [Flowering Almond Tree] Trail
- Risco Caído and the Montañas Sagradas
- Garajonay National Park
- The best hotels in Gran Canaria
Roque Nublo
Located in the municipality of Tejeda, the gigantic rock known as Roque Nublo has volcanic origins, and is regarded as one of the great monuments shaped by nature to rise up over Gran Canaria. Measured from its base, the rock soars to a height of 80 metres, and stands 1,813 metres above sea level. It seems that it was a place of religious significance for the island’s original inhabitants, and the surrounding area was declared a natural space in 1987 and a Rural Park in 1994. Nowadays, the area is very popular with hikers.
The Maspalomas Dunes
The Dunes are a true wonder of nature, thanks to both their other-worldly beauty and to the ecosystems within them. The Masplomas Dunes are considered a special nature reserve, and within their 40 hectares lie a spectacular beach, a field of living dunes, a palm grove, and a saltwater lagoon. This unique destination is located on Gran Canaria’s south coast, and is surrounded by the tourist resort of Maspalomas.
Caldera de Bandama
Another of Gran Canaria’s great attractions is the Bandama Caldera. This natural space largely passes unnoticed, despite its proximity to Las Palmas. In fact, it forms part of a great, sunken volcano. Its name is the result of the practice of ‘Hispanicisation’ promoted by Daniel Van Damme, a Dutchman who bought this land with the intention of planting vines and producing high quality wines. The Bandama Caldera has a perimeter of 3 kilometres and a depth of 200 metres.
Tejeda
This pretty village in Gran Canaria lies 44 kilometres from Las Palmas, and at an altitude de 1,050 metres. It is worth coming here, even if only to walk up to the viewing point to admire the unique views of the Caldera de Tirajana and of the Nublo Rural Park. Moreover, the natural scenery around Tejeda could not be more impressive, with its huge forests of Canary Island pines and extensive almond plantations. Don’t forget to visit the Museum of the Canary Island sculptor, Abraham Cárdenas.
The Almendro en Flor [Flowering Almond Tree] Trail
This is a very popular tour on Gran Canaria, and one which thousands of people take part in every year, in homage to the tree that produces the delicious nuts, particularly in the municipalities of Tejeda and Valsequillo, which are home to over 3,000 hectares of almond trees. The Almendro en Flor Trail takes place when the almond trees come into blossom between late January and early February, and aims to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy this great natural spectacle.
Celebrations are held in the villages of Tejeda and Velsequillo, with craft fairs, dancing, traditional music and feasting.
Risco Caído and the Montañas Sagradas
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, the Risco Caído [Fallen Cliff] and the Montañas Sagradas [Sacred Mountains] form a breathtakingly beautiful area with centuries of history. Risco Caído, also known as Risco Maldito [Cursed Cliff], is a former cave-dwelling community that lies within an area rich in archaeological interest. In a cliff face of the ravine known as Barranco Hondo, a total of 21 caves have been excavated, revealing carvings, bowls and bas-reliefs. The Montañas Sagradas are home to a series of archaeological sites scattered throughout the municipalities of Artenara, Tejeda, Agaete and Gáldar, with natural and man-made caves that were used as dwellings, granaries and burial sites. This cultural landscape covers 18,000 hectares.
Garajonay National Park
To reach the extraordinary landscape of the Garajonay National Park, you need to board a boat in Gran Canaria and sail to the island of La Gomera. At 3,948 hectares, Garajonay boasts the largest area of laurel forest in the whole of the Canary Islands. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, and covers a heart-shaped area in the middle of the island. The legend of Gara and Jonay is one of the most popular legends passed down from the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands, and tells of the romance between a prince and princess who, in the face of opposition from their families, decide to kill themselves.
The best hotels in Gran Canaria
The best option for your stay on Gran Canaria is accommodation that will allow you to enjoy to the full your holiday on the island. The options that we recommend will not disappoint — firstly, because of their quality and secondly, because they offer excellent value for money. Here they are:
The Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. This emblematic hotel with a long history is in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel opened in 1890, and since then has been the hub of social life in the city. Its 204 elegant and luxurious rooms have accommodated a number of illustrious figures from the last century, who have left their mark here. This exclusive hotel with its classic style will leave you with memories to treasure for many years to come.
Occidental Las Palmas. This ultra-modern, urban four-star hotel is in the heart of Las Palmas between Parque Doramas and the
Marina. The Occidental Las Palmas has 70 guest rooms offering views of either the Atlantic or of the Jardín de Palmeras park. One of the hotel’s most outstanding facilities is the Stage Roof Top, perfect for relaxing or sipping a cool drink while enjoying the finest panoramic views of the city. It’s the perfect accommodation for an unforgettable holiday on the island.
Barceló Margaritas. A four-star hotel, the Barceló Margaritas is located at Playa del Inglés, one of Gran Canaria’s best-known tourist resorts. The hotel has 322 rooms, which have been elegantly remodelled to provide first-class relaxation and well-being for guests. What’s more, if you’d like to raise the level of sophistication, you could book accommodation in the exclusive Barceló Margaritas Royal Level, a hotel with its own individual identity. It has 2 swimming pools, a solarium, and a daytime and evening family entertainment programme.
