Gran Canaria — The Miniature Continent★★★
Gran Canaria is called the "Miniature Continent" — and rightly so. On just 1,560 km², there are 14 different microclimates: Sahara dunes in the south, subtropical valleys in the north, pine forests in the center, and barren volcanic landscape in the west. The island has 236 km of coastline, 60 beaches, and with Las Palmas (380,000 inhabitants) the largest city in the Canaries.
The south around Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés is the tourist hub with endless sandy beaches, the center a hiking paradise with deep ravines (Barrancos), and the capital Las Palmas a cosmopolitan city with one of the best city beaches in the world.
Plan for 5–7 days on Gran Canaria — divided between the south (beach), center (hiking), and Las Palmas (culture).
Maspalomas & the South★★★
★★★ Dunes of Maspalomas
A 404-hectare dune landscape right by the sea — Sahara feeling on European soil. The dunes (up to 10 m high) are made of coral sand and shell limestone, behind them an oasis with palm trees and a saltwater lagoon (La Charca) with migratory birds. Nature reserve since 1994.
The dunes separate Playa del Inglés (6 km, touristy) from Playa de Maspalomas (2.7 km, nudist section). The walk through the dunes to the lighthouse Faro de Maspalomas (1890) takes about 45 minutes and is especially magical at sunset.
Free access. Do not stray from marked paths (nature conservation!). Bring water — there is no shade in the dunes. Camel rides through the dunes: €12 (20 min.).
★★ Playa de Amadores
Artificially created but beautiful beach west of Puerto Rico — light sand, calm turquoise water (protected bay), ideal for families. Sunbed + umbrella from €6/day.
★ Palmitos Park
Tropical zoo and botanical garden with 1,500 exotic birds, dolphin show, butterfly garden, and aquarium. Great for families.
€34 (adults), €24 (children 4–11). Daily 10 am–6 pm.
Las Palmas & Vegueta
★★★ Vegueta (Old Town)
The historic heart of the city, founded in 1478 — UNESCO candidate. Cobblestone streets, colonial houses with carved balconies, the Cathedral of Santa Ana (15th–19th century, mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassic styles, tower with panoramic view €3), and the Casa de Colón (Columbus Museum in the governor's palace where Columbus stayed during his voyages — €4).
On Thursdays and Sundays, the Vegueta district hosts a market — fruits, cheese, handicrafts. In the market hall Mercado de Vegueta there is fresh fish, tropical fruits, and the best coffee in town.
★★★ Playa de las Canteras
One of the best city beaches in Europe: 3 km of golden sand, protected by a natural reef (La Barra), forming a huge natural lagoon — perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Behind it, the promenade with cafés, restaurants, and the colorful surf district La Cicer at the southern end.
Free access. Surf course from €35 (2 hrs) at the surf schools at La Cicer. Sunbed + umbrella €8/day.
★★ Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
Interactive science museum in the harbor — excellent for families. Planetarium, flight simulator, walk-in exhibits.
€6 (adults), under 8 free. Tue–Sun 10 am–8 pm.
★ Triana (Shopping District)
The elegant shopping street Calle Mayor de Triana — Art Nouveau facades, independent boutiques, bookstores, and street cafés. At the end stands the Teatro Pérez Galdós (opera house, Art Nouveau, tours €3).
Mountain World in the Center
★★★ Roque Nublo
Gran Canaria's landmark — an 80 m high basalt rock at an altitude of 1,813 m, reaching up like a finger to the sky. The hike from the La Goleta parking lot takes 30 minutes (easy) and offers on clear days a view of Teide on Tenerife. Spectacular at sunset.
Free access. Parking at GC-600. Good shoes needed, last 100 m over rocks.
★★ Tejeda & Caldera de Tejeda
The most beautiful mountain village of Gran Canaria — white houses cling to a steep slope above the vast caldera. The village has been awarded as "one of the most beautiful villages in Spain." Here, try the famous Bienmesabe (almond cream, from €4) and marzipan pastries.
★★ Barranco de Guayadeque
A dramatic gorge with cave houses, cave restaurants, and cave churches — some still inhabited today! At Restaurante Tagoror (in a cave, Menú del día €12) you can enjoy Canarian cuisine in a natural grotto. Surreal and unique.
★ Pico de las Nieves
The highest point of Gran Canaria (1,949 m). Military base, so not accessible all the way to the top, but the viewpoints below offer a 360° panorama over the entire island.