October 3, 2020
Gran Canaria: a five day itinerary

Gran Canaria: a five day itinerary

October 3, 2020

Puerto de Mogan

Gran Canaria is the biggest of the Canary Islands or "lucky islands" as we call them in Spain. The nickname was given with good reason. The islands are located off the coast of Morocco and have the perfect temperature to swim and sunbathe all year long -an average of 25ºC- and there's a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes that you can't find in the peninsula.

It doesn't matter whether you are going in January or August, you can always make the most of this remarkable island. Because of this, it's worth avoiding peak season -July and August- if you can so that you can have the island to yourself.

On this post you are going to find a 5-day itinerary to explore the island. However, if you want to make the most of your experience, I recommend spending 7 days in the island as the ideal option.

UPDATE MAY 2022 - COVID-19

You must show either a valid vaccination certificate or PCR result upon enterring Spain. Lockdown measures are gone. Face masks are only mandatory in hospitals and public transport. 

Gran Canaria Itinerary Day 1

Arrival in Gran Canaria. Distances around the island aren't big but it all depends on where your hotel is. Traveling around the coast is fast and easy on the highway. However, the center of the island is mountainous land with narrow winding roads. 

Needless to say, renting a car is mandatory. CICAR -Canary Islands Car - is the largest car rental company in the island. You can book the car you want online prior to your trip and they'll have it ready for you as soon as you land. 

Since you are probably tired from the trip, spend the rest of the day exploring your hotel surroundings. 

Our hotel was Melia Tamarindos in Playa de San Agustin, a stone's throw from Maspalomas in the south of the island.

Long flight? If you are in the area and need to relax, go to the spa at Meloneras Lopesan Hotel.

Where to eat:
  • Pitos y Flautas for a great outdoor dining area with sea views and delicious Mediterranean food.
  • Churrasco for great Argentinian meat.
Meloneras

Gran Canaria Itinerary Day 2

Visit Maspalomas, one of the most famous towns in the island. The top 3 spots are Playa del Ingles -one of the best known beaches in the island-, the lighthouse and the sand dunes at Maspalomas beach.

After lunch, drive to the most instagrammable place in Gran Canaria: Puerto de Mogan. Also known as "the Venice of Gran Canaria", because of the channels around the town, this picture perfect port is surrounded by beautiful houses painted in different colors and bougainvillea on every corner. The fuchsia petals scattered on the floor give it an even dreamier feel.

Where to eat: 

  • Hard Rock Cafe at Playa del Ingles
  • 360º a one of a kind restaurant with 360º views
Mogan
Mogan
Mogan

Gran Canaria Itinerary Day 3

Spend a day outdoors visiting Roque Nublo. Formerly, an ancient place of worship for the aborigines., Roque Nublo is an 80 m tall volcanic rock in the center of the island. This is just an example of the islands geological past as the Canary Islands were made up from volcanoes. That's why the sand at the islands' beaches is so dark.

The roads that reach this spot are narrow and winding. If you get car sick easily, you may want to take your time to get there doing frequent stops at the villages along the road. 

Don't leave the area without visiting the village of Tejeda which is on the "most beautiful villages in Spain" list. It's a charming white washed village surrounded by mountains. If you have a sweet tooth be sure to grab a few treats at Dulceria Nublo. They sell typical sweets from the area made with almonds, the most famous one is called Bienmesabe which literally means "it tastes good".

Tejeda

Tejeda
Tejeda
Tejeda
Where to eat: 

  • Drive 10 minutes north of Tejeda and you will find Parador de Cruz de Tejeda. This luxury hotel and spa offers amazing location and views of the mountains. You can book a spa circuit and traditional Canarian meal for 57€.
Parador Cruz de Tejeda

Parador Cruz de Tejeda

Parador Cruz de Tejeda
Parador Cruz de Tejeda
Parador Cruz de Tejeda

Gran Canaria Itinerary Day 4

Las Palmas is the capital city of Gran Canaria. It's not the most beautiful place in the island but it's still worth a visit. It's a bustling place compared to the rest of the island and has plenty of foodie spots. It's highlight is the beach of Las Canteras. If you are brave enough you can swim to the reef and do some snorkeling. The Alfredo Krauss auditorium shaped as a lighthouse and located at the end of the beach is a beautiful sight. I also recommend visiting Vegueta, the lively old quartier of Las Palmas. Full of life at nighttime. 

A short drive from Las Palmas you will find Arucas. A lovely town famous for the iconic church of San Juan Bautista -built with volcanic stone- and one of the most important rum distilleries in Spain: Arehucas. You can tour the facilities and do a rum tasting for 4.20€

Where to eat: 

  • Allende has several locations around the island. They serve typical food from the island. We were amazed by the quality of the dishes.
  • In Vegueta, check out Scooter for delicious American food and pizzas and La Azotea de Benito for drinks and incredible views.
Arucas
Arucas
Arehucas rum

Gran Canaria Itinerary Day 5

As I said in the intro 7 days rather than 5 are ideal to see the whole island. So for this day I'm going to give you two options:

  • Spend the day on the south of the island at Anfi del Mar, a manmade beach and resort with white sand and turquoise water that recreates the Caribbean sea. Go to Marao Club to rent a luxury sunbed for the day.
  • or explore the rest of the north by strolling around these charming towns: Firgas -a.k.a. the village of water-, Teror -the name has little to do with the word terror. The delightful and colorful wooden houses and balconies will surely brighten your day- and finally, Agaete where you can find Tamadaba Natural Park.

Anfi del Mar
Anfi beach
Anfi del Mar
Now it's time to pack your bags and say goodbye to the beautiful island. But you are taking with you all the beautiful moments and memories that you will cherish forever.

Gran Canaria Itinerary: The Map

Gran Canaria Itinerary: Wear this Here

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Gran Canaria