Attractions and activities

Gran Canaria offers much more than beautiful beaches. The island also has water parks, family attractions, dramatic volcanic landscapes, mountain villages and lively local towns, all within a relatively short distance of the main beach resorts.

This makes it easy to combine relaxing days by the sea with day trips around the island. You can spend one day at a water park, another in the mountains, and still have plenty of time for beaches, restaurants and coastal walks.

Below, we have gathered some of the best attractions and activities in Gran Canaria – especially those that we think fit well into a beach holiday.

Family attractions and activity parks

Gran Canaria has several attractions that are ideal for families, especially if you want a fun break from the beach.

• Aqualand Maspalomas – the largest water park in Gran Canaria, with slides, pools and activities for both children and teenagers.
• Palmitos Park – large animal and botanical park in a green valley north of Maspalomas, known for birds, dolphins, butterflies and exotic plants. I visited Palmitos Park as a child and have since returned several times with my own children.
• Angry Birds Activity Park – popular activity park in Puerto Rico with climbing areas, slides, games and plenty of space for children to burn off energy.
• Holiday World Maspalomas – amusement park and entertainment centre with rides, bowling, restaurants and evening activities.
• Sioux City Park – western-style theme park where families can experience shows, cowboy atmosphere and a very different side of Gran Canaria.
• Poema del Mar – large modern aquarium in Las Palmas and one of the best indoor attractions on the island. A good choice if you want a break from the sun or are visiting the north of Gran Canaria.

There is also a smaller water park in Playa Taurito, which is especially convenient if you stay in Playa Taurito or Puerto de Mogán.

Natural attractions in Gran Canaria

The nature in Gran Canaria is surprisingly varied. Away from the beaches, the island offers dunes, volcanic craters, mountain roads and dramatic viewpoints.

• Maspalomas Dunes – one of the most famous natural sights in Gran Canaria. The large dune area lies directly behind Maspalomas beach and gives the south coast its most iconic landscape. Even after many visits, the dunes still manage to impress us every time.
• Caldera de Bandama – impressive volcanic crater close to Las Palmas. The viewpoint offers wide views over the crater and the surrounding countryside.
• Roque Nublo – one of the symbols of Gran Canaria. The large volcanic rock formation stands high in the mountains and is surrounded by some of the island’s most spectacular scenery.

Most of these places are easiest to visit by rental car, although several can also be reached on organised excursions from the main holiday resorts.

Mountain villages and local towns

If you want to experience a more traditional side of Gran Canaria, it is worth visiting some of the island’s towns and mountain villages. They offer a very different atmosphere from the beach resorts in the south.

• Teror – one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful historic towns, known for its traditional houses, wooden balconies and local atmosphere. We often visit Teror on Sunday mornings when the local market takes place, and this is also a good opportunity to try the famous Chorizo de Teror.
• Tejeda – scenic mountain village in the centre of the island, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and viewpoints.
• Arucas – elegant town in northern Gran Canaria, best known for its impressive church and pleasant old centre.

You will also pass smaller villages such as Fataga and Firgas on many of the scenic drives through the interior of Gran Canaria.

Markets and local experiences

Local markets are another good way to experience Gran Canaria away from the beaches. Here you can find fruit, vegetables, local products, crafts and souvenirs, depending on the market and the day of the week. The markets in towns such as Teror, San Mateo, Puerto de Mogán and Arguineguín are popular with visitors, and they can easily be combined with a beach day or a drive around the island.

Easy day trips from the beach resorts

One of the best things about Gran Canaria is that most attractions are easy to visit from the main holiday resorts in the south. Places like Aqualand and Palmitos Park are often full-day activities for families with children, while smaller attractions are easier to combine with a morning or afternoon at the beach.

The island’s natural attractions and mountain villages are best explored on a scenic drive through the interior of Gran Canaria. With a little planning, places such as Roque Nublo, Tejeda and Teror can easily be combined on the same day trip.