Gran Canaria: your 4-day itinerary
You have four full days to explore this captivating island: the districts of Vegueta and Triana, Playa de las Canteras, the Maspalomas Dunes, the Bandama volcanic crater…. That’s plenty of time. Our itinerary will ensure you know exactly what you can expect to see in Gran Canaria in four unforgettable days.
Itinerary day 1
10:00-13:00
Vegueta
Start your tour in this founding quarter of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It is home to the cathedral, with its unique wooden cloister, as well as some of the city’s most interesting cultural institutions, including the Canary Islands Museum; Casa de Colón, where Columbus stayed before his voyages; and the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno, an intriguing art museum.
13:00-16:30
A walk and tapas in Triana
Adjacent to Vegueta, the neighbourhood of Triana has one of the main shopping streets in the city — Calle Triana. It is also one of the locals’ favourite tapas areas. For a bit os sightseeing, check out the majestic Gabinete Literario building in Plaza de Cairasco, and the modernist bandstand in San Telmo park.
17:00-20:00
Playa de las Canteras
After walking through both neighbourhoods, it’s time for a bit of relaxation on the city’s main beach — Playa de las Canteras. The three kilometres of golden sands and tranquil waters ensure it is a hugely popular destination. A stroll along the busy promenade is also worthwhile. It is peppered with inviting restaurants and cafés, and ends at the modern Alfredo Kraus Auditorium.
21:00-23:00
Alis (Rooftop Bar)
An exclusive jewel for clients hidden in the rooftop of the hotel. An intimate space of maximum privacy, where guests can feel the sea breeze, relax on the solarium or enjoy a delicious cocktail while enjoying a pleasant evening
Itinerary day 2
10:00-12:00
Arucas
This town, famous for its honey rum, boasts beautiful mansions that hint at is illustrious past. Of particular note are the ones in the streets of Heredad and León y Castillo. You will also see Arucas Cathedral, which isn’t really a cathedral at all. It is actually the Church of San Juan Bautista, although the sheer size of the Neo-Gothic building makes it easy to think otherwise.
12:45-13:00
Cenobio de Valerón
Declared a Monument of Cultural Interest in 1978, this unique historical site is a must-see in the north of the island. The indigenous inhabitants dug 300 holes into the side of the volcano to store surpluss grain.
13:30-15:00
Locanda El Roque
Just a ten-minute drive and you will reach this restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Atlantic. Its star dishes include seabream and ceviche, although you can also ask to be shown the catch of the day, as the waiters will bring it to your table for you to make your choice
15:30-17:00
The Painted Cave Archaeological Museum and Park
If you are interested in learning about the ways of life of the first inhabitants of Gran Canaria, you must visit this museum. You will observe an ancient village from a purpose-built walkway, before entering the cave that contains some fascinating cave paintings.
18:00-20:00
Agaete
Make the most of the balmy evening and take a dip in the waters of the Atlantic, either at Playa de las Nieves or in the nearby natural pools of Las Salinas, which are surprisingly interconnected with volcanic tubes.
21:00-23:00
Dinner at El Dedo de Dios
End your second day at this fine establishement in the port of Agaete. This restaurant’s menu includes very reasonably priced baked fish, paellas and meat dishes.
Itinerary day 3
10:00-12:00
Caldera de Bandama
Start your third day of your four-day tour of Gran Canaria with a gentle hike down to the base of this kilometre-wide crater and discover ancient Pre-Hispanic pantries and wine-presses.
13:00-13:30
Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve viewpoint
Located in the foothills of the highest peak on the island, this viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanic landscape, even on cloudy days, when you will be able to look down on Gran Canaria and Tenerife shrouded in a sea of clouds.
14:15-16:00
Teror
It is worthwhile stopping in the small picturesque town of Teror to admire the pretty coloured houses with wooden balconies on Calle Real, and to visit the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino, where the image of the patron saint of the island is housed. In the same square as the church, you will find El Encuentro restaurant. It offers typical Canarian dishes, such as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce, the delicious gofio escaldado dip, and fried baby octopus.
16:30-18:30
Roque Nublo
This volcanic rock is one of the largest natural crags in the world at almost 90 metres tall. It is also very symbolic for Gran Canaria, as it was an important place of worship for the indigenous Canarian people.
19:30-23:00
Tejeda
Tejeda is a picturesque town that was added to the list of the prettiest towns in Spain in 2005. After a stroll around the town, make your way to the Texeda Brewery and Restaurant. Young chef Borja Marrero is making his mark with highly creative signature dishes. Its specialities include ropa vieja with goat, and black suckling pig.
Itinerary day 4
10:00-13:30
Maspalomas
The last stage of your four-day tour of Gran Canaria will be a trip along the south coast, which is where the main tourist hubs are found. Maspalomas will be your first stop, where you will discover a spectacular dune system and nature reserve, enjoy the permanent Canarian climate and visit an imposing lighthouse, which was reopened to the public in 2019 after being closed for ten years.
14:00-15:30
Fishermen’s Guild
In spite of being at the centre of the island’s tourist area, the little town of Arguineguín has managed to retain the essence of a fishing port. It is there you will find the Fishermen’s Guild restaurant which offers freshly caught fish at a great price. The menu also includes typical Canarian desserts that come highly recommended.
16:00-18:00
Boat trip
Continue to Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for one of the boat trips for dolphin and whale spotting. Some of them will even stop for you to take a refreshing dip in the waters of the Atlantic.
19:00-21:00
Puerto de Mogán
This town in the south of Gran Canaria proves it is possible to build on the coast without ruining the landscape. Known as Venice of the Canaries, you will love the enchanting white houses with their coloured borders and bright bougainvillea.
21:00-23:00
Patio Canario
This restaurant, with its terrace overlooking the boats moored in Puerto Mogán marina, is perfect for trying sumptuous dishes such as arroz negro (squid-ink paella), fish stew or griddled seabream. Such a lovely way to bring your four-day itinerary in Gran Canaria to an end.