2 Gran Canaria Day Trips That Are Actually Worth it
It happened again—a friend from the US hit me up saying she’d be in Morocco in January and asked if I wanted to meet up in the Canaries for a couple of days. And if you know me, you already know the answer: yes, obviously What I didn’t realize was just how far the flight would be, but we’ll save that rant for another time.
Since trip planning is usually my job in these situations (not that I mind), I knew one thing: we needed a car. The cities are small, public transport won’t get you far, and Gran Canaria has way too much to see to stay in one place. So, after some adjusting and tweaking, here are my two go-to weekend trips on the island. The good news? Gran Canaria is small, so it doesn’t really matter where you start—just pick a direction and go. The days are also interchangeable as you’ll always end up back at home.
Oh, and the most important tip? Do NOT rent a manual car. When you drive inland, it get’s steep fast and the roads are small (though in great shape).
DAY 1 (COASTAL)
This trip is all about ocean views, charming villages, and a mix of adventure and relaxation. Start the day by visiting a local banana plantation, where you can learn more about one of the island’s most important crops. Then, head north to Las Salinas de Agaete, a beautiful natural saltwater pool that’s perfect for a swim.
By midday, take a break in Fataga, a picturesque mountain village with whitewashed houses and great local restaurants. After lunch, trade the mountains for the Maspalomas Sand Dunes, a vast desert-like landscape right next to the ocean. Whether you go for a walk through the dunes or just take in the views, it’s a must-see.
As the sun starts to set, make your way to Puerto de Mogán, one of the most beautiful fishing villages on the island. With its colorful houses, canals, and marina lined with restaurants, it’s the perfect spot for dinner by the water before heading back to Las Palmas.
🚗 Total driving time: ~3.5 to 4 hours (excluding stops)
Las Palmas → Banana Plantation: ~30 minutes
Banana Plantation → Las Salinas de Agaete: ~30 minutes
Agaete → Fataga: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Fataga → Maspalomas Sand Dunes: ~30 minutes
Maspalomas → Puerto de Mogán: ~30 minutes
Puerto de Mogán → Las Palmas: ~1 hour
DAY 2 (INLAND)
Now for a completely different side of Gran Canaria—mountains, hiking, and dramatic landscapes that feel worlds away from the coast. Start your day in Guayadeque Ravine, an area known for its cave houses and rock formations. Some of these caves have been turned into restaurants, making it a great place to grab breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
From there, drive up into the mountains to Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria’s most famous landmarks. The hike to the top is short but rewarding, with breathtaking panoramic views over the island. After the hike, continue to Cruz de Tejeda, another incredible viewpoint where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Make a quick stop in Firgas, a charming little town known for its cascading water features, before ending the day at Caldera de Bandama, a massive volcanic crater. This is the perfect last stop to soak in the scenery before heading back to Las Palmas for sunset.
🚗 Total driving time: ~3.5 to 4.5 hours (excluding stops)
Las Palmas → Guayadeque Ravine: ~40 minutes
Guayadeque → Roque Nublo: ~1 hour
Roque Nublo → Cruz de Tejeda: ~30 minutes
Cruz de Tejeda → Firgas: ~40 minutes
Firgas → Caldera de Bandama: ~30 minutes
Caldera de Bandama → Las Palmas: ~20 minutes
