Top 10 things to do in Gran Canaria
1. Dunas de Maspalomas
The Dunas de Maspalomas is a unique formation in the Canary Islands and it is a small desert by the sea. This area receives very little precipitation and has created dunes where birds come to nest and specific insects (found just here!) live.
2. Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo is a monolith part of a UNESCO Biosphere reserve and can be accessed after a 30 minutes hike from a parking lot. On a clear day, visitors get the chance to see the whole island from Roque Nublo and often it is possible to spot the Mount Teide on Tenerife, which is snowcapped for several months of the year. The rock can also be climbed by experienced climbers.
3. Palmitos Park
This subtropical park is another great place for enjoying beautiful views while having a pleasant stroll along 1000 species of palms and 160 of cacti. Several birds fly freely in the park, among which there are raptors and more than other 1500 exotic species.
4. Scuba diving
While staying in one of the Canary Islands, scuba diving is a must-do experience. The ocean surrounding Gran Canaria is blessed by the natural reserves of "El Cabron" and "Arinaga" and divers can easily spot a multitude of amazing sea creatures such as seahorse, angel shark and turtle.
5. La Vegueta
La Vegueta is a historic district of Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, characterized by cobbled streets and walls. This district saw the arrival of Columbus more than 500 years ago and is nowadays rich with traditions and museums. Many restaurants and taverns are scattered along the narrow streets, so do not miss a typical Canarian lunch or dinner.
6. Bandama
Gran Canaria offers plenty of opportunities for hikers and the Caldera of Bandama surely ranks among the most interesting ones, rewarding tourists with stunning views of the 1km wide crater. The drive for getting there can be quite challenging, but experienced drivers will love it.
7. Museum and Archaeological Park Cueva Pintada
Prior the Spanish colonization, Canary Islands used to be inhabited by Guanche people, an ethnic group close to Berbers. Nowadays it is possible to experience the art paintings and the artistic expression by these people in the Museum and Archaeological Park Cueva Pintada, which formerly was an indigenous village.
8. Teror
Teror is a suburb of the city of Las Palmas and it is considered one of the most pristine expressions of architecture and cuisine of the Canary Islands. Make sure not to miss the Church of Our Lady, Calle Real de Plaza, mineral water and chorizo sausage.
9. Santa Brigida
Gran Canaria has a long tradition of wine making which has gained an important reputation also outside the island. In Santa Brigida it is possible to visit the Wine Museum and to find several wine stores to taste and to buy wine produced in the island.
10. Try surfing
Waves in Canary Islands attract many surfers and there are different surfing schools in Gran Canaria to offer classes both to beginners and to more experienced surfers.