Gran Canaria in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Gran Canaria is one of the most important islands in Spain and has many attractions to discover. Here's what you can see and do during a 7-day visit.
Gran Canaria in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

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If there is one thing that sets Gran Canaria apart, it is its ability to offer something for everyone: beaches, dunes, mountains and historic villages make this island an ideal destination for a complete 7-day itinerary. If you are planning your trip, this tour will help you make the most of each day.

Day 1: Tour of the old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and visit to the Poema del Mar Aquarium

Poema del Mar Aquarium| ©JB
Poema del Mar Aquarium| ©JB

Start your trip with a cultural and urban tour of the island's capital. From the old town to the modern aquarium, Las Palmas offers history, architecture and marine experiences.

Vegueta and Vegueta Market

Walk through Vegueta, the historic centre of the city, where you can visit the Casa de Colón, the Plaza de Santa Ana and the Cathedral. Vegueta Take a break at the Vegueta Market to sample local produce.

Castillo de la Luz

Discover the Castillo de la Luz, a former fortress converted into a haven for contemporary art. Its history of defence against pirates and its architecture make it an essential stop.

Poem of the Sea Aquarium

End the day at the Poema del Mar Aquarium, one of the largest in the Canary Islands. It offers themed exhibits and is an excellent alternative to dolphin-watching excursions.

Book a sightseeing bus tour in Gran Canaria

Day 2: Playa de las Canteras, Playa del Confital and excursion to Roque Nublo

Roque Nublo Natural Monument| ©Roquenublogc
Roque Nublo Natural Monument| ©Roquenublogc

This day you will move between the urban coast and the inland mountains, combining beach, hiking and volcanic nature.

Confital Beach

Start the day at Playa del Confital, a wild beach, ideal for nature lovers. It is located on the Peninsula de la Isleta and stands out for its inclusive atmosphere. Confital Beach

Las Canteras Beach

Just a few streets away, Playa de las Canteras offers a more urban experience, perfect for lunch and water sports. It is one of the most famous beaches on the island.

Roque Nublo

In the afternoon, take an excursion to Roque Nublo, an iconic natural monument in the centre of the island. the best tours of Gran Canaria Here you can enjoy panoramic views and visit the villages of Teror and San Mateo.

Book an excursion to Roque Nublo from Las Palmas

Day 3: Maspalomas Dunes and Lighthouse and dolphin watching tour

Maspalomas Dunes| ©German Q
Maspalomas Dunes| ©German Q

Explore the south of the island, where the dunes merge with the sea and the lighthouse guides the walks. End the day with an unforgettable marine plan.

Maspalomas Dunes

Start the day in the Maspalomas Dunes Natural Park, a unique desert landscape that shares an ecosystem with the Sahara. Maspalomas Dunes

Lighthouse of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés

Have lunch on the coast and visit the historic Maspalomas Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the Canary Islands. Relax in nearby Playa del Inglés.

Dolphin watching

From Puerto Rico, embark on a whale watching excursion. the best things to do in Gran Canaria Enjoy a 3-hour cruise in Canarian waters.

Book an excursion with dolphin spotting

Day 4: Caldera de la Bandama, Pico de las Nieves and natural pools of Agaete

Natural swimming pool of Agaete| ©Stephanie M
Natural swimming pool of Agaete| ©Stephanie M

This day combines hiking, volcanoes and coastal relaxation.

Bandama Caldera

Explore the Caldera de la Bandama, a dormant volcanic crater with trails to the bottom and spectacular viewpoints. volcanic origins of the Canary Islands

Pico de las Nieves

Continue to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on Gran Canaria. If it is foggy, you can observe the phenomenon of the "sea of clouds". walk above the clouds

Agaete and Las Salinas

End the day in the natural pools of Las Salinas de Agaete, a refuge from the waves with views of the Pico del Teide.

Book a coastering excursion on the cliffs of Gran Canaria

Day 5: Visit Gáldar and Sardina del Norte beach

Sardina del Norte Beach| ©David Marquina Reyes
Sardina del Norte Beach| ©David Marquina Reyes

A relaxing day in the north of the island, combining cultural heritage and coastal scenery.

Gáldar and Cueva Pintada

Discover Gáldar, the first island capital and rich in colonial architecture. Don't miss the Cueva Pintada Archaeological Park, an important rock art site.

Sardina del Norte Beach

Just a few minutes away is Sardina del Norte Beach, perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing. North Sardine

Book a diving excursion in Gran Canaria

Day 6: Adventure tour in the north of the island

The Rainforest Tour| ©Adrian Negrin
The Rainforest Tour| ©Adrian Negrin

An experience for nature and natural history lovers.

The Rainforest Tour

Venture into the Azuaje Ravine and the Doramas Rainforest on a full day guided tour. Walk through laurel forests, swim in natural pools and see the Azuaje viewpoint.

Day 7: Agüimes, Telde and Los Lirios Winery

Los Lirios Winery| ©Vik D
Los Lirios Winery| ©Vik D

Close your trip with picturesque villages and a tasting of local products.

Telde and Agüimes

Get to know Telde, its basilica and the Cuatro Puertas archaeological site. Then, continue on to Agüimes, a sister town where the Plaza del Rosario is a highlight.

Los Lirios Winery

The tour ends at the Los Lirios Winery in Los Lirios, where you can enjoy a tasting of local wines and cheeses while you enjoy the scenery.

Summary of your itinerary in Gran Canaria

  • Day 1
  • Las Palmas Old Town
  • Vegueta Market
  • Castle of La Luz
  • Aquarium Poem of the Sea
  • Day 2
  • Las Canteras Beach
  • Confital Beach
  • Roque Nublo Monument
  • Teror and San Mateo
  • Day 3
  • Dunes of Maspalomas
  • Lighthouse of Maspalomas
  • Beach of Puerto Rico
  • Dolphin watching
  • Day 4
  • Caldera de la Bandama
  • Peak of Las Nieves
  • Las Salinas
  • Agaete
  • Day 5
  • Gáldar
  • Painted Cave
  • Beach of Sardina del Norte
  • Market of La Recova
  • Day 6
  • Forest of the Doramas
  • Azuaje Ravine
  • Azuaje viewpoint
  • Laurisilva Forest
  • Day 7
  • Telde
  • Agüimes
  • Cave of Cuatro Puertas
  • Winery Los Lirios

Reviews from other travellers

4.5
· 4416 Reviews
  • L
    L. C.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I had a really enjoyable visit to the theme park! We went around 4:30 PM and were pleasantly surprised to find there were no queues at all, which meant we got to make the most of our time there without waiting around. The ticket prices were reasonable and offered great value considering the variety of attractions available. There was a good mix of rides to suit all ages and thrill levels, and the atmosphere throughout the park was lively and fun. One downside was the arcade area — quite a few of the machines were out of order, which was a bit disappointing. It could definitely use some maintenance or upgrades to match the quality of the rest of the park. That said, the staff were fantastic: friendly, helpful, and clearly dedicated to making sure visitors had a great experience. Their enthusiasm really added to the overall vibe. All in all, a great day out and definitely worth a visit, especially in the late afternoon when it’s quieter!
  • A
    A. B.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    All ok
  • R
    R. U.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Easy straightforward booking no hidden charges good value for money
  • S
    S. B.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    A really wonderful aquarium. Well cared for and full of exciting exhibits.
  • K
    K. B.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Easy to book