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 I tell you 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 something distinguishes Gran Canaria is its ability to offer plans for all tastes: 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 historic center 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 journey through the island's capital. From the old town to the modern aquarium, Las Palmas offers history, architecture and marine experiences.

Vegueta and the Vegueta Market

Tour Vegueta, the historic center 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 taste local products.

Castillo de la Luz

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

Poem of the Sea Aquarium

Close 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 located in the center 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: Dunes and Lighthouse of Maspalomas and dolphin watching excursion

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. Close the day with an unforgettable marine plan.

Maspalomas Dunes

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

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 activities to do in Gran Canaria Enjoy a 3-hour cruise in Canary waters.

Book a dolphin watching excursion

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 of Gran Canaria. If it is foggy, you can observe the phenomenon of the "sea of clouds". walk on the clouds.

Agaete and Las Salinas

End the day in the natural pools of Las Salinas de Agaete, a refuge in front of the waves overlooking 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 landscapes.

Gáldar and Cueva Pintada

Discover Gáldar, the first island capital and rich in colonial architecture. Do not miss the Archaeological Park of the Cueva Pintada, an important site of rock art.

Sardina del Norte Beach

A few minutes away is Sardina del Norte Beach, perfect for swimming, snorkeling 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 contemplate 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 site of Cuatro Puertas. Then, continue to Agüimes, a sister town where the Plaza del Rosario stands out.

Los Lirios Winery

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

Summary of your itinerary in Gran Canaria

  • Day 1
  • Historical center of Las Palmas
  • 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
  • Maspalomas Lighthouse
  • Puerto Rico beach
  • Dolphin watching
  • Day 4
  • Bandama Caldera
  • Pico de las Nieves
  • Las Salinas
  • Agaete
  • Day 5
  • Gáldar
  • Painted Cave
  • Sardina del Norte Beach
  • Market of La Recova
  • Day 6
  • Jungle of the Doramas
  • Azuaje Ravine
  • Azuaje viewpoint
  • Laurisilva Forest
  • Day 7
  • Telde
  • Agüimes
  • Cave of Cuatro Puertas
  • Los Lirios Winery

Reviews from other travellers

4.5
· 4416 Reviews
  • Z
    Z. H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I went with my partner and we loved the Poema del Mar in Gran Canaria, an amazing aquarium! The sharks are amazing.
  • Q
    Q. A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I visited the aquarium and was fascinated by the diversity of marine life; a unique experience that I recommend to everyone!
  • U
    U. Y.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved visiting this giant aquarium, I saw fish I had never seen before. It was an amazing experience for me and my family.
  • O
    O. M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Visiting the Poema del Mar was the best, beautiful fish and everything very nice. It's worth it, you have a great time.
  • M
    M.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Good family experience.