Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was established on June 24th, 1478.
While Spain is rife with dazzling tourist attractions ranging from the Cantabrian Mountains to the scenic shores of Andalusia, one of the nation’s most stunning regions can be found roughly one thousand kilometers south of the Iberian Peninsula. Known as the Canary Islands, this storied archipelago has earned abundant acclaim for its spectacular volcanic landscapes and unique culture that dates back centuries—and when it comes to ecotourism, Gran Canaria is one of the region’s most captivating destinations. Rife with towering cliffs, verdant pine forests and pristine beaches, this island offers a glimpse into the spectacular beauty of Spain’s most idyllic archipelago, with an abundant array of incredible hotels and restaurants to explore along the way.
Gran Canaria’s Wildlife-Filled Southern Shores
Gran Canaria is home to roughly 40% of the Canary Islands' population.
While there’s no shortage of stunning coastline to explore across Gran Canaria, the southern reaches of the island are renowned for one natural feature in particular: the sprawling Maspalomas Dunes. These rolling sand hills were formed centuries ago, and in the modern era, they offer a wealth of scenic vistas and pathways for visitors to enjoy—and as an added bonus, the region is a hotspot for all sorts of fascinating avifauna. During an early morning birding excursion, visitors can spot eye-catching native species ranging from the common waxbill to the hoopoe to the Eurasian spoonbill, with a wide range of picturesque beach views to enjoy along the way.
The sandy beaches and balmy weather have given rise to a wealth of high-end resorts across Maspalomas, and for those searching for high-end accommodations just steps from the water, the Seaside Palm Beach offers ideal accommodations. During daylight hours, guests are welcome to take a dip in one of the hotel’s many outdoor pools, book a massage at the spa or make use of one of the five on-property dining destinations, with La Bodega offering a diverse array of tapas paired with top-notch Canarian wine. And for those wishing to explore off-property, the nearby Playa de Maspalomas is loaded with beachside bars, with options ranging from the Irish-inspired Paddy's Beach Bar to the gay-friendly Bar Strand-Apo-Theke.
Further west, the town of Puerto de Mogán offers added opportunity to explore southern Gran Canaria’s idyllic shores. While the town is streaked with picturesque canals, it’s also drawn local acclaim thanks to its thriving food scene, with the beachside Ahul Restaurante serving as one of its most impressive spots. While starters span from stuffed potatoes to ham croquettes, no visit is complete without sampling one of the venue’s hearty seafood dishes, with the lobster Thermidor and mojo verde grilled grouper both serving as two can’t-miss main courses.
The Rugged Heart Of Gran Canaria
The Atlantic canary was named after the Canary Islands.
In addition to scenic beaches, Gran Canaria is also blessed with spectacular natural beauty all throughout its interior. Just north of Maspalomas, visitors can make a quick pit stop at the Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas—a renowned observation point that offers canyon vistas during daylight hours and stunning constellations by nightfall—then continue their tour with a stop at the stunning village of Tunte. The capital of the surrounding municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, this storied community is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with the central Iglesia San Bartolomé offering a glimpse into the architectural grandeur of the region—yet some of central Gran Canaria’s most dazzling attractions can be found further north.
Roughly 45 minutes outside of Tunte, the village of Tejeda offers classic Canarian beauty with an added dose of outdoor adventure, with countless hiking trails found within the area. During a visit, guests can marvel at the town’s classic architecture and bask in the spectacular mountain views, but for a deep dive into the idyllic beauty of the region, there’s no beating Roque Nublo Rural Park. Measuring in at 26,000 hectares, this sprawling preserve is rife with scenic trails dotted with Canarian wildflowers, with the Monumento de Cazadores trail offering picturesque views of the park’s namesake: El Roque Nublo, a massive rock formation that stands roughly 80 meters tall. After a successful hike, visitors can reward themselves with a tour of nearby Agala Winery or head to Restaurante El Labrador, a cozy Tejeda venue that crafts decadent Canarian comfort food including grilled goat and Iberian lamb shoulder.
Meanwhile, those in search of an idyllic destination that’s not too far from the airport can head to the town of Ingenio, a storied community that dates back to the 16th century. Upon arrival, visitors are welcome to wander through the century-old Church of La Candelaria and admire the city center’s polished pig statues—but for a truly spectacular meal, there’s no better place to be than Restaurante Tagoror. While it’s located roughly ten kilometers west of Ingenio, those who make the journey will be richly rewarded with views of the surrounding Barranco de Guayadeque—a massive ravine that’s rife with native flora and ancient cave dwellings—before arriving at their destination. Once inside, guests can marvel at the indoor dining room carved into the interior of the surrounding slopes before enjoying a hearty meal of ropa vieja, fried rabbit and other Canarian classics.
Gran Canaria’s Vibrant Northern Coast
Las Palmas serves as one of two capital cities within the Canary Islands, with the other located on ... [+]
And of course, no trip to the island is complete without touring the northern coast, a vibrant district that’s home to Gran Canaria’s largest city. Known as Las Palmas, this thriving municipality plays host to nearly 400,000 residents—and this high concentration of people has given rise to a thriving dining and nightlife scene. During a stroll through the storied Vegueta district, visitors can swing by Restaurante Casa Montesdeoca for an immersion into Canarian cuisine, with savory meat dishes and a wealth of local cheeses up for grabs in a picturesque, plant-filled space, while few post-dinner destinations can compare to the Playa de Las Canteras, a scenic downtown beach that draws crowds of locals and tourists alike each night to catch the sunset.
In addition to top-tier cuisine, Las Palmas has also developed a world-class hospitality scene over the years, with the Hotel Santa Catalina serving as one of its most dazzling properties. A beloved local landmark since 1890, this towering inn has hosted some of Gran Canaria’s most distinguished visitors throughout the 20th century, with no shortage of lavish amenities in place for visitors to enjoy. In addition to lush gardens and an outdoor pool, the property has also mastered the art of fine dining, with the Michelin-starred Poemas serving as one of the city’s top spots for sampling elevated Canarian fare in a stunning space—and while Las Palmas is certainly Gran Canaria’s largest city, it’s far from the only region worth visiting on the island’s northern coast.
Just west of the capital, visitors can make their way to Arucas, an idyllic town that’s home to ornate architecture and vibrant Jacaranda trees—and to sweeten the deal, one of the archipelago’s top destinations for rum lovers is found just nearby in the form of Destilerías Arehucas. Established in 1884 as a sugar factory, this storied operation has earned abundant acclaim in the modern era for their high-quality sugarcane distillate, with the seven-year rum offering sweet notes of vanilla on the palate. Meanwhile, any non-drinkers looking for something sweet can head a few kilometers away for a tour of the Museo del Plátano. Located on a sprawling countryside estate, this fascinating institution offers ample insight into the history of one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic crops, with the island’s balmy temperatures and rich soil all coming together to form some of the earth’s most mouthwatering fruit.
