Things to Do in Gran Canaria: The Clear & Practical Local Guide

Maspalomas Dunes & Lighthouse (how to visit respectfully). We advise entering from the lighthouse boardwalk and sticking to marked walkways—it’s a protected reserve: don’t crest tall dunes, don’t step on vegetation, and keep clear of signed nesting areas. Go at sunrise or sunset for cooler temps, softer light and fewer crowds; bring water, sun cover and sandals/trainers (the sand heats up).

HCC tips: bring water; trade flip-flops for sandals or trainers—sand gets hot.

We advise starting early on the Degollada de la Goleta trail and checking same-day notices—weekends/holidays can bring capacity controls or shuttles, so we favour weekdays or late afternoon. If the summit clouds over, we suggest waiting 10–15 minutes or pivoting to Degollada de Becerra, Pico de las Nieves or Cruz de Tejeda. We keep it simple: marked paths only, carry water + a light layer, and aim for golden hour for the sea-of-clouds moment.

HCC tips: dress in layers—clouds roll in fast; parking fills on weekends.

Twenty minutes from the capital, we either circle the rim (2–3 km, exposed to sun) or drop to the crater floor (hotter, tougher on the way back). Wear closed shoes and sun cover; on very hot or windy days.

It pairs neatly with the Botanic Garden or a Bandama winery, and we always check current access/conditions online before we go.

HCC tips: pair it with a nearby winery for a compact half-day.

It’s one of Spain’s best city beaches. When the sea is calm, the natural “barra” reef makes it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Areas feel different: La Cícer is for surfing; Playa Chica suits families.

The flat promenade, showers and rentals keep it easy; bring thin booties, a small dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen.

HCC tips: Float, don’t touch. Protect seagrass and wildlife—no feeding fish, no kneeling on rocks (urchins!), and hands off everything.

Amadores is a tranquil bay (breakwaters = gentle water), restaurants on the promenade and a lovely walking link to Puerto Rico. For a low-key hideaway, Playa del Águila (Bahía Feliz) is your quiet escape, a touch of wind, and space to breathe.

HCC note: Holiday Club Playa Amadores sits ~100 m from the beach—an easy “home base” if we want sea views and apartment freedom without the bustle

Las Salinas (Agaete) are lava-tube pools with easy access. El Puertillo/Los Charcones (Arucas) carry the Blue Flag and come with showers and cafés. On strong-swell days in the north, we stick to the inner pools only.

HCC tips: watch out for the undertow on the north coast: if the waves are strong, it’s best to stick to the indoor pools and follow the staff’s instructions. Wear water shoes if you’re going swimming at high tide (more rocks) and check the low tide times if you want sand.

Inside a nature reserve with no services, Güigüí is accessed on foot from Tasartico (plan ~2.5–3 h each way, real elevation) or by boat from the southwest when seas allow.

HCC tips: get up early, bring at least 2–3 litres of water per person, a hat, sun cream and hiking boots. Check the tide times if you want to go from Grande to Chico, and avoid the middle of the day on hot days.

We recommend linking four small, high-impact stops that make the island’s past click without overwhelming your day.

• Gáldar duo: Cueva Pintada (pre-Hispanic village + painted chamber) and the Antonio Padrón House-Museum next door. Easy walk between both; we do them back-to-back.

• Maipés de Agaete: open-air archaeological park—pre-Hispanic tumuli set on black lava with raised walkways.

• Cenobio de Valerón (Guía): dramatic communal granary carved into the cliff; short, wow-factor visit with steps and viewpoints.

HCC Tips: we recomend you for a guided slot at Cueva Pintada, wear grippy shoes for steps/ramps, and plan for sun at Maipés. Parking is straightforward near each site.

We advise starting in Santa Ana Square for the Cathedral (consider the tower/roof for views), stepping 1 minute to Casa de Colón for courtyards and Atlantic routes, then walking 5–7 minutes to El Museo Canario for a clear pre-Hispanic snapshot.

HCC Tips:

• Vegueta is mostly flat but cobbled; the Cathedral uses a lift for roof access (there may be a short stair).

• Easiest parking for us: Mercado de Vegueta or Vegueta car parks.

HCC tips:  check hours, tour slots and tickets online the same day; if you’re driving, please, name a designated driver and keep tastings light. Great moments are better when everyone gets home safe.

• Finca La Laja & Bodega Los Berrazales (Agaete Valley). We book the combined coffee-plantation + winery tour with tastings (about 75–90 min). It’s all in one place, easy to follow, and genuinely local.

• Lunch in Puerto de las Nieves. Keep it simple: grilled fish, papas arrugadas and a slow walk by the seafront.

• Head back. If you’re unhurried, linger over a coffee by the harbour and call it a day.

HCC Tips:  check hours, tour slots and ticket details online on the official site the same day, go with comfy shoes, hat and water, and name a designated driver for tastings.

We recommend joining a compact, guided walk through the banana fields and three small museum rooms inside a restored 1804 Canarian house, finishing with a tasting—45–60 minutes end to end.

HCC Tips: Pair it with a short Arucas old-town stroll or a dip in the El Puertillo / Los Charcones natural pools (both hold Blue Flag status). It’s an easy, very local half-day.

On flat-sea days, aim for the La Barra–sheltered corners of Las Canteras (Playa Chica/Peña La Vieja) at low tide for calm, clear snorkelling. For diving, target Arinaga–El Cabrón: volcanic ledges, shoals of roncadores, rays and, in season, angel sharks.

Book guided shore dives with reputable local centres—entries and routes change with swell and experience.

HCC perk: Blue Water Diving (5-star PADI centre at Puerto Rico harbour, near Club Puerto Calma) offers a special discount for Holiday Club Canarias guests.

Contact: +34 602 080 208 / +34 633 963 248.  

Choose departures from Puerto Rico, Mogán or Pasito Blanco. Spain prohibits swimming with or touching cetaceans—book operators who strictly follow distance/time rules. Opt for small-group boats and unhurried skippers; calmer approaches usually mean better sightings and less stress on the animals.

HCC Tips: mornings are calmer, bring layers/hat, follow crew guidance and shoot with zoom—no leaning over or calling to the pods.

This is a real rescue centre—many animals are confiscations or surrenders handled with SEPRONA—so your ticket helps fund care. It’s compact and family-run, with keeper talks/feeding demos; figure 1–2 hours and expect a straightforward setup (easy parking, small café).

HCC tips: go early for cooler temps, bring hat/water, and wear closed shoes

A big, open-air cactus garden that’s proudly billed as the largest cactus theme park in Europe, with paths winding past 1,000+ species, recreated Guanche caves, a small amphitheatre (lucha canaria / juego del palo) and a simple café—easy to do in 1–2 hours at an unhurried pace. Parking is straightforward and the official island guide lists it under family parks with location and access details.

HCC Tips: go early or late for softer light, bring hat/water (little shade), wear closed shoes for dusty paths, and check current hours/prices online on the official site before you set off.

Choose the Aloe Vera Plantation (Finca Canarias – Fataga) for a compact 45–60 min guided walk through the fields, plus a small museum-store and tasting. It’s easy to book, with tours in EN/ES/DE/FR/IT/NL and on-site parking/toilets. Set in Fataga—the “valley of a thousand palms”—and best reserved via the official page.

HCC tips: go early or late for softer sun, wear closed shoes for farm paths, and pair it with a slow stroll through Fataga. Hours & tickets: check the official site online the same day for current tour slots and updates.