10 Things to Do in Gran Canaria

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In Gran Canaria you will find everything from mesmerizing dunes to flea markets where you can buy an original souvenir. And you can also find delicious cheeses, beaches where you can comfortably relax, dozens of walking routes and landscapes that will be engraved in your memory. It’s certain we left out many things on this list, but Gran Canaria has activities to fill your time...and maybe you’d better discover its secrets for yourself. However, we recommend 10 things you should not miss on the island. 

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When they tell you that Gran Canaria has it all, it is true; it even has an immense dune field in the south, on one of the most famous and crowded beaches of the island. These are the Dunes of Maspalomas, a unique natural enclave that stands out not only for its enormous beauty, but also for the fact that this protected area, which has been declared a Nature Reserve, is home to ecosystems where endemic species live. Special mention should be made of the Charca, a brackish lagoon that is part of the Reserve and is the habitat of numerous birds, some of them migratory. 

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When they tell you that Gran Canaria has it all, it is true; it even has an immense dune field in the south, on one of the most famous and crowded beaches of the island. These are the Dunes of Maspalomas, a unique natural enclave that stands out not only for its enormous beauty, but also for the fact that this protected area, which has been declared a Nature Reserve, is home to ecosystems where endemic species live. Special mention should be made of the Charca, a brackish lagoon that is part of the Reserve and is the habitat of numerous birds, some of them migratory. 

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In the heart of the island, in the extensive territory that comprises Nublo Rural Park, included in the Biosphere Reserve, stands the figure of Roque Nublo, a volcanic monolith 80 meters high that you cannot miss. This Natural Monument can be reached via a simple path surrounded by Canarian pines, at the top of which you will find a reward: in addition to the wonderful views, you will have a close view of this stone giant. Spectacular! 

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This is another of the most famous seafaring villages on the island, but located in the northwest. An ideal place to rest and learn to relax: a true retreat from the usual stress. The walks on the beach, the baths in the natural pools of the salt mines, the sunsets after fishing, incredible views and exquisite gastronomy will make you to not want to leave this place. 

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You will soon realize why Las Canteras Beach is so well regarded, but we will tell you why ourselves: golden sands, calm waters, easy access, wonderful for children and, moreover, it has all the services you need, since it is located in the very city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island. The true pulse of the city, it is also the preferred leisure spot for residents and tourists because, in addition to the magnificent beach during the day, it also has a lively night life along its more than three kilometers of avenue where terraces and restaurants abound. 

 

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Vegueta is the historical center of the capital of Gran Canaria, the founding core of the city. It still preserves the beautiful buildings of past centuries and it is a real pleasure to walk through the cobbled streets of this National Historic and Artistic Site. Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical facades follow one after another in this neighborhood, which houses important buildings such as the Casa de Colón, the Santa Ana Cathedral and San Martín Hospital. In addition, Vegueta has interesting museums such as the Canarian Museum and the Atlantic Center of Modern Art (CAAM). 

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Christopher Columbus passed through Gran Canaria in 1492: he stopped at the Governor’s House in order to repair La Pinta. Part of that building is now an annex of Casa Colón, which houses a museum, a library and a study center dedicated to the relations of the Canary Islands with America. It is one of the most visited cultural centers of the Islands. 

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In 2020, the centenary of the death of the Canarian writer Benito Pérez Galdós has been celebrated, considered to be the Spanish Charles Dickens due to the harsh social chronicle of 19th century Spain represented by his novels. Translated into many languages and read all over the world, his work helps us to also understand Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from a century ago, when it was already an important international port. His entire legacy can be enjoyed in the Pérez Galdós House-Museum, which is located in the central neighborhood of Triana, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. 

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In the Pintada de Gáldar Cave, located in this town in the north of Gran Canaria, you can see the cave paintings drawn on its walls by the ancient inhabitants of the islands, villages that came from North Africa, as well as other tools found in the archaeological excavations in the area. It is a perfect visit for culture lovers, as well as for telling magical stories if you are accompanied by children. 

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Every Sunday in Teror, famous for its delicious chorizos, there is a busy market where you can absolutely find everything: vegetables and fruit, meat and sausages, cheese, clothing of all kinds, jewelry, flowers, toys, crafts, religious objects... It’s a good plan for Sunday morning and a good place to buy a nice souvenir of your trip.