Gran Canaria: 7-Day Trip Plan of Exploration & Relaxation

Gran Canaria is a Spanish island in the Canary archipelago, one of the seven main islands, known for its year round warm climate, golden beaches, volcanic landscape, and incredibly diverse nature. The island offers everything from the dunes of Maspalomas to lush green mountains, pine forests, charming historic towns, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visitors come for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, golf, lively resorts, vibrant LGBTQ+ festivals, and relaxed island atmosphere.

💡 Practical Tips

Transportation: Booking your rental car in advance through DiscoverCars is highly recommended, prices are competitive and it makes a market research with the best and cheapest price. If you plan a purely relaxing trip, consider booking a shuttle to your hotel. Please note that public transportation on the island is limited, especially for reaching natural attractions. Pride Festival Travelers: If you are visiting for the Summer Pride in May or Winter Pride in November, consider planning a 2 week stay: one week for events and nightlife, and one week afterward to relax and explore the island. Check out more information about the gay prides in Gran Canaria in my article: Pride in Gran Canaria: Sun, Sand and Celebration

*In case your traveling outside of the EU and need internet package and stay in touch with family and friends, reserve your E-Sim now via YESIM.

🌤️ When to Visit & Where to Stay

Gran Canaria is a year round destination. Note that the north is cooler and cloudier, while the south enjoys more consistent sunshine.

Recommended areas to stay: – Maspalomas

– Meloneras

– Puerto Rico

– Puerto de Mogán

• This itinerary is based on staying in Maspalomas.

Check out my hotel recommendations in Gran Canaria: the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas, the MUR Neptuno Gran Canaria, and the Lopesan Baobab Resort.

Day 1 — Arrival & Relaxation

Settle into your accommodation and explore the eastern side of Maspalomas. If you arrive before sunset, enjoy a refreshing swim at Playa del Inglés.

Later, head to the Dunas de Maspalomas for an unforgettable sunset over the golden sand dunes.

Dinner suggestions: – Restaurant Marco Polo (Italian, Playa del Inglés)

– Cibarivm (Upscale Canary cuisine, San Agustín)

Day 2 — Northern Highlights & Capital City

After breakfast, drive about 40 minutes to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island’s capital. Explore key attractions such as:

– Historic Vegueta district

– Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana

– Plaza de las Ranas

– Poema del Mar Aquarium

– Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo (Botanical Garden)

If you’d like to swim afterward, choose between: – Las Canteras Beach

– Natural pools: Roque Prieto, Los Charcones de Bañaderos, Charco de Las Palomas, Piscinas de La Laja, or Punta de Tomí.

Continue to the nearby town of Arucas and visit its impressive neo-Gothic cathedral, Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas.

Dinner: Enjoy a Canarian meal at El Deseo in Las Palmas.

Day 3 — Nature, Culture & Scenic Views

After breakfast, drive 30 minutes to Barranco de Las Vacas, a beautiful canyon known for its smooth rock formations. The walk is easy, but remember sunscreen and a hat the sun can be intense.

If you’d like to combine your visit with an authentic Canarian dining experience, there’s a great restaurant about a 20-minute drive away called Bar-Restaurante Tagoror.

Continue to San Bartolomé de Tirajana to explore this peaceful Canarian town and enjoy local cuisine.

From there, drive about 40 minutes to Pico de las Nieves, one of the island’s highest viewpoints. At Mirador del Pico de los Pozos de las Nieves, you can enjoy panoramic views on clear days, you can even see Tenerife. Finish the day at Caldera de Bandama, a dramatic volcanic crater. You may admire it from above or hike into the crater.

Day 4 — Beach Time & Shopping in Meloneras

Start the day at Mirador de las Dunas, which is located next to Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas, and walk down to the southern beaches for a relaxing morning.

Continue your walk along the shoreline toward Meloneras, where you’ll find luxury hotels, the iconic lighthouse, and a modern shopping area. Spend the afternoon enjoying the promenade, boutiques, or cafés.

End the day with dinner and a drink in the Meloneras area, or walk up to Avenida Touroperador Tui street for a beautiful sunset view over Maspalomas.

Day 5 — Iconic Viewpoints & Western Coast

Start early and drive about 1 hour to Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landmarks. The hike to the viewpoint is moderate and rewarding.

Continue toward Mirador del Balcón, a spectacular cliffside viewpoint overlooking the rugged west coast. The drive takes about 1.5 hours through winding mountain roads.

If you want to swim, stop at the nearby La Aldea Beach, a quiet stone beach. End the day in Agaete or Puerto de las Nieves, known for their excellent local fish restaurants:

– Restaurante Terraza Sidrería La Diosa del Mar

– Restaurante Cofradía de Pescadores

• If you plan to continue your trip to Tenerife, ferries depart from Puerto de las Nieves.

Gran Canaria’s spectacular landscapes have an extraordinary history. From the towering Roque Nublo to its dramatic ravines and volcanic craters, the island reveals millions of years of geological evolution. Discover how these natural wonders were formed in my article The Geological Story of Gran Canaria.

Day 6 — Water Activities

Today is dedicated to water fun. Choose one of the following:

Option A: Aqualand Maspalomas A full day at the water park, located near Maspalomas. Day ticket: ~€37.

Option B: Puerto de Mogán & Water Excursions Drive to the charming town of Puerto de Mogán, stroll through its colorful streets, and enjoy: – Submarine tours

– Dolphin-watching cruises

– Snorkeling trips

– Water sports & boating

Return to Maspalomas for dinner at: – Tapas Capaco – El Oasis Tapas y Cócteles

– The New Rustico Maspalomas

– Restaurant LoLa

Day 7 — Final Chill Day

For your last day, take it slow.

Drive 15 minutes to Puerto Rico, explore the town, and head to Playa de Amadores.

Enjoy the calm turquoise water and spend the day relaxing on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.