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Holidaymakers wanting to absorb stunning weather all-year-long should book a trip to Gran Canaria. In addition to offering superb beaches and stunning scenery, the island also features exceptional landmarks and attractions you will not want to miss.
To ensure you have a superb trip from beginning to end with your friends or family, here are the eight bucket list spots to visit in Gran Canaria.
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- Presa de las Ninas
To feel closer to nature during your holiday, you should make a play for Presa de las Ninas, which is situated in the centre of Gran Canaria’s mountains. It’s an ideal spot for a picturesque picnic or BBQ with your family, as it overlooks a stunning reservoir. You also could enjoy a romantic stroll along the water with your other half, which could become a highlight of your break away.
- Puerto de Mogan
If you want to experience authentic Gran Canaria, set a day aside to experience the charming village of Puerto de Mogan. It features pretty streets that are complemented by a beautiful harbour, unique gift shops, and colourful flowers at every turn. You also should time your visit for a Friday, which is when 600 stalls will arrive in the village to create a market that’s popular with both locals and tourists.
- The Maspalomas Sand Dunes
If you can dare to tear yourself away from one of the stylish villas in Gran Canaria, you should visit Maspalomas sand dunes, which is a popular spot on the island. While you can take a stroll across the 404 hectares of dunes at any time in the day, it’s best enjoyed during sunset with your friends, family or other half. In addition to enjoying a picturesque walk along the unique terrain, you can also explore the dunes by horseback, camelback or bicycle.
You can then return to your luxury villa after spending as much time as you want exploring the magnificent sand dunes without the worry of having to return to a hotel for fear of missing dinner. Instead, by booking a self-catering villa, you can supply yourself with food for the day and eat while you are watching the sunset. You can then return to your villa with ease and simply chill out in the pool as you reflect on the day.
- The Painted Cave Museum
One landmark you will want to add onto your bucket list is the Painted Cave Museum, which is located in the stunning town of Galdar. Known to many as Cueva Pintada, you’ll find pre-Hispanic paintings inside the cave, which is why it is regarded as Gran Canaria’s Sistine Chapel. In addition to viewing the historic paintings, the landmark also displays artefacts from various excavated caves, such as aboriginals’ utensils.
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- Temisas Astronomic Observatory
People from across the world make their way to Gran Canaria for a spot of stargazing, as the island features unusually bright and clear skies to provide locals and tourists with exceptional views of constellations from the northern and southern hemispheres.
This is due to the island’s position on the equator, as it can filter out light pollution. What’s more, the Canary Islands has a law to regulate air traffic to provide a perfect view of the stars. To absorb the true beauty of the skies, you should visit the Temisas Astronomic Observatory during your stay, which you are likely to remember long after your holiday is over. It’s a romantic experience that could sweep your other half off their feet.
- Palmitos Park
Both adults and children will love a trip to Palmitos Park, which is the largest zoological park in the Canary Islands and it is home to:
- Dolphins
- Seals
- Turtles
- Toucans
- Lories
- Pelicans
You also will not want to miss the park’s many shows, feeding times and demonstrations, which are held each day. If you have €60 to spare, you could spend a little time with the dolphins, which will allow you to get up close to the beautiful species.
- Arguineguín
If you enjoy surfing, scuba diving or stand-up paddling, you will kick yourself if you miss out on Arguineguín, which is a pretty seaside town that allows you to ride the waves.
When you’re not busy in the water, you also could visit the local market on a Tuesday, which will allow you to buy various trinkets, crafts, and snacks.
- Caldera de Bandama
Caldera de Bandama is a jaw-dropping crater that’s a thousand metres in diameter and an incredible two-hundred metres deep. The crater developed after a powerful volcano eruption, which is believed to have occurred approximately 1,970 years ago.
While looking down at the crater might make your legs shake, it is possible to hike your way down Caldera de Bandama in as little as thirty minutes. However, it will take an hour to climb your way back up. It’s also worthwhile taking a stroll along the cinder path, as you could see various lizards, as well as eucalyptus, cacti and orange trees.
