Road trip to Gran Canaria: itinerary for 1 and 2 weeks

Go to the conquest of the most popular island in the Canary Islands! We offer you a road trip across the island to avoid any unmissable places.

With its postcard landscapes, its relaxing atmosphere and impressive reliefs, Gran Canaria has conquered the heart of tourists. Indeed, the second largest island in the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean is known for its biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO since 2005.

In addition, the island enjoys a mild climate all year round, which allows you to discover and enjoy it in any season. Ideal, isn’t it?

In our guide, we propose you to go to Gran Canaria with a road trip that will allow you to better understand island culture. You will thus have the chance to not miss the beauty of Gran Canaria and take your eyes full at each stage.

Note that some of the roads we recommend may be very boring because of the relief. Don’t hesitate to recheck your route and arrange it according to your driving skills.

1. From Las Palmas...

Our road trip starts in the most important city of the island: Las Palmas. With its large beach areas, this city is perfect to start your itinerary smoothly.

But don't get me wrong. Las Palmas is also a very dynamic and cosmopolitan place! There you can, in fact, enjoy its bars, restaurants, activities of all kinds, and meet travellers from all over the world around a sangria .

But what to do in Gran Canaria before taking the wheel for new adventures? You can start by sunbathing on the beach of Las Canteras and make a surf session.

We also invite you to discover the historical district, Vegueta, and to lose you in alleys. You will surely fall on a local market where you can make the right fresh products! Also, several religious buildings will punctuate your walk, like the Cathedral of Santa Ana that we recommend you to visit.

In addition, if you want to know more about the history of Gran Canaria before discovering the island, go to the Canario Museum. The latter is located near the episcopal palace and the Casas consistoriales which is also worth a look.

2. De Las Palmas in Teror

After a sweet night in Las Palmas, it is time to discover the rest of the island over a period of one week to ten days. First, we will go to Teror, a village of about 12,000 souls located in the land.

The commune is a Marian locality and therefore a high place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Indeed, religious visitors come to collect from the Virgen del Pino , which miraculously irrigated fields of crops too dry to save the villagers from famine. We recommend that you visit Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pinos and the episcopal palace.

Beyond the religious aspect, Teror is an ideal gateway to discover the rural park of Doramas. The latter, in mountainous areas, has an impressive biodiversity over an area of 3586 hectares . Therefore, if you like it, you can then start a multi-hour hike where you may have the chance to cross a few rare species of birds.

3. From Teror to Telde by the Pico de las Nieves

Take the time you need to complete this stage of your road trip to Gran Canaria, but one thing is sure: you will not regret it!

Indeed, it will be necessary to put on good sneakers or – ideally – walking shoes to climb the Roque Nublo . This monolith 80 metres is located 1 813 metres altitude and thus allows to have a fabulous panoramic view.

A few kilometers from there is also the Pico de las Nieves : a second point even higher, since it culminates in 1 949 metres altitude. There, too, you can go on a hike adapted to your physical shape and level, or test activities like paragliding. In any case, the landscapes are lunar and impressive: don’t forget the camera to capture some memories.

After this mountain stage, it is time to return to the direction of the coast in Telde. This village with a strong pre-Hispanic heritage will allow you to restore and rest after your mountain adventures. Swim in the neighborhoods of San Juan (city district) and San Francisco and let yourself be surprised by the architectural jewels at every corner of the street.

4. From Telde to Agüimes

Your traditional breakfast in Telde is time to take the road to discover Agüimes and its surroundings. This stage of our road trip in Gran Canaria will allow you to learn more about the traditions of the island and discover its craftsmanship. Agüimes is indeed a city of 30,000 inhabitants with a strong footprint of island history.

First, walk through the historic city centre and admire the traditional buildings. The most important is probably the Templo Parroquial de San Sebastian . The latter is located on the Plaza del Rosario and impress with his three naves.

Finally, we invite you to discover Cocodrilo Park: a place that houses the most important Alligators collection in Europe. You will also see other reptiles such as lizards, but also turtles and birds.

At the end of the day, take a drink in the small medieval streets of Agüimes ochres and enjoy a relaxed and relaxing atmosphere. Once the night falls, around 22 hours, you are invited to the Observatorio Astronomico Temisas for an unforgettable evening, the head in the stars.

5. From Agüimes to Maspalomas

Your night was sweet, wasn't it? In any case, the tranquility of Agüimes can only relax to resume the quiet road. Direction Maspalomas! You can first go through the Playa del Cardón , a must-see if you like surfing. This beach is actually taken by water sports enthusiasts!

Another option to get to Maspalomas is to pass through Fataga: a village in the lands known for its traditional houses and palm groves. A hike is also accessible, the Fataga Barranco , which will make you discover particularly dry landscapes. If you embark on this adventure in the middle of the canyons, go up to the window to enjoy a beautiful view.

After this first step "à la carte", it is now time to go to a key place of this road trip in Gran Canaria: the dunes of Maspalomas. There you will almost believe in the middle of the Sahara. Indeed, these dunes make about 10 metres and more 400 hectares . The place is therefore magical, and especially favorable to observe a golden sunset perched at the top of a dune.

Before you go there, we advise you to get closer to an agency that can offer you activities like sandboarding, or a walk through the park. Think about getting hydrated, wearing a hat or a cap, and taking sun cream, because the heat can be rough.

6. From Maspalomas to Mogán

Arrived at the tip of Gran Canaria, we must now drive towards the Mogán region. On the road, you will pass through Playa de Amadores : a wonderful beach of white sand. There, the water is turquoise and ideal for a super snorkeling session. In addition, the environment is particularly wild, making the place all the more peaceful and enjoyable.

After this refreshing and fierce break, take the wheel back to Lomo Quiebre. The port of this village is a must! We even call it the little Venice of Gran Canaria. Enjoy this place to restore and stroll around the city markets. If you like it, you can also do a surf, kayak or snorkeling session. Indeed, many agencies offer activities on site!

Finally, our last stage of the day takes us to Puerto de Mogán . This small fishing port is nestled in nature. Enjoy it to stroll through the flowers and admire its relief! If you decide to drive into the land, you will then fall into large wild areas.

7. From Mogán to Agaete

Our road trip to Gran Canaria is almost at its end! And yet, the best remains to come... Then tie your belts, because the road looks so boring. In fact, to reach Agaete through the Tamadaba Park, you have to take a beautiful mountain road that turns out to be tedious: the GC-200 .

If you’re not comfortable, no panic: opt for the safer road GC-1 which makes the tour of the island and which will take you to good port by adding 30 to 40 minutes drive only.

Our stage of the day is to discover Tamadaba Natural Park: a natural area by the sea. Choose one of the hiking trails and admire Mother Nature’s work: pines, impressive cliffs and stunning 360° views. You will even have the chance to see the Roque Nueblo . Tip: climb to the Tamadaba peak to get the best view!

After this escape in the middle of nature, return to Agaete, commune of the north of Gran Canaria. Close to Las Palmas, this is a different atmosphere that you experience. Take the time to discover the famous Necropolis del Maipés and the archaeological park.

And if you want to continue the “green scape”, stroll through Huerto de las Flores . Beyond that, the Agaete valley is particularly charming with its tropical trees and its panorama!

8. From Agaete to Gáldar

The road will be rather short to finish this road trip in Gran Canaria. Indeed, only 20 kilometres separate Gáldar from Agaete. You can however make a detour by the Playa de Sardina del Norte To make a last dive. This small northern beach is particularly discreet and surrounded by rocks. Also, don’t hesitate to stop on the Amagro side: a culminating point of view, ideal for walks.

Our final destination, Gáldar, is a city that knows a new momentum of popularity. First, you must visit the archaeological park Cueva Pintada : rock paintings from the Paleolithic period. The garden of the park bears witness to the ancient pre-Hispanic kingdom.

After this visit, discover the rest of Gáldar: its necropolis “La Guancha”, the residence of Guaires and other construction of an ancient time.

At the end of the day, to congratulate you on having completed this beautiful road trip in Gran Canaria, drink a drink near the old city hotel or the Plaza Grande and enjoy good local dishes.

Buckle the loop with a great pump return to Las Palmas. So, like us, did you fall in love with Gran Canaria?