Gran Canaria

All of the Canary Islands, but especially Gran Canaria, offer much more than many people think: it's not just the year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches that make it worth traveling here.

On this island you will find a desert with beautiful sand dunes, a mountain pine forest, a banana plantation , a cactus park, colorful rocks , and even an old salt distillery. I spent a week here and I was not bored for a second.

I arrived at the end of January and was greeted by a pleasant temperature of 26-27 degrees. The calima (a sandstorm with hot winds blowing from the Sahara) made things a little difficult, but I managed to get used to it in a few days.

I booked accommodation at the Riu Palace Oasis hotel, where for a minimal extra cost I also got dinner in addition to breakfast. Since I knew that I would be out and about all day during the week, I thought it would be a good idea not to have to look for a restaurant in the evening. This turned out to be a lucky decision, because every meal was amazing: a huge selection, several meat and fish dishes, lots of fruit and vegetables - I loved them. The desserts also looked beautiful, but unfortunately I couldn't find a gluten-free variation of them.

What is worth seeing? - Attractions in Gran Canaria

• Maspalomas Sand Dunes: It's like walking in the middle of a desert - this unique ecosystem is a protected area and is particularly stunning at sunset. Behind the dunes, a long stretch of beach awaits bathers, while nearby Playa del Inglés is famous for its vibrant nightlife.

• Firgas: a small but charming town in the north of Gran Canaria, best known for its decorative waterfall cascading down its steps and the hand-painted ceramic tiles that line it – these depict the flags and coats of arms of each Canary Island. It offers not only an aesthetic experience, but also a little cultural and historical walk.

  
  

• Puerto de Mogan: the “Venice of the Canary Islands”, a romantic port town in the southwest of the island. Its white houses, colorful flowers, small canals and charming streets make it the perfect destination for an afternoon stroll or a leisurely dinner by the ocean.

• Cuevas de las Cruces: a lesser-known cave system among the mountains, where old cave dwellings and stone-carved spaces evoke the world of the indigenous Guanches.

  
  

• Barranco de las Vacas: a narrow gorge valley that has become famous for its reddish rock walls and unique shapes – many also call it “the Antelope Canyon of the Canary Islands”.

• Mirador del Balcón: From the Mirador del Balcón lookout towering over the western coast, you can see all the way to the rocky ridge of the island, also known as the “dragon’s spine”. It is a stunning sight at sunset, especially on clear days, when the outlines of the island of La Palma can also be seen on the horizon.

• Anfi del Mar - beautiful beach with white sand

  
  

• The Village of San Nicolas

• Piscinas naturales de agaete: natural pools created by volcanic rocks

  
  

• Los Azulejos: colorful rocks that play with green, blue and pinkish hues due to their minerals

• Salinas del Bufadero: a traditional salt distillery still operating today, where we can learn how sea salt has been made for centuries.

• Telde: One of the oldest settlements in Gran Canaria, it is also worth a visit: cobblestone streets, small churches and a historical atmosphere await visitors.

  
  

• Parador de Tejeda: a viewpoint from which, on clear days, Roque Nublo and Teide can be seen.

  
  

• La Cesta : giant basket, photo spot in beautiful surroundings

• Mirador El Toscón: a lesser-known viewpoint, the access is tricky, but worth it; in return, you will be rewarded with a beautiful panorama that you don't have to share with anyone

• Museo del Platano: banana plantation, presenting the history of banana cultivation in the Canary Islands.

• Aloe Vera farm: here you can learn about the cultivation and use of this versatile plant.

• Roque Nublo: iconic boulder

  
  

• Pico de las Nieves: the highest point on the island

  
  

• Cactus park

Gran Canaria is more than just a sunny holiday destination – it’s a mosaic of islands, with every corner offering new surprises and experiences. Whether you’re coming for a week or longer, there are almost certainly undiscovered corners that will beckon you back.