10 Best Activities in Gran Canaria

If you are thinking of visiting this island paradise, I assure you that you will not be disappointed. Gran Canaria has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday. There are many things to see and do in Gran Canaria, and although it is one of the favourite destinations for beach and sea lovers, inland you can enjoy a host of other activities.

You can go canyoning or stroll through its picturesque streets, spend the day in one of its theme parks or explore the amazing dunes of Maspalomas. Gran Canaria is the right combination of nature and fun, and in this article I have selected the 10 activities you can't miss if you visit the island.

A visit to Gran Canaria has to include a day at the beach, and what better way to spend it than at Playa del Inglés. Undoubtedly one of the island's favourites, here you can enjoy both relaxation and the most fun water activities.

Its transparent waters are perfect if you want to snorkel, as you can enjoy all the beauty of the underwater world, colourful fish, coral reefs and countless other treasures. Ideal to visit with the family, as the atmosphere is lively and there are beach bars and restaurants where you can spend the day in the sun, without worrying about anything.

Gran Canaria is par excellence a destination to enjoy the sea, its fine white sand and the coming and going of the boats. Playa del Inglés is the largest beach on the island, and it literally has it all. If you are travelling alone or as a couple, it even has a nudist area at one end. It is an ideal place to get out and enjoy the sun to the full. Located in the southern part of Gran Canaria, to the east of the Maspalomas dunes, Playa del Inglés stretches from Punta Maspalomas to the beginning of Playa de San Agustín.

If you want to discover one of the true natural wonders of Gran Canaria, take a walk through one of the most surprising places on the island: the living dunes of Maspalomas. They are so called because they are in constant movement. These enormous mountains of sand seem magical, almost like a fairy tale from the Arabian Nights. You can live the illusion of being in a desert, and even take a camel ride! Definitely one of the places you can't miss on your visit to Gran Canaria.

Next to the dunes you can also climb the Maspalomas lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views from the top. This is a spectacle not to be missed, the sight of the golden dunes in contrast to the turquoise sea will leave you speechless. Nearby you will also find a palm forest and a lake.

The area is about 400 hectares in total, and has been declared a special nature reserve, so it is protected, which is why you will be able to see some beautiful bird species. Get your camera or your Smartphone ready, because here you will be able to take some dream pictures.

Located in the historic centre of the island's capital, the city of Las Palmas, the beautiful Cathedral of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the most important buildings on the island. Inaugurated in the 16th century, its façade and exterior is neoclassical in style, while its interior is markedly Gothic.

The Cathedral is located in front of the Plaza de Santa Ana, from which it receives its name, given that, although it is known as Catedral de las Palmas, its original name is Catedral de Santa Ana de Gran Canaria. It is located in the Vegueta neighbourhood, the most picturesque area of the island's capital. You can't miss the chance to stroll around its narrow streets, which seem to have been frozen in time.

Inside the Cathedral of Santa Ana, you will be able to recognise mouldings and work on the ceilings and walls that recall the island's native vegetation. Although it is not yet considered finished, the Cathedral has no less than 500 years of history behind it, the result of which is its notorious mixture of architectural styles. When you visit it, you will notice that inside and out it looks like two completely different temples.

Visit two of the most emblematic places in Gran Canaria. Pico de las Nieves is the highest of the whole island, with no less than 1949 metres above sea level, it is a perfect place for hiking enthusiasts.

From the summit of Pico de las Nieves, and much of the ascent to it, you can get some of the best views on the island. A natural setting full of peace, as majestic as it is imposing. Don't forget to take your camera or Smartphone, the photographs from here are second to none.

Then, set off on the hike towards the wonderful Roque Nublo, a monumental rock formation, the product of centuries and more centuries of erosion. This geological curiosity is only a 30-minute walk from Pico de las Nieves. The paths linking the two sites are in perfect condition and are highly recommended. Don't forget to bring bottles of water and something to eat and recharge your batteries.

Enjoying the sunset next to this stone giant is quite a spectacle. To one side is another smaller formation in the shape of a frog, which seems to be watching the larger one. Undoubtedly, Roque Nublo is one of those places charged with a particular energy, some say it has magical qualities, you can't miss it!

Spend a day of pure fun in one of Gran Canaria's best theme parks. From incredible water parks, such as Aqualand Maspalomas, zoos, to a park that emulates a Wild West town, with a cowboy show on horseback, you have many options to have a great time. If you're travelling with children, you'll love Gran Canaria's theme parks. There are options for all tastes.

Enjoy the Cocodrilo Park

At the Cocodrilo Park, the little ones can feed the animals and actively interact with them. A surprising place in the middle of nature, a mixture of zoo and amusement park, ideal to go with children, although the whole family can enjoy it. Here you can see different species of reptiles, exotic birds, meerkats and much more.

Visit the amazing Sioux City Park

Another option, perhaps the most original of all, is Sioux City Park. This theme park, which was originally created and used as a film set for cowboy movies in the 1970s, offers a unique spectacle. Experience the fantasy of walking through an authentic Wild West town, as everything here is real. You can have a drink in the saloon, visit the sheriff's office, or even witness a bank robbery, complete with gunfight!

Spend a day of fun at Aqualand Maspalomas Park

But if you just want to enjoy the sun, water and games, I recommend Aqualand Maspalomas. The best option to spend an incredible day. Here you will find slides, pools with artificial waves, sea lions (which you can swim with!) and the best games for both adults and children. One of the most fun theme parks in Gran Canaria.

With so much nature at your fingertips, you can't miss out on some of the best canyoning experiences in Gran Canaria. You will descend mountains, go over incredible waterfalls, swim and have the chance to live an experience of pure adrenaline, in a beautiful natural environment.

There are several options, such as canyoning in Cernícalos, in the Laurisilva forest, the Barranco de las Vacas in Agüimes or the Barranco de la Manta. Each with a different level of complexity. You will be accompanied by an expert guide and you will be provided with all the necessary equipment, from harnesses, descenders, suits and even neoprene socks.

Come and enjoy this adventure in the middle of nature. Don't worry if you are inexperienced, most of these tours are designed for beginners, so there is no risk and no great difficulty.

The area of Gran Canaria has a large number of vineyards and wineries. Thanks to the proximity to the sea and the type of soil, the varieties of wine produced on the island have an extremely interesting flavour, intensity and body.

If you are someone who enjoys the world of wine and oenology in general, you cannot miss a guided tour of the best vineyards, wineries and cellars of Gran Canaria. In addition, these excursions include a tasting of local wines, as well as a visit to the Wine Museum and a delicious tasting of some of the tastiest cheeses.

Some of the wineries that open their doors for visits are the Bodega San Juan and the Bodega Los Lirios. You can also visit the Arehucas rum distillery. An experience to enjoy with all five senses. This is, without a doubt, one of the best tours of Gran Canaria that you can take.

Going on a cruise is always a good option. In this case, you can enjoy the sea and the views of the coasts of Gran Canaria and the northern part of the African continent, aboard a luxury catamaran. In addition to the beautiful and calm ride through the translucent waters, this type of cruise makes one or two stops for a refreshing dip, a little snorkelling and a dose of adventure, jet skiing or parasailing.

Make the most of this experience and have lunch on board, while listening to the sound of the sea and seeing all the beauty of Gran Canaria's coastline. Lunch and a choice of drinks are usually included in the cruise.

Your captain will tell you all the details you need to know about the different areas of the island, its marine fauna, vegetation, protected areas and, of course, its history. This boat tour of Gran Canaria is one of the best activities you can do on the island, so don't hesitate and sign up.

Diving in a place like Gran Canaria is an experience you will never forget. With its warm, transparent waters and its great marine wealth, diving and snorkelling is one of the ideal activities to do on the island. If you've never done it before, you should sign up for a diving baptism, where you'll learn all the basics so you can explore the depths to your heart's content. And what better place to do it than the Arinaga marine reserve?

Also known as the El Cabrón marine reserve, here you will be able to see a large number of fish and marine animals, plants, rocks, seahorses, starfish and a host of other natural treasures.

Let yourself be surprised by the underwater world of Gran Canaria. Doing a diving baptism will allow you to learn the rudiments of scuba diving so that you can then move freely on the seabed. This type of activity usually has a theoretical part, where you will learn the different signs and ways of communicating underwater, and a practical part.

Throughout the length and breadth of the island there are a good number of spa and relaxation centres where you can let yourself be carried away by the hand into a world of relaxation. Treat yourself to a different kind of experience, because although the beaches and the general atmosphere invite you to get rid of all the stress you may have accumulated during the year, enjoying a spa is enjoying yourself on a different level, and in an environment designed in detail for your wellbeing.

The Gran Canaria Spa, Wellness & Health Association has been developing and improving this aspect of the island, making it one of its most outstanding attractions. Today, there are options for all budgets and all tastes. I can assure you that, if you go for it, you won't regret it.

The vast majority of them are located within some of the best hotels on the island, such as the Seaside Palm Beach or the Corallium Spa Costa Meloneras. Here you can enjoy beauty treatments, relaxing massages, showers and steam baths, water circuits at different temperatures, facials and much more.

In total you have more than 50 different treatments to choose from. The Thalassotherapy centres and Spa Centres are the perfect excuse to disconnect from the world for a few hours.

As you can see, Gran Canaria has plenty of activities for a great time. With options to suit all tastes, this island opens its arms to welcome a good number of visitors every year. And while its beaches get all the plaudits, there are all kinds of experiences to be had, so get your suitcase ready, because Gran Canaria is waiting for you.