Gran Canaria Sightseeing
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The top sights on Gran Canaria are divided between carefully-restored Spanish colonial towns like Moya, Las Palmas and Agüimes to natural landmarks such as the sand dunes at Maspalomas and the unique rock formation of Roque Nublo. Many of the Spanish colonial settlements are also sided by ancient archaeological sites such as the granary at Las Palmas. Of course, wherever you travel on the island its luxurious white-sand beaches often upstage the other sites, evidenced by the crowds of tourists basking in the sun and enjoying the perennial-warm waters.
Agüimes
This traditional hill town of the Canaries has been meticulously restored. A fine collection of early colonial-period architecture, headlined by the neoclassical Parish Church of San Sebastián, characterises the town plaza. Also of note are the restored cave dwellings nearby in Guayadeque Ravine. Everything from the church to local restaurants here is incorporated to some degree into caves cut from the rock walls.
Cenobio de Valerón
This prehistoric granary is the largest of its kind in Gran Canaria. It is representative of the pre-Hispanic culture that thrived here before colonisation, and the tourism industry has gone to great lengths to refurbish and maintain it. Pickaxes were used to carve the more than 500 grain depositories found here in the rock. The aborigines could hermetically seal these with mortar to lengthen the shelf-life of their stored grain. Phone: +34 618 604 896; website: www.cenobiodevaleron.com/en.
Dunes of Maspalomas
Located at San Bartomé de Tirajana, these sand dunes cover an expansive stretch of coastline and constitute one of the island’s most unique natural features. In the heart of the dunes you’ll find La Charca, a lagoon that doubles as an important nesting ground for endangered migratory birds. A famous lighthouse is also found here.
Located at San Bartomé de Tirajana, these sand dunes cover an expansive stretch of coastline and constitute one of the island’s most unique natural features. In the heart of the dunes you’ll find La Charca, a lagoon that doubles as an important nesting ground for endangered migratory birds. A famous lighthouse is also found here.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
For most visitors, a trip to Gran Canaria begins and ends with a visit to the capital city, Las Palmas. The collection of historic architecture here is impressive, with numerous well-preserved structures dating back 500 years to early colonisation. Visit the Vegueta area to see the best collection of architecture, which includes the Santa Ana Cathedral, the San Antonio Abad Chapel, and the Obispado. Among the historic plazas and stoic period homes you’ll also find the island’s strongest showing of museums and art galleries in Las Palmas.
For most visitors, a trip to Gran Canaria begins and ends with a visit to the capital city, Las Palmas. The collection of historic architecture here is impressive, with numerous well-preserved structures dating back 500 years to early colonisation. Visit the Vegueta area to see the best collection of architecture, which includes the Santa Ana Cathedral, the San Antonio Abad Chapel, and the Obispado. Among the historic plazas and stoic period homes you’ll also find the island’s strongest showing of museums and art galleries in Las Palmas.
Moya
Situated on the northern face of the island, Moya is a mountain village most famous for its church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the city, the church boats three naves, two towers and a beautiful rose window on its foremost façade. The surrounding countryside, much of which is a protected natural area of particular interest to botanists, also features traditional homes with gabled roofs and ancient agricultural infrastructure such as aqueducts and canals.
Situated on the northern face of the island, Moya is a mountain village most famous for its church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the city, the church boats three naves, two towers and a beautiful rose window on its foremost façade. The surrounding countryside, much of which is a protected natural area of particular interest to botanists, also features traditional homes with gabled roofs and ancient agricultural infrastructure such as aqueducts and canals.
Puerto de Mogán
This lovely resort on the southwest coast of the island receives equal numbers of day-trippers and overnight guests. The quaint marina here is linked to the nearby fishing harbour via a network of small canals that have earned the town its nickname, ‘Venice of the Canaries’. The best day to visit is on Friday when the weekly market opens.
This lovely resort on the southwest coast of the island receives equal numbers of day-trippers and overnight guests. The quaint marina here is linked to the nearby fishing harbour via a network of small canals that have earned the town its nickname, ‘Venice of the Canaries’. The best day to visit is on Friday when the weekly market opens.
Rock Cloud
Locally known as Roque Nublo, this is one of the island’s unique natural features. It’s a naturally occurring monolith that stands 262ft tall. Situated outside of the Tejada town, Rock Cloud is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of the island and seascape. Phone: +34 928 666 020.
Locally known as Roque Nublo, this is one of the island’s unique natural features. It’s a naturally occurring monolith that stands 262ft tall. Situated outside of the Tejada town, Rock Cloud is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of the island and seascape. Phone: +34 928 666 020.
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Top Hotel Reviews
Maspalomas
The hotel in the outside is amazing,unfortunately in the inside is only average.And I don't understand why the minibar was empty and why we should pay for the wireless used in the reception hall.Anywa...
The hotel in the outside is amazing,unfortunately in the inside is only average.And I don't understand why the minibar was empty and why we should pay for the wireless used in the reception hall.Anywa...
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