The islands are small microcosms with great contrasts. In addition to sunshine and beach days, check out this road trip through Gran Canaria! 5 days is enough to ensure that nothing is left unseen.
Route through Gran Canaria by car
Spain is fortunate to have two archipelagos, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. And, therefore, you can take advantage of these special destinations for your holidays. Each island provides an enriching tourist experience.
Don't just spend the day on one of its wonderful beaches! Renting a car allows you to embark on a trip as joyful as this 5-day route through Gran Canaria. We break it down for you day by day.
Day 1: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the surrounding area
Although it is up to you, our recommendation is to spend the morning in the surrounding areas and the afternoon in the city. Start by visiting the Caldera de Bandama, a unique natural enclave. It is a volcanic crater (1 km in diameter and 200 m deep). You can drive to the Mirador Pico Bandama to enjoy panoramic views.
Two alternative plans would be hiking (a circular route around the crater) or a visit to a winery, where you can taste their wines with Appellation of Origin. You can also go to the Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden, just 10 minutes away via the GC-802. It is a paradise of agave and palm trees.
Time to return to the capital for lunch. Take the opportunity to go to the Vegueta neighbourhood to eat, walk its cobbled streets and soak up the bohemian atmosphere, shopping and strolling through the modernism. A great finish to the day with dinner is what the Triana neighbourhood has in store.
Day 2: The Costa Verde (North and Northwest)
Remember that the island is circular, so if you base yourself in Las Palmas or somewhere nearby, the most logical thing to do is divide the route into sectors, so as not to waste time travelling.
This second day takes you to the wettest and wildest area, with impressive cliffs. The crowning jewel is the town of Agaete, with its seafaring atmosphere. It is about 20 minutes from the capital via the GC-2.
Other places to visit in the area: the natural pools of Las Salinas, Dedo de Dios and any Valle de Agaete Coffee Field, the only place in Europe where coffee is grown.
Day 3: The centre and its summits
Get ready for a day of curves! But, the journey is worth it. Your destination is Teror, for many, the most beautiful town in the Canary Islands. It is a must-visit to understand the Canarian way of life. Don't leave here without trying the water and the chorizo sandwich. It can be reached via the GC-21 in about half an hour from the capital. There is ample parking near the old town.
The surroundings invite you to an afternoon of gentle hiking through the Barranco del Álamoravine or a stroll through the Finca de Osorio.
Day 4: The route of the winds (East and Southeast)
This poses a radical contrast to what we have seen so far. It is the most arid part of the island, characterised by its impressive ravines and archaeological sites. The essential stop is in Guayadeque and its cave houses, the ravine that separates the towns of Ingenio and Agüimes. Dining in one of the restaurants carved into the rock is a novel experience.
Other points of interest are Santa Lucía de Tirajana, with Ingenio’s Palmeral, ideal for photography lovers. The fishing village of Arinaga, where the El Cabrón Marine Reserve is located, is another good place to stop, a paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Day 5: Beaches and dunes (South)
Your last day is the perfect time to relax and reflect on everything you have experienced. Take the GC-1 and in about 45 minutes you will be in Maspalomas, the iconic beach with dunes of the island.
But you can also make some stops along the way, at the Bufadero de la Garita (Telde), for example, especially if you love photography. This peculiar rock formation releases pressurised water, with a spectacular sound and visual effect.
There is also a busier and more bustling option, in Playa del Inglés. Or you can opt for tranquility and enjoy an authentic fishing village in Arguineguín. This spot, interestingly, is the most extensive community of Norwegians outside the country itself, which is reflected in its buildings and stores.
Travelling to an island has many incentives, especially if you rent a vehicle in Gran Canaria with OK Mobility. With complete freedom and in the utmost comfort, you can make this 5-day route by car through Gran Canaria or another island with the same Atlantic environment, like Madeira.
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