Best things to do in Gran Canaria: nature, villages and island flavours

Gran Canaria packs very different landscapes into a small space, which makes the list of possible things to do a long one. From the coast to the summit, taking in inland villages and markets selling local produce along the way, the island offers enough options that you needn't repeat a single plan during your whole stay.

Nature: dunes, beaches and reefs

The Dunas de Maspalomas are an essential stop: 400 hectares of sand declared a Special Nature Reserve in 1987, with the Charca sheltering migratory birds beside the historic Faro de Maspalomas. At the other end of the island, Playa de Las Canteras offers a very different plan: almost three kilometres of urban sand protected by La Barra, the natural reef that calms the waves about 200 metres from the shore.

Heading up to the summit

For those who prefer altitude, the route to Roque Nublo is the go-to plan: a volcanic monolith some 80 metres tall at over 1,800 metres, with a short, well-signposted trail from the La Goleta car park. The whole summit area is declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and on clear nights it's one of the best spots on the island for stargazing.

Discovering charming villages

Teror, Tejeda and Puerto de Mogán show very different sides of Gran Canaria. The first two look towards the mountains, with traditional architecture and viewpoints over the island's interior. Puerto de Mogán looks out to sea: its canals, flower-lined bridges and whitewashed houses, together with its Friday market, make it one of the most photogenic villages in the south-west, and a good base for exploring the rest of the island.

Flavours of the island

The plan is rounded off with local gastronomy. Flor de Guía cheese, with its Designation of Origin, is made by curdling the milk with wild thistle flower instead of animal rennet, a technique that gives it a distinctive, recognisable flavour. A market selling local produce or a simple lunch with sea views are the best way to end any of these plans.