What to see in Gran Canaria in a week: a complete route around the island

Gran Canaria is known as the miniature continent, and a week is enough to see why. In just over 1,500 km², dunes by the sea sit alongside volcanic ravines, a capital with an urban beach, and mountain villages that feel like another era. With seven days ahead of you, there's plenty of time to take in the island unhurried, moving between coast, summit and city.

First days: the capital and the coast

It's worth starting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with the historic quarter of Vegueta as your starting point and Playa de Las Canteras to round off the day. Its almost three kilometres of sand right in the city centre are protected by La Barra, a natural reef about 200 metres from the shore that calms the waves and makes it one of Spain's most distinctive urban beaches.

The next stretch heads south, to the Dunas de Maspalomas. This dune field, declared a Special Nature Reserve in 1987, is explored on foot from the Faro de Maspalomas, built in 1890 and now a visitor centre. Alongside the dunes lies the Charca, a wetland that shelters migratory birds and deserves a quiet moment, especially at sunset.

Middle days: the summit and Puerto de Mogán

With the coast already covered, it's time to head inland. Roque Nublo, a volcanic monolith some 80 metres tall at over 1,800 metres above sea level, is the island's big hiking draw: the signposted trail starts from the La Goleta car park, on the GC-600 road, and it's barely 1.5 kilometres to its base, around 30 minutes through pine forest. The summit area is part of the UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserve, so it's worth taking it slowly and enjoying the surroundings.

Heading back down to the south-west coast, it's Puerto de Mogán's turn, with its canals, bridges and whitewashed houses covered in bougainvillea. It's a good day to slow down: stroll among the boats in the marina, eat by the quayside and enjoy the seafaring atmosphere without needing to go far. If it falls on a Friday, the local market adds another plan to the day.

Final days: inland villages and flavours

The remaining days are perfect for venturing inland. Teror, with its carved wooden balconies and basilica dedicated to the Virgen del Pino, and Tejeda, ringed by viewpoints and famous for its almond pastries, are two essential stops. Anyone wanting to go further can head to the Barranco de Guayadeque, a deep volcanic ravine with cave dwellings and restaurants carved into the rock.

The trip can be rounded off with some local gastronomy: Flor de Guía cheese, with its Designation of Origin and set with wild thistle flower instead of animal rennet, sums up the island's character well. Seven days aren't enough to exhaust Gran Canaria, but they are enough to take away a complete picture of its many landscapes.