Gran Canaria: Discovering the Diverse Beauty and Vibrant Culture of Spain's Enchanting Island Gem

First impressions of Gran Canaria

As I stepped onto the shores of Gran Canaria, I was immediately captivated by the island's breathtaking beauty and vibrant energy. With its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Gran Canaria offers a whole mix of experiences to dive into, from lazy beach days to winding mountain drives.

Wandering along the coastline, I was drawn to the golden sands and inviting waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether soaking up the sun on Playa de Maspalomas or exploring the hidden coves around Puerto de Mogán, each stretch of beach had its own charm and a different corner to claim for the day.

Venturing inland felt like stepping into a different island. Scenic drives and hikes took me through lush valleys and up towards rugged peaks, past cascading waterfalls, ancient forests and viewpoints that stopped me in my tracks. Every bend in the road seemed to uncover another “wow” moment.

In the island's towns and villages, I dipped into Gran Canaria’s history and culture. Cobblestone streets in places like Teror and the historic quarter of Vegueta in Las Palmas felt like a step back in time, with colourful facades, old churches and shady plazas made for slow coffees and people-watching.

And, of course, there was the food. From fresh seafood pulled straight from the Atlantic to Canarian classics like papas arrugadas and gofio, each meal became another highlight of the trip – simple, flavour-packed dishes that kept me happily full and already planning the next snack stop.

Where we stayed – Hotel Riu Palace Palmeras

For this trip we based ourselves at Hotel Riu Palace Palmeras, a resort-style stay that put us close to the action while still giving plenty of space to switch off. Palm trees, pools and big buffet spreads quickly became part of the daily routine, and it made a great launchpad for exploring the rest of the island.

Island tour & typical Canarian lunch

Island Tour of Gran Canaria including Typical Canarian Lunch · 11.09.2021

Embarking on the Island Tour of Gran Canaria turned out to be one of the standout days of the trip. As we wound our way across the island, the scenery shifted constantly – from rugged interior peaks to sweeping coastal views and deep, green valleys.

The route took us through sleepy villages tucked among the hills where we could peek into everyday life, from church squares to corner cafés. Midway through the day we stopped for a typical Canarian lunch: hearty local dishes, simple ingredients and big flavours, the kind of meal that leaves you both full and curious to try everything again.

Back on the road, we continued into the heart of Gran Canaria’s natural wonders, stopping at dramatic cliffs, lookout points and hidden coves. Every stop brought another angle on just how varied this “miniature continent” really is.

Throughout the tour our guide layered in stories about the island’s history, geology and culture, which really helped everything click into place – it was more than just pretty viewpoints; it felt like getting to know the island properly.

The only downside? The heat. The day we chose hit around 30ºC, and we felt every degree of it, especially away from the coast. If you’re thinking about doing the same tour, definitely check the forecast and try to avoid the hottest days. You can book the same tour here.

Why this tour is worth doing

If you’re torn between sticking to the resort or heading inland, this island tour ticks a lot of boxes in one hit. A few of the highlights:

• Visiting picture-postcard Tejeda, nestled at the foot of Roque Nublo.
• Wandering the pretty mountain village of Teror, famous for its pastel-coloured homes and balconies.
• Learning about the healing properties of aloe vera at an eco-friendly farm.
• Taking in gorge views while feasting on a traditional Canarian lunch in Valleseco.
• Spending the day with an expert local guide who knows the island’s highlands inside out.
• And, of course… camels!

It’s the kind of day that leaves you tired in the best way – full of food, sun and stories, with a camera roll packed full of views you’d never see by staying on the coast.