Gran Canaria Holidays

The Ruta de la Plata follows historic paths once used to cross Gran Canaria between north and south. Walkers pass pine forest, mountain ridges and highland settlements on sections linking places such as Cruz de Tejeda, Llanos de la Pez, Cruz Grande and Tunte.

El Confital sits beyond Las Canteras on the edge of Las Palmas and is known for powerful Atlantic waves. Experienced surfers come for its recognised right-hand break, while the surrounding coastline offers a noticeably wilder setting than the capital’s main urban beach.

Gran Canaria’s interior brings steep gradients, twisting roads and constant changes in elevation. Cyclists can climb through Tejeda, Artenara and surrounding mountain country, passing pine forest, ravines and volcanic peaks on routes that have made the island popular for serious road cycling.

Tamadaba protects one of Gran Canaria’s largest areas of Canarian pine forest. Visitors can follow mountain trails through a quieter north-western landscape of cliffs, ridges and woodland, with viewpoints opening towards Agaete and the rugged Atlantic coast.

Pozo Izquierdo on Gran Canaria’s east coast is known for strong winds and demanding conditions that attract experienced windsurfers. Visitors can watch high-level riders on the water or use the surrounding area as a base for discovering one of the island’s major watersports locations.

Gran Canaria’s network of volcanic ravines creates natural terrain for guided canyoning. Routes can combine walking, scrambling and abseiling through steep-sided landscapes, giving visitors a closer look at parts of the island’s interior that are difficult to reach on ordinary sightseeing routes.

Cueva Pintada in Gáldar preserves one of Gran Canaria’s most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites. Visitors can see geometric wall paintings, excavated houses and artefacts that reveal everyday life during the final centuries of the island’s indigenous society.

Cenobio de Valerón is a remarkable communal granary built into volcanic rock in northern Gran Canaria. Hundreds of storage cavities were cut into the cliff, showing how indigenous communities protected and organised agricultural produce long before the Castilian conquest.

Maipés de Agaete preserves an extensive indigenous burial ground within a field of dark volcanic rock. Around 700 tomb structures are spread across the site, creating one of Gran Canaria’s most striking archaeological landscapes and offering insight into pre-Hispanic funerary traditions.

La Fortaleza near Santa Lucía contains caves, archaeological remains and dramatic volcanic formations associated with Gran Canaria’s indigenous population. The wider site reveals evidence of settlement, burial and ceremonial activity within one of the island’s most historically important inland landscapes.

Barranco de Guayadeque contains one of Gran Canaria’s greatest concentrations of archaeological remains. Cave dwellings and burial sites appear along the steep ravine, combining a striking natural setting with unusually visible evidence of the island’s pre-Hispanic settlement.

Geometric symbols known as pintaderas are closely associated with Gran Canaria’s indigenous heritage. Similar patterns appear on archaeological objects, decorative art and modern island designs, creating a visual connection between contemporary Gran Canaria and the communities that lived here before European conquest.

The traditional Canarian knife is particularly associated with communities such as Santa María de Guía. Its distinctive handle is built from carefully fitted pieces of horn and metal arranged in geometric patterns, reflecting a specialist craft once closely connected with agricultural life.

Gran Canaria preserves pottery techniques linked to its indigenous inhabitants, particularly in communities with longstanding craft traditions. Some artisans continue shaping vessels entirely by hand rather than using a potter’s wheel, working with clay, sand and mineral pigments before firing each piece.

Palm leaves, reeds and other plant fibres have long been used across Gran Canaria to make baskets and practical household objects. Traditional weaving techniques survive through specialist craft workshops and fairs, where handmade pieces continue to reflect the island’s rural past.

Woodcarving remains part of Gran Canaria’s artisan heritage alongside embroidery, textile work and furniture making. Visitors can find specialist crafts particularly in inland and northern municipalities, where skills passed through generations remain part of local cultural identity.

Teror becomes a major pilgrimage centre each September during the Fiestas del Pino. The celebrations honour the Virgen del Pino with processions, traditional dress, folk performances and gatherings, with 8 September forming the centrepiece of one of Gran Canaria’s most important annual festivals.

Every 11 September, La Aldea de San Nicolás celebrates Fiesta del Charco around a coastal lagoon. Participants gather for a distinctive tradition linked to historic fishing practices, accompanied by music and community celebrations that make it one of Gran Canaria’s most unusual annual events.

Agaete celebrates Nuestra Señora de las Nieves each summer with religious, musical and community events spread across the town. Processions and local celebrations bring together residents and visitors during one of the north-west coast’s most important annual festivities.

Transgrancanaria brings trail runners onto routes crossing Gran Canaria’s mountains, ravines and highland terrain. Several race distances allow participants to experience different parts of the island, while the event has become one of Gran Canaria’s best-known international endurance competitions.

The Gran Canaria Walking Festival brings together guided routes through different parts of the island each year. Participants can experience mountain villages, volcanic landscapes and rural areas on organised walks designed to reveal places well beyond Gran Canaria’s main coastal resorts.

Held around Pasito Blanco, this annual deep-sea fishing competition brings crews together off Gran Canaria’s southern coast. The event reflects the island’s longstanding connection with the Atlantic while adding a very different sporting tradition to its annual calendar.