{"id":10796,"date":"2025-01-22T13:01:10","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T11:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/?p=10796"},"modified":"2025-01-22T13:01:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T11:01:59","slug":"5-days-gran-canaria-roadtrip-itinerary-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/5-days-gran-canaria-roadtrip-itinerary-map\/","title":{"rendered":"5-days Gran Canaria Roadtrip Itinerary (+Map)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gran Canaria, the third largest island in the Canary Islands archipelago, located between the islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is often said that this island is a mini-continent<\/strong> due to the diverse climate variations<\/strong> on the island itself. The north is usually cooler than the hot south, and mountainous areas are always cloudier and rainier.<\/span><\/p>\n

As there is only one airport, located on the East Coast, quite close to Las Palmas, which would be a perfect start of the road trip. It is highly recommended to rent a car to be fully independent and reach the most beautiful spots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Gran<\/p>\n

Day 1: Las Palmas<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As befits a large city, you can discover the streets of the old town – Vegueta<\/strong>, do some shopping and check out the gastronomic offer. In any case, the most important thing you should discover about the old town of Las Palmas is The passage of Columbus<\/strong> through the Canary Islands. If you want an in-depth look at this important chapter of world history, visit Casa de Col\u00f3n.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Other places worth visiting are Cathedral of Santa Ana<\/strong>, Small square and hermitage of San Antonio Abad, New Pilar Square, Plaza and parish of Santo Domingo. Also keep in mind names of the most beautiful streets in the city- Montesdeoca, Col\u00f3n, Los Balcones and La Pelota.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After that, move forward to the Triana neighborhood<\/strong>, the most beautiful part of the city with \u201ccool\u201d bars and restaurants. In this district is worth visiting: Alameda de Colon<\/strong>, San Telmo Park<\/strong> and his mythical kiosk, Square of Lagunetas<\/strong> and the mural in honor of women that have stood out throughout history, Rodr\u00edguez Quegles Palace<\/strong>, and more beautiful streets like Triana, Cano and P\u00e9rez Gald\u00f3s.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you are done visiting the city and cannot wait to see nature, it is a good moment to see Mirador Norte de Las Coloradas, which is only 15 mins away. Here you can admire the first landscapes of the island, later it will only get nicer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 2: Central part of the island<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No matter how early you have to get up, El Roque Nublo<\/strong> is really worth being there for the sunrise, is even considered the most romantic place on the island and the largest natural rocks in the world. It is a rock of volcanic origin, of particular importance to the islanders, rising to 1,813 meters above sea level. <\/span><\/p>\n

A former place of worship of the natives, its entire surroundings were recognized as a protected natural area<\/strong> in 1987, and seven years later as a national park. It is only surpassed by the 1,949 m. peak of Las Nieves, the highest point in Gran Canaria from where you can be above cloud level, that can be your next stop of the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After a small hiking and amazing views, it is worth stopping in Tejeda, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.<\/strong> The historic center is not very large, you can practically explore it in 20 minutes on foot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you feel tired, I recommend sitting at the bar and trying a local coffee drink called Barraquito, its typical treat from Tenerife, but can be found in any bar in Canarias. It is a Cortado with Liquor 43 as a second layer as well as some lemon and cinnamon on the top. You can also ask for a Barraquito sin alcohol, if you have to drive a car later.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"Pico<\/p>\n

Day 3: West coast<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No matter what you need to see views from Mirador del Balcon<\/strong>. In my opinion, this is the most amazing place I have discovered on the island, just watch out for gusts of wind. This place reflects the power of nature. <\/span><\/p>\n

This spectacular viewpoint is near the western end of Gran Canaria, on a cliff that falls vertically to the immense blue of the Atlantic Ocean. From there you can clearly see ‘the dragon’s tail’<\/strong>, a wall of coastal cliffs with zigzag peaks reminiscent of the mythological monster. Turning your view towards the interior of the island, you can see the La Arena ravine and the wide, green valley of La Aldea de San Nicol\u00e1s.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lovers of monumental landscapes will not want to leave, but rather soak up as much as possible of the smell of the sea and the incredible mix of colors that the viewpoint offers, but the route must continue. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

There is a beautiful beach nearby, Playa de G\u00fcig\u00fc\u00ed<\/strong><\/span> would be a perfect place for a sunset, but I warn you about a demanding and quite long descent. If you don’t feel up to it, you can head towards La Aldea de San Nicolas, for a walk and good food. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Since I am mentioning it for the second time, you must try Papas arrugadas<\/strong>, the island\u2019s potatoes served with a topping of mojo pic\u00f3n, a delicious spicy sauce. The volcanic earth and climate in which they are grown produce smaller potatoes with a unique texture and taste.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"gran<\/p>\n

Day 4: Puerto de Mog\u00e1n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Puerto de Mog\u00e1n is the most colorful and cheerful place<\/strong> I have seen during my stay. It is also one of the largest towns on the island, it has numerous beaches to enjoy the sun, boat trips or scuba diving. You can find all of this in this picturesque fishing neighborhood of the municipality, which mixes tradition with a focus on both national and international tourism. <\/span><\/p>\n

One of the hallmarks is its unique architecture. White houses, with window frames painted blue that fit in with such attractive gardens, form a practically unique contrast. It is obligatory to take a walk among the houses and discover magical corners.<\/span><\/p>\n

As an anecdotal fact, Puerto de Mog\u00e1n is one of the European destinations that registers the most sunny days per year<\/strong>. What this causes is an almost permanent state of optimism and calm that is breathed through each of the corners of this enclave and that infects the visitor.<\/span><\/p>\n

After arrival at the epicenter of the port, you will find a small canal on the left side of the road, which reaches the beach of Puerto de Mog\u00e1n. Locals know it as Little Venice<\/strong> and it has become another attraction in the area. It has two suspension bridges with which you can go from one side of the port to the other. The best way to appreciate this channel is when the tide rises and the water reaches the top and you can see the channel in all its splendor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Day 5: Dunas de Maspalomas<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The sand dunes constitute the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve<\/strong>, which covers an area of \u200b\u200b400 hectares and was established in 1982. There are at least several hypotheses regarding the formation of the dunes in the Maspalomas area, but two are the most probable. The first hypothesis<\/strong> is that the dunes were formed over the centuries thanks to violent winds that brought fine African sand<\/strong> to the coastline, aided by strong storm waves. <\/span><\/p>\n

The second hypothesis<\/strong> is that the dunes were formed as a result of earthquakes<\/strong> that triggered a tsunami, which resulted in large masses of sand. Geological research in this area increasingly indicates the latter option. <\/span><\/p>\n

In particular, the analysis of drill samples provides an answer to the question of when exactly the dunes in Maspalomas could have been formed. The suggested date is between 1720 and 1870. However, the most probable moment is the year 1755, when on November 1, an earthquake occurred in Lisbon, which caused a huge displacement of water and sand, which could also affect the Canary Islands archipelago.<\/span><\/p>\n

I recommend viewing the dunes from the side of Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas<\/strong>, but it’s also worth going to Playa del Ingl\u00e9s, from where you can still see the dunes, and swimming in the ocean will be unforgettable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Maspalomas<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I would say that a week is enough to travel around the island at a leisurely pace, to enjoy beautiful views and good food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Any time of the year<\/strong> is good for a visit to Gran Canaria thanks to its reliably warm, dry weather.<\/strong> For those seeking the hottest temperatures, the best time of year is in July and August when around 27 \u00b0C is the norm. <\/span><\/p>\n

For a milder heat, May to June and September to October provide lots of sunshine and very little rain. The sea will be at its warmest for swimming during the summer and autumn but can be on the cool side in spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f You can see the entire route on this Google Map: https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/GWZifbZB8LYBAgEQ6<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Buen viaje!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guest Author:<\/strong> Izabella Nizio\u0142ek- Polish girl, living in Spain, an accountant who loves books, photography and discovering new places while traveling. You can follow her on Instagram<\/a> or Facebook<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Gran Canaria, the third largest island in the Canary Islands archipelago, located between the islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura. It is often said that this island is a mini-continent due to the diverse climate variations on the island itself. The north is usually cooler than […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":10811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[1,88,350],"tags":[889,200],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Gran-Canaria.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10796"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10796"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10796\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10813,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10796\/revisions\/10813"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10796"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10796"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10796"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}