Gran Canaria's Hidden Gems: Unique & Cool Things to Do Beyond the Beach
March 10, 2025 / 8 MINUTE READ
By Alice Lindeman
When Gran Canaria comes to mind, images of "sun, sea, and sand" holiday clichés, often involving poolside lounging Brits, might spring to mind. However, there's so much more to this stunning Spanish island than meets the eye.
Cool Things to Do in Gran Canaria: Embrace the Unexpected
If you're planning a trip to Gran Canaria and eager for hands-on, memorable experiences, there's a wealth of unique activities to dive into. Here are some truly cool things to do in Gran Canaria for all you adventurous travelers out there.
1. Spot Dolphins and Whales Along the Coastline Witnessing magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most. And as it happens, Gran Canaria stands out as one of Europe's top locations for spotting whales and dolphins. Its prime position in the North Atlantic places it on a major migratory route, attracting around 30 distinct species. The blend of warm and cold waters creates a rich marine ecosystem, making it a perfect feeding ground for these gentle giants.
You don't need to plan your trip for a specific month; dolphins and whales can be sighted year-round. On a dedicated boat tour, you might encounter striped and bottlenose dolphins, as well as pilot and sperm whales. From November to February, you might even be fortunate enough to spot larger migratory whales, including fin, humpback, and blue whales. Before booking, ensure your chosen tour operator prioritizes ethical practices and marine conservation. For example, local operator Spirit of the Sea is certified by the World Cetacean Alliance.
2. Step into a Spiky, Colorful Cactus Wonderland at Cactualdea Park Have you ever considered walking among 1,000 different types of cacti? Me neither. But now that I know it's an option, I most definitely would! It turns out Gran Canaria is home to one of the world's premier cactus parks. A two-hour drive from Las Palmas, Cactualdea Park is filled with succulents and cacti of every imaginable variety: tall ones, round ones, those adorned with vibrant flowers, and even species from the other side of the world. If there's a specific type you're looking for, you'll likely find it here.
After your stroll among these spiky characters, head to the park's on-site cafe. They offer a variety of cactus juice drinks, allowing you to round off your visit by sampling their unique nectar. You might also spot local animals like peacocks, ducks, tortoises, and donkeys roaming freely. If the trip to Cactualdea is too far or transport is an issue, you can still admire top-notch cacti, flora, and fauna at the Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo. Making some prickly new friends is a truly cool thing to do in Gran Canaria and perfect for lighting up your social media feed!
3. Appreciate the Planet's Most "Ap-Peeling" Fruit at Banana World Bananas are the most consumed fruit on the planet, with global consumption reaching over 100 billion per year. However, few of us ever pause to consider the incredible feat involved in growing, harvesting, processing, and shipping these little yellow heroes worldwide. In Gran Canaria, you can do just that, returning home armed with fascinating banana-based knowledge—great for pub quizzes, if nothing else!
Located in Arucas, Banana World is based at Hacienda La ReKompensa, a working banana plantation and museum. It offers tours exploring the rich history and culture of banana production on the island. The plantation itself spans 56,000 square meters (over 13 acres) and is home to more than 7,000 banana plants, set against stunning rural views.
4. Witness Sunset from a Volcano's Edge Europe boasts an endless array of epic places to watch the sunset, but doing so from the lip of a volcano has to be among the most explosive. And one thing Gran Canaria is certainly not short of is volcanoes. If you're visiting and seeking unusual things to do, combining these two elements will create an unforgettable experience.
Top spots for this include Pico de las Nieves, the island's highest point. You can either book a tour that includes transport and all the trimmings, or rent a car and drive to the peak independently. The route features well-signed roads and a car park at the summit. However, nervous drivers might find the journey challenging, as the way to the top includes numerous hairpin bends. With no services nearby, ensuring a full tank of petrol is essential.
5. Become a Local Rum Connoisseur at Europe's Oldest Distillery One of the coolest things to do in Gran Canaria, hands down, is to visit one of the oldest operational rum distilleries in Europe. Arehucas, a working rum distillery, possesses a rich and fascinating history that travelers can delve into on an official tour of the facility. Established in 1884, the distillery was a hub for sugar cane production. Today, it offers a variety of rums, spirits, and liqueurs.
On one of its hour-long tours, you'll receive an introduction to Arehucas' history and glimpse its aging cellar, the rum production process, distillation rooms, and bottling plant. Most importantly, you'll get to sample the goods and purchase products directly—after all, there's nothing better than an authentic souvenir! Located in Arucas, the distillery is accessible by bus from Las Palmas in approximately one hour.
6. Discover the Charms of Puerto de Mogán If Cornwall had a baby with a Mediterranean postcard, it might resemble Puerto de Mogán. Whitewashed buildings, flower-draped balconies, and charming bridges over canals make this little fishing town a visual jackpot. Friday is market day in Puerto de Mogán, offering a gastronomic delight for visitors. Expect fresh, high-quality food and local handmade crafts at great prices.
Even more magic can be found by venturing away from the bustling marina. The small streets are perfect for discovering quaint local restaurants and savoring fresh seafood. Pull up a seat on a terrace and watch the unique rhythm of this charming town unfold.
7. Hike to Roque Nublo: Gran Canaria's Natural Landmark At 80 meters (262 feet) tall and appearing as if it might topple over any second, Roque Nublo is Gran Canaria's natural equivalent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Yet, it's entirely natural. Hiking to its summit is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Gran Canaria. The trek up isn't overly strenuous, taking around an hour from the car park. And unlike climbing Snowdon, you likely won't need full waterproofs in July! At 1,813 meters (5,948 feet) above sea level, the views stretch across the entire island, sometimes even reaching Tenerife on a clear day.
8. Savor Papas Arrugadas: The Local Potato Delicacy Served with mojo sauces, Papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) are somewhat akin to the Canarian version of chips and gravy. Only, the red sauce means spicy, and the green sauce is delightfully garlicky. You'll find Papas arrugadas everywhere across Gran Canaria, but they taste best when enjoyed at a local cafe with plastic chairs, a TV playing Spanish football, and a waiter who affectionately calls you "amigo." These welcoming little potatoes typically cost around €3—a real bargain.
9. Go Stargazing at Pico de las Nieves Gran Canaria's highest point isn't just exceptional for watching the sunset; it's equally magical at night. With minimal light pollution and consistently clear skies, it's essentially nature's own planetarium. Pack a warm blanket, some snacks, and perhaps a flask of something warm. Watch the sun dip below a sea of clouds, then lie back and witness the cosmos in all its glory. It certainly beats scrolling through TikTok in your hotel room. If you visit in August, you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Perseids meteor shower.
10. Discover the Secluded Beauty of Güigüi Beach Playa de Güigüi is a beach that seems to actively discourage casual visitors. Accessible only by boat or a challenging, multi-hour hike, it's Gran Canaria's way of saying, "Only come if you're truly committed." The reward? A pristine, secluded beach with hardly anyone else on it. No bustling bars, no rows of sun loungers, no vendors trying to sell you "genuine fake" designer items. Just you, the vast Atlantic, towering cliffs, and a view that will make you want to linger all day.
11. Explore the Charming Village of Tejeda Nestled in the island's central highlands, Tejeda is the kind of place that makes you pause and immediately start Browse property websites. Surrounded by ancient almond groves and dramatic mountains, it's picturesque enough to make your Instagram followers green with envy. Visit in February during almond blossom season, and this postcard-perfect village appears as if dusted with pink snow. It's like Gran Canaria's own version of Hanami, without the long-haul flight to Japan.
12. Indulge in a Barraquito Coffee Layers of condensed milk, espresso, vanilla-citrus liqueur (Licor 43), lemon peel, and a dusting of cinnamon shouldn't logically be a winning combination. But Barraquito, a coffee concoction that Canarian islanders are absolutely crazy about, truly is a sweet, boozy, and wonderfully over-the-top delight. But then, aren't all the best things in life a little bit extravagant? Find a café in Santa Brígida or Teror, order one, and spend the next 10 minutes admiring and photographing it. Just make sure to enjoy it before it cools down!
13. Take a Thrilling Road Trip Through the Interior Gran Canaria's interior roads boast more twists and turns than a complex plot. They are narrow, vertigo-inducing, and offer a truly unique road trip experience unlikely to be found anywhere else. Banana plantations gradually give way to fragrant pine forests and surreal volcanic moonscapes. Drive through the picturesque town of Artenara, the highest village on the island, and visit its Mirador de Unamuno for one of Gran Canaria's most spectacular panoramic views.
Feeling exceptionally brave? The GC-200 coastal road is often described as the best coastal route in the world. However, it's also one of the most terrifying. With endless hairpin bends and jaw-dropping ocean views, its 365 turns are recommended only for the most experienced and confident drivers.
14. Visit Barranco de Guayadeque: The Cave Village The inhabitants of Guayadeque, a stunning 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) stretch of valley in southeastern Gran Canaria, looked at the cliffs and caves and thought, "I could live there." And then they did! This beautiful part of the island is dotted with houses carved directly into the rock. There's even a charming cave church and unique cave restaurants. It's almost like The Flintstones, but with electricity and excellent wine. Stop a while to soak in the surroundings and try the local specialty, a hearty stew called potaje. All while contemplating why you don't live in a cave back home!
15. Shop at Mercado de Vegueta: Las Palmas' Oldest Market On Thursday and Saturday mornings, Las Palmas' oldest market truly comes alive. Stalls buckle under the weight of exotic tropical fruits you've never even heard of. Fresh fish, caught that very morning, lie on crushed ice, while local farmers proudly sell their award-winning cheeses. Don't miss the jamón ibérico stalls, where you can sample Spain's famous cured ham, or explore the selection of excellent Canarian wines. It's the perfect place to find authentic treats to bring a taste of Gran Canaria back home with you.
Stay Connected with an eSIM for Spain
Nothing sours your holiday buzz faster than an unexpected, hefty roaming bill or the frustration of frantically searching for Wi-Fi. But an eSIM for Spain from RoAmigo can resolve your data needs faster than you can say "sangria." Packages start from less than the cost of a round of drinks, and you can effortlessly share all your perfect holiday snaps without the depressing burden of roaming costs. Because, let's be honest, what's the point of discovering that perfect hidden beach if you can't make everyone back home just a little bit jealous?
Alice Lindeman is a Canadian content specialist who loves connecting with audiences through strategic storytelling.