What to Do in Gran Canaria: A Tapestry of Art, Culture, and Island Elegance
Gran Canaria, often dubbed a “continent in miniature,” offers a seductive blend of sun-drenched coastlines, rugged mountains, and thriving cultural enclaves. For the discerning traveller, deciding what to do in Gran Canaria means stepping beyond its famed beaches into a world of artistic splendour, colonial charm, and refined island living. Here, every cobbled alley and dramatic cliff seems infused with creativity - a paradise for those who seek inspiration alongside luxury.
What to Do in Gran Canaria for Culture Enthusiasts
Begin your exploration in Las Palmas’ historic heart, Vegueta, where 15th-century architecture and avant-garde galleries coexist peacefully side by side. Strolling through the Plaza de Santa Ana, past the grandiose Cathedral of Santa Ana, offers a profound sense of the island's layered history. Inside Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus' voyages, art and history merge - it's an essential starting point for understanding Gran Canaria.
Next, visit CAAM (Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno), a beacon of contemporary creativity. Its exhibitions span local and global artistry, ensuring it sits high on any curated list of the best things to do in Gran Canaria. For an even deeper dive into island traditions, explore the Museo Canario, a cultural archive that pays homage to the island’s pre-Hispanic roots.
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Top Experiences in Gran Canaria
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Private Kayak and Snorkel Tour: Gran Canaria Caves
Gran Canaria has more to offer than just lazing on the beach; see more of it and have an adventure at the same time with this kayak and snorkel tour from Playa de Mogan. With a private guide, you’ll paddle around the cliffs to the island’s volcanic caves, stopping to jump in the ocean and discover underwater sights, too.
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Roque Nublo hiking & Gran Canaria highlights by authorised guides
Experience Gran Canaria like a local with this fully customizable tour of the island. You'll skip the touristy spots and instead make your way out to the heart of the island to see beautiful natural areas, magnificent viewpoints, and traditional villages, with a stop for a homemade picnic lunch along the way.
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Full Day Tour through the Landscapes of Gran Canaria
Stroll through the most emblematic towns in the north of the island. Walk through its old streets endowed with Canarian history and cultural heritage that you must know.
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Gran Canaria Hangar 37 Air Soft Game Park Entrance
Enjoy a fun, interactive Airsoft game at Hangar 37 on Gran Canaria. Team up with friends and family or join other players for a competitive team‐based Airsoft game using soft‐ball guns. Similar to Paintball or Laserdome games, this outdoor game will get your heart rate up, and your adrenaline pumping as you explore old tanks and bunkers on the military‐inspired game field.
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Excursion to the center of the island Gran Canaria
Discover the mini‐continent. An excursion that takes you from the outside to the interior of the island. See for yourself the enormous natural heritage of which Gran Canaria is made.
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3 wheels motorcycle Coast Tour — Ryker — Gran Canaria Maspalomas
A valid car license is needed to drive the trycke/bike in public roads. Experience the thrill of the coast with our Discover the Coast Tour in Gran Canaria! Book a single Can‐Am Ryker motorcycle for yourself or share the ride with a partner. Our tour begins with a brief induction and paperwork in our nearby Office/Garage, just a 5‐minute walk from the meeting point. Get ready for an unforgettable journey on Can‐Am Rykers. After a quick tutorial on handling the Rykers and strapping on your helmets, we embark on a scenic drive from Maspalomas to Tauro via the breathtaking road. Enjoy a leisurely pace that lets you take in stunning coastal and mountain views, especially during the mesmerizing sunsets. Our highlight stop is at a prime location above Amadores, where you'll witness the sunset from a unique vantage point. Join us for an evening of adventure, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable moments on your Ryker. Don’t miss the chance to explore Gran Canaria on a Can‐Am Ryker!
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Half‐Day Small‐Group Surfing School on Gran Canaria
Master the foundations of surfing—and hit the waves of Playa del Inglés—during this half‐day, small‐group surfing lesson. Courses include a mix of theory and practice, letting participants learn the ropes. All equipment (surfboard, wetsuit, fins, etc.) is included, plus snacks, bottled water, and souvenir photographs that can be downloaded free of charge.
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Holiday World Maspalomas Theme Park Pass in Gran Canaria
Visit Holiday World Maspalomas in Gran Canaria with this prebooked 1‐ or 2‐hour ticket. The theme park is one of the largest on the island, boasting bumper cars, a big wheel, bucking bronco, pirate ship, and more. It’s a treat for all the family with attractions for all ages: Big kids and thrill seekers will love the Sky Drop with its free‐fall plunge, while little ones can ride on a carousel or soar in the flying chairs. Entrance wristbands are given on arrival.
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Can‐am Ryker Adventure Gran Canaria Grand tour
The unique adventure! Fun and incredible impressions await you Drive your own 600ccm Can‐am Ryker with your B car driving license. To drive you have to be 24 years old and have 4 years of experience with a license. CANAM RYKERS a super exclusive experience of total immersion in the landscape and culture, a unique adventure to discover magical corners and live unforgettable moments. We drive on roads on the south east coast, we see ravines, mountains, fishing villages and towns in the middle of the mountains with their narrow alleys. We also visited GUAYADEQUE where Cave Houses still exist today. And we have the possibility to walk the 360 degree path at the top of the ravine. Adventure in small groups.
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Return Ferry Ticket with Fred Olsen to Gran Canaria
Why settle for just seeing Fuerteventura while you're here? Departing from Morro Jable in the south, this two‐hour Fred Olsen ferry takes you to the heart of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. Explore the capital under your own steam for the day, whether it be sightseeing, checking out the local beaches or shopping for souvenirs.
Sunset to Sunrise: What to Do in Gran Canaria at Night
Wondering what to do in Gran Canaria at night? As the sun dips behind volcanic peaks, the island awakens with a different kind of energy. In Las Palmas, the trendy Triana district transforms into a sophisticated playground of cocktail bars, live jazz lounges, and boutique cinemas. Dine al fresco at Deliciosa Marta, where refined Canarian cuisine is presented with metropolitan flair.
For a more laid-back yet equally memorable night, venture south to Meloneras. Here, luxury resorts host open-air art exhibitions and musical performances under the stars - the perfect choice for an evening steeped in elegance and creativity.
Off the Beaten Path: Unique Things to Do in Gran Canaria
Seeking out unique things to do in Gran Canaria means escaping the coastline and venturing into the island’s dramatic interior. The village of Tejeda, perched high in the mountains, is a haven of artisan shops and galleries, crowned by the natural wonder of Roque Nublo. Wander the quiet streets, savour almond pastries in quaint cafés, and discover why this timeless village is a hidden 'must do' in Gran Canaria.
Art lovers should not miss a visit to the Painted Cave in Gáldar, an archaeological site where ancient Indigenous art has been painstakingly preserved. Here, vibrant geometric patterns whisper stories of a civilisation lost to time, offering a glimpse into the island’s deeper cultural currents.
What to See and Do in Gran Canaria for Aesthetic Souls
Wondering what to see and do in Gran Canaria when you crave a blend of nature and artistry? The island’s botanical gardens, Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, are a living canvas, showcasing endemic flora sculpted into breathtaking landscapes. Just a short drive away, the charming Puerto de Mogán, sometimes called “Little Venice,” seduces visitors with its artfully painted houses and flower-laden balconies - a must see in Gran Canaria.
Meanwhile, architecture aficionados should not miss the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, a bold oceanfront structure dedicated to the celebrated tenor. Its design echoes the island’s volcanic spirit, combining raw strength with lyrical grace.
A Cultural Sprint: What to Do in Gran Canaria in One Day
Pressed for time and considering what to do in Gran Canaria in one day? Start early in Vegueta, absorbing the colonial ambience and artistic energy. Continue with a stroll through Triana’s chic shopping boulevards before heading south to Maspalomas to marvel at the windswept dunes - nature’s own monumental art installation.
Before sunset, retreat to a rooftop terrace in Las Palmas for a final toast, watching the sky blaze into shades of crimson and gold over the Atlantic.
A Leisurely Indulgence: What to Do in Gran Canaria in Two Days
With 48 hours to explore, two days in Gran Canaria becomes a richly layered adventure. Spend your first day diving into Las Palmas’ cultural attractions, punctuated by long, leisurely meals in Old Town bistros. As the evening unfolds, indulge in the island’s lively arts scene, from live opera at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium to curated gallery nights in Triana.
On your second day, head inland. Wander through the lush Barranco de Guayadeque, a dramatic ravine peppered with cave dwellings and secret restaurants. Cap the experience with a private wine tasting at one of the island’s boutique vineyards, a refined way to taste the terroir of Gran Canaria.
Essential Experiences: 'Must Dos' in Gran Canaria
Among the top things to do in Gran Canaria, one experience stands out: visiting the town of Agüimes. This medieval town enchants visitors with its bronze sculptures and open-air artworks that transform every plaza into a living gallery. Walking through Agüimes feels like leafing through an artist’s sketchbook, every corner offering a new discovery.
Another absolute must do if you time your visit to Gran Canaria right is to experience the island’s fiestas, where vibrant costumes, folk music, and parades animate the streets with joyous abandon, revealing the beating heart of the island's cultural soul.
Final Thoughts: Gran Canaria Beyond the Beaches
Choosing what to do in Gran Canaria is less about deciding between beach or mountain, art or adventure — it’s about weaving them together into your own luxurious tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re sipping local wine under a canopy of stars, tracing ancient symbols in a painted cave, or wandering art-strewn lanes at twilight, the island offers countless ways to indulge your aesthetic appetite.
Before you leave, you’ll already be dreaming of your return — and wondering, just as intently, what to do in Gran Canaria next time.