Gran Canaria road trip: 10 places to see, 211 km loop
Explore Gran Canaria's diverse landscapes across 211 km, visiting the Maspalomas Dunes, volcanic Roque Nublo and Tejeda village, coastal towns like Puerto de Mogán and Agaete, plus the island's capital Las Palmas with its historic Vegueta Old Town and the striking Caldera de Bandama crater.
- Distance
- 211.1 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Gran Canaria Travel Guide
- End
- Maspalomas Beach and Lighthouse
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Gran Canaria Travel Guide
- Explore Las Palmas — Historic capital city featuring colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and coastal promenades that showcase Gran Canaria's cultural and maritime heritage.
- Walk Through the Maspalomas Dunes — Vast golden sand dunes resembling a desert landscape that stretch along the southern coast, offering unique photo opportunities and desert-like atmosphere near the ocean.
- Visit Roque Nublo and Tejeda — Iconic volcanic rock formation towering 80 meters above a picturesque mountain village, providing panoramic views and representing Gran Canaria's geological and scenic…
- Visit Puerto de Mogán
- Visit Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves
- Explore Teror — Well-preserved historic mountain village with traditional Canarian architecture, timber-balconied buildings, and charming plazas reflecting colonial-era heritage.
- See Caldera de Bandama — Volcanic crater rising 574 meters with a dramatic crater lake surrounded by steep walls, offering hiking trails and geological insights into the island's volcanic origins.
- Vegueta Old Town — Historic old town with narrow streets, old stone buildings, quiet squares, and Santa Ana Cathedral.
- Maspalomas Beach and Lighthouse — Beautiful beach with lighthouse and lagoon area near the dunes.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Maspalomas Dunes earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon because the sand and sun can feel intense in the middle of the day.
- Avoid
- At Maspalomas Dunes, stay on marked routes and where visitors are allowed—the area is protected, so do not treat it like a normal beach shortcut.
- Transport
- Having a car is really good for visiting Roque Nublo and Tejeda, as the drive itself is part of what makes it memorable and shows the varied interior scenery.
- Tip
- Do a short hike from the parking area to get closer to Roque Nublo monolith; the views along the way are a big part of the experience.
- Where to stay
- If staying overnight in Tejeda, Parador of Cruz de Tejeda has an incredible infinity pool overlooking the island, though cloud cover sometimes blocks the view.
- Timing
- Come to Amadores Beach earlier if you want a good spot, as it can get busy in high season.
- Tip
- Amadores Beach is especially good if you prefer calmer water instead of strong waves, with protected bay setting surrounded by cliffs.
- Food
- Visit cave restaurants in Barranco de Guayadeque where you can stop for a meal in a setting that feels completely different from the coast.
- Tip
- Visit the Barranco de Guayadeque visitor center to learn about the archaeological and natural importance of the ravine and its cave culture.
- Tip
- Visit Las Salinas de Agaete, natural swimming pools built into the volcanic coast, as a good alternative to a normal beach with calmer water.
- Food
- In Puerto de Mogán, the marina area is especially nice for walking around with plenty of places to sit down for seafood or drinks overlooking boats.
- Tip
- Start your trip in Las Palmas to experience the island's capital with city streets, museums, waterfront, and historic neighborhoods like Vegueta Old Town.
Video on this route
10 Best Things To Do In GRAN CANARIA