Las Palmas (Vegueta and Triana)
For three days, Las Palmas is the most convenient base: it has buses to everywhere, a city beach and plenty of restaurants.
Itinerary · Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
A 3-day itinerary for Gran Canaria with Vegueta, Las Canteras, the Maspalomas dunes, Puerto de Mogán, Roque Nublo and Tejeda.
- 3days
- 9stops
- 6Areas
This 3-day itinerary is for anyone who wants to see the essentials of Gran Canaria: the old town and the beach of Las Palmas, the dunes and the harbour in the south, and the island’s summit area. It takes quite a few hours on the road, so it works best with a hire car; without one, use buses or excursions.
Gran Canaria airport has a single terminal. The Global 60 bus goes direct to Las Palmas (San Telmo and Santa Catalina), with two departures an hour during the day, and the taxi takes about 20-25 minutes to the city. If you are staying in the south, the Global 1, 5 and 36 buses leave from the departures level for Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Puerto de Mogán.
Tips
- A hire car gives you plenty of freedom on the inland routes; otherwise, combine buses with organised excursions for the summit area.
- Mountain roads are narrow and winding: allow more time than the map suggests and set off early.
- The weather changes quickly at the summit and it is cooler than on the coast; take a warm layer and water.
- There is little shade on the dunes and the southern beaches: sun protection, a hat and comfortable shoes.
- Book the Casa de Colón, boat trips and summit activities in advance in high season.
- The north coast tends to have more cloud and wind than the south; if the day starts overcast, swap the order of the days.
Day 1
Vegueta, Triana and Las Canteras
Vegueta
Las Palmas
The founding district of Las Palmas, with Santa Ana cathedral, the Casa de Colón and cobbled streets. Stroll unhurried around Plaza de Santa Ana and the lanes nearby, and go into the cathedral if you fancy climbing the tower.
Calle Triana y Parque San Telmo
Triana
Pedestrianised and full of shops, this is the city's main shopping street, lined with Modernista buildings. At the end you reach San Telmo park, with its Modernista kiosk and café terraces, a good place for a drink.
Playa de Las Canteras
Las Canteras
A city beach of over 3 km, sheltered by a natural rock barrier that keeps the water calm. Walk the promenade, have a swim and stay until sunset.
Day 2
Maspalomas dunes and Puerto de Mogán
Dunas de Maspalomas
Maspalomas
A nature reserve of sand dunes beside the sea, between Playa del Inglés and the Maspalomas lighthouse. Walk on the sand early or late in the afternoon, with comfortable shoes, water and sun protection, because there is almost no shade.
Faro de Maspalomas y Charca
Maspalomas
At the end of the dunes, the lighthouse marks the start of the promenade, with shops and restaurants. Next to it is the Charca de Maspalomas, a small lagoon with birds, and it is a convenient place to eat.
Puerto de Mogán
Mogán
A fishing village in the south-west with canals, white houses with flowers and a marina. Wander the little streets, watch the boats and eat fresh fish by the harbour.
Day 3
Roque Nublo, Tejeda and Artenara
Roque Nublo
Summit area
A volcanic monolith at the top of the island and the symbol of Gran Canaria. It is reached by a short walking route, with some ascent; set off early, take water and a warm layer, because it is cool at the top and there may be cloud.
Tejeda
Summit area
A village of white houses surrounded by mountain scenery, with wide views of the ravines. It is a good place for lunch and to try the local almond sweets.
Artenara
Summit area
A mountain village known for its cave houses and its viewpoints over the interior of the island. It is one of the highest points from which to see the island on a clear day.
Gran Canaria
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
Las Canteras
A beach area with a promenade, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal if you want to swim every day without leaving the city.
Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas
If you prefer sun and beaches in the south, this is the island's tourist area, with hotels of every kind. The historic centre is far away, an hour by bus.
Itinerary · Gran Canaria
More Gran Canaria itineraries
5 days
Gran Canaria in 5 days
- Day 1 Vegueta and Triana
- Day 2 Las Canteras and the beach city
- Day 3 Maspalomas dunes and Puerto de Mogán
- Day 4 Roque Nublo, Tejeda and Artenara
- + 1 day
7 days
Gran Canaria in 7 days
- Day 1 Vegueta, the cathedral and Triana
- Day 2 Las Canteras and Santa Catalina
- Day 3 Teror and the Jardín Canario
- Day 4 Maspalomas Dunes
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a hire car in Gran Canaria?
It is strongly recommended for the interior and the west. Buses serve Las Palmas and the tourist south well, but the summit area and the mountain villages are much better seen by car or on an organised excursion.
Is it possible to see Gran Canaria in 3 days?
Yes, though at a brisk pace. The three days cover the capital, the south and the summit area, and are best done by car.
How long does it take to get from Las Palmas to the south?
By car, a little over an hour to Maspalomas and a little more to Puerto de Mogán on the motorway; by bus, a bit longer.
Which day should I leave for the summit area?
Choose a clear day. There can be cloud at the summit even when the coast is sunny.
Photo credits
- Vegueta: Bengt Nyman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Playa de Las Canteras: Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Dunas de Maspalomas: dronepicr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Puerto de Mogán: Bengt Nyman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Roque Nublo: El Coleccionista de Instantes (https://www.flickr.com/photos/azuaje/), CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons