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 5 days: day-by-day itinerary
A 5-day itinerary for Gran Canaria with Vegueta, Las Canteras, Maspalomas, Puerto de Mogán, Roque Nublo, Tejeda and an excursion to Agaete.
- 5days
- 13stops
- 7Areas
This 5-day itinerary spreads the island out by area: two days in Las Palmas, one in the south, one in the summit area and an excursion to the north-west. It suits anyone who wants to see the essentials without rushing, with a hire car or combining buses and 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 and Triana
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.
Parque San Telmo
Triana
A small park with its Modernista kiosk and café terraces, a good place for a break before moving on. It is at the end of Calle Triana.
Day 2
Las Canteras and the beach city
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.
Paseo de Las Canteras
Las Canteras
The long promenade runs the full length of the beach. It has terraces for eating and is a comfortable walk for the end of the day.
Parque de Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina
A park on the harbour side, with terraces and a lively atmosphere. It is close to the isthmus, between the bay and the beach.
Day 3
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 4
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.
Day 5 · Day trip
Agaete and the north
Agaete and the north
The north-west is a little over an hour by car from Las Palmas along the north coast dual carriageway. The usual plan is to combine Gáldar and the port of Agaete: in Gáldar is the Cueva Pintada archaeological site, and in Puerto de las Nieves you can stroll by the sea and eat fish. By car the journey is easy; by bus there are services from Las Palmas, but check the timetables.
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
3 days
Gran Canaria in 3 days
- Day 1 Vegueta, Triana and Las Canteras
- Day 2 Maspalomas dunes and Puerto de Mogán
- Day 3 Roque Nublo, Tejeda and Artenara
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.
Which area works best as a base for 5 days?
Las Palmas is more convenient for the north and the summit area, and the south is for the dunes and Mogán. With a car, you can sleep in one area and make excursions.
Is Agaete worth it?
Yes, if you like coastal villages and rugged scenery. It is a relaxed excursion, good for the last day.
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