7-day road trip in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is called ‘the miniature continent’ for a good reason. From a cosmopolitan city to breathtaking landscapes and caribbean-like beaches, this island will make you fall in love. One of our favorite ways to explore this paradise is by going on a road trip.

Keep on reading to find out which are the top places to visit on a 7-day road trip in Gran Canaria and discover everything you need to know about driving on the island.

Las Canteras beach, perfect for swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing

Days 1 & 2: explore the cosmopolitan city of Las Palmas

Whether you fly or sail to Gran Canaria, the capital city of Las Palmas isn’t more than 30 minutes away by car. We suggest that you start your trip by going for a walk around the beautiful historic center of Vegueta. In the afternoon, you can go shopping in the commercial street of Triana or go see a play in one of the theaters in the area. 

On the second day, you can have a swim in Las Canteras. This beach has been considered by TripAdvisor the best urban beach in the world and it is the perfect place to do some snorkeling as it has a diverse marine fauna. If you have some time left, we recommend you to walk to El Confital, a lesser-known beach nearby.

Tip: the cheapest parking in the area is El Rincón, the rate for 24 hours is around €2,50.

Day 3: discover the wild north

On the third day, it’s time to drive to the northwest and explore one of the less touristy zones of the island. The natural pools of Bañaderos are a perfect first stop. If you are an advanced surfer, this area has amazing surf spots that are usually less crowded than the ones in the city.

Tip: are you a passionate surfer? Read our guide with the best surfing spots in the Canaries.

If you want to taste fresh fish and seafood, there is no better place to have lunch than the beautiful town of Agaete. After walking around its charming white houses, continue your trip through the Natural Park of Tamadaba. Here, you will see lush pine tree forests, steep cliffs that fuse with the sea and amazing landscapes. Finish off by bathing in the natural pond of Charco Azul.

The north of the island has many natural pools

Days 4 & 5: visit the beautiful mountains

Now that you’ve been around the coast, let’s head to the interior of the island to visit some of the most emblematic sites in Gran Canaria. The first stop is El Pico de las Nieves, one of the highest peaks in the island. Contemplate the magnificent views and take some breathtaking pictures before driving to a nearby place, El Roque Nublo. To get to the huge rock formation, you need to walk a bit, so wearing comfortable shoes is advisable.

In the afternoon, you can visit some of the island's charming villages like Teror or Arucas. We recommend that you have dinner in a traditional Canarian restaurant so that you can taste the delicious local food. 

Tip: stay the night at a rural house or hostel to make the most of your trip to the mountains!

On the next day, you’ll have the time to go explore the large pine forests of the region. If you like hiking, Gran Canaria has beautiful routes for all levels. Alternatively, you can drive heading south and visit Las Niñas reservoir, a sight worth seeing.

Days 6 & 7: finish your trip with a beach break

A trip to Gran Canaria wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Maspalomas Dunes. Spend the day at the beach, swimming, sunbathing or learning how to surf! Don’t forget to go for a walk around the dunes to get some spectacular pictures with the Atlantic Ocean in the background.

On the last day, enjoy a delicious breakfast in the charming village of Mogán, which is just a short drive away. Its colorful houses full of flowers make it a favorite among the travelers. From this town, the ports and airport are easily accessible. 

The famous Maspalomas Dunes in the south of Gran Canaria

Tips for a smooth driving experience on the island

Find here some useful driving tips for a carefree road trip in Gran Canaria:

• You can drive with a foreign driving license for up to 6 months in Spain.
• Don’t forget to carry an official translation or an International Driving Permit if your license is not in Spanish.
• Driving in Gran Canaria is very safe, but bear in mind that the roads in the interior can be steep and full of curves.
• There are plenty of car rental companies to choose from. Even though most of the cars in Spain have manual transmission, they usually rent automatic, electric and other kinds of special vehicles too.
• Be mindful of cyclists, it’s very common to find people cycling on the roads, especially in the mountainous areas.
• In the city and in the south, parking spaces are limited. However, there are plenty of paid parking options.

So what do you think? Are you ready to hit the road in Gran Canaria? Book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper easily and download our App on your mobile for free to have a hassle-free trip!