Not everything during a trip goes as planned, and Gran Canaria taught me this in the best possible way. There are certain things you simply cannot foresee until you’re already there, such as unexpected traffic in Las Palmas to microclimates that change completely in just a few miles.
For context, Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, located off the coast of northwestern Africa. It’s famous for its beaches, but what I found is that the island has so much more to offer once you start exploring its interior.
Despite the inconveniences, I had the chance to visit incredible places: quiet coastal towns, dramatic mountain viewpoints, routes through volcanic landscapes, and hidden beaches reachable only by car. In every corner of this island, I kept being astonished and fascinated: Gran Canaria conceals many treasures that are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime! All these contrasts made me fall in love with the island far beyond the typical postcard image.
Travelling across Gran Canaria made me realise how important it is to stay flexible, adapt, and choose the right base. In this article, I’ll share the lessons I learned. Sometimes being prepared for inconveniences can save you time, stress, and a few surprises, while also telling you about the beautiful places I discovered along the way.
Don’t Stay in Las Palmas if You’re Planning to Explore the Island
Arriving at Las Palmas, I didn’t feel the spirit of an island. It seemed like an ordinary city in some ordinary place. I have to be honest: the first day, I was really disappointed with what I saw. I was tired from the flight, the traffic was stressful, and the hot weather didn’t help either.
However, the day after, with a fresher mind, the city seemed nicer in fact. What surprised me the most was that it didn’t really feel like a city on an island, just like any other big city and the traffic you never expect to see on an island was there. At some point, stuck in a jam, I found myself wondering: “Where is the sea?!”
My mistake was staying in the capital while planning to explore the rest of Gran Canaria. If you’re an adventurous traveller like me, who prefers to explore natural, untouched places rather than cities, don’t choose Las Palmas for accommodation! Parking was nearly impossible, the narrow one-way streets were confusing, and getting anywhere outside the city required a car anyway. Looking back, I should have booked an apartment in the countryside or closer to smaller towns like Agaete or Puerto de Mogán, it would have made the trip so much more relaxed and enjoyable…
After settling into the flat, I went for a relaxing walk in the city centre, and it was actually very beautiful. The colourful streets, small plazas, and local cafés made me realise that Las Palmas does have its charm, but it just isn’t the best base for exploring the whole island.
Gran Canaria is Not Just Beaches
I went to Gran Canaria expecting only sun, sand, beaches and coastline. But I quickly realised that the mountains are just as breathtaking. In less than an hour from the coast, you can go from golden beaches to dramatic cliffs, pine forests, and volcanic landscapes that make the island feel completely different.
One of the highlights for me was Roque Nublo, the iconic volcanic rock that rises almost 80 meters above the surrounding plateau. The hike to reach it is not too difficult, but the ups and downs along the trails make it feel like a real adventure. Once at the top, the views over the island are unbelievable. I felt completely taken in by an endless land of brown, volcanic-looking mountains.
Most of this area belongs to the Parque Rural del Nublo, a protected natural park covering vast volcanic landscapes, pine forests, and traditional mountain villages. I also explored small villages like Tejeda and Artenara, where walking the quiet streets and stopping at local cafés gave me a sense of authentic island life. Experiencing both the beaches and the mountains made me realise that if you only stay by the coast, you’re missing half of what makes this island so special.
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Weather Can Change Drastically in One Hour
One thing I learned very quickly in Gran Canaria is that the weather can change completely in the time it takes to drive from one side of the island to the other. You can start the day sunbathing on the beach, then head toward the mountains and suddenly find yourself in fog, wind, or even light rain. The island’s microclimates are real and unpredictable.
When I visited Tamadaba Natural Park, I realised just how extreme these contrasts can be. As I drove up the winding mountain road, I kept expecting the sky to become cloudy because everyone had warned me about the weather there. Instead, I was incredibly lucky: the sky stayed clear, the sun followed me the whole way, and the air was crisp but warm.
From the viewpoints, I could see endless cliffs, deep valleys, and the ocean shining far below: a landscape so vast and peaceful it felt like time had stopped. Gran Canaria taught me that you never really know what kind of day you’re going to get. But sometimes, the island surprises you in the best possible way.
Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself From the Sun
One thing I completely underestimated in Gran Canaria was how dry and intense the climate can be. Being so close to Africa makes the temperature rise dramatically
The day I spent in Mogán, I expected the same mild weather I had in Las Palmas, but the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into another season. The sun was shining, the swas ky was completely clear. The heat was stronger, the sun felt much more direct, and the air was so dry that walking around became tiring much faster than I had imagined.
I also didn’t bring enough water with me, and that was a mistake you feel immediately in places like this. On the island, temperatures shift quickly, and the sun can be much harsher than it looks, so staying hydrated and protecting your skin from the sun is not optional! Sunscreen, water, and light clothes are essential, especially in the southern areas where heat builds up even on calm days.
The Wind Can Change Everything
One thing I didn’t consider at all while planning my trip was the wind. I checked temperatures, searched for the best beaches, and even planned outfits… but not once did I think to take into consideration the wind. The wind in Gran Canaria can be quite intense: the island sits wide open in the Atlantic and is often affected by North African weather patterns.
The day before visiting Maspalomas, I stopped for lunch in a tiny restaurant in Mogán, one of those small local places where the owner treats you like a regular, even if it’s your first time. While chatting, the waiter warned me about the wind and said to be careful if I was visiting Maspalomas.
I had no idea the dunes could feel completely different depending on the wind and sometimes even be unsafe. Thanks to that advice, I checked the forecast and adjusted my plans. And honestly, it saved the entire day.
When I finally went, Maspalomas wasn’t completely sstillbut ittitt was calm enough to walk comfortably through the dunes. The light was golden, the sand wasn’t flying everywhere, and I could actually enjoy the surreal, desert-like landscape without being overwhelmed. In the end, listening to that waiter saved the day.
Rent a Car if You Want to Explore More
Looking back, renting a car was the best decision ever! Gran Canaria looks small on the map, but its landscapes change so quickly that having your own wheels makes all the difference. With the car, I could reach viewpoints hidden in the mountains, quiet beaches far from the tourist zones, and tiny villages I didn’t even know existed until I saw a sign on the road.
Public transport works fine between the main towns, but it doesn’t take you to the real heart of the island, the winding roads through pine forests, the volcanic cliffs, the coastal miradores where you can pull over for five minutes and suddenly find yourself staring at a view you’ll never forget.
Every day felt like a new mini-adventure just because I had the freedom to stop anywhere I wanted. If there’s one thing I’d absolutely repeat (and recommend to anyone visiting Gran Canaria), it’s renting a car. It turns the island into a completely different kind of trip: slower, more flexible, and infinitely more beautiful.
