If you’re considering visiting the north of Gran Canaria, get ready to discover a region full of contrasts. The rugged coastlines and tranquil beaches offer pure serenity, while the lush forests and green valleys exude natural beauty. The northern part of Gran Canaria will captivate you with its stunning landscapes and charming villages.
Yes, imagine losing yourself in villages that seem to belong to another time. In this part of the island, tourists are drawn to places like Arucas and Teror, with their cobbled streets and wooden balconies. Experience local festivities such as the Fiesta del Pino, and savour the regional cuisine with dishes like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce and queso de flor from Guía.
If you’re wondering what to visit in the north of Gran Canaria, keep reading. We’ve put together a list of places and recommendations full of charm.
Arucas, the City of Flowers
Arucas, known as the “city of flowers” for its natural beauty and numerous gardens, is a must-see destination in northern Gran Canaria. The standout attraction is the church of San Juan Bautista, a Neo-Gothic architectural gem built between 1909 and 1917, with towering spires and beautiful stained-glass windows. The Parque Municipal, also known as the Parque de las Flores, offers a peaceful retreat. You can also visit the Arehucas Rum Distillery, founded in 1884, to learn about the production of the famous Canarian rum. Finally, the historic town centre, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings such as the Casa de Cultura and Town Hall, is perfect for a charming stroll.
Moya and its natural parks
Moya, located within the Parque Rural de Doramas, is a paradise for nature lovers with its trails through laurel forests and the Barranco de los Tilos. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage, including archaeological sites like the Cueva de Doramas and landmarks such as the church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the Tomás Morales House Museum, the Heredad de Aguas, and the Ermita de San Bartolomé de Fontanales. Sixty-five percent of the municipality is a protected natural space, with highlights like the Reserva Natural Especial de Los Tilos. Moya also features traditional rural architecture and a coastline of 4.22 km, with beaches like La Caleta in El Altillo and natural pools in Charco de San Lorenzo, perfect for swimming and surfing.
Doramas Rural Park
Parque Rural de Doramas, located in the north of Gran Canaria, spans the municipalities of Arucas, Firgas, Moya, Santa María de Guía, Teror, and Valleseco. This protected landscape, once part of the ancient Selva de Doramas, is a popular spot for hikers. Key attractions include the Azuaje and Moya ravines, and the laurel forest areas of Azuaje, Barranco Oscuro, and Los Tilos de Moya, which are of significant ecological interest. The park is also essential for groundwater replenishment in the higher areas affected by fog.
The park is home to a rich variety of flora, including laurels, fayas, heathers, brooms, and in the lower areas, cardon and tabaiba plants. Beyond its natural richness, the park also contains cultural sites and offers numerous recreational activities, making it an essential destination for tourists seeking to enjoy nature and discover endemic species of Gran Canaria.
Santa María de Guía and its famous Queso de Flor
Santa María de Guía is renowned for its delicious Queso de Flor, an artisanal cheese made with thistle flowers. This small town is a paradise for cheese lovers and offers the chance to visit local dairies where you can learn about the production process and, of course, sample this delicacy. The town’s historic centre is also charming, with cobbled streets and historic buildings that tell stories of the past.
Gáldar and its natural pools
Gáldar is a must-visit for anyone exploring northern Gran Canaria. This ancient aboriginal settlement is known for its natural pools, such as those at La Caleta, which offer the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sea. You can also visit the Cueva Pintada, a museum and archaeological park that transports you back to pre-Hispanic times with its fascinating cave paintings.
Agaete and its archaeological sites
Agaete is a coastal town that combines history and nature. Here, you’ll find the Valle de Agaete, famous for its coffee plantations and local wines. Don’t miss the Huerto de las Flores, a botanical garden with a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants. Additionally, Agaete is home to important archaeological sites, such as Maipés de Agaete, an impressive aboriginal cemetery.
Cenobio de Valerón
The Cenobio de Valerón is one of the most important archaeological sites in Gran Canaria. This ancient communal granary, used by the aboriginal Canarians, is carved into the rock and consists of over 300 cavities. Visiting this site will give you insight into the ingenious way of life of the island’s early inhabitants, as well as offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Firgas, the City of Water
Firgas is known as the “city of water” due to its famous fountains and irrigation channels. Don’t miss the Paseo de Gran Canaria and Paseo de Canarias, two pedestrian streets with a natural slope that has been used to create a 30-metre waterfall. We also recommend visiting the Molino de Agua, a restored mill that showcases the importance of water in the town’s history.
The town of Teror and its Virgen del Pino
Teror, located in the north of Gran Canaria, is a charming town known for its Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, the patron saint of the island. Every September, thousands of pilgrims flock to Teror to honour the Virgin during one of the region’s most important festivals. This picturesque town, with its cobbled streets and traditional wooden balconies, offers visitors a chance to experience the history and cultural heritage of Gran Canaria. In addition to the basilica, the welcoming atmosphere and colonial architecture of Teror make each visit a journey into the past, full of devotion and living traditions.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, located in the northeast of the island, is a city that perfectly combines history, culture, and modernity. As the capital of Gran Canaria, it boasts a rich cultural heritage, reflected in the historic district of Vegueta, where you can explore the Cathedral de Santa Ana, the Museo Canario, and the Casa de Colón, which chronicles Christopher Columbus’s stopover on the island. The city is also home to Las Canteras Beach, considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe. The vibrant atmosphere of Triana Street, with its shops, cafés, and restaurants, along with Santa Catalina Park, the heart of the famous Las Palmas Carnival, makes this city a must-visit destination with activities for all ages and tastes.
Sardina del Norte Beach
Sardina del Norte, in the municipality of Gáldar, boasts a beach awarded the Blue Flag for its quality and services. This peaceful sandy beach is sheltered from the trade winds by a beautiful bay, flanked by the Farallón de Tábata to the southwest and Lomo del Faro to the northwest. Sardina del Norte offers basic amenities such as disabled access, toilets, and parking. This small fishing village, with its picturesque harbour, is a popular destination for divers, who often embark on night dives near the port’s breakwater.
The north of Gran Canaria offers visitors natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local charm. If you’re planning your holiday and looking for accommodation in Gran Canaria, Lopesan Hotel Group offers excellent options to make your stay even more memorable. Comfort, luxury, and relaxation in an environment designed to give you the best experience possible.
