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ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO YOUR VACATION IN GRAN CANARIA

Gran Canaria. Things to do, best places to visit and more

The best travel guide to Gran Canaria with recommendations on where to stay and eat, top sights and insider tips

Gran Canaria probably offers the best example in just one island of what the Canary islands archipelago is all about. Despite its beaches are not as good as the ones in Fuerteventura, its mountains not as high as the Teide in Tenerife, its villages not as quaint as those in la Gomera, its hikes not as those in La Palma, or its craters cannot be compared to the ones in Lanzarote, Gran Canaria offers still a great mix of it all: good hiking, world-class windsurfing, plenty of charming villages or some “Roques” (the way locals in the Canary islands refer to peaks) with breath-taking views.

Gran Canaria travel guide - Contents

Our 3 top accomodations in Gran Canaria

H10 Playa Meloneras Palace - 5-Stars

The H10 Playa Meloneras Palace is located next to Meloneras beach and golf course in southern Gran Canaria. The hotel is designed in the style of Antoni Gaudí-inspired design.  The hotel features 3 amazing swimming pools, a solarium, and a spa.
Top Pick

Hotel the Lago Taurito - 3-Stars - Gran Canaria

This all-inclusive hotel is probably the first option your children would select. Why? The hotel has a fantastic aqua park (free if you stay at the hotel), gardens, tennis court… Besides the aqua park, the hotel is located just 50 meters from Playa Taurito in Mogan beach
Top Families

Corallium Beach by Lopesan Hotels - 4-Stars

This beautiful hotel overlooks the beach of San Agustín. The resort is quiet with a gently sloping beach of dark sand. The hotel features a swimming area that includes 2 swimming pools and 2 hot tubs in the middle of a subtropical garden, which has sun loungers and parasols available free of charge.
Great Value

Top reasons to enjoy a vacation in Gran Canaria

Like Tenerife, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria is also a paradise for holidaymakers who want to relax and enjoy some “easy-going and sunny days”.  The Gran Canaria all-inclusive hotels offer exactly that, with many options to enjoy in different areas of the island and with different prices. 

Las Palmas. We could start with the Capital of the island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which boasts a fantastic old quarter (Vegueta).

Natural areas. There are many natural areas; the most famous one is Las Dunas de Maspalomas, where you could easily believe you are in the desert. At Ventanas del Nublo you will get one of the most impressive pictures you could think of, with Roque Nublo and the magnificent Teide far away in Tenerife. Quaint villages like Tejeda, Fataga, Teror and many others. If you enjoy walking Gran Canaria offers good hiking opportunities including the increasingly popular Barranco de las Vacas which could have been used on any Western movie. Excellent scuba diving opportunities, helicopter rides, or some of the best windsurfing in the Canary islands are some of the many activities you will be able to enjoy in Gran Canaria in case relaxing at one of its beaches or fantastic hotels is not enough!

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the heart of Gran Canaria

Las Palmas is the capital city of the Island of Gran Canaria, and shares the title of capital of the Canary Islands along with Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the neighboring Island of Tenerife. The city of Las Palmas was founded back in 1478 and has been the heart and soul of the Cany Islands ever since. 

Syracuse University in the United States analyzed the climate of 600 major cities across the globe and determined that Las Palmas was the city with the best climate out of all of them.

Las Palmas is a city of spectacular natural beauty that enjoys a long and deep history, as it has long been the political, economic, and social epicenter of this Spanish territory. Check out our Las Palmas recommendatios curated by our expert local guides.  

Canary Museum

The Museo Canario or the Canary Museum is one of the best museums in Las Palmas to understand the anthropological history and evolution of its aboriginal inhabitants, known as Guanches, and the history of Gran Canaria. You will also discover the way they built their houses and their tools and even their medicines and their food. Especially striking is the hall of skulls and mummies in the enclosure.


Canary Cathedral

Construction of the Catedral de Canarias or the Cathedral of Santa Ana, as it is also known, began towards the end of the 1400’s and it was commissioned by the Catholic Kings themselves.

The Cathedral features 3 different architectural styles: late Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical. Although it was never 100% completed, it was the first cathedral in the Canary Islands and the only cathedral in all of the islands until the 19th century. 

Casa Colón 

This XVI century estate didn’t actually belong to Christopher Columbus but it did belong to the governor of the island who oversaw Columbus’ expeditions and who housed the Spanish explorer on his way to the New World.

The Colon House Museum has maritime archives that belonged to the discoverer, such as navigation charts and logbooks. Especially recommended for lovers of the sea and exploration.

The Vegueta Market

This is one of the most interesting places to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and perfect for delving into Canarian gastronomy. The Vegueta Market is overflowing with tropical fruit stalls, local spices and delicacies, and all types of local products, unique to the Canary Islands. 

A guided visit to the Vegueta neighborhood is especially interesting where you can see first-hand its market and many more secrets of the city.

fountain in a square in Las Palmas

Santa Ana Square

The Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana is one of the most emblematic places in the city of Las Palmas. Surrounding this most centric of squares are several of the most important buildings in Las Palmas including the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Casa Colón. In the center of the plaza, you will also find one of the most famous and quirky sculptures in the city known locally as the “Perros de Santa Ana” or the dogs of Santa Ana.

The sculptures were created by the French sculptor Alfred Jacquemar (Paris 1824), and have been standing in the square since 1895. As the story goes, Mayor Felipe Massieu accepted them as a gift from a French ship that, on its way to South Africa, landed in the city to solve certain problems that arose during its journey. As a thank you for their assistance the ship left these statues that were originally intended to adorn other urban centers in the south of the African continent. 

In 1944 author  Víctor Doreste ‘baptized’ these unique dogs in his traditional fable ‘Faycán’. The author names seven other dogs that today rest in Santa Ana: Aterura, Mogano, Doramas, Tindaya , Bentayga, Tenoya and Tirajano.

Beach and city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Maspalomas beach, Gran Canaria

Sandy dunes in the south of Gran Canaria

Maspalomas is located in the south of Gran Canaria, in the heart of one of the most visited coastlines in Europe. The beaches of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Meloneras are home to a large number of hotels, tourist apartments, many leisure options to enjoy during the day, and a vibrant nightlife around the beaches. 

Maspalomas not only has a spectacular beach and unparalleled weather, but it is also surrounded by a sea of dunes, which makes the scenery and the experience all the more special. 

You will also find a centuries-old lighthouse that beckoned in the first tourists to the area and is responsible for it becoming such a tourist destination. 

Maspalomas beach is a 3 kilometer wide stretch of idyllic, white golden sand and warm turquoise water, in the south of the island.  The beach is 60 km from the capital of Las Palmas, which is about an hour’s drive. 

Leading up to the beach itself there is a wide stretch of dunes, that makes for a pretty breathtaking backdrop. The ecosystem of the Maspalomas dunes has enormous natural value, which fights to be conserved while being forced to coexist with the tourist development of the area.

A number of studies have been carried out recently carried out on its conservation, promoted by the General Directorate of Coasts and by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria.

Also part of this special ecosystem is a small lagoon known as the “Charca de Maspalomas”. This lagoon is a unique little safe-haven that is home to a wide array of birds, fish, and other wildlife. 

Nowadays this area is a popular tourist destination, with tons of fun things to enjoy in the area. 

The busy promenade area is a perfect place to do some shopping, make a stop after the beach, go out for dinner, or just have a drink looking while you enjoy the amazing views.

Just a few meters from the promenade, you will find the entrance to the Maspalomas Dunes Natural Reserve, made up of three ecosystems: the palm grove, the lagoon, and the dunes. The whole area is a huge natural space of exceptional value.

In-depth - Whale watching and camels in Gran Canaria

pilot whale in Gran Canaria

Whale Watching in Gran Canaria

The ultimate guide to whale watching in Gran Canarias. the Canary Islands in general are an excellent place for whale watching, one of the best in the world in fact. In this article you will find all the best tips, and information for planning the perfect whale watching outing during your visit to the tropical island of Gran Canaria. … Read More

Quick facts about Gran Canaria

With some 850,000 inhabitants, Gran Canaria is the second most populated island in the archipelago after Tenerife. It is the third largest island in the archipelago, with 1,523 square kilometers. Gran Canaria emerged almost completely 15 million years ago. The economy of Gran Canaria is more diversified than in the rest of the islands, but tourism, as in all other cases, is on number one. There are 80 species of flora that are endemic to the island!, a laurel forest in the north (Los Tilos de Moya). As it is the case in all islands, water supply is a major concern. Gran Canaria is one of the major centers in Europe for gay tourism and it has been like this for decades. 

Where is Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria lies 100 kilometers south-east of Tenerife and 100 kilometers to the south-west of Fuerteventura. The weather is a mixture of both other islands: cloudy and rainy in the north and sunny and hot in the south.

Snorkel in Gran Canaria

Snorkeling in Gran Canaria is one of those activities you shouldn’t miss out on while visiting the tropical Spanish island.   

Gran Canaria is the archipelagos largest island and is a wonderful little microcosm of everything the Canary Islands have to offer.  

As we have mentioned in a previous article, the waters surrounding the Canary Islands present pristine conditions for a wide array of marine life are a protected resource. Gran Canaria’s coastline is no different. Check out our expert’s top scuba diving and snorkeling spots on the island. 

Now, the important things is to know where to go on the island, because there are kilometers and kilometers of heaven-on-earth level beaches and you need to know where to go. These are the best spots in Gran Canaria to enjoy snorkel:

Playa Chica 

This excellent beach is located in the island’s capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and it is one of the best beaches on the island for beginners and families. The maximum depth is just 5 meters and the water is very calm and clear. 

Playa Grande 

Playa Grande is very close to Playa Chica. The sand area is larger, but it is also a more popular and crowded beach normally. But again, the water only reaches a maximum depth of 5 meters with a gentle swell, it is the perfect place for snorkeling in Gran Canaria.

Las Salinas (Arucas)

Las Salinas is an excellent beach in the north of the island of Gran Canaria. Unfortunately, it is definitely not the best choice for more novice divers or children. The water can get choppy and unpredictable. If you are an experienced swimmer and diver, however, get ready to enjoy one of the most beautiful spots on the whole island.

Playa del Cabrón

Playa del Cabrón might be the best spot on this list, because of the incredible diversity of marine life it plays host to. In fact, it has recently been included in the Arinaga Marine Reserve. It is however an area only experienced divers should undertake. 

Waves are frequent and strong and can be dangerous for children and weak swimmers. 

Snorkel glasses in Gran Canaria

Las Merinas 

Located near the quaint little town of Agaete, we find Las Merinas beach. This diving area is located in a cove, making it an excellent place for novice divers. The water is very calm and the rocky bottom is home to a great variety of marine life. This area is also great for scuba diving. 

Sardina del Norte 

Sardina del Norte beach is well-known little area, surrounded by an old fishing village. Here you will find

Here you will find a reef habitat bustling with all sorts of reef-dwelling creatures, including sharks and moray eels. The waves can get unruly, so if you arent a confident swimmer maybe steer clear. 

Tufia

Tufia is, perhaps, the most accessible of all the diving spots on our list. It is the perfect place for novice divers and children to enjoy the experience comfortably. 

The area has very little waves and abundant marine life. Especially if you are traveling with your family, Tufia is a must. 

Best places to visit in Gran Canaria

In this short guide, we will present our favorite villages, towns, and cities in Gran Canaria. Our list goes from South to North, east to west. You will find here a good mix of coastal villages and ports, mid-sized towns, and small hidden villages that ensure a perfect way to spend your time in Gran Canaria in case you are not planning to just relax on the beach!

Puerto de Mogan

Puerto de Mogan is one of Gran Canaria holiday resorts. It has been developed with care and it does not provide the impression of being over-developed. The best time to enjoy Mogan are early morning or in the evening when most visitors have gone. In the morning, the harbour recovers its charm and you can enjoy fishermen returning home. The narrow and white streets around the harbour are charming, and will be especially delightful for bougainvillea lovers.
There are regular boats that connect Puerto de Mogan with Puerto Rico and Arguineguin and you will have the chance to enjoy the presence of dolphins en route.

Maspalomas beach, Gran Canaria

Sandy dunes in the south of Gran Canaria Maspalomas is located in the south of Gran Canaria, in the heart of one of the most visited coastlines in Europe. The beaches of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Meloneras are home to a large number of hotels, tourist apartments, many leisure options to enjoy during the day, and a vibrant nightlife around the beaches. 

Ingenio, Gran Canaria

The word ingenio in Spanish means inventiveness, and probably this defined this small town at a time when handicrafts developed in the island. The name, in reality, is derived from the machines used to process sugar during the XVIII century.
In any case, Ingenio is the best place in Gran Canaria to purchase ceramics and the very famous embroidered tablecloths. A first glimpse at Ingenio would not consider worth stopping, but if you head to the Casco historico (Barrio de Sequero) you will surprised to find a beautiful plaza (Plaza de la Candelaria), where the white church of Nuestra señora de la Candelaria stands.
For those who enjoy trekking, the famous Barranco de Guadayeque is located less than 5 kilometers from Ingenio and it is one of Gran Canaria´s best ravines. You will also find there the cave dwellings of Cueva Bermeja.. 

Agüimes

Located 3,5 kilometers south of Ingenio, Agúimes welcomes the visitor from the distance with the imposing sight of its temple of San Sebastian. The town was founded in 1487 and it offers a good number of surprises if you drive direct to the historic district. Smll squares, cobbled streets and colourful façades, and many statues are part of the charms of this interesting town. The temple of San Sebastian was declared a national monument in 1981.
A great time of the year to visit Agúimes is the last Saturday of September when locals pay tribute to the gofio meal, a favorite in the Canary Islands. The party is called the Traída del Agua and locals get dressed in traditional costumes and descend from a mill to the town square to thank for rain and a good harvest.

Telde

Located 14 kilometers south of Las Palmas, Telde is the second largest town in Gran Canaria and it has largely preserved its old Spanish character. Before the conquest, Telde was the most important seat of the Guarteme, the chiefs of the Guanches in Gran Canaria. Disregarded by many and not visited, Telde can surprise its visitor’s thanks to its charming historic district, which is probably as appealing as Vegueta in Las Palmas: labyrinth of narrow alleys and cobbled streets where you will find good examples of traditional architecture and the excellent Basilica de San Juan Bautista. It is a late 15th-century church built with lava of various colors and with a modern façade from the 18th century. The 15th-century altarpiece is probably the island´s most valuable work of art. The Parque Urbano de San Juan is also worth a visit, whilst the rest of the town does not hold particular tourist interest.

Teror

An architecturally enchanting town located 21 kilometers east of Las Palmas. The Virgin Mary is supposed to have appeared here in the branches of a pine tree in 1480.
Church of Nuestra señora del Pino. What remains of the original building is the 1740 tower and the classical façade. The interiors is from the 18th century. It has a nave and two aisles and a shrine with a 15th-century painting which is said to have miraculous properties. The treasure inside the church is worth visiting.
The Casa Manrique de Lara dates from the 16th and 17th century and it has been a local museum for culture and local history since 1970.

Arucas

Located 12 kilometers north-west of Las Palmas, Arucas is famous for two things: rum and its church, “almost a cathedral”.
Most people have heard the name of Arucas thanks to the local rum, branded as Arehucas, the old name of the town prior to the conquest. Arucas fonud fortune thanks to the production and commerce of sugarcane. The neo-gothic church of San Juan is probably the most imposing church in Gran Canarias and the best example of early XXth century religious architecture (it was completed in 1917). The church has the size of a basilic or even a cathedral! And any visitor will well wonder why there is such a massive church in such a small town.
Arucas boasts also some interesting streets and colourful houses. Head to Calle León y Castillo to enjoy the best examples and also a good park (great option if travelling with children) Next to the park you will find the colourful Casa de la Cultura. The museum of Arehucas rum can be visited. This is amongst the best places to visit in Gran Canaria; you will be for sure impacted by the contrast of the church and the white architecture in the village!

Frigas

Located very close to Arucas, Frigas is worth visiting to enjoy its beautiful main avenue (Avenida de Gran Canarias) which has fountains and scale models of al seven islands. Water was very important in the history of this small town and there is actually a acequia real and a water spring. One of our favorite villages to visit in Gran canaria

Galdar

Located 40 kilometers west of Las Palmas, Galdar is a small town located on the feet of the volcano with the same name. Galdar was an important center for the Guanches before the conquest and they dug caves in this area. The cave Cueva pintada) is open to the public and it is probably the best-preserved archaeological find in the Canary Islands.
The baroque church of Santiago de los Caballeros has an interesting dome and a lavish interior. The local market is one of the most interesting markets in the Canary Islands.

Puerto de las Nieves

Located on the north-west coast of the island, Puerto de las Nieves is probably the most charming coastal towns in the Canary Islands. White and blue houses and a colourful harbour, Puerto de las Nieves is nested among cliffs in a spectacular natural setting. Ferries to Tenerife departure from here and despite the areas has developed in recent years it still holds an important part of its charm.

Artenara

Artenara is one of our favorite visits to Gran Canaria. It is the island´s highest village (watch out for your clothes if you plan to visit in winter and it boasts a fantastic cave church (the Cueva Iglesia) dedicated to the patron saint of travelers.
Located at 1270 meters above sea level, Artenara has mainly be known thanks to the cave houses, where locals still dwell today. The best way to enjoy one of the caves is to pay a visit to the tourist information center, which is located inside one (another option is to sleep at a cave hotel).
There is an ethnographic museum and top views where you will also enjoy the sculpture of Miguel de Unamuno (one of Spain´s most famous writers). The viewpoint is called Mirador de Unamuno who visited the area in 1910 and got seduced by the beauty of this place and the views over Roque Bentayga and Roque Nublo.

Tejeda

It could be argued if Tejeda is worth the inclusion in this list since the village is such is not too special. However, the views it offers of Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria’s most famous peak are excellent and attract many tourists every day

.
Besides tourism. Tejeda has an industry around almonds. The best time to visit Tejeda is in February when almond trees are in full bloom and when the village celebrates the almond in Bloom festival (La Fiesta del almendron en flor). A locally produced almond sweet called bienmesabe is worth trying.
Tejeda sits above 1,000 meters, so bring warm clothes if you visit in winter. Roque Nublo, the imposing peak at 1813 meters above sea level can be best enjoyed from Tejeda.

Treks and hiking in Gran Canaria

Trekking in Gran Canaria is an amazing way to experience all the natural beauty of this amazing Spanish tropical island, off the coast of Morrocco. If you are looking for a hike in Gran Canaria to enjoy during your vacation in the island, have a look at this list with our best picks. 

Hiking through Cogolla

A simple circular route of just over six kilometers, starting and ending in the small town of Veneguera, in southwest Gran Canaria. In the southern part of Gran Canaria, when the un comes out, temperatures start rising quickly. Therefore, you should set out early in the morning. 

The trek starts in the main square of the small town. If you want to get some supplies before heading out this is the moment to do so. 

The path is very clearly marked so you will have no trouble finding your way. Between the town and the main portion of the hike, there is about a 2km stretch that runs along the road and will give you a scenic view of the area. Up to this point, the path is extremely easy. 

Once we leave the town limits the difficulty goes up. The next portion is steep. In just 700 meters distance you will have to ascend 125m, which is equivalent to over 15% incline. The pass is narrow and if you are traveling with children you will have to keep an eye on them. 

The rest of the way is basically all downhill. You will make your way through some beautiful country and agricultural estates. The landscape is reminiscent of the Old West, with eroded orange ancient abandoned dwellings. 

The Bandama Caldera

Trekking the Bandama Caldera is one of the most amazing activities you can enjoy on the island and also one of the easiest treks. It is a hike that can easily be undertaken by kids, and it’s near to the island’s capital, Las Palmas. 

There are two ways to explore the caldera, hiking the inner portion and the ridge. The entire route is about six kilometers long and the ridge portion is slightly easier than the inner caldera. 

If you are planning on undertaking the full hike, you might want to start with the inner section, then ascend to the ridge, and end your trek wherever you parked.

The entire path of the crest of the Caldera de Bandama is comprised of gravel so make sure you take good shoes and children might want to wear boots. 

Montañón Negro and the Caballero Caves

One of the most beautiful hiking routes in Gran Canaria, especially in spring, when all the flowers of the surrounding hills adorn the path. The Montañon Negro, or black peack, jets out like a black shard of glass, and when the flowers are in full bloom, it creates a magical contrast between the two.  

Another highlight of this route is the Caves of Caballero. These natural caves traditionally offered shelter and protection to the inhabitants of gran Canaria. Nowadays, they are an impressive feature of the natural environment and a great place to enjoy amazing views of the island. 

Fataga to the Ansite Fortress

Before we get into it, this hike isn’t circular, so keep that in mind, but it will be well worth your while. This hike will take you from the picturesque town of Fataga, to the ancient fortified village of Ansite.

Ansite was once inhabited by the islands aboriginal peoples, the Guanches. The village is comprised of cave dwellings and many tombs and artifacts of the Guanche people have been found at this site. It is a truly unique and immersive way to experience the history of Gran Canaria. 

The route itself is not particularly hard, except for the initial climb of just over 300 meters that must be overcome in the first kilometer. The rest of the trail is a breeze.

Barranco de los Cernícalos

The Barranco de los cernícalos is considered by many an oasis for hiking in Gran Canaria. It is equal parts beautiful and easy to hike. It is a path suitable for almost all levels, very well conditioned and marked.

With just over 8 kilometers round trip, the journey will take a total of about 4 hours, with mandatory stops to enjoy the journey.

From the beginning to the first waterfall, there is about 3, from here the physical demands increase considerably. For the next 800 meters, we will have to climb rocks and slippery terrain; avoid fallen logs, loose stones, and lots of vegetation. Only experienced hikers should attempt this portion of the hike. 

Best places to enjoy Scubadiving in Gran Canaria

A great activity to enjoy during your holidays in Gran Canaria, scuba diving is a top experience in the island. You will get surprised to find different fish compared to other islands and parts of Spain. 

This is the list with the best places to enjoy scuba diving in Gran Canaria. Some of the places are perfect to enjoy diving without the need for a ship.

Playa de Amadores

Playa de Amadores is easily accessible, located between Puerto Rico and Playa de Mogan. This beach is a man-made, 800m long stretch of sand imported from the Sahara. The diving site is perfect for novice divers or for more experienced divers looking to refresh their skills.

The most popular dive route is outside the bay following the left arm of the breakwater. This route has a maximum depth of 13 meters and allows you to explore the marine life hiding in the breakwater.

You will find artificial reefs where you can easily identify plenty of marine life. If you look to your right on this dive you will see a sandy bottom where Stingrays and Angel Sharks like hideout.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Just 5 minutes into your dive you will be able to spot cuttlefish, Octopus, and huge numbers of Atlantic Damselfish and Bluefin Damselfish easily.

Playa Tufia 

We mentioned Tufia before. This dive site was created by a volcanic eruption. Because the seabed consists of volcanic rock, it is a perfect example of true Canary Island diving. The volcanic rocks create the perfect natural habitat for the rich marine life of Gran Canaria to inhabit.

This dive site has two different routes. the first should be atteppted only by experienced divers and can reach maximum depths of 22 meters. The second is much more accessible, reaching maximum depths of only 12 meters.

What marine life can I expect to see?

It is not uncommon to spot one of the islands most emblematic species hiding in the reef: the Angel shark. You will also come across Stingrays and on rare occasions, you might be able to spot sea turtles.

 

La Catedral 

La Catedral, or “The Cathedral” is located off the northern coast of Gran Canaria. It is a 20-minute boat ride from the shore and is a dive only experienced divers should undertake.

The dive is not particularly hard as long as you are comfortable and dive within your limits. La Catedral has a maximum depth of 40 metres and is home to Gran Canaria’s most breathtaking landscape.

Diving in Gran Canaria is well known for its massive caves, arches and caverns. The volcanic structure that is La Catedral is over 30 tall. the volcanic landscape is twisted and scared, the perfect hiding place for reef dwelling creatures. Make sure to have a flashlight on hand. 

What marine life can I expect to see?

La Catedral is a great place to spot Stingrays and Moray eels hiding in the volcanic rock formations. 

El Cabrón 

Another site we have already mentioned, and perhaps the best of the scuba diving sites in Gran Canaria. In the same general area, there are 4 different dives of varying difficulty:

Scubadiving routes in Gran Canaria

Route 1: Discovery Bay

This is the easiest dives you will find in El Carbón. The maximum depth is 18 meters and just a short walk along volcanic sand brings us to the entry point.

located on the left side of the beach. Discovery Bay is the perfect dive site for beginners to have an introduction to the amazing dive reefs of El Cabron. 

At a depth of only 4 meters you will start to find volcanic rock formation on your left. This rock formation is your dive route and you shall be following this for the duration of your dive. To the right a flat sandy bottom, perfect for spotting Angel sharks and Eagle rays. At 8 meters you will find a cavern 7 meters wide and 4 meters deep. 

Route 2: Punta de la Monja

This route offers divers a little bit of everything but it is, however, suggested for more experienced divers. 

This path reaches a maximum depth of 22 meters. The best time to enter this dive site is at low tide.

Once you are in the water you will have surface swim for 15 meters out to sea until the water is deep enough for you to descend. You will continue swimming until you find a hole in the volcanic rock formation.

This hole is large enough to safely dive through and it will bring you to the main dive route and to a depth of 9 meters. Once you reach the end of the rocky tunnel you will be greeted with calm and deep blue water.

Here you will find large Trumpetfish, Atlantic Damselfish, and White Seabream.

If you keep descending to 20 meters you will surely encounter the resident shoal of Rhonchorous (sleeping fish.) This species is a rather lazy species and they always stay in the same area in shoals of thousands. 

Punta de la Monja is also home to the longest cavern of El Cabron. The cavern goes on for 20 meters and the bottom is the perfect place to spot sleeping stingray

Route 3: The table top

Another route of el Cabrón reserved for more experienced divers. This is the most popular entry point in El Cabron, a semi-circle shaped rock formation that shelters the entry point from the waves hitting the shore, making this the easiest and safest entry point for this area of the marine reserve. 

You will have to decent 5 meters in depth. The bottom comprised of primarily rock, meaning the visibility is normally better than the other dive locations.

Diving on the tabletop will allow you to encounter Fangtooth eel, Moray eel, and a wide variety of colorful Nudibranchs. After bout 5 minutes you should reach the edge of the reef where you will be able to see the sandy bottom and a vertical descent down to 20 meters.

Once you reach the bottom you will find another impressive cavern. There is a hole at the back of this cavern which allows natural sunlight to illuminate the cavern. Using your torch look for Stingrays, Glass-Eye fish, and Cardinalfish that inhabit these darker areas.

To your right, you will find a volcanic rock formation. From this point, the volcanic reef to your right bursts into life.

You can continue to explore smaller caverns until you reach 23 meters of depth. This is the point in the dive where you should spend the most time so many nooks and cranny’s to explore, home to Barracuda and Groupers.

Route 4: Punta de la Sal

This route is the one that requires the most experience. For this dive, you enter the water at the same entry point as The Table Top. A gret dive al in all in Gran Canaria.

After diving for approximately 10 minutes and reaching a depth of 18 meters, going away from the reef and down to the sandy bottom. Once on the sandy bottom at 24 meters depth, you will be surrounded by hundreds of Garden Eels that will bury themselves quickly in the sand once you approach them.

From here you continue to gradually descend over impressive large rock formations until you reach a depth of 33 meters. At this depth, the chances of sporting giant Rays goes up considerably. You will also see a giant fan coral formation, which seems out of place in this rocky and eirie environment.

More highlights in the Canary islands

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Canary

Teide national park in Tenerife

Teide National Park is one of Spain’s 15 national parks and stands out for several different reasons. It is home to the tallest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, that stands 3,718 meters and, its considered to be one of the 12 treasures of Spain and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also Spain’s largest national park (over 19,000 hectares), it’s the most visited national park and one of the oldest national parks in Spain … Read More

Best hikes in Tenerife

Best hikes in Tenerife

A curated guide to the best hikes in Tenerife. Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands and hiking is a great way to experience it. … Read More