When you think of Gran Canaria, the 'sun, sea sand' summer holiday cliche and Brits lounging by pools might spring to mind.
But there's so much more to this stunning Spanish island.
Cool Things to Do in Gran Canaria
If you're planning a trip to Gran Canaria and want to get hands-on during your time there, there's plenty to dive into.
Here are some cool things to do in Gran Canaria for you adventurous travellers out there.
See Dolphins and Whales Along the Coastline
Seeing incredible creatures in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us.
And as it happens, Gran Canaria is one of the top places in Europe to spot whales and dolphins.
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Its prime location in the North Atlantic puts it on a major migratory route, attracting around 30 species.
Add the mix of warm and cold waters and the area becomes a rich marine ecosystem for these gentle giants.
You don't have to plan your trip for a certain month to see dolphins and whales. They can be spotted all year round.
Some of the species you may encounter on a dedicated boat tour include striped and bottlenose dolphins, pilot and sperm whales.
Adobe Free Stock / ohrim
You might also be lucky enough to spot migratory whales from November to February. These may include fin, humpback and blue whales.
Before booking, check that your tour operator retains a focus on ethical practices and marine conservation.
For example, local operator Spirit of the Sea is certified by the World Cetacean Alliance.
Step Into a Spiky, Colourful Wonderland
Have you ever considered walking among 1,000 different types of cactus?
No, me neither. But now I know it's a thing, I most definitely would.
Adobe Free Stock / Artem Zakharov
It turns out that Gran Canaria is home to one of the top cactus parks in the world.
A two-hour drive from Las Palmas, Cactualdea Park is filled with succulents and cacti of all types.
Long ones, round ones, ones with flowers, ones from the other side of the world - if there's a type you're after, you'll probably find it here.
After you've walked among these spiky characters, head to the park's on-site cafe.
Offering a variety of cactus juice drinks, you can round off your visit by sampling their nectar.
Adobe Free Stock / xiaoliangge
You might also spot local animals such as peacocks, ducks, tortoises and donkeys.
If the trip is too far or you can't source transport, you can also see some top-notch cacti, flora and fauna at the Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo.
Making some prickly new friends is a truly cool thing to do in Gran Canaria and one to light up your social media feed.
Appreciate the Planet's Most Ap-Peeling Fruit at Banana World
Bananas are the most-consumed fruit on the planet and, believe it or not, we get through 100 billion of them year.
Adobe Free Stock / s-aznar
However, few of us stop to think about the amazing feat of growing, harvesting, processing and shipping these little yellow heroes all over the world.
In Gran Canaria, however, you can do just this and return home equipped with a little banana-based knowledge. Which is great for pub quizzes, if nothing else.
Located in Arucas, Banana World is based at Hacienda La ReKompensa.
A working banana plantation and museum, it offers tours exploring the history and culture of banana production on the island.
The plantation itself spans 56,000 square meters and is home to more than 7,000 banana plants and some stunning rural views.
See the Sunset From a Volcano
Adobe Free Stock / Karim
Europe has no end of epic places to watch the sunset from. But the lip of a volcano has to be among the most explosive.
And one thing Gran Canaria is not short of is volcanoes.
If you're visiting and looking for unusual things to do, putting these two things together will make for a memorable experience.
Top spots for doing this include Pico de las Nieves, the island's highest point.
You can either book a tour that includes transport and all the trimmings, or rent a car and drive to the peak independently. The route has signed roads and a car park at the summit.
Nervous drivers might not fare too well, however. The way to the top includes hairpin bends and, as there are no services nearby, a full tank of petrol is essential.
Become a Local Rum Connoisseur
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One of the coolest things to do in Gran Canaria hands-down is to visit one of the oldest rum cellars in Europe.
Arehucas, an operational rum distillery, has a rich and interesting history that travellers can dig into on an official tour of the facility.
Established in 1884, the distillery was a hotspot for sugar cane production and today offers a variety of rums, spirits and liqueurs.
On one of its hour-long tours, you'll get an intro to the history of Arehucas. You'll also get a glimpse of its ageing cellar, the rum production process, distillation rooms and bottling plant.
Most importantly, you'll get to sample the goods and buy the produce. After all, there's nothing better than an authentic souvenir.
Located in Arucas, the distillery is accessible by bus from Las Palmas in around one hour.
Visit Puerto de Mogán
Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If Cornwall had a baby with a Mediterranean postcard, it might look something like Puerto de Mogán.
Whitewashed buildings, flower-draped balconies, pretty bridges over canals - this little fishing town is a visual jackpot.
Friday is market day at Puerto de Mogán, which means a gastro treat for visitors. Expect fresh, quality food and local handmade crafts at great prices.
And there's more magic to be had by wandering away from the bustling marina.
The small streets are perfect for discovering local restaurants and sampling the seafood. Pull up a seat on a terrace and watch this quirky town go by.
Hike to Roque Nublo
Adobe Free Stock / Andreas
At 80 metres tall and looking like it might topple over any second, Roque Nublo is Gran Canaria's version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Except it's completely natural.
Taking a hike up to the top is a great way to spend an afternoon in Gran Canaria.
The trek up isn't too heavy going, taking around an hour from the car park.
And unlike climbing Snowdon, you probably won't need full waterproofs in July.
At 1,813 metres above sea level, the views stretch across the entire island. Sometimes even to Tenerife on a clear day.
Adobe Free Stock / Balate Dorin
Eat Papas Arrugadas
Adobe Free Stock / Joe McUbed
Served with mojo sauces, Papas arrugadas are something like the Canarian equivalent of chips and gravy. Only red sauce = spicy and green sauce = garlicky.
You'll find Papas arrugadas everywhere across Gran Canaria. But they taste best when eaten at a local cafe with plastic chairs, a TV playing Spanish football and a waiter who calls you "amigo".
These welcoming little potatoes cost about €3 - cheap as chips.
Go Stargazing at Pico de las Nieves
Adobe Free Stock / Syda Productions
Gran Canaria's highest point isn't just good for watching the sun set. It's pretty magical at night time, too.
With minimal light pollution and clear skies, it's basically nature's planetarium.
Pack a blanket, some snacks and perhaps a flask of something warm.
Watch the sun set over a sea of clouds, lie back and witness the cosmos do its thing. It sure beats scrolling through TikTok in your hotel room.
If you visit in August, you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Perseids meteor shower.
Find Güigüi Beach
Lexthoonen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Playa de Güigüi is what happens when a beach decides it doesn't like visitors.
Accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, it's Gran Canaria's way of saying, "Only come if you really mean it."
The reward? A pristine beach with hardly anyone on it.
No bars, no sun loungers, no one trying to sell you 'genuine fake' RayBans. Just you, the Atlantic, giant cliffs and a view that will make you linger all day.
Discover the Village of Tejeda
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Nestled in the island's centre, Tejeda is the kind of place that makes you drop what you're doing and browse property websites.
Surrounded by almond groves and dramatic mountains, it's pretty enough to make your Instagram followers sick with envy.
Visit in February during almond blossom season and this picture postcard village looks like it's been dusted with pink snow.
It's like Gran Canaria's version of Hanami, minus the long-haul flight.
Try a Barraquito Coffee
Jürgen Lindert aus de.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
Layers of condensed milk, espresso, vanilla-citrus liqueur, lemon peel and cinnamon shouldn't be a winning combo. But it really is.
Barraquito, a coffee tipple Canary islanders are crazy about, is sweet, boozy and completely OTT. But then, aren't all the best things in life?
Find a café in Santa Brigida or Teror, order one and spend the next 10 minutes taking photos of it.
Just make sure to enjoy it before it goes cold.
Take a Road Trip Through the Interior
Gran Canaria's interior roads have more twists and turns than a Ryanair refund policy.
They're narrow, vertigo-inducing and make for a unique road trip you're unlikely to experience anywhere else.
Banana plantations give way to pine forests and volcanic moonscapes.
Drive through the picturesque town of Artenara, the highest village on the island and visit its Mirador de Unamuno for one of the best panoramic views in Gran Canaria.
Feeling brave? The GC-200 coastal road is often described as the best coastal route in the world.
However, it's also one of the most terrifying. With hairpin bends and jaw-dropping ocean views, its 365 turns are only recommended for the most experienced and confident of drivers.
Visit Barranco de Guayadeque
Adobe Free Stock / Falko Göthel
People in Guayadeque, a stunning 15-kilometre stretch of valley in south-east Gran Canaria, looked at the cliffs and caves and thought, "I could live there." And then they did.
This beautiful part of the island is dotted with houses built into the rock. There's even a cave church and cave restaurants.
It's kind of like The Flintstones, but with electricity and decent wine.
Stop a while to take in the surroundings and try the local speciality, a hearty stew called potaje. All while contemplating why you don't live in a cave back home.
Shop at Mercado de Vegueta
Adobe Free Stock / Fotokon
On Thursday and Saturday mornings, Las Palmas' oldest market comes alive.
Stalls buckle under the weight of tropical fruits you've never heard of.
Fresh fish caught that morning lie on crushed ice, while local farmers sell award-winning cheeses.
Don't miss the jamón ibérico stalls, where you can sample Spain's famous cured ham, or the selection of Canarian wines. Perfect for bringing a taste of Gran Canaria home with you.
Stay Connected with an eSIM for Spain
Nothing ruins your holiday buzz faster than a hefty roaming bill or the pain of hunting for WiFi.
But an eSIM for Spain from Airalo can sort your data needs faster than you can say "sangria."
Packages start from less than a round of drinks and you can share all your perfect holiday snaps without the depressing roaming costs.
Because let's be honest - what's the point of finding that perfect hidden beach if you can't make everyone back home jealous?
