Discover Gran Canaria in 5 days: My personal recommendations

Gran Canaria - my second home

I’ve loved visiting Gran Canaria ever since I was a child. Even now, I keep discovering new places that never fail to enchant me. But what truly makes the island feel like home is its people – warm, welcoming hosts like no other. 

Sadly, I don’t get to visit as often as I’d like. But whenever a long weekend comes along, I make the most of it and escape to the island for a short break! 

My itinerary: Gran Canaria in 5 days

Friends and colleagues often ask me, “What should we see in Gran Canaria if we only have five days?” or “Which places are absolute must-visits?” My answer is always the same: start with one of my all-time favourites – the Seaside Palm Beach in Maspalomas. From there, here are my top recommendations: 

Day 1: The south of Gran Canaria is calling

After a restful night at Seaside Palm Beach, my first holiday morning begins with a tour of the island’s sunny south. 

Agüimes, Guayadeque & a sweet temptation

Agüimes is a charming village with cobbled streets, historic houses and plenty of character. I love sitting with a coffee in the market square, taking in the atmosphere and imagining what life is like here. Not far away lies the impressive Barranco de Guayadeque – a spectacular natural monument stretching between Agüimes and Ingenio. Fun fact: the honey from this region is award-winning! In 2023, a small family-run beekeeping business from Ingenio received recognition for the island’s best amber honey variety. Just behind the cave restaurant at the top of the Barranco, a scenic path leads to a small shop where you can buy local honey varieties. 

This valley is truly unique, with its volcanic landscape, cave dwellings and restaurants carved into the rock – a wonderful blend of nature, history, and flavour. 

📍 How to get to Guayadeque from Seaside Palm Beach

The energy of the Maspalomas dunes

Even if I only have a little time, a quick detour to the Maspalomas Dunes is always worth it. Just 20 minutes here is enough to recharge and reconnect with nature. For me, it’s a non-negotiable part of any ‘5-day Gran Canaria itinerary’ – an iconic experience that never fails to impress. 

Day 2: Off to Gran Canaria’s Capital 

In the morning, I suggest starting with a stroll through the historic district of Vegueta, where Las Palmas was founded back in 1478. Wandering its cobbled streets is a true pleasure – a living showcase of thoughtful urban planning, cultural vibrancy and beautifully preserved heritage. Here, you’ll come across some of the city’s most important landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Casa de Colón (Columbus House), dedicated to the explorer’s historic ties to Gran Canaria. 

📍 47 km from Seaside Palm Beach - click here for directions 

The museum is housed in a former governor’s palace and impresses with its colonial architecture. It offers fascinating insights into the era of conquest and the discovery of the Americas. 

For the Senses: See, Smell, Taste

Next, we continue to the charming district of Triana — a historic area known for its character, local boutiques and independent shops. My tip: take time to browse the perfumeries; prices here are often lower than on the mainland or in the rest of Europe. And don’t miss a stop at Guirlache Pastelería: their chocolate cake with roasted almonds and caramel is simply divine! 

📍 Just a 10-minute walk from Calle Colón - get directions here  

A Moment for the Soul

A walk along the Las Canteras beach promenade is a must. When the gentle sea breeze brushes my face and the sun warms me after a long winter, it feels like pure joy — the kind that nourishes the soul. 

Here are my restaurant tips for a delicious lunch: 

🍽 Madre del Amor Hermoso – right on the seafront promenade 
🍽 Camino al Jamonal – tucked away on Calle Américo Vespucio 11 

Still in the mood for a little nature afterwards? Don’t miss the Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden – the largest in Spain. This green oasis just outside the city offers endemic plants, winding trails through ravines, and beautifully curated themed gardens. 

📍 Save this link for the best route from Seaside Palm Beach 

Day 3: Pure Romance in "Little Venice”

Puerto de Mogán, affectionately known as “Little Venice”, is a picturesque coastal town where flower-adorned houses, quaint canals and charming restaurants line the marina. Whether it’s during the day, when vibrant bougainvillaea adds a splash of colour, or in the evening, dining by candlelight beside the water — this place is pure magic. My personal highlight? The sunset from the Mirador de Playa de Mogán. The climb to the top involves 223 steps, but the breathtaking views are well worth the effort. 

Day 4: Into the Heights – Tejeda and Roque Nublo

After breakfast, we head into the mountains. Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landmarks, sits at an altitude of 1,813 metres and offers breathtaking hiking trails. 
Important: A permit is required to visit – don’t forget to apply in advance! 

At its base lies Tejeda, officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. With its rural charm and traditional baking heritage, this mountain village is a true hidden gem. The almond-based sweets, enjoyed against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, are a treat for the soul. 

For hiking enthusiasts, the area surrounding Roque Nublo and Tejeda boasts some of the island’s most unforgettable landscapes. 

Day 5: Discovering the Northwest of Gran Canaria

In the northwest of Gran Canaria lies the picturesque village of Agaete, renowned for its lush green valley and long-standing coffee-growing tradition. 

Down by the coast, in Puerto de las Nieves, you’ll find natural swimming pools, seaside restaurants serving freshly caught fish, and sweeping views of the dramatic coastline. One of the highlights is the view of Roque Partido, once known as Dedo de Dios (God’s Finger) — a name given by the friar Fray Lesco. Though strong winds of over 130 km/h altered its iconic shape, the site still holds a powerful presence. 

While in Agaete, don’t miss a visit to the Huerto de las Flores, a tranquil botanical garden tucked away in the historic centre. Once a retreat for poets, it now houses an exotic collection of tropical plants from around the world — a true hidden gem of peace and beauty. 

Echoes of the past 

Gran Canaria is home to several archaeological parks that preserve the legacy of the island’s ancient aboriginal population. One of the most remarkable is the Maipés Archaeological Park in Agaete — a significant site containing over 700 burial mounds dating back between 700 and 1,300 years. Set within a striking landscape of solidified lava, the park offers fascinating insight into the burial rites and way of life of the island’s earliest inhabitants. It’s undoubtedly one of the most compelling places to connect with Gran Canaria’s ancient history. 

The Only Coffee Plantation in Gran Canaria – and One of the Few in Europe  

Just 10 minutes from the Maipés Archaeological Park, you’ll find Bodega Los Berrazales, tucked away in the lush Agaete Valley — a hidden gem that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. This is the only coffee plantation in Gran Canaria, and one of the few in all of Europe. The estate offers guided tours where you can sample their exquisite organic coffee. Production is limited, and some of it is even exported to Arab countries — at prices reaching up to €80 per kilo. I honestly don’t think you’ll find coffee like this anywhere else in Spain. 

Bodega Los Berrazales is a second-generation family-run business, and that in itself is something that moves me every time I visit. Make sure to stop by the small chapel on the estate, lovingly built by the owner as an offering to the Virgin of the Pine. He says he feels a deep connection to her — and to life, for giving him the chance to care for a piece of Mother Earth in Gran Canaria. 

If you're lucky, you’ll meet his son Víctor — a man with eyes as blue as the Gran Canarian sky — who may share their story with you. And don’t leave without trying the estate’s volcanic wines: bold, distinctive, and full of character. 

Where to Stay in Gran Canaria?

My personal favourite: For me, Seaside Palm Beach is the perfect base for discovering the island. Its location near the dunes, the sense of calm, the attentive service and the high quality throughout make it much more than just a place to stay — it’s a place where you truly arrive and feel at home. 

You can book this 5-star design hotel in Maspalomas here.

And since I’m sure you’ll want to return to Gran Canaria, you’ll continue to find more of personal recommendations on this blog — helping you experience the island’s unique climate, rich variety and soulful charm more deeply with each visit. 

Silvia Villarazo

CEO & Founder Villarazo Madrid