Most people associate Gran Canaria with large resorts, the hustle and bustle of the south, and the famous Maspalomas dunes. Of course, these well-known attractions are worth seeing, but Gran Canaria has so much more to offer besides its beaches. That is why it is worth renting a car and heading into the island's interior to discover places that most tourists never reach.
If you want to escape the crowds and see the most authentic and wild side of the island, here are some hidden treasures you cannot miss.
Guayadeque Ravine: living in caves
This is one of the most spectacular places on the island. This deep, green ravine is located just about fifteen kilometers from the coast. But the biggest surprise is that, to this day, people still live here... in caves! In the past, these were shelters for the island's aboriginal inhabitants (the Guanches), and nowadays they are modern houses carved into the rock, complete with electricity and internet.
What to do here: You can eat at the incredible Tagoror restaurant, which is also located inside a huge cave. We highly recommend trying the traditional "papas arrugadas" (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo picón sauce! ;-)
Roque Nublo and the village of Tejeda
As you drive up into the island's interior, you will see the landscape become increasingly beautiful and green. You absolutely must visit Roque Nublo. It is a huge, world-famous rock formation that was a sacred site for the island's ancient inhabitants. The trail to the top is quite easy, and from the summit, you can perfectly see the neighboring island of Tenerife and Mount Teide.
Where to rest: After the hike, it is well worth heading down to the village of Tejeda. It is a mountain village with white houses and filled with flowers, which always appears in the rankings of the most beautiful villages in Spain. You have to try the local sweets made with almonds! They are delicious!
Puerto de las Nieves (Agaete): where time stands still
While the south of the island lives mainly off tourism, the northwest preserves its old seaside atmosphere. Puerto de las Nieves is a small port with a pebble beach and typical white and blue houses.
What to do here: Come here to eat; the fish and seafood in the local restaurants are the freshest on the island and cost half as much as in the tourist areas. Right next to it you will find Las Salinas, natural rock pools filled with ocean water where you can safely go for a swim.
El Bufadero de la Garita: a marine geyser
Another of the island's attractions is this natural "geyser" on the east coast. It is a large blowhole in the rocks where the ocean waves crash with great force. When the water rushes in and then retreats, it shoots upwards just like a geyser. It looks amazing, but remember not to get too close, as the sea can be dangerous there.
Wild beaches of the west: Güigüí
If you feel like visiting a beach where you can be completely alone, Güigüí is an excellent option. It is a beach of black volcanic sand, totally isolated from the world and surrounded by giant cliffs. It can only be reached by boat (for example, from Tasarte) or by hiking a mountain trail, which is quite demanding and takes about 3 hours each way. The reward for your effort will be silence and beautiful views!
If you are planning a vacation in Gran Canaria, do not just stay at the hotel beach. Rent a car for a few days and go out to explore, because the island has plenty of cool places and delicious food to offer.
