Gran Canaria Travel Guide
Gran Canaria is an island that is unbelievable because there really is everything: colonial-style villages, beaches, almost desert-like parts and, further inland, mountains and forest that create an alpine landscape in stark contrast to what is the coast, only a few kilometers down.
I visited the island over the course of a two-month trip during which I explored all the major islands of the archipelago, except for El Hierro. Whether it’s a backpacking adventure, a road trip or an all-inclusive vacation, you’ll find plenty of useful tips and insights in this guide to help you plan your trip to the fullest.
Quick menu
- When to visit Gran Canaria
- Documents and vaccinations for going to Gran Canaria
- What to do and see in Gran Canaria
- Suggested itineraries in Gran Canaria
- How to get around Gran Canaria
- Backpacking Gran Canaria: costs
- Backpacking Gran Canaria: safety
Roque Bentayga.
When to visit Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands more generally have a good climate throughout the year and can therefore be enjoyed in all seasons. That said, much depends on what your expectations are during the trip.
Gran Canaria in springtime
During the spring months, temperatures can reach 22-23 degrees and even a few degrees higher toward the end of May when precipitation, which can occasionally occur in March and April, is instead virtually absent. This makes May particularly ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds and high prices that characterize the peak summer season.
Gran Canaria in summer
In Gran Canaria June, July and August are considered high season. The weather is great, rainfall is absent, and toward the end of July even the ocean water starts to warm up. Of course, this is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year.
Gran Canaria in autumn
September is probably the best month to visit the island. The beaches are less crowded (especially toward the end of the month), the weather is great, and the ocean is warmer than in summer. October is also a good month; the probability of precipitation increases but all in all it is still pleasant. In November, however, the likelihood of a few showers increases significantly and temperatures drop, marking the beginning of the winter period.
Gran Canaria in winter
Although winter in Gran Canaria is quite different from that of mainland Europe and, not surprisingly, the Canaries are a popular destination during the Christmas season, December-data in hand-is the rainiest month of the year!
Nevertheless, precipitation is still relatively low and during the day with the sun shining, temperatures can reach 20 degrees even in January and February. In short, don’t expect to bask in the sun or pleasantly swim without a wetsuit, but if all you’re looking for is simply some sunshine and mild temperatures, then you won’t be disappointed.
Documents and vaccinations for going to Gran Canaria
The Canary Islands are, for all intents and purposes, part of Spain, and therefore, like any other country within the European Union, Schengen Area visa policy applies.
What to do and see in Gran Canaria
For convenience I will list the places to visit counterclockwise starting from the capital Las Palmas and broadly following the coast before culminating with the center of the island.
N.b. Several times throughout the guide you will find links to https://www.alltrails.com/. If you want to use offline navigation directly from the Alltrails app you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in “Google Earth KML” format and then uploading them to Organic Maps, which is by far one of my favorite travel apps.
Las Palmas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is not only the largest city in the entire archipelago and the capital of the island, but it is also one of the most populous cities in Spain. While I personally preferred to spend my time elsewhere, the city certainly has a lot to offer, depending on what you are looking for.
The oldest part of the city, and consequently the most historically interesting, is developed around the Catedral de Santa Ana, here you can find the Museum Casa de Colón dedicated to the voyage of Christopher Columbus and the Museo Canario dedicated to the history of the islands before the arrival of the Spanish. The city’s most beautiful beach is located to the north, in the center of what is the newest part of the city: Playa Las Canteras about 3 km long has a beautiful promenade full of bars and restaurants. Playa El Confital is not suitable for swimming but is extremely popular with surfers as there are what are considered among the best “tube waves” in all of Europe. Other attractions to consider are the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo and the Poema del Mar aquarium.
Playa Las Canteras.
Where to sleep in Las Palmas?
Pura Vida Las Palmas and Agüita House if you are traveling alone and looking for something inexpensive are two great options in the center of town and a short walk from the beach. For private rooms check out A Casa Mia.
Las Palmas seen from Playa El Confital.
Caldera de Bandama
The island definitely has much more interesting excursions to offer, but if you’re looking for a nice way to stretch your legs not too far from the capital I think Caldera de Bandama is a great option and also suitable for families with children.
The circuit, which basically runs along the crest of an ancient caldera, can be completed in an hour or so. Although I think it is impossible to get lost, you can find all the relevant information on this page. If you don’t feel like walking, or perhaps just want a better view, I recommend climbing to Pico de Bandama, which overlooks the caldera from above and can be easily reached by car. In case you are interested, you can reach the Caldera by taking bus line 311 from Las Palmas.
Caldera de Bandama.
View from Pico de Bandama.
Arucas
Located just over a dozen kilometers from Las Palmas, the town of Arucas—with its iconic cathedral and numerous colonial-style buildings that define the historic center—is definitely a destination worth exploring. If you’re planning a road trip along the north coast of the island, you’ll encounter several other charming little towns in colonial style that can be visited in a day.
As anticipated, the Church of San Juan Bautista is definitely the highlight in town. The narrow streets and numerous buildings surrounding Plaza de San Juan and Plaza de la Constitución in the historic center are certainly not to be outdone. The Parque Municipal, also known as the Parque de Las Flores, is a great place to relax. In case you are interested, you can visit the Municipal Museum and just outside the city center is a small botanical garden, Jardín de la Marquesa and a Rum distillery. Finally, Mirador de Arucas offers the best views of the city.
Arucas.
Teror
The small town is another colonial gem along the island’s north coast. The historic center is really compact so don’t expect to spend who knows how much time exploring it, but I think it is worth stopping by. Unfortunately, during my visit, the iconic Basilica de Nuestra Senora was under renovation but the adjacent streets full of colorful houses and colonial architecture are still a feast for the eyes, especially Calle Real de la Plaza that leads right up to the basilica.
Calle Real de la Plaza.
Firgas
Firgas is another really nice colonial-style town a short distance from Teror that is definitely worth a visit. Check out El Paseo de Canarias, a flight of stairs with scale models of all the islands in the archipelago; Fuente Paseo de Canarias and the small plaza in front of Iglesia De San Roque.
El Paseo de Canarias.
Cenobio de Valerón
The caves of Valerón are one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. It is a set of caves (about 300) dug into the rock between seven hundred and a thousand years ago. It is not known for sure what the use was, between those who say it was simply a granary with special spaces for the various families and those who claim it was a monastery, we will probably never know for sure.
Unfortunately, during my visit the site was closed so I did not have a chance to visit it in person but I think it is undoubtedly something interesting to include in one’s itinerary. You can complete the visit on your own by paying €3 per person, but guided tours are also offered if you wish.
Cenobio de Valerón.
Gàldar
Another point of interest along the north coast is the town of Gàldar, which, although not as extremely compact as Firgas or Teror, can still be visited in a short time. Again, the colonial-style old town is undoubtedly a pleasant place to walk around and perhaps have a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants along Calle Capitan Quesada and around Plaza de Santiago, the town’s main square.
Archaeology enthusiasts can also visit the “Cueva Pintada,” an archaeological site located in the center of town where they can admire wall paintings dating back to pre-Hispanic times. Admission is allowed only by guided tour that lasts about an hour and a half and costs €3.
Finally, I would like to point out that if you are on the island in December or May, a festival called Gàldar en Flor takes place every year. For the occasion, Calle Capitan Quesad, the main street in the historic center, is filled with flowers and plants.
Gàldar.
Sardina del Norte
This small fishing village in the far northwest of the island is particularly popular as a diving site. The beach (Playa de Sardina del Norte) is not bad either. The beach tends to be much sunnier than other options in the north of the island and in line with what the south coast offers from a weather perspective, but with the advantage of being less crowded than the southern beaches.
Agaete
The town is the most convenient departure port for ferries to Tenerife and vice versa. The oldest part of the town, or what was once a fishing village, is known as Puerto de Las Nieves. The oldest and most distinctive buildings stand here and there is a wide selection of bars and restaurants. The town’s two main beaches, Playa de las Nieves and the beach beside the old pier, are also exactly on the Puerto de Las Nieves waterfront. They are pebble beaches but still nice and suitable for swimming.
Another perfect place for swimming, because it is protected from ocean waves, are the natural swimming pools located in the north.
If you are looking for a sandy beach that is uncrowded but still close to Agaete, check out Playa Guayedra. Positioned in a valley full of palm trees, it is a really nice beach and not very busy because the road is not in good condition.
The town center of Agaete is situated further inland, centered around the Iglesia Matriz de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. The small center with its classic white buildings and balconies is pleasant, though in my opinion, there are better options elsewhere on the island. Nevertheless, Agaete can serve as a good base for exploring the northwest of the island.
Where to sleep in Agaete?
Casa Calma Yoga Guesthouse is a great solution for both solo travelers willing to sleep in dormitories and those who want a private room without spending a fortune.
Playa de las Nieves.
Parque natural de Tamadaba
A short distance from Agaete, heading down the coast to the south, we find the Tamadaba Nature Park, which stretches from the ocean to the mountains and offers several options for those wishing to explore it on foot or by car.
Driving along the old GC-200 coastal road is indeed a treat for the eyes without making the slightest effort. Unfortunately, the road is interrupted by a landslide at the height of Montana blanca (at this point). At the moment due to the presence of the new road that runs parallel to it, the local authorities have no intention of clearing it . So you have two options: walk the road to the point where it is interrupted and then do the same on the other side or head directly to Mirador del Balcón, skipping the “north side” of the road. The latter is a beautiful viewpoint with a platform that juts out over the cliff, really scenic.
Talking about hikes, here are a few that I recommend.
Mirador del Balcón.
Charco Azul
Charco Azul is a small waterfall that can be reached on foot by following the trail described on this page or this other trail if you prefer a longer circuit. In both cases you start from the village of El Risco. At the base of the waterfall it is also possible to swim but be aware that in the middle of summer when it is not raining the water may be stagnant and therefore not suitable for bathing.
Charco Azul.
Roque Faneque
This is a beautiful trail that is not too strenuous—there are no major elevation gains—that leads to a stunning vantage point offering fantastic views of both the northern and southern coast. The trail is described on this page and leads to the base of Roque Fanque. For a shorter and more accessible option with similar views, I recommend walking to Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre; the starting point remains the same, whether you choose the longer or shorter route.
View from Roque Fanque.
Camino de San Pedro
Finally, if the distance and elevation gain don’t scare you, I recommend checking out this circuit which has very good reviews and I think is broadly what some guidebooks mention as the Camino de San Pedro. Unfortunately due to time constraints I was not able to complete it.
Where to sleep at the Parque natural de Tamadaba?
Within the park it is possible to camp in the designated areas of the Llanos de la Mimbre campground, which can be booked through the appropriate portal. Alternatively, Agaete is probably the best base to use.
Los azulejos
Heading south towards Maspalomas, Los Azulejos is an intriguing stop that requires no detour. These are bare mountain ridges with unique colors resulting from the minerals in the rock. During the rainy months, natural pools form where you can swim. I personally enjoyed the view from the road, but if you plan to swim or explore further, there’s a path up the mountain from this point.
Los azulejos.
Maspalomas
Maspalomas, along with nearby Playa del Inglés, San Augustin, and San Fernando, form an agglomeration that we can describe as a large resort full of tourist facilities on every side.
Nothing exciting as far as I am concerned, but if all you are looking for is a destination where you can spend your vacation in peace and quiet with all the amenities, then you can definitely consider Maspalomas and the surrounding area. My traveling companion for example decided to take a surf lesson with one of the many surf schools in town and was delighted. From what I was told the nightlife is also probably among the best the island has to offer.
What excited me instead, if for no other reason than to take some photos, was to explore the Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas. These dunes that reach all the way to the sea offer fascinating panorama. I recommend visiting at sunset or even better at sunrise. There is a viewpoint here that also gives easy access to the dunes where you can enjoy going up and down or just admire the sunset. If you arrive by car, I recommend this parking lot: it may have been the time of year but it was surprisingly half-empty and very close to the dunes. In case you are interested, on the west side of the dunes, at this location, there is the possibility of arranging a camel ride.
Maspalomas dunes.
Finally, Playa de Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, which are located west and east of the dunes respectively, are beautiful sandy beaches suitable for swimming that together form a long stretch of uninterrupted beach of more than 6 km. Even in high season if you are willing to walk a bit you can find your own corner of peace.
Where to sleep in Maspalomas?
The city does not offer many options for low-cost travelers. I recommend checking out Inez & Flor Nice Rooms and Casa Victoria.
Playa del Inglés.
Beaches along the south coast
Along the south coast near Maspalomas, there are numerous popular beaches. I haven’t visited them all for obvious reasons, but if you enjoy beaches, I recommend making a note of them.
In the region west of Maspalomas, known as Mogán, there are several beaches specifically designed to cater to tourists. These man-made beaches are particularly pleasant, featuring golden sand and amenities perfect for swimming. The beaches are: Playa de Amadores, Playa Anfi del Mar, Playa de Mogán, and Playa de Puerto Rico.
Other beaches, not as pretty but definitely less crowded, are Playa de Pasito Blanco, Playa de Patalavaca, and Playa de San Agustín. Although not exactly along the south coast of the island, I strongly recommend Playa de Tufia. This small beach, frequented mostly by locals, has an authentic atmosphere and the small wind-protected bay is suitable not only for swimming but also perfect for snorkeling.
Finally, if artificial or crowded beaches are not your thing, Playa de Güigüí-which can only be reached by boat or on foot at the end of a not-exactly-easy path described on this page-can certainly be an interesting option for spending a day. Some people even spend the night there, but besides being technically illegal you have to watch out for the tide.
Playa de San Agustín.
Playa de Tufia.
Barranco de las vacas
Although I haven’t personally visited, it’s worth considering a brief stop at Barranco de las Vacas as you travel up or down to the center of the island. This small canyon bears some resemblance to Antelope Canyon in Arizona. The short trail begins here, and parking seems limited along the road. Reviews provide useful information on parking and locating the trailhead. I recommend checking it out if you decide to visit.
I have not personally been there but as you go up or down to the center of the island it is definitely worth considering making a brief stop at Barranco de las Vacas. This is a small canyon that is distantly reminiscent of Antelope canyon in Arizona. The short trail starts here, you have to leave your car along the road, and apparently there is not much parking. Among the various reviews there is useful info on where to park and find the trailhead. I recommend checking it out if you decide to visit.
Barranco de las Vacas.
Tejeda
Nestled in the mountains in the center of the island not far from the Nublo Rural Park, Tejeda is not only an ideal base for exploring the park but is also an extremely pleasant little town where you can spend a few hours relaxing in its streets or perhaps cooling off inside the municipal swimming pool (admission costs 4€). There is ample free parking at this spot.
Tejeda.
Parque rural del Nublo
The Nublo Rural Park is situated in the heart of the island and showcases unique alpine landscapes. If hiking isn’t your primary interest, I believe spending a day within the park is sufficient. However, if you enjoy hiking or seek to immerse yourself in nature for a few days, staying longer in the park can be a rewarding experience.
There are plenty of trails and hikes to choose from. Below, I’ll list the ones I personally completed.
Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo, the island’s iconic rock from which the park takes its name, is undoubtedly something not to be missed. If you only have time for one long hike, I strongly recommend the circuit you find described in detail on this page. Be careful, however, because this is a fairly challenging trail. In fact, even walking at a brisk pace, it took me about three and a half hours to complete.
A much shorter alternative for anyone who wants to visit the iconic Roque Nublo while making minimal effort is the one described on this page. It is just over 3 km and is by far the shortest path to the base of the monolith. There is a fairly large parking lot along the road at the trailhead, but given the popularity of the place, it can quickly fill up especially in high season. If you plan to do the circuit mentioned above, although it is suggested to start from the Mirador de Degollada Becerra (I strongly recommend visiting it at sunset by car!) basically any point is good, I for one started directly from the Llanos de la Pez campground.
Roque Nublo.
Pico de la Nieve
At 1949 meters above sea level, Pico de la Nieve is the highest point on the island and offers incredible views all the way to the ocean, with Tenerife and Mount Teide in the distance. The summit can be easily reached by car but for the willing I recommend following the short trail described on this page. Starting from the Bailico campground and thus avoiding the section along the road, the circuit can easily be completed in about two hours with the satisfaction of hiking to the highest point on the island.
Ideally, go up for sunset and descend with a flashlight, or alternatively, as I did, hike up during the day and drive back in the evening for sunset. I recommend arriving early because the parking lot is quite small and the location is very popular, especially at sunset. Even during the off-season, it tends to be crowded.
View from Pico de la Nieve.
Barranco de Guayadeque
The circuit, described on this page runs on both sides of the Barranco de Guayadeque (a gorge) and briefly crosses the pine forest toward the center of the island. Again, since it is a circuit, you can decide to start from any point. If you come from the center of the island you can park at this point as I did without going further down the valley.
Of the trails I completed within the park, this one was my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an enjoyable hike, but if you don’t have much time, the Roque Nublo long circuit and Pico de la Nieve are better options.
Finally, the Cascada Bonita circuit that you find described on this page. It was supposed to be my last hike on the island but unfortunately the road leading to the beginning of the trail was cut off due to a landslide. In any case, the reviews are great and if I were looking for some other ideas to spend a day on the island I would definitely consider it.
Barranco de Guayadeque.
Where to sleep in the Nublo rural park?
If you are willing to sleep in a tent, I strongly recommend the Llanos de la Pez Campground area. I spent three nights there, and in addition to being conveniently located in the center of the park, it has all the amenities. Otherwise, Tejeda and the surrounding area is probably the best option. Mountain Hostel Finca La Isa and Ecoturismo Casa Cueva offer both dorm beds and private rooms at good prices.
Diving in Gran Canaria
To conclude this section on what to do and see in Gran Canaria, it’s worth mentioning its reputation as one of the world’s best diving destinations. For instance, Sardina del Norte is renowned for mantas in the fall, Las Palmas boasts the largest wreck among the Canary Islands, Arinaga offers the ‘El Cabron’ site to the east, and generally, the southern part of the island near Mogan is excellent. You can find more information on this website. In any case, there’s no shortage of opportunities, and you shouldn’t have trouble finding dive shops.
Mirador de Degollada Becerra.
Suggested itineraries in Gran Canaria
While the following itineraries are designed for a road trip around the island, given the fairly small distances involved, they can still be used by those who decide to opt for a different type of travel and use a “base” on the island or at least not change where you sleep every second day. In any case, take what follows as a starting point for constructing an itinerary based on your interests and in light of what has been described so far.
3-day itinerary in Gran Canaria
Three days is a short time to visit the island but if you are coming from nearby Tenerife for a short visit it makes “perfect” sense and you can still enjoy what Gran Canaria has to offer.
Agaete (1 night)
Day 1:
Whether you arrive at the airport, the pier in Agaete or the pier in Las Palmas changes little except where you decide to spend the night. In any case I recommend spending the first day exploring the north coast: Arucas, Teror, Firgas,Cenobio de Valerón and Gàldar.
Tejeda (1 night)
Day 2:
Hike to Roque Nublo, choose between the short and long versions. Explore Tejeda and climb to Pico de la Nieve for sunset.
Maspalomas (1 night)
Day 3:
I write Maspalomas but really you could spend the day at any of the beaches along the south coast. Watch the sunset at the dunes.
5-day itinerary in Gran Canaria
With two more days to spare, one can certainly include a few more destinations.
Agaete (1 night)
Day 1:
Whether you arrive at the airport, the pier in Agaete or the pier in Las Palmas changes little except where you decide to spend the night. In any case I recommend spending the first day exploring the north coast: Arucas, Teror, Firgas,Cenobio de Valerón and Gàldar.
Tejeda (2 nights)
Day 2:
Drive along the old GC-200 coastal road, visit the Mirador del Balcón and then go up to the Parque natural de Tamadaba where you can complete the hike to Roque Faneque or just the Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre, another option the hike to Charco Azul. Reach Tejeda and its surroundings for the night.
Day 3:
Hike to Roque Nublo, choose between the short and long versions. Explore Tejeda and climb to Pico de la Nieve for sunset.
Maspalomas (2 nights)
Day 4:
I write Maspalomas but really you could spend the day at any of the beaches along the south coast. Watch the sunset at the dunes.
Day 5:
Day that you could simply spend at the beach or perhaps doing some activity that interests you such as surfing or scuba diving.
7-day itinerary in Gran Canaria
In my opinion, one week is the ideal length of time if you want to discover the island’s main attractions without having to make too many compromises.
Las Palmas (1 night)
Day 1:
Explore the historic center of Las Palmas and the rest that the city has to offer. Spend the afternoon at the beach or visit the nearby Caldera de Bandama.
Agaete (1 night)
Day 2:
Explore the north coast: Arucas, Teror, Firgas,Cenobio de Valerón and Gàldar.
Tejeda (3 nights)
Day 3:
Drive along the old GC-200 coastal road, visit the Mirador del Balcón and then go up to the Parque natural de Tamadaba where you can complete the hike to Roque Faneque or just the Mirador Llanos de La Mimbre, another option the hike to Charco Azul. Reach Tejeda and its surroundings for the night.
Day 4:
Hike to Roque Nublo, choose between the short and long versions. Explore Tejeda and climb to Pico de la Nieve for sunset.
Day 5:
Choose another excursion to complete within the park.
Maspalomas (2 nights)
Day 6:
I write Maspalomas but really you could spend the day at any of the beaches along the south coast. Watch the sunset at the dunes.
Day 7:
Day that you could simply spend at the beach or perhaps doing some activity that interests you such as surfing or scuba diving.
10-day itinerary in Gran Canaria
With ten days or even two weeks available, you have the flexibility to explore extensively and also spend several days relaxing on the beach without feeling the need to be “active” every day. You can follow the one-week itinerary described earlier and intersperse it with days of relaxation or engaging in activities that interest you, such as surfing lessons, shopping, or anything else that catches your fancy.
How to get around Gran Canaria
As mentioned several times in this guide, unless you plan to spend a beach vacation without moving around too much, having a car on one’s trip to Gran Canaria or at least renting it for part of the stay I think is extremely advisable.
Rent a car in Gran Canaria
During my trip to the Canary Islands, I almost always rented my car with Cicar: the prices are competitive, you can easily pay without a credit card, no deposit is required, insurance is included and there are no deductibles, but most importantly, they have offices at all the ports and airports on the islands, which is really practical for those who are planning a touring trip.
Many other companies, on the other hand, have offices only at the airport, which is really inconvenient if instead of getting on a plane you want to drop your car off at the port and get on a ferry to another island.
In short, if you have an inter-island road trip on your mind or for whatever reason you don’t want to drop your car off at the airport, Cicar is probably the best option. In all other cases, it’s definitely worth considering other car rentals by checking out sites like Discover Cars. In any case, whether it’s Cicar or any other company, if you have specific dates, I recommend booking the car a few weeks in advance; doing so can really save you a lot compared to last-minute bookings.
It should be noted that virtually all rental companies technically do not permit driving on dirt roads. Despite this, we have driven on dirt roads several times, but you might get in trouble if something happens.
Furthermore, some companies technically allow you to take your rental car to another island via ferry, provided you return it to the original island. Many rental agreements explicitly prohibit leaving the island altogether. My advice, if needed, is to consider renting a separate car for each island you visit or at the very least inquire about the specific rental policies regarding inter-island travel.
Roque Nublo.
Buses in Gran Canaria
If you are traveling alone and want to save money over the cost of renting a car, don’t feel like driving, or for any other reason don’t want to rent a car, public transportation is not bad at all, and with a little planning you can get to virtually any destination on the island.
There are two companies that operate public transportation buses: Global (find the various routes here) connects all the major cities on the island while Guaguas Municipales operates mainly in the capital city of Las Palmas.
Domestic Flights
The only two airlines operating domestic flights between the islands are CanaryFly and BinterCanarias. Prices tend to be very similar but in general Binter seems to be slightly cheaper and has special fares for those under 29. In any case, look at both and if possible book at least a few weeks in advance for the best deals.
Ferries to Gran Canaria
The cheapest alternative to flights and above all more practical for moving between islands are ferries. It is clear that if you have to get to La Palma from Gran Canaria it is definitely better to fly but to go to Fuerteventura and especially neighboring Tenerife, not only do you save money by taking the ferry but it is much more convenient as you don’t have to show up at the airport two hours before but can simply go to the port an hour before or even less, buy your ticket and board without necessarily booking your trip in advance.
Basically, if you don’t have a well-established itinerary, moving from island to island by ferry gives you much more flexibility. Anyway, there are several companies that operate between the islands. Direct Ferris is a site that aggregates all the companies and you can book your own tickets if you wish.
Specifically, Gran Canaria has several daily departures from Agaete and Las Palmas to Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Fred Olsen, Naviera Armas and Trasmediterranea. While departures to Morro Jable in Fuerteventura are from Las Palmas again with Fred Olsen, Naviera Armas and Trasmediterranea.
Roque Nublo with Tenerife and Teide in the background.
Backpacking Gran Canaria: costs
How much does a trip to Gran Canaria cost? Obviously it depends; those who read my blog know that I travel extremely frugally, and my trip to the Canary Islands was no exception. I managed to maintain a budget of €1,000 per month, or just over €30 per day all inclusive.
I fully realize that not everyone is willing or interested in the backpacker’s life, but the good news is that the Canary Islands are still a relatively inexpensive destination by European standards. Prices in general are lower than in mainland Spain itself because the islands are a kind of special region where VAT is only 7 percent and on many consumer goods you don’t pay at all. To give two examples, the cost of gasoline is about 1€ per liter, a dinner at a restaurant if you don’t have high demands costs about 10€ or so. In short, they may not be the prices of SouthEast Asia, but by European standards you certainly cannot complain.
Since we are talking about costs I think it is good to say a few words about what is definitely a great way to contain them: camping. Wild camping in Gran Canaria is technically illegal, but in reality it is widely tolerated so much so that even the locals don’t make too much of a fuss, and I spent a night in Playa de Aguadulce within walking distance of two local guys sleeping in tents. If you set up away from prying eyes you shouldn’t have any kind of problem, even better if, given the very low rainfall in the summertime, you don’t pitch your tent at all.
During my stay in Gran Canaria, I spent a few nights “camping” on the beach during which I merely inflated my camping mat when it was bedtime. Again, though, it is technically illegal; the choice is yours.
If you want to stay within the law, the island government provides some equipped areas where you can camp legally and for free. I have mentioned some of them throughout this guide and at this link you will find the complete list. I strongly recommend booking early and especially creating the account needed for booking purposes as this step alone can take a few days since once created it will have to be verified by sending an ID to the email address given.
Finally, to find places to camp in the Canary Islands I recommend the app park4night, designed especially for those who want to spend the night in an RV, minivan or car. It is also a fantastic resource for those who simply want to find a secluded place to pitch their tent or put down a mat, as we often did.
Mirador de Degollada Becerra.
Backpacking Gran Canaria: safety
Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands in general is an absolutely safe destination, with really low crime rates. It is also recommended for families with children. That said, as with any destination, common sense should be used.
The only two notes I would make are to be extremely careful where you swim, as you may have noticed, throughout this guide, several times I have pointed out that some beaches are suitable for swimming. Since this is ocean, the currents can be extremely dangerous, especially the rip currents can take you out to sea quickly with potentially fatal consequences. I got to know a gentleman who was taken offshore with his children and he told me how he had already seen the end of it, not exactly a good experience.
Also, many of the more isolated beaches do not have lifeguards, and especially in the off-season you may be the only person there. In short, if you are not an experienced swimmer, be careful.
Finally, if you decide to rent a car make sure not to leave any valuables inside when unattended. Unfortunately, seeing broken glass in parking lots and signs urging people not to leave anything in the car are all too common.
Are you planning a trip to Gran Canaria? Check out these posts:
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