Gran Canaria in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

The island of Gran Canaria is the second most populated of the Canary Islands and one of the most visited in Spain, with approximately 5 million tourists a year. However, if you think that a trip to Gran Canaria is just about getting to know and enjoying paradisiacal beaches, let me tell you that you're wrong. It is much, much more, as you will find an important historical, cultural and artistic heritage hidden in every corner of this fantastic island.

Among the many things to see and do in Gran Canaria, you can visit small hidden dream places, picturesque villages, paradisiacal beaches, beautiful landscapes, a varied gastronomy and much more. Now that you know this, if you only have a few days to get to know the island and you are worried about not getting to see the most important things, don't worry, I can help you. Here is a guide of things to see and do in Gran Canaria in 3 days.

The capital of Gran Canaria is the ideal place to start your trip around the island, as this is where you'll find its historic centre and can absorb a little of its origins and culture. Most of the historical sites are located in the district of Vegueta, one of the most visited and best known in the city of Palmas de Gran Canaria, as it is the district where the most populated city in the Canary Islands originated at the end of the 15th century.

Let me tell you in advance that there is no better way to get to know in depth all the essential sites of the historic centre than with a guided excursion or tour of Gran Canaria. Now I'll tell you what the first day of your trip will be like.

Stroll around the famous Plaza San Antonio Abad and its popular Ermita (hermitage)

The first stop is a symbol of the island, since the first civil and religious institutions of Gran Canaria were located in the Plaza San Antonio Abad, which gives its name to the hermitage. For its part, the chapel of San Antonio Abad originally served as the Cathedral of the Canary Islands.

This hermitage has become a very popular and visited place due to the importance it acquired as the place where Christopher Columbus prayed before leaving for America. This historical event can be seen on a plaque next to the entrance door to the hermitage.

A visit here is essential on your tour of the island, as it is a place that reflects an important part of Gran Canaria's history and its architecture is as simple as it is beautiful.

Visit the emblematic Casa de Colón and its main areas.

Your second stop of the day is at the Casa de Colón, an old mansion dating from the end of the 16th century, which was recognised as a cultural institution and is located in the historic district of Vegueta, just opposite the chapel.

It is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city, as it is where the study, research and dissemination of the history of the Canary Islands and its relations with America is carried out.

Inside you can see a museum, a library and a specialised study centre, as well as other spaces where temporary activities such as exhibitions, conferences and concerts are held, among others.

• Opening hours: You can visit from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 3pm.
• Price: approximately 4 euros per person.

Enjoy the Plaza de Santa Ana and meet its eight guardians

A 5-minute walk from the Casa de Colón will take you to the Plaza de Santa Ana, which is considered the first main square in the city, as it was built at the beginning of the 16th century.

Historically, it has been the site of a concentration of government and ecclesiastical buildings. Nowadays, the Episcopal Palace, the Provincial Historical Archive and, just opposite the Cathedral, the Town Hall are located there.

But that's not all, as something that will really catch your attention are the eight bronze dogs that remain there, which are designated guardians of the square and remain intact with the passage of time and history. Incredible!

Visit the Cathedral of Santa Ana, one of the most popular monuments in the city.

Your first day in the Canary Islands will continue with another of the most emblematic buildings, located just a few metres from the Plaza de Santa Ana, the Catedral Santa Ana. This 16th-century building is the largest on the island and inside you will find a marked Gothic style, although you will also discover corners with other architectural styles such as Neoclassical and Baroque.

To get inside you will first have to go through a courtyard of orange trees and going up to the towers will cost you approximately 1.5 euros per person. Let me tell you that it is well worth the climb, as from there you will have the best panoramic views of the Vegueta neighbourhood.

In addition, in the Cathedral you can also visit a museum of Sacred Art to learn in depth about the history of the Catholic Church in the Canary Islands, for the approximate price of 3 euros.

• Opening hours: You can visit the cathedral **from Monday to Friday between 10am and 1.30pm and on Saturdays until 4.**30pm. On the official website you can consult the mass timetables in case you want to attend and live a complete experience.
• Price: free admission

Learn a little more about the history of Gran Canaria at the Canary Museum

Just a 3-block walk from the Cathedral is the Museo Canario, another must on your visit to Gran Canaria and one of my favourites.

It is a scientific and cultural society founded in 1879, which currently exhibits a permanent collection on the aboriginal population of Gran Canaria. In addition, one of the most remarkable places you will find there is its documentation centre, which is considered to be the largest and most important collection of documents on the Canary Islands.

• Opening hours: you can visit this museum from Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 2pm.
• Price: general admission for approximately 5 euros per person.

Visit the legendary house-museum of the writer Benito Pérez Galdós

A 10-minute walk from the Museo Canario will take you to the house-museum of Benito Pérez Galdós, a traditional 19th century house located in the Triana neighbourhood, in the historic centre of the city. It is named after the writer Benito Pérez Galdós, who was born here and lived there for the first years of his life.

A visit is essential to continue a journey through the history and culture of Gran Canaria, as there you will find all kinds of preserved furniture, an abundant collection of musical instruments, photographs and works of art, among other relics that formed part of the writer's life and the island's past.

• Price: Admission is absolutely free and guided tours are offered every hour.
• Opening hours: You can visit this unique site between 10am and 6pm from Wednesday to Monday, but please note that it is closed on Tuesdays.

Your second day on the island will include a tour of three of the most picturesque and attractive villages on the island. There you will be able to appreciate amazing landscapes and also continue to learn a little more about the history and culture that this island has in every corner.

My recommendation for this tour is that you hire a guided day trip around Gran Canaria that includes this route in order to save time and money and make the most of the day.

Arucas: a picturesque little town with an interesting historical heritage

Arucas is located just over 10 kilometres from the capital of Gran Canaria and is a picturesque town with a rich historical and artistic heritage, including the Church of San Juan Bautista, better known as the Cathedral of Arucas.

This town was rebuilt after the fire that allowed the Castilians to subdue it in 1478, and only managed to obtain the denomination of city almost at the end of the 19th century. Its centre is beautiful and stands out mainly for its colourful façades and houses with a marked colonial style, unique details that make it a fairytale city.

While you will have many things to see and do there, I specifically recommend you to visit the municipal park, where Gourié's house, which houses the city's municipal museum, is located.

In addition, the well-known local rum, Arehucas, got its brand name from this town and the factory, installed there since the 19th century, is open for visits. You can find out more about opening hours and prices on the factory's official website.

Gáldar: a town steeped in history and with several beaches to enjoy

The town of Gáldar is about 27 kilometres from the capital and is connected to Arucas by the GC-2 road, about 20 kilometres away. It is known for being one of the island's former kingdoms, and you can discover part of its past in the Cueva Pintada Archaeological Park.

The city centre was declared a Historic Site in 1981, and is home to several buildings that you must see, such as the Templo Matriz de Santiago de Gáldar, one of the exponents of neoclassical architecture in the Canary Islands.

There is also a wide range of beaches to choose from, with a great variety, combined with the natural swimming pools of the northern part of Gran Canaria. An outstanding beach is that of Sardina, where you will find several restaurants and a small fishing port, which is often chosen by diving enthusiasts.

Agaete: a perfect and harmonious blend of culture and nature

Agaete is located in the north of the island, about 30 kilometres from the capital and is connected to Gáldar by the GC-2 road, about 10 kilometres away.

This town is the perfect mix of green spaces, beautiful landscapes and cultural richness. Here you can discover the Tamadaba Nature Reserve, which is home to the largest pine forest in Gran Canaria, among many other natural beauties.

In addition, the mythical Agaete Valley, and Puerto de las Nieves, which is the coastal area, and is full of restaurants offering the best gastronomy of the place, with a picturesque and very relaxing promenade.

You will also find the Maipés Archaeological Park, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest with the category of Archaeological Zone in 1974, among many other sites.

After seeing the historic centre of the capital and the picturesque villages of the north of the island, the third day will include the main sites of central and southern Gran Canaria, so that you can see enough to take away the best, but also want to come back for more.

The day will start in one of the most popular landscapes of the island, continue through one of the main ports of the south and conclude with a camel ride through the most famous dunes of Gran Canaria.

Hiking in Nublo Rural Park

Fans of trekking or hiking will love this emblematic spot in Gran Canaria. The Nublo Rural Park is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria and one of the best things to do on the island. Part of the territory of this park has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2019.

It is a protected natural area, located in the central part of the island, which is made up of rock formations similar to a monolith, which are called "roques".

Roque Nublo is a volcanic rock 80 metres high which is located 1800 metres above sea level and offers one of the best panoramic views of the island. You can go hiking, although it is also possible to go by car to the Degollada de La Goleta car park and take a shorter walk of about 3 kilometres round trip. Another good option is to visit Roque Nublo on a guided tour.

Enjoying Puerto de Mogán

Mogán is one of the prettiest villages in Gran Canaria, I would say in the whole of Spain, and of course, one of the must-see places on your three-day trip around the island.

It is located well to the south, and you can include it in your itinerary after Roque Nublo, although bear in mind that it is about 45 kilometres away towards the lower part of the island.

Its streets are more than picturesque, they are beautiful. Mostly white, with colourful frames. There you will find a small beach with a harbour full of restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the best Canarian food overlooking the calm waters, with boats at anchor.

But not only that, in Mogán you can also practice some activities such as diving or snorkelling and even enjoy some boat trips, as most of them leave from this harbour and usually include meals, making it the perfect plan.

Enjoy one of Gran Canaria's favourite landscapes: Las Dunas De Maspalomas

One of the most famous places in Gran Canaria and where your third and last day will end, is located in the south of the island and is one of my favourites: the dunes of Maspalomas. Let me tell you in advance that here you can live one of the most incredible experiences.

Although any time of the day is ideal for a visit, I left it for the last, as the sunset is perfect to enjoy the dunes. The sand is warm, but it doesn't burn as much as it does during the day, the temperature is perfect for a stroll and the sunset colours the landscape with a perfection worthy of admiration.

This is a protected natural area that covers an area of more than 400 hectares and is made up of a landscape of numerous dunes that reach up to 10 metres in height, although they vary in shape and size with the wind. It will be like being in the desert, but constantly feeling the humid air coming from the sea.

My recommendation is that you get to know these popular dunes on a guided tour, as it is the most convenient and entertaining way to do it, nothing like a camel ride through the dunes of Maspalomas!

The Gran Canaria tourist bus will be your great ally on your 3-day trip around the island, as most of the activities and attractions I mentioned in this post are included in its route. With this bus you'll have absolutely everything covered for the first day, and you'll be able to tour the island's capital without having to worry about anything, which will help you save time and money.

Best of all, this bus has free stops, so you can use it as the perfect means of transport to get from one place to another, without spending extra money on transport and saving time.

My recommendation is to make a list of the attractions you want to visit and check if they are included in the bus route so you can organise your trip in the best way and make the most of your 3 days in Gran Canaria, without having to worry about anything.