Gran Canaria - Tour South West of the Island
Hey there, friend! Are you ready to bask in the year-round sunshine and explore a slice of paradise? Join us on a one-of-a-kind tour of Gran Canaria's sensational south-west. Picture yourself wandering through charming villages, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and soaking up views for days.
Pack your bags and your sense of wonder – we're about to embark on a journey where every turn is a new invitation to fall in love with Gran Canaria. See you in the southwest, explorer!
Las Palmas
Begin your southwestern adventure in Las Palmas, an eclectic and dynamic coastal city where history, culture, and beach life blend seamlessly. The heartbeat of the city can be felt in the lively streets of Vegueta, the old town quarter, which holds the architectural gems such as the stately Santa Ana Cathedral. Amble down the cobbled lanes, and let the Canarian balconies and museums like Casa de Colón narrate tales of explorers and conquests.
Don't miss a stroll along Las Canteras Beach, one of Europe's most renowned urban beaches, with its golden sands stretching out like a warm embrace from the city. Watch the surfers catch waves against a backdrop of a bustling promenade, and don't be shy to join in the local pastime of 'pasear' or to simply 'walk and see' along the shoreline. As dusk falls, the beachside becomes a canvas of fiery oranges and pinks, casting a glow over an endearing and lively city that effortlessly combines its historical legacy with the buzz of modern life.
Santa Lucia de Tirajana
Heading into the heart of the island, you'll find Santa Lucía. Here, dramatic landscapes rule. Palm trees swathe the golden sands of Pozo Izquierdo, a windsurfer's paradise. Inland, the stark beauty of the Tirajana crater opens before you like the pages of a geographic storybook.
Explore the Fortress of Ansite, a dramatic archaeological site that marks a significant chapter in the island's history. Wander amongst almond trees and olive groves in the surrounding countryside, where the stark contrast between the arid vistas and agricultural bounty is nothing short of striking. In Santa Lucía, every view holds a promise of tranquility and the whisper of the winds carries the essence of an island that moves to the beat of nature.
San Bartolomé de Tirajana
Drive on to San Bartolomé de Tirajana, where the sprawling dunes of Maspalomas will make you feel as if you've stumbled upon a desert mirage. The undulating golden sands create a natural playground, shifting and shimmering under the Canarian sun. Nearby, the lush palms of the Maspalomas Oasis form a stark contrast against the backdrop of the barren, yet bewitchingly beautiful, stretches of sand.
Take the chance to ascend to the quaint mountain villages such as Fataga, nestled amid the stark grandeur of craggy ravines and serene valleys. Here, whitewashed facades are bedecked with vibrant floral displays, and the air is tinged with the scent of pine from the surrounding forests—an intoxicating blend of earthy aromas to invigorate the senses. San Bartolomé de Tirajana offers a genuine retreat into the serenity of the island's varied landscapes.
La Aldea de San Nicolás
Conclude your route at La Aldea de San Nicolás, a sanctuary of tranquility on the western fringe of the island. Cut by cliffs and touched by the wild Atlantic, La Aldea is the epitome of untouched beauty. Here, the Playa de La Aldea - with its combination of pebbles and sand - offers seclusion and natural splendour, a final frontier where the island's volcanic heritage stands untouched.
Inland, the resplendent nature reserve of Güi-Güi astounds trekkers with its inaccessible beauty and stunning vistas of cliffs that dive into the ocean. The town itself, with its museums and historical sites, provides a glimpse into the lives of the island's early inhabitants, thus completing your journey through an area that encapsulates the essence of Gran Canaria: wild, diverse, and eternally inviting.
Experience more with this top attractions and excursions
Tour Weather - Central and south-west Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria weather month by month
Curious about what kind of weather you'll find in Gran Canaria each month? Let's take a peek together at the sunny personality of this gorgeous island, all year round!
Top activities in Gran Canaria
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