Gran Canaria in 3 Days: A Recommended Itinerary

1/24/2026 · Aurora María

In 3 days on Gran Canaria you can combine the historic old town of Las Palmas, a day exploring the highlands and summits, and a visit to the south to see the Maspalomas dunes. It's a small but remarkably diverse island, so it's worth planning the routes carefully to avoid wasting time on the road. Here's a balanced itinerary proposal.

Day 1: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Spend the first day in the capital: the historic quarter of Vegueta and Triana in the morning, with the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Casa de Colón, and the afternoon at Playa de Las Canteras. It's a relaxed day, ideal for settling in after the journey.

Day 2: highlands and summits

The second day is for exploring the island's interior. Villages like Teror, with its Marian sanctuary and typical Canarian balconies, or Tejeda, surrounded by volcanic landscapes, are essential stops. From there you can see Roque Nublo, a geological symbol of Gran Canaria, and enjoy spectacular views towards the centre of the island.

This is also a good day for the Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden, the largest in Spain, if you prefer a quieter pace close to the capital.

Day 3: the south and the Maspalomas dunes

The third day is dedicated to the south of the island, with the Maspalomas dunes as the star: a desert landscape right by the sea, unique in Europe. The contrast between the green north, the arid mountains of the centre and the southern dunes sums up the diversity of Gran Canaria in just a few days.

Practical facts

Duration: 3 days
Key areas: Las Palmas, highlands, south of the island
Natural landmark: Roque Nublo and the Maspalomas dunes
Recommended for: Travellers with a car or private tour

For the highlands day, the most comfortable option is the tailor-made tour with transport included, designed around your interests.