Gran Canaria: Sun, Sea, and Mountain Roads
Gran Canaria surprised me with its mix of golden beaches, lush mountains, and winding scenic drives that test both nerves and navigation skills. From sipping barrel-aged wines in the mountains to windsurfing on the southern coast and hiking above the clouds, every day brought a different rhythm. The island felt both wild and welcoming - a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, wrapped in Canarian sunshine (and the occasional cloud).
When I went: October 2025
Duration: 6 days (including flights)
Weather: Warm and sunny with occasional clouds. Flip-flops and summer dresses were enough for both day and night.
Tip: Don’t trust the weather forecast - it changes every hour! Bring sunscreen, patience for zig-zag roads, and a love for adventure.
Maspalomas Dunes
Arrival and First Impressions
I arrived in Gran Canaria on a warm October afternoon and settled into my hotel in Playa del Inglés - a lively area with an easy 20-minute drive from the airport. With a car rental secured, I spent my first evening walking along the Maspalomas dunes as the sun set over the Atlantic. The breeze was soft, the sand golden, and the ocean calm.
Wine Tasting in the Mountains 🍷
Day two took me deep into the island’s mountainous heart for a visit to Bodega Las Tirajanas, a local winery in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. The drive itself was breathtaking -steep, winding roads with views that changed at every turn.
The winery visit was unforgettable. I recommend trying their Las Tirajanas Hoya de los Cardos, a limited-edition barrel-aged wine, and the vino dulce (sweet wine) - possibly one of the best sweet wines I’ve ever tasted. The tasting included local cheeses and olives, making it a delicious and scenic afternoon.
Sailing the Southern Coast ⛵
On the third day, I joined a catamaran tour departing from Puerto de Mogán. Puerto de Mogán is a charming port town where colourful buildings line the canals. The sea was calm and crystal clear. The tour included snorkelling, paddleboarding, and a freshly cooked seafood lunch with wine onboard.
We sailed past rugged coastlines and quiet coves and catching a glimpse of Mount Teide in Tenerife on the horizon. Swimming in open water under the Canarian sun was pure joy - easily one of the highlights of the trip.
Catamaran tour
Hiking Above the Clouds 🏞️
The next day, I drove up to Pico de las Nieves, the highest peak on the island, following the S51 route I found on AllTrails. The hike was moderate - the first third quite steep, but once you get into the pine forest, it’s smooth and peaceful.
At the summit, the view was hidden behind a thick layer of cloud - it’s common at nearly 2,000 meters. Even without the view, it was a refreshing, quiet experience surrounded by nature and crisp mountain air.
Driving back was another story - Gran Canaria’s mountain roads are beautiful but very zig-zag-like. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it slow and enjoy the journey. When clouds roll in, visibility can drop dramatically, turning the drive into an adventure of its own.
A sign to Pico de las Nieves
Windsurfing Lessons 🌊
Originally planned earlier in the trip, my windsurfing lesson in Pozo Izquierdo had to be rescheduled due to lack of wind. Luckily, it was easy to swap days around.
When the day finally came, I joined Pozowinds Windsurfing School, and it became my favourite experience of the entire holiday. My instructor, Salvo, was patient and encouraging. After a shaky start (and more than a few falls!), I managed to sail from the shore and back - an incredible feeling of accomplishment. Windsurfing is challenging but so rewarding once you catch the wind just right.
Pozo Izquierdo
Exploring and Dining Around the Island 🍽️
In between activities, I spent time exploring Gran Canaria’s diverse landscapes and small towns. Maspalomas Dunes are stunning, though be prepared - the beach at the end is a designated nudist area!
For food, I recommend trying:
Papas arrugadas (Canarian potatoes) with mojo sauce - delicious but heavy on garlic!
Bodegón Pachichi in Las Palmas - affordable, local, and full of flavour.
Las Cuevas de Guayadeque - cave restaurants serving authentic Canarian dishes.
Avoid paella here; it’s a Valencian specialty, so save that for when you visit mainland Spain!
In the evenings, my go-to bar became Tipsy Hammock, right in Playa del Inglés. I went twice - the cocktails were creative, the atmosphere lively, and the ocean views unbeatable.
Tipsy Hammock
Final Impressions 🌅
Gran Canaria is an island that surprises you. It’s small enough to explore in a week but diverse enough to keep you engaged every day - beaches, forests, mountains, and charming towns all within a short drive.
Despite a few cloudy days (which locals found a novelty), it was warm and wonderful throughout. Between wine tastings, sailing adventures, mountain hikes, and learning to windsurf, this island gave me both excitement and serenity - all in one unforgettable trip.
