Road.TravelRoad.Travel
    15 Activities

    From Caves and Canyons to Valleys and Dunes in One Day

    From Caves and Canyons to Valleys and Dunes in One Day
    Starts from

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    15

    Duration

    11 hrs 40 min

    Length

    92 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    11 hrs 40 min

    Length

    92 mi

    • History and Culture
    • Natural Attractions
    • Adventure
    Map preview
    Margherita Barbieri

    Margherita Barbieri

    Travel Expert

    • Discover ancient caves.
    • Visit a colourful canyon.
    • Drive along green valleys.
    • Walk through the sand dunes.
    Gran Canaria is called the miniature continent. In this route, you will change four different environment settings in a few hours and you will get to know some historical spots.
    This route has been built to discover a few of Gran Canaria's history and nature settings. In fact, it is still possible to experiment with the presence of the Guanches, the indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands, by visiting the archeological site in the Telde district.
    The trip in itself represents a glimpse of the geographical diversity of the island, possible to experiment in only one day.

    Categories

    • History and Culture
    • Natural Attractions
    • Adventure
    Gran Canaria is called the miniature continent. In this route, you will change four different environment settings in a few hours and you will get to know some historical spots.
    This route has been built to discover a few of Gran Canaria's history and nature settings. In fact, it is still possible to experiment with the presence of the Guanches, the indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands, by visiting the archeological site in the Telde district.
    The trip in itself represents a glimpse of the geographical diversity of the island, possible to experiment in only one day.
    Margherita Barbieri

    Margherita Barbieri

    Travel Expert

    • Discover ancient caves.
    • Visit a colourful canyon.
    • Drive along green valleys.
    • Walk through the sand dunes.

    Day Itinerary

    15 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    90 mi3 mi

    Venturing Through the Valleys

    This is a one-day trip different from the usual. A bit of adventure, discovering the history of the island and some places surrounded by nature, to then relaxing on the sunny beaches of the south and enjoying the lights of the sunset among the dunes.
    To enjoy it properly, it is better to dress in layers, bring some sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes and fill your bottles with water.
    09:0030 min

    Caracolillo Coffee

    It doesn't matter how long the trip will be, a respectful journey begins with a good coffee. This place is one of the best on the island to get a nice one. Enjoy it!
    16 mi
    25 min
    10:005 min

    Car Park

    The first stop is an archaeological site with three different cave agglomerations. Leave your car here and continue exploring the Cueva de Cuatro Puertas on foot.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    10:1530 min

    Four Doors Cave

    The first stop is an archaeological site with three different cave agglomerations. The main attraction is the so-called "Cueva de Cuatro Puertas" which is literally translated as "Four-door cave", it is easy to understand why!
    At the entrance of the archaeological site, you will find a signboard with a detailed explanation of the place and its historical function. From there you can also understand where the other caves are located.
    Tip: the best pictures to take are from inside the main cave.
    0 mi
    10:455 min

    Almogarén

    Right at the top of the main cave is this mysterious place. As explained it was an area dedicated to the rituals and sacrifices of the Guanches.
    It is a nice exercise to try imagining the scenes of the daily life of this population and depicting their likeness.
    8.8 mi
    25 min
    11:155 min

    Car Park

    From ancient caves to ancient river beds: after only 30 minutes of driving, you can find yourself between the picturesque walls of a canyon.
    You can park the car here (on the right side of the road) and take the downhill path. It is the easier way to reach the canyon, and it leads directly to the most suggestive corner.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    11:3045 min

    Barranco de las Vacas

    It's hard to believe you can find a place like this in Gran Canaria, it is super exciting to rappel down the canyon surrounded by the agave and aloe plants.
    During the week it's not that crowded, while during the weekend it's just the opposite.
    So if you're interested in feeling the taste of adventure and having nice memories (including photos), it's best to pay attention to the days of the week and the time of day (avoid lunchtime because there's too much light).
    6.2 mi
    20 min
    12:451 hr

    Bar Restaurante Guayadeque

    This place is a great discovery! Not only for the food, which was is good and cheap, but for the location.
    You'll see that suddenly everything around you will turn green because you'll be in the so-called "Barranco de Guayadeque'', a 15-kilometer-long valley famous for its wild landscapes, straight slopes, and unique plants.
    The whole valley is worth the trip if you have enough time! As for the food, you absolutely must try the fried cheese (typical goat's cheese of the islands).
    4 mi
    10 min
    14:005 min

    Car Park

    You can park your car here and go for a walk in this typical village of Gran Canaria. Looking around, you will notice the symbols of the Guanches that decorate even the street signs.
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    14:1515 min

    Centro de Interpretación del Casco Histórico de Agüimes

    Before visiting the Church of San Sebastián, if you are interested in finding out more about the development of the village and its architectural evolution, you can stop at the Centro de Interpretación del Casco Histórico.
    Outside this Centre, you can have a look at the statue representing the daughter of Fernando Guanarteme, the last aboriginal king of Gran Canaria, who lived and died in this village.
    0.2 mi
    5 min
    14:4530 min

    Parish Church of San Sebastian

    You can walk to the main square, the Plaza de Ntra. Sra. del Rosario, named after one of the town's protectors. In fact, it seems that Agüimes is a special place as it has got two protectors, the aforementioned Virgin and San Sebastián.
    18.6 mi
    40 min
    16:005 min

    Car Park

    It is the right time of the day to keep heading south to lie down on the beach. You can park the car on the sides of the street or in this parking if you cannot find any free spot.
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    16:1515 min

    Fior di Latte

    Of course, it is not a day off without good ice cream. This place makes a proper Italian one.
    0.1 mi
    5 min
    16:451 hr

    Playa del Inglés

    After this intense morning and before walking into the dunes, you should run into the ocean to get a boost of energy!
    After resting, you should head towards the dunes. You will see how the panorama changes only a few hundred meters away from the built area.
    1.6 mi
    30 min
    18:151 hr 30 min

    Maspalomas Dunes

    Walking through the dunes you can really enjoy the silence, you can sit meditating accompanied only by the sound of the sea.
    You will discover how relaxing it is to enjoy the panorama and wait for the sun to go down. The sunset lights incredibly colour the dunes, making you really feel close to Africa. This is a great time of the day to take some perfect pictures before dark.
    Having enjoyed the dunes and the sunset, it is time to walk back to the car and head for dinner.
    36.4 mi
    50 min
    20:451 hr

    Calabré Trattoria Las Palmas

    If you are ready to go back home and chill, then you can stop here to get your takeaway pizza. In case you have any strength left, you can have a seat and enjoy the great table service of this place.
    Their pizza is the best one in town (100% Neapolitan style). Try the Diavola with extra 'nduja (a spreadable spicy pork sausage typical of the Calabria region in Southern Italy) or Bufalina.
    Map preview
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