Discover Gran Canaria: 14 plans for free on the island

Discover Gran Canaria without spending a euro:

we recommend the best free visits!

The miniature continent, as Gran Canaria is known, offers an endless number of free alternatives to discover the culture and natural beauty of its corners. Join us in this blog to explore the island in the most economical way.

• Barranco de Las Vacas: located in the valley of Agüimes, this ravine is well compared to Grand Canyon because of its undeniable similarity. Here you can take amazing pictures and it is easy to access, so your visit won't take you more than 15 minutes, but, of course, go preferably during the week: this place is quite visited.
• Ventana del Nublo: this natural monument is located in the centre of the island and can be reached after a walk of no more than 2kms. It is definitely worth the effort as the views from here to Roque Nublo, the western part of the island and, if you are lucky, to Teide and the neighbouring island Tenerife, are breathtaking. Don't forget to bring your camera, you'll thank us for it!
• Roque Nublo: the emblematic natural monument of the island of Gran Canaria rises above the municipality of Tejeda (considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and famous for its almond desserts) and can be seen from several points of the island. You can even reach the top after a 1.5-kilometre walk past pine trees, endemic flowers (and wildlife) and La Rana rock; keep your eyes peeled, the views from up there over Artenara won't leave you indifferent.
• Bufadero de La Garita: this natural spectacle located on the coast of Telde attracts the attention of locals and visitors alike. Dazzle yourself with the roar of the sea crashing against the rocks and watch the water rise as if it were a geyser. The surrounding area is also perfect for a long walk along the promenade until you reach Melenara Beach, where you can enjoy a drink on one of its terraces overlooking the sea.
• Salinas del Bufadero: if you visit the north, you cannot miss this enclave in Arucas, located in El Puertillo, you will be able to contemplate this salt mine, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1997. This area is also home to natural pools, a good reason to take a break and enjoy a day at the beach. 
   

• Sardina Lighthouse: recently refurbished, this point north of Gáldar offers views over the Atlantic Ocean and the north coast of the island. Nearby you'll also find natural pools where you can swim if the weather is fine, or take stunning photos at sunset. It is advisable to bring a warm coat as draughts are common here. 
• Old Dedo de Dios: this rock formation, which no longer exists, will take you to the municipality of Agaete, famous for its artisanal wine and coffee. The history of this natural monument dates back centuries when the shape of the hand with the index finger pointing to the sky helped it to be named Dedo de Dios (God's Finger). However, after a storm a few years ago, the wind blew it down and now only the stump remains. But visiting it is anything but a waste of time: the coastal area of Agaete offers tasty fresh fish dishes that are not to be missed.
• Caldera de Bandama: a huge nature reserve in the municipality of Santa Brígida from whose viewpoint you can see the entire capital area of the island. It also has long trails that run through it so that, in 3 kilometres, you can get to know its corners, its flora (tajinastes) and its fauna (kestrels among other birds). 
• Caldera de los Marteles: this volcanic caldera is located between six municipalities and has been a Special Nature Reserve since 1994. Visitors who stop here are amazed by the vegetation that dyes the bottom of the crater green or blue (tajinastes). It is also a good place to go hiking or to listen to the woodpeckers!
• Tilos de Moya: this Special Nature Reserve located in the north of Gran Canaria is a must for nature lovers. Its Laurisilva forests run through the area on a 2-kilometre circular trail that is also suitable for children, making it a perfect plan for a family getaway.
   

• Risco Caído and Montañas Sagradas (sacred mountains): the recently declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO is located between Artenara, Tejeda, Gáldar and Agaete and is a site of great cultural importance on the island. In this enclave, we can see vestiges of the Canary Island aborigines and their cave houses.
• La Cesta: this piece - symbol is located in Tejeda and is so visited because its hollow interior allows you to sit down and take some magnificent photos with Roque Bentaiga in the background. Close to the Cesta is the village of Tejeda, we recommend a stroll through its pedestrian streets, enjoy the views over the valley and try its famous palm trees (made with almonds); or visit it during the Almond Blossom Festival.
• Degollada de la Yegua viewpoint: this viewpoint is located in the south of Gran Canaria; a ravine declared a World Biosphere Reserve, 20 minutes from Playa del Inglés, up the road to Fataga, from where you can contemplate the views of the villages of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. A few kilometres away you will find the village of Fataga, where you can buy local products such as cheese or olives in its small artisan market.
• Viera y Clavijo Canarian Botanical Garden: the largest garden in Spain with 27 hectares is located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island. Admission is free and during the visit you can discover more than 500 endemic plants (some in danger of extinction), autochthonous flora such as pines, dragon trees, palm trees and its Laurisilva forest.

Gran Canaria is more than just incredible beaches of golden sand and sea. With this list we have tried to open up your curiosity and make sure that our places do not go unnoticed for you on your next holiday. We have many more activities to recommend such as a visit to the Maspalomas Dunes, the canals of Puerto de Mogán, Mirador del Balcón, Las Canteras Beach or getting lost in the streets of the old town of Vegueta; these and many more await you on the island. Connect with our essence!