Top 5 Gran Canaria viewpoints
Gran Canaria is a diverse island, chock-full of incredible, picturesque natural landscapes. The island’s viewpoints are a major draw, offering the perfect spot to take in panoramic views that take your breath away. Lush, green valleys, golden-sand beaches and sheer cliffs… Read on and discover some of the most sensational Gran Canaria viewpoints. Cameras at the ready, it’s time to explore this island’s natural beauty!
- Mirador del Balcón – a vertigo-inducing viewpoint
The Mirador del Balcón is one of your musts. If you like nature, salty sea air (and stars), this is the perfect stop-off on your tour of the island. Also known as Andén Verde (which translates as ‘the green platform’), this dizzying viewpoint is on a cliff with an escarpment up to 600 metres high.
Where is it? On the road linking the municipality of Agaete with La Aldea de San Nicolás, to the west of the island. You can access the viewpoint via a set of steps, and once there, you’ll notice several information panels.
What can you see? Stunning views from the cliff wall, with a set of jagged peaks known as ‘the dragon’s tail’. You’ll know why when you see them – that’s exactly what they look like! You’ll also see the La Arena ravine, La Aldea de San Nicolás valley and Almagro mountain.
What makes this viewpoint unique? Did you know that Gran Canaria is a UNESCO Starlight Destination thanks to the spectacular quality of its skies? The Mirador del Balcón is an official stargazing viewpoint.
- Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve viewpoint – a beautiful valley
If you’re looking for views on high, look no further than this one: the beautiful Mirador del Pico de los Pozos de la Nieve. The origin of its name dates back to the seventeenth century, when three wells were built in the area to store the winter months’ snowfall.
Where is it? 1,949 metres above sea level. In the municipality of Vega de San Mateo. And there’s a car park for easy access.
What can you see? Endless ravines and volcanic basins shape the green-covered landscape. Prepare to be hypnotised! Part of this natural space is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Plus, you’ll also get spectacular views of Mount Teide form the apex of a triangle spanning from the Tamadaba massif to the northwest, to the Amurga massif in the southeast.
What makes this viewpoint unique? You could catch some awe-inspiring sunsets over a sea of clouds. A result of the trade winds, this incredible natural phenomenon creates an optical illusion. The clouds look like a white sea! And when you’re there, you can take the opportunity to visit the beautiful village of Tejeda.
- Roque Nublo viewpoint – the heart of the island
The Mirador Roque Nublo is one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic natural spaces. This incredible volcanic rock towers some 80 metres high, and is located on the second-highest point on the island at 1,813 metres above sea level. In ancient times it was a place of worship for the island’s indigenous population. It was declared an official Natural Space in 1987, and years later was declared a Rural Park.
Where is it? In the municipality of Tejeda, right in the heart of the island.
What can you see? You’ll get impressive views of the Caldera de Tejeda, the Llanos de la Pez plains and El Pozo de las Nieves. A landscape in which the clouds, Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring island of Tenerife all come together beautifully.
What makes this viewpoint unique? the vegetation; especially the young Canary Island pine forest, the fruit of reforestation.
- Mirador de La Sorrueda – water and palm groves
The Mirador de La Sorrueda was the last bastion of resistance for the original Canarian settlers in the fifteenth-century conquest. From there, you can see the island’s native vegetation as well as beautiful ravines.
Where is it? In the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, next to La Fortaleza (in the southeast of the island).
What can you see? The mountainous slopes of Tirajana ravine surrounding the La Sorrueda dam. The palm groves are another highlight – it’s the island’s largest expanse. Love hiking? Then you have to try out the circular route in the Caldera de Tirajana.
What makes this viewpoint unique? You’ll be served up excellent views of the Sorrueda/Tirajana reservoir, a unique construction dating back to 1974. The circular-shaped basin has a clay core and can hold up to 380,000 m3 of water.
- Mirador Degollada de Becerra – a visual game
The Degollada de Becerra viewpoint boasts views of the Almagria mountains to the north, and the Mejoranas to the south. An absolute gem of a viewpoint, the landscape is one of Gran Canaria’s most famous.
Where is it? On the boundary of the municipalities of Vega de San Mateo and Tejeda. On the route from Roque Nublo to Cruz de Tejeda.
What can you see? The remains of the old volcano that once stood in the centre of the island. Roque Bentayga rises up from the heart of the Caldera de Tejeda, and was once a sacred space for the island’s ancient inhabitants.
What makes this viewpoint unique? What makes this viewpoint unique? Prepare to be transported to a scene straight out of a fairytale. As your gaze sweeps across the landscape, you’ll encounter Roque Nublo, a majestic landmark. Standing sentinel beside it is Roque del Fraile, a rock sculpted by nature to resemble a serene friar. Crouching at its base, another wonder awaits: Roque de la Rana, a whimsical formation that evokes the image of a contented frog. And on the edge of the viewing platform, a curious sight awaits: the profile of a woman, her flowing hair cascading down the cliff face of Risco de la Foguera.
There’s no doubt about it – Gran Canaria boasts endless unique landscapes. Follow the list, fire up your phone camera, and get some sensational snapshots from the island’s most impressive viewpoints.
Categories: Canaries, Travel Tips, Gran Canaria
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