The Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria as one of the main regions in the Spanish archipelago, along with Tenerife, are known for their great potential for tourism. It's the region's main industry for income by completely removing agriculture that was the main economic activity in the early 20th century, changing completely in the later decades. 

And how could it not? When it comes to the Canary Islands and especially Gran Canaria, the potential of “Isla Bonita” is evident, which is how the island is also called due to the sceneries, landscapes, beaches, mountains and roads the island has to offer. You can't forget to mention the capital of Las Palmas as the amazing metropolis it has become over the years.

Nowadays, Gran Canaria is a region that receives millions of visitors every year, attracted by the many places and extensive benefits the island has, from being the perfect romantic getaway to those that are looking for an adventure, either on land or on the water - there are many places to choose from as well as resorts and hotels to stay. 

Must-see places to go to in Gran Canaria

In Gran Canaria, destinations and things to do are quite varied, but while many of the most recognized places to go to and activities are definitely nice and highlighted in every schedule, there are others that are equally or even more exciting but simply less known or addressed. 

In the next section we will be showcasing some of the destinations and activities in different regions of Gran Canaria and Las Palmas that are definitely worth checking out. These are: 

Poema del Mar Aquarium 

As a recent destination that really is worth paying a visit to in Gran Canaria, there is the Poema del Mar Aquarium; a venue where an amazing aquarium with different species of fish are shown, becoming one of the preferred activities to do with the family on the island. 

And not only that, marine life is addressed in many other ways and with attractions that will keep the kids and parents busy alike, also including access to people with reduced mobility, while 4-years old children are allowed to enter for free. Definitely an experience worth having in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. 

Pico de las Nieves 

Whilst the coastline, beaches and great resorts are common parts of Gran Canaria where most of the visitors are received and like to stay, another part of the island that is further away from the coast offers a completely different landscape, perfect for adventurers. The best example is Pico de las Nieves. 

At Pico de las Nieves, travelers will be able to get to the highest point in Gran Canaria, reaching more than 2000 meters over sea, which can be compared with the experience the Teide offers in Tenerife, although involving other views and characteristics. 

Getting to the highest peak of Pico de las Nieves is an attraction in itself, as you can see local culture and beautiful small towns and villages on your way. To enjoy this journey, people can hire a vehicle  and set the coordinates on a GPS, or get there on a bus tour. 

Old Town of Teror 

As surprising as it may seem, there is a destination in Gran Canaria that in some cases goes unnoticed for many visitors, but has great historical and cultural potential. We are talking about the Old Town of Teror. 

By walking in Teror, visitors will be able to see amazing historical architecture the island had in the past, with houses with big patios and wooden balconies that are so recognized in Spain and the Canary Islands. 

The most recommended day to go to Old Town of Teror in Gran Canaria is on Sundays, since the sort of museum or gallery becomes a market where sellers offer souvenirs and many different objects related with Gran Canaria's past and culture in general. This is the day when this historical place definitely comes to life and is worth seeing. 

 

Landscapes in the island of Gran Canaria are usually related with outstanding beaches and coastlines, since they are quite amazing and the reason why this region of the Spanish archipelago is so visited in the first place. However, one highlighted element in the views of the islands is the architecture that is part of the landscape while visiting. 

Architecture in Gran Canaria is a matter that is worth addressing, due to the different types of buildings and houses that are part of the island at present time, not only with modern structures and skyscrapers in Las Palmas, but also having traditional and classical architecture that is amazing to see and has great historical value. 

Here is a brief history of Gran Canaria's architecture, since the foundation of the island and its conquest in the following centuries, as well as recent years, where modern constructions were added to the city's landscape to attract tourists with hotels and possibilities to stay for visitors.

Starting at the beginning: Traditional architecture in Gran Canaria 

Since the foundation of the island's capital, Las Palmas and Gran Canaria altogether have been regions where importance of the region tried to be shown with architectonic work, since the island at least 500 years ago became the most relevant place for trading and business. 

Since this time, when Las Palmas hosted the Real Audiencia de Canarias and later on, this intense trading activity and interest in showing relevant architecture grew up to be seen in current historical regions with noble looking buildings and houses. 

However, for most historians the great example of this first urban and architectural growth is the Santa Ana Cathedral, which was built in the 1500 by Diego Montaude. 

For experts in the matter, this cathedral shows a gothic style and at the same time is inspired by elements of the Renaissance, as well as Portuguese architecture and temples built in Andalucia, while the interior is purely neoclassic. The Santa Ana Cathedral is one of the most important examples of traditional architecture in the Canary Islands. 

Now, while the baroque and neoclassical style greatly influenced the next examples of architecture in the following centuries, at the time a glimpse of original approach and proper design started to grow, with combinations of artistic and unique ideas. 

Ending the 19th century and getting to the 20th takes us to new buildings as Barranco de Guiniguada and famous neighbourhood Triana, where the combination of classic and modern architecture of the time can be seen more clearly for the first time. This new approach combines elegance with a funny touch, predominant use of blue tones that can be seen at the Gabinete Literario and Alameda de Colón. 

20th century and the birth of modern architecture in Gran Canaria 

With the arrival of the 20th century, in Gran Canaria the architecture made the step from classic approach and a combination of new elements with a complete modern focus. 

In the first decades of the century the best examples of this focus are: buildings at Avenida Maritima that are still standing, Santa Catalina Park and the AC Hotel, which was the tallest construction of the island and still a relevant architectural piece to see, being built by Pedro Massieau to attract tourists in 1960 and start the leading economic industry the region has today. 

Then came the Woermann building as the first skyscraper built in Gran Canaria, built by Avalos y Herreros, which brought them plenty of awards for their architectural milestone in the island and in the world in general, due to an outstanding and risky design for the time. 

Nonetheless, when it comes to the ultimate representation of modern architecture in the island of Gran Canaria, Las Canteras is definitely the place to stand out. 

In details, this construction surrounds one of the best and most urbanized beaches in the world of the same name, while at the end visitors can see the amazing lighthouse fortress where the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium is located inside. This piece of amazing architecture is almost at the sea and enforced by plenty of structures that keep it strong, while sculptures surrounding it make it look incredible and guarded.