Most people who visit Gran Canaria will stay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or Maspalomas. But venture inland or up the coast and you’ll find a completely different side of the island. Whitewashed mountain villages where locals still bake almond treats in century-old bakeries, colonial towns with carved wooden balconies hanging over cobblestone streets, and cave houses carved straight into volcanic rock.
From more touristic coastal towns to often overlooked gems in the mountains: here are my 10 favorite towns in Gran Canaria which you’ll want to visit during your stay here.
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Table of Contents - 10 cute towns in Gran Canaria you’ll want to visit
| Town | Main Attractions | Distance from Las Palmas | Distance from Maspalomas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tejeda | Almond treats, mountain views, hiking trails (e.g. to Roque Nublo) | ~1h 15min | ~1h 30min |
| Teror | Colonial architecture, Sunday market, chorizo spread | ~30 min | ~1 hour |
| Arucas | Cathedral, rum distillery | ~20 min | ~50 min |
| Santa Brígida | Stone architecture, weekend market, Bandama Crater | ~20 min | ~45 min |
| Firgas | Artificial waterfall, water mill, northern views | ~30 min | ~1 hour |
| Puerto de Mogán | Colorful streets, waterfront restaurants | ~1 hour | ~30 min |
| Artenara | Cave houses & church, panoramic viewpoints | ~1h 15min | ~1h 40min |
| Tunte (San Bartolomé) | Cobblestone streets, traditional architecture | ~1h 15min | ~40 min |
| Gáldar | Cueva Pintada museum, natural pools, historic center | ~30 min | ~1 hour |
| Agaete | Agaete Valley, natural pools, farms, hiking | ~30 min | ~1 hour |
1. Tejeda
Tejeda is one of those typical Canarian white towns in the mountains. It’s located in the Tejeda crater, in the middle of the island. So a visit to Tejeda includes beautiful views. But it’s not only this stunning location that makes this town special.
Tejeda is also known for its almond trees, or Almendros in Spanish. Locals traditionally grow almond trees here and make delicious sweets out of their nuts. There are a few bakeries in the center of town where you can enjoy a cup of coffee with one of these baked goods. A visit to Tejeda is not complete without trying an almond treat.
There are also many hiking trails around Tejeda and from here you can easily reach places like Roque Nublo, Roque Bentayga and Cuevas del Rey. Tejeda is the perfect place to combine the visit of a charming town with exploring nature and/or historic sites.
Almond blossom festival – Every first weekend of February, Tejeda celebrates its almond blossom festival. So if you happen to be on the island this time of year, make sure to check it out!
2.Teror
Teror is known for its colonial-style houses on the main street, with the typical carved balconies being their most iconic feature. Teror’s architecture reflects its early role as a religious and institutional center, which brought stable wealth and urban continuity from the beginning. Therefore the architecture you see in Teror is very different from the traditional, rural Canarian architecture.
The historical center of Teror is only small and strolling around won’t take up much of your time. So you can easily combine a visit of Teror with one of the other towns on this list, or a hike in the area. El Barranco de Alamo is the closest and easiest hike from Teror. Other great options are the estate of Osorio and the Pino Santo crater. And if you want to combine a visit to Teror with another town and a hike, you can hike to Firgas or Santa Brigada from here.
Every Sunday there is a market selling local produce and souvenirs. It’s a great opportunity to try the regional specialty: chorizo. In Teror, they do chorizo a little differently, making it more like a spread. If you’re visiting another day of the week you can still try it at one of the cafés or restaurants in town.
3. Arucas
Arucas is another one of those religious and historically wealthy towns. The most recognizable building is the cathedral which towers out over the surrounding houses. But the streets of the historical center are very pleasant for a stroll as well. You’ll also want to head up to the viewpoint Montaña de Arucas for a different view of this cute little town in Gran Canaria.
Rum lovers should not miss a visit to the Arehucas Distillery↗. The distillery offers interesting tours in multiple languages with a tasting at the end. Or for something a little different, head to the Banana museum↗.
And those looking for a little more greenery and love strolling around gardens should head over to the Jardin de la Marquesa↗. The entrance fee of € 6 is a little steep, especially considering that many other gardens in Gran Canaria are free, including the Jardín Canario close to Las Palmas and Parque Tony Gallardo in Maspalomas.
4. Santa Brígida
Santa Brígida is another charming town in Gran Canaria. This town characterizes itself by its stone walls. An architectural style found in more towns in Gran Canaria, but here it’s very well visible.
During the weekend, there is a local market where nearby farmers come to the town to sell their local produce.
Hiking lovers should combine a visit to Santa Brígida with a hike to the Bandama Crater. Hike around the rim for beautiful views of both the crater and the island. It’s also possible to hike down to the crater. Or head to Barranco de Alonso where you can do a circular hike, or connect with Vega de San Mateo.
5. Firgas
Water is the main attraction in Firgas, which is also called the city of water. The most iconic sight is the Paseo de Gran Canaria, with the artificial waterfall running down it and the 3D models of the Canary Islands.
Another interesting place to visit in Firgas is the water mill, the oldest one still functioning in Gran Canaria. It can be visited for free in the mornings.
Make sure to head over to San Roque Square for nice views over the northern part of the island before heading off to the next place. Since Firgas is only small, you can easily combine it with visiting the nearby towns of Teror and/or Arucas or a hike. The hike from Firgas through Barranco de Azuaje is one of my favorite ones on the island since the scenery is so lush!
6. Puerto de Mogan
Puerto de Mogan is a little different from the other towns on this list as it’s super touristy and not authentic like the other towns I’ve mentioned here. I actually doubted whether to include it on this list for that exact reason, but it is one of the most iconic places on Gran Canaria and while touristy, it is a cute little town which many enjoy visiting. Even if it’s just for an hour or so in the early morning before most day trippers arrive.
The whitewashed streets with the colorful contrasts of painted details and flowers are very pretty and there are many restaurants along the harbor perfect for a drink and/or snack. There is a nice viewpoint too, which is worth climbing up the ~260 steps.
7. Artenara
Artenara is the highest town on Gran Canaria and the least touristic on this list. Perfect for those looking for a quieter and more traditional place to visit.
What makes Artenara really special is its cave houses, homes carved straight into the volcanic rock that date back to the island’s original inhabitants. People still actually live in these cave dwellings today, with modern kitchens and bathrooms but keeping the authentic rock-carved rooms. There’s even a cave church, the Ermita de la Cuevita, where the altar and choir seats are all carved from rock.
Being located so high in the mountains, Artenara has some incredible views of the Tejeda Caldera, Roque Nublo, and Roque Bentayga. The viewpoints here were honestly some of the best I saw on the whole island. There’s one called the Unamuno viewpoint (named after a Spanish philosopher who loved the landscape) that gives you this amazing perspective of the volcanic terrain.
Since we arrived late in the afternoon and almost everything was closed, we couldn’t visit the Ethnographic Museum of Cave Houses or the interpretation center, but I would love to next time I visit.
8. San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Tunte)
San Bartolomé de Tirajana, also called Tunte, is a small but popular town. It’s the perfect ending place for hikers and bikers, so the terraces of cafés and restaurants often fill up, especially on sunny weekends.
The town itself is very pretty and traditional with its cobble stone streets, authentic buildings and central church. What I liked about it was how it manages to feel genuinely local despite being popular with visitors. The traditional architecture is well-preserved, with those typical colorful wooden balconies and white-washed walls you see in older Canarian towns. And of course, being a mountain town at around 900 meters elevation, it has some lovely views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
9. Galdar
Galdar is a bit bigger than the other towns on this list, but with its beautiful center and historic importance it’s definitely worth a visit. Galdar was the capital of the island before the Spanish arrived. Right in the center of town you can find the Cueva Pintada (painted cave), a cave with rock paintings (hence the name) which has been turned into a museum where you can learn more about the indigenous culture of Gran Canaria.
But even after the Spanish arrived Galdar remained important and stayed the island’s capital until Las Palmas took over. Gáldar is also home to the Church of Santiago de los Caballeros, the only official Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route outside mainland Europe, where pilgrims can receive the same papal indulgences as those visiting Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Besides the town itself, the natural pools of Galdar are another attraction here. Much less touristic than neighboring Agaete’s pools and with a much more local feeling, perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring town.
10. Agaeta
While many people love Agaete, I didn’t quite get the vibe of this town. In my experience it’s more about the surroundings than the town itself. The town itself is pleasant though with its whitewashed buildings and the distinctive two-tone Iglesia de la Concepción, but most people head straight to Puerto de Las Nieves, the port area where you’ll find waterfront restaurants serving excellent fresh seafood.
But the highlight of Agaete is the Agaete Valley right behind it. The valley is very nice to hike in, and those who are looking for a longer, more challenging hike might want to look at hike #1 of my top 10 hikes on Gran Canaria. You can also find local farms in the valley area where you can do tours and tastings or hike to Guayedra Beach, a beautiful black sand beach not far from town, or hit the natural pools if you’re looking for calmer waters to swim in.
Finishing thoughts on these cute towns in Gran Canaria you’ll want to visit
Gran Canaria is full of cute towns to visit and while these are my favorite towns to visit on the island, if you have more time to explore Gran Canaria, there are a few more charming towns that deserve a visit.
Santa Lucía is a lovely village at 680 meters elevation with a beautiful church featuring distinctive stonework. The nearby Fortaleza de Ansite is an important archaeological site where the island’s indigenous people made their last stand against Spanish conquest.
Agüimes is one of the island’s most photogenic towns, known for its colorful streets and the bronze statues scattered throughout the old quarter. The neoclassical Church of San Sebastián is stunning, and the town is the gateway to the spectacular Barranco de Guayadeque.
Fataga, nestled in the “Valley of a Thousand Palms,” is a whitewashed mountain village at 730 meters elevation surrounded by dramatic cliffs and palm groves, offering a peaceful escape and some of the best scenery on Gran Canaria.
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FAQ about visiting towns in Gran Canaria
Most of these towns are accessible by public bus, though some require more planning than others. Towns like Teror, Arucas, and Gáldar are well-connected with frequent services. Mountain towns like Tejeda, Artenara, and Tunte have fewer buses, so you’ll need to check schedules carefully. Puerto de Mogán is easily reached from the south or by express bus from the north. For more flexibility and to visit multiple towns in one day, renting a car is definitely easier. But if you’re taking it slow and only visiting 1-2 towns a day, you can easily travel by bus as well.
Find more information on how to travel Gran Canaria by bus in this guide.
You could visit 2-3 towns in a day if they’re close together, but to really enjoy them without rushing, I’d recommend dedicating at least 3-4 days to explore these towns properly. Many of them are perfect for combining with nearby hikes or other attractions. For example, you could easily spend a full day visiting Tejeda, stopping at a bakery for almond treats, Roque de Bentayga and hiking to Roque Nublo.
That’s hard to say since each town has its own charm, but Tejeda and Puerto de Mogán are often considered the most picturesque. Tejeda has that classic white mountain town look with incredible views of the caldera, while Puerto de Mogán is famous for its colorful harbor and flower-filled streets. Personally, I also loved Artenara for its dramatic viewpoints and unique cave houses.
Teror, Arucas, Firgas, and Santa Brígida are all great options for day trips from Las Palmas as they’re relatively close (20-40 minutes drive). You could easily combine two or three of these in one day. Gáldar is also doable at about 45 minutes from Las Palmas, and you can combine it with a swim at the natural pools or Agaete/Puerto de las Nieves.
Puerto de Mogán is the closest at just 20-30 minutes and ideal for a relaxed afternoon by the harbor.
Tunte is the closest mountain town on this list at about 40 minutes drive, making it perfect for a morning visit and you could stop at Fataga on the way, or continue to Tejeda. Tejeda could also be it’s own day trip, combined with a hike to Roque Nublo or visiting nearby Artenara.