Walk the cobblestone streets around Plaza de Santa Ana, the oldest part of Las Palmas with colorful colonial balconies and leafy squares. Stop at the Plaza del Espíritu Santo for a quiet photo spot away from the main crowds.

This 15th-century mansion hosted Christopher Columbus before his voyage to the Americas. Explore the four interior courtyards and the collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and maps from the era.

Head to the central market hall between Calle Mendizábal and Calle Espíritu Santo. Browse the produce stalls and order from the tapas bars serving freshly caught fish and Canarian cheeses.

Visit the Santa Ana Cathedral with its Gothic and Neoclassical facade facing Plaza de Santa Ana. Pay the small fee to climb the bell tower for panoramic views over Vegueta and the port.

Archaeological museum on Calle Dr. Verneau dedicated to the indigenous Guanche people who lived on the islands before Spanish rule. See the well-preserved mummies, pottery, and carved stone artifacts.

Walk the golden sand of the city's main beach sheltered by a natural volcanic reef called La Barra. Stroll the Paseo de las Canteras promenade as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

Drive up to the highest point on Gran Canaria at 1,949 meters. Arrive before 10am to beat the midday clouds and enjoy clear views across to Tenerife's Mount Teide in the distance.

Park at the Degollada de la Goleta trailhead for the easy 20 minute hike to the iconic volcanic monolith. The well marked path offers sweeping views of the central mountain peaks.

Stop in Tejeda, a whitewashed mountain village with several family run spots along Calle Doctor Domingo Doreste. Look for a restaurant with outdoor seating and order Papas Arrugadas con Mojo with grilled local cheese.

Walk down Calle Real de la Plaza to see the iconic wooden balconied buildings and the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino. Browse the market stalls for local cheese and Miel de Palma to take home.

The square is beautifully lit after sunset with the basilica facade as a backdrop. Sit at an outdoor café and order a Barraquito, the layered Canarian coffee drink with condensed milk and cinnamon.

Arrive early around 8:30 AM before the heat and crowds. Walk from the Maspalomas lighthouse toward the desert-like dunes and stop at the La Charca saltwater lagoon to spot migratory birds.

Drive or take a taxi 10 minutes north from the dunes. This botanical garden and wildlife park has dolphin shows, exotic birds, and cactus gardens. Search for Palmitos Park on the GC-2 road.

Drive 20 minutes west along the coast. Park near the harbor and walk the canals and footbridges that give it the nickname Little Venice. Check the local craft stalls near the main square.

Walk along the waterfront promenade and pick a restaurant with tables facing the marina. Order grilled fish or ask for Papas Arrugadas con Mojo, the traditional Canarian wrinkled potatoes with spicy and green sauces.

Located in central Gáldar, this museum preserves a pre-Hispanic settlement with painted caves dating to the 7th century. Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and ask for the guided tour of the restored Canarian houses.

A massive pre-Columbian collective granary carved into the volcanic tuff near Santa Maria de Guia. Drive or take a taxi from Gáldar up the hill to the parking lot then follow the short marked trail to the caves.

This small whitewashed fishing harbor in Agaete has a pier with views of the Tenerife ferry. Walk the promenade and look for the sculpture of the Virgin del Pino near the waterfront.

The Charco de San Lorenzo are volcanic rock pools at the north end of the Agaete waterfront, best visited at sunset when the ocean swell crashes over the rim. Bring water shoes and check the tide calendar for calm conditions.

Arrive right at opening (9am) when the light is soft and crowds are thin. Walk the upper trail for endemic Canarian pines and dragon trees; look for the labeled sections on Tenerife and Gran Canaria flora.

This writer's birthplace on Calle Cano in Triana district holds original manuscripts and period furniture. Allow 20 minutes for the video overview before touring the rooms.

Drive up the GC-210 from the coast; the pine forest trail to the Mirador de la Cilla viewpoint takes about 90 minutes round trip and faces the west coast. Bring a jacket and sunscreen as conditions shift fast at 1500m elevation.

Search for the Cave Museum (Museo de la Guayadeque) inside the ravine walls to see how the Canarios once lived here. Stop at one of the cave restaurants carved into the cliff face for a drink and the valley view.

Walk to the northern end near the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus for the widest horizon view as the sun drops behind the mountains. La Barra sandbar is visible at low tide and makes a good photo spot.