Walk through Plaza de Santa Ana and the cobblestone streets around Calle Mendizábal to see colonial architecture from the 15th century. Search for the old town area south of the cathedral for the best preserved buildings.

Visit the cathedral interior and climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and harbor. The adjacent square offers a good vantage point for photos.

Explore the 15th century house where Christopher Columbus supposedly stayed on his way to the Americas. Look for the model ships and pre-Columbian artifacts in the permanent collection.

Browse the produce and prepared food stalls in this covered market near Plaza Hurtado de Mendoza. Good spot to buy local cheeses and sample fresh tropical fruits.

Examine the extensive collection of pre-Hispanic Canarian artifacts including pottery, tools, and mummies. The museum is a short walk west of the market near Calle Dr. Verneau.

Wander through the terraced gardens featuring native Canarian plant species and a small cactus collection. It is located north of the city center near the Barranco Guiniguada ravine.

Stroll along the three kilometer golden sand beach protected by a natural reef offshore. The promenade is busy at sunset with locals walking along Avenida de Las Canteras.

Search the streets just behind Las Canteras beach promenade for small seafood restaurants with chalkboard menus. Order the fried fish platter or grilled octopus with local mojo sauces.

Walk the main footpath from the Maspalomas lighthouse toward the desert-like dunes, and climb the largest dune ridge for panoramic views over the coast and the nature reserve.

Arrive by 11am to catch the dolphin show and the bird of prey demonstration. Bring sunscreen and water as the park is mostly open air with shaded paths between exhibits.

Explore the canals and pedestrian streets behind the marina, then walk up to the small lookout point near the church for a photo of the colorful buildings and harbor.

This artificial golden sand beach has calm waters ideal for swimming. Rent a sunbed from the kiosk near the middle entrance and walk the seaside promenade toward Puerto Rico.

Look for a restaurant along the inner marina with grilled fish displayed on ice outside. Order the catch of the day or a mixed seafood platter.

A 45-minute hike from the trailhead leads to Gran Canaria's iconic volcanic monolith. Arrive early for the best chance of clear skies before clouds fill the valley.

The island's highest point at 1,949 meters with sweeping views across the island. The main viewpoint is right off the parking area and works best on cloud-free mornings.

Walk around Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pino to see the traditional wooden balconies and whitewashed facades. Search for Calle Real de la Plaza for the most photographed streets.

Drive into the ravine to see cave houses and cave restaurants carved directly into the cliffside. Stop at the ethnographic museum to learn about the area's Guanche history.

A pre-Hispanic granary with over 300 cave chambers stacked vertically in the cliff face. The short uphill walk to the entrance takes about 15 minutes.

Look for restaurants around Plaza de Teror and the surrounding cobblestone streets. Many places have outdoor terraces and serve home-style Canarian recipes passed down through generations.

Explore the pre-Hispanic painted cave and the on-site museum in Gáldar. The underground chambers show geometric designs by the ancient Canarian people.

Walk along this scenic fishing harbor on the northwest coast. Look for the natural rock arch called El Roque Partido jutting out of the water.

Stop at this cliffside lookout for dramatic views down sheer basalt cliffs to the Atlantic. It sits right on the coast road between Agaete and La Aldea.

Hike through Canary Island pine forest on marked trails near the park's visitor center. The views from the higher ridges overlook both the coast and the central mountains.

Drive up to the crater rim and walk part of the edge for a full view of the volcanic bowl below. You can also hike down into the crater floor itself.

Head to the pedestrian promenade on the north end near Playa Chica for golden hour light. Grab a takeaway coffee from one of the kiosks along Paseo de Las Canteras.