Destination guide
Gran Canaria's towns and villages: heritage from coast to mountains
A guide to Las Palmas, Arucas, Teror, Gáldar, Tejeda and the varied municipalities of Gran Canaria.
Beyond its beach resorts, Gran Canaria has a rich network of towns and villages with traditional architecture, agricultural landscapes and stories stretching far into the island's past.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria includes the historic Vegueta district, with the cathedral and surrounding squares. Further north, Arucas is known for its distinctive stone architecture and traditional town centre.
Teror has elegant Canary Island balconies and important religious traditions. Gáldar preserves archaeological evidence of the Indigenous past, notably at the Cueva Pintada complex.
In the mountains, Tejeda and Artenara provide spectacular scenery and rural character. Plan visits by region rather than trying to cover the whole island in one day.