Gran Canaria is one of the islands that make up the Spanish archipelago the Canary Islands. The islands are situated close to the west coast of North Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Gran Canaria’s climate is spring-like all year around which attracts a high number of tourists.
The island can basically be divided in coast and mountains. Most people associate Gran Canaria with sunshine and beach tourism. Nonetheless, also the rural area away from the coast is worthwhile a visit. Those who are looking for tranquility and nature distant from tourist hotspots will find a true gem in the rural part of Gran Canaria. Staying in one of the so-called “Casas Rurales” is the perfect starting point to explore Gran Canaria’s places off the beaten track.
Read also:
Top 4 hidden gems of Gran Canaria
2 day trip to the hidden beach Güigüi
Apart from the coastal zones Gran Canaria consists mainly of mountains. Those offer lots of hiking and biking possibilities for outdoor-active sport-lovers. Nevertheless, you don’t have to do sports to enjoy the landscape. Simply renting a car and driving through the scenic mountain roads is a great experience too.
The rural and mountainous area of Gran Canaria is located in the center of the island. Once you head away from the coast towards the middle of the island you soon encounter steep and curvy roads that lead you to the mountains.
*In the course of my trip to Gran Canaria Casitas Canarias invited me and my friend to stay two nights for free in their apartments.
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Transportation
I highly recommend renting a car to get around in the mountains. The villages are small enough to walk everything but you need a car to get from village to village. There are busses too but the public transport system in the rural area isn’t well developed. Especially for going to places off the beaten track a car is definitely necessary. You can rent a car for 20€ per day.
Where to go
The scenery in the rural part of Gran Canaria is wonderful everywhere. Green mountains, charming villages and spectacular viewpoints are all around. I recommend doing a road trip to several places taking the roads that lead through the mountains.
Tejeda
Tejeda is a tiny mountain village located in the middle of Gran Canaria at 1.050 m above sea level. The views on the way to get there are stunning. No matter from which side you arrive to Tejeda, you pass by impressive valleys and mountainous landscapes. We stopped the car several times on the way to step out and admire the breathtaking landscape.
The restaurant “El Almendro” in the center of Tejeda offers a lovely terrace. There you can enjoy the sunshine paired with an impressive mountain view and good food.
The area around Tejeda is also a starting point for many hikes. From there you can head to the famous landmark Roque Nublo or Pico de Las Nieves. Both of them are mountain peaks which you can reach either by car or by hiking.
Recommendation:
Watch the sunset at Pico de Las Nieves at 1.949 m. It’s the highest point that can be visited on Gran Canaria and the view is accordingly amazing. You can even spot the peak of volcano Teide on the neighbouring island Tenerife. Volcano Teide is Spain’s highest peak at 3.715 m.
Teror
Teror is said to be Gran Canarias most beautiful and authentic traditional village. Featuring ancient architecture and mountain views it is definitely worth visiting. The village invites to explore the old town and its small and lovely shops.
Recommendation:
Visit Teror on a Sunday to experience the traditional Sunday market.
Arucas
Arucas is home of Europe’s oldest rum distillery “Arehucas”. You can book a factory tour which ends with a rum tasting. From banana rum to chocolate rum and the traditional Canarian honey rum – you can try all flavours and as much as you want.
Recommendation:
Visit Mirador de la Montaña de Arucas for a beautiful view. This viewpoint is located on a hill near the center of Arucas. You can drive up the hill by car.
Santa Lucía de Tirajana
Santa Lucía de Tirajana is one of those villages where you can feel the authenticity of local life. The historic town features typical Canarian houses and is surrounded by mountains.
Santa Lucía is a small village and everything is reachable within a few minutes walking distance. I loved strolling through the streets while taking in the impressive mountainous scenery.
Recommendation:
Visit Hotel las Tirajanas to have a drink or something to eat. It’s located in San Bartolomé which is a 15 minute drive from Santa Lucía. The views from the terrace are gorgeous as you overlook the massive mountain range.
Where to stay
Casitas Canarias is a provider of tourism apartments in rural areas on Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Palma. The apartments are situated in calm areas surrounded by nature. Each accommodation has some peculiarities that make it different from the rest. This is one of the characteristics that distinguishes Casitas Canarias from conventional holiday apartments. During my stay on Gran Canaria I was invited to stay in two different apartments which were both lovely and charming in their own way.
Finca Casa Nanita – Fontanales
During my time in the mountains I enjoyed staying in this calm finca to truly take in the tranquility and the beauty of nature. Finca Casa Nanita consists of three apartments in a quiet location on the country side near Fontanales. This place has a special history as it was one of the first apartments on Gran Canaria to open for tourism. The interior of the finca is rustic but cozy. Due to this combination you can imagine how people have lived there many years ago but it’s warm enough to feel completely comfortable.
The apartments can fit two to five people so they’re perfect for couples and families, as well as friends who travel together. Every apartment has a bedroom, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and even a small living room with a TV. In addition, there’s free WIFI and heating as it can get pretty cold in the mountains. The bed is extremely comfortable and several blankets and pillows allow you to get super cozy at night.
All three apartments share a spacious terrace and a swimming pool with built-in jacuzzi. Separate entrances with individual seating areas provide privacy for all guests. This apartment is perfect for nature-lovers who like to step out of the door and hear the sound of birds singing. It is a place to disconnect from everyday life and spend some time with your loved ones. The terrace of Finca Casa Nanita is a peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy the mountain air. One of the things that I especially liked was that there are lemon trees and orange trees in the garden where you can pick fresh fruits.
Allureh – Santa Lucía de Tirajana
For the second night in the mountains Casitas Canarias hosted us in the Allureh apartment. This apartment is located right in the heart of Santa Lucía de Tirajana.
The apartment consists of two storeys which include a spacious living room with a TV on the ground floor and a bedroom, a bathroom and a balcony on the upper floor. Besides that, there’s a big and fully equipped kitchen with a separate entrance. The highlight of this apartment is the private pool where you can relax on loungers and enjoy the sun.
While the outside of the building features historic walls, the interior is equipped with modern high-end furniture. It looks like the apartment has just been completely refurbished as everything seems to be new.
When the first sun-rays light up the balcony in the morning it’s inviting to get up and have a coffee outside. I truly appreciated the fully equipped kitchen as we could make our coffee in the morning to start the day right.
What I especially liked about Allureh apartment was the tranquility it provides despite being in the middle of Santa Lucía. The little patio provides privacy and sheds you from any disturbance from outside.
Overall, I truly enjoyed my time in the rural area of Gran Canaria and I hope to come back soon. The island is much more than just beaches, yet, tourists spend most of their time in the coastal zones. If you want to avoid tourist crowds and spend some calm days in nature, the rural area is a great alternative to the coast.
December 29, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Gran Canaria looks really great. I visited Lanzarote a few years ago and would love to head to this island as well 😍
December 30, 2019 at 1:42 pm
I loved Lanzarote too! Gran Canaria is my favourite of the Canary Islands though because it has such a diverse nature 🙂 you’d love it there!
December 30, 2019 at 2:00 am
Well you seriously have convinced me to do a trip to the Canary Islands. All of your photos and blog posts from here are amazing and so beautiful! Plus you stayed in some gorgeous places. 🙂 Definitely keeping your articles handy for when I plan my trip.
December 30, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Thanks Taylor! I really recommend visiting the Canary Islands, I’m sure you’d have a great time there 🙂
December 30, 2019 at 4:05 am
Wow! I went to Grand Canaria many years ago and only explored the beaches! Your post makes me want to go back and explore more of the island! Thanks for sharing!
December 30, 2019 at 1:45 pm
Most tourists only visit the beaches without knowing about the stunning landscapes in the rural area. Maybe you can make it to Gran Canaria again one day and explore the mountains too 🙂
December 30, 2019 at 4:37 pm
OMG never heard about this tiny Island! but this is such straight out of fairytale. I loved that Finca Casa Nanita.Also those sunset views are just to die for.Lovely article and Glad to know about such cool destination.
December 31, 2019 at 1:43 am
Thank you! The nature of this island really is stunning. I highly recommend visiting it!
December 30, 2019 at 7:03 pm
This looks beautiful- I have never been to Gran Canaria and Teror looks so beautiful. The rural side looks so untouched especially with the amazing landscapes. The apartment sounds like it has everything you need. Love the photo of your yoga pose
December 31, 2019 at 1:49 am
The rural area and the landscapes there really are a dream. I love the tranquility there!
December 30, 2019 at 10:31 pm
After the craziness of the holidays – I could really use a getaway such as one to the tranquility of Gran Canaria. The beaches look so serene and the sunsets out of this world. I would like to take some time relaxing on the beaches and mix it up with some scenic hikes across the island. Beautiful photos!
December 31, 2019 at 1:50 am
Oh yeah, I wish I could go back again as well! The island really has it all – beaches, mountains and great weather.
December 31, 2019 at 6:45 am
Wow, the mountains look so rugged on Gran Canaria! The small towns and villages also look like quite the experience. I’m also surprised to learn that it only costs 20 Euro to rent a car per day. The Canary Islands (as well as the Azores) are high on my travel wish list. Thanks for sharing!
December 31, 2019 at 10:08 am
Funny that you mention the Azores. For this trip I was deciding between Gran Canaria and the Azores. Finally I opted for Gran Canaria because I have friends there and it’s warmer in December. But the Azores are super high on my list too and I really want to visit them soon.
December 31, 2019 at 7:26 am
Visiting the Canary Islands is on our bucket list and I really enjoyed reading your detailed, informative post on rural Gran Canaria. Good to know that renting a car to explore the rural area is the ideal transport option and the daily price for the car rental sounds quite reasonable as well. The sunset from Pico de Las Nieves is mesmerizing and thanks for the tip regarding visiting Teror on a Sunday to experience its traditional market. This guide will definitely come in handy when we plan our trip – thanks for sharing the helpful details.
December 31, 2019 at 10:52 am
I’m glad I could provide some helpful information for you. Hope you get to visit Gran Canaria someday, it’s a truly stunning island.
December 31, 2019 at 1:51 pm
This looks amazing! I’m actually visiting Gran Canaria for the first time next week, so I’m definitely saving this. I wasn’t planning to rent a car because I’m on a budget, but I’m reconsidering it now. I had no idea there was so much to see in the rural areas. Teror sounds especially lovely.
January 10, 2020 at 4:25 pm
That’s awesome! I highly recommend renting a car, it’s not that expensive and you get to see so many more stunning places. Can’t wait to hear how you liked it.
January 1, 2020 at 5:19 pm
I’m totally sold for Canary Islands trip! Your pictures speak for itself how splendid they are! The view from Mirador de la Montaña de Arucas is absolutely breathtaking. Adding it to my 2020 bucket list!
January 10, 2020 at 4:35 pm
Great that you like it, I hope you get the chance to go there. The island is amazing!
January 10, 2020 at 4:55 pm
I am also very attracted to the Canary Islands, but I did not have much time to visit there. It’s great that you shared your journey. I am intrigued and definitely want to be there!
January 10, 2020 at 5:01 pm
I’m sure you would like it there!
January 11, 2020 at 10:14 am
I have always wanted to visit Canary Islands since I saw the lovely coastal pictures on Instagram a few years ago. But I didn’t imagine anything beyond the lovely waters. I read your post and see that there are lovely mountain villages and staying in an apartment like yours, while enjoying some hiking during the day in Gran Canaria sounds like a great plan and a nice little break from visiting the beaches and swimming.
January 12, 2020 at 6:08 am
The rural area really is the perfect alternative as a change to the beaches. Hope you get to visit the Canary Islands someday! 🙂