Southern Gran Canaria Travel Guide

This comprehensive tour guide provides information on the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, and transportation options and logistics in Southern Gran Canaria.


Introduction to Southern Gran Canaria

Located in the Canary Islands of Spain, Southern Gran Canaria is a stunning destination that offers travelers everything from beautiful beaches to rugged mountains. This region has a rich history, as well as a vibrant culture and exciting activities for visitors to enjoy.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Gran Canaria

Here are some of the best places to visit in Southern Gran Canaria:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Casa-Museo Antonio Padrón: This museum is dedicated to the works of local artist Antonio Padrón. It features a wide variety of his paintings, sculptures, and engravings.

  • Cueva Pintada Museum: This museum is home to some of the island’s most impressive ancient artworks, including cave paintings and other forms of indigenous art.

Natural Attractions of Southern Gran Canaria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Maspalomas Dunes: This impressive natural wonder covers nearly five square kilometers of the coast of Gran Canaria. The dunes offer a beautiful contrast to the clear blue waters of the Atlantic.

  • Roque Nublo: This towering rock formation is one of the most impressive mountain peaks in all of Gran Canaria. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Gran Canaria

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of amazing hiking and biking routes to explore in Southern Gran Canaria, including:

  • Pico de las Nieves Trail: This challenging hike offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.

  • Carrizal de Tejeda Trail: This scenic route takes hikers through beautiful forests and mountain landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Southern Gran Canaria: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Southern Gran Canaria:

  • Water Sports: Southern Gran Canaria is home to some of the best water sports in the world, including snorkeling, diving, and surfing.

  • Local Markets: Visitors can explore local markets, sampling some of the island’s delicious fruits, vegetables, and freshly caught seafood.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Gran Canaria

Visitors to Southern Gran Canaria can enjoy a week-long itinerary that includes:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Maspalomas Dunes
2 Explore the town of San Bartolomé de Tirajana
3 Hike the Pico de las Nieves Trail
4 Visit the Cueva Pintada Museum
5 Enjoy a day of water sports
6 Sample local cuisine at a market
7 Relax on the beach

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Gran Canaria

Visitors to Southern Gran Canaria will find plenty of unique and delicious dishes to enjoy, including:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Papas Arrugadas con Mojo: This dish features small potatoes boiled in salt water and served with a spicy sauce.

  • Gofio: This traditional Canarian flour is often used as a thickener for soups and stews.

Local Beverages

  • Ron Miel: This sweet honey rum is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

  • Café Barraquito: This coffee drink features a special blend of spices, condensed milk, and a shot of Licor 43.

Where to Stay in Southern Gran Canaria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Gran Canaria offers a wide variety of lodging options to cater to all tastes and budgets:

  • Hotels: Visitors can choose from luxurious beachfront resorts to quaint boutique hotels.

  • Hostels: Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy comfortable accommodations in hostels throughout the region.

  • Guesthouses: Visitors who prefer a more intimate experience can stay in a traditional Canarian guesthouse.

What to Buy in Southern Gran Canaria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some unique souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring home include:

  • Aloe Vera Products: The plant is grown throughout Gran Canaria, and there are lots of Aloe Vera products on offer.

  • Canarian Cheese: Visitors can sample and purchase various types of delicious cheese.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Gran Canaria

The locals of Southern Gran Canaria are warm and welcoming. It’s recommended that visitors learn a few Spanish phrases and customs to show respect to the locals.

Best Time to Visit Southern Gran Canaria

The best time to visit Southern Gran Canaria depends on personal preference, but typical visitors prefer to visit in the Spring and early Autumn months to enjoy the best of both worlds - good weather and reasonable prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Gran Canaria

Do:

  • Learn basic Spanish: It’s respectful to greet locals using Spanish phrases as it shows that you acknowledge the local customs.

  • Pack sunscreen: Southern Gran Canaria has warm and sunny weather throughout the year.

Don’t:

  • Overlook local customs: Visitors should respect the customs of the local people and avoid any activities that might offend them.

  • Lose your documents & money: Visitors should always ensure they keep their documents and money safe to prevent loss or theft.

Safety and Health

Visitors to Southern Gran Canaria should be aware of the safety and health measures in place, such as:

Safety in Southern Gran Canaria

  • Emergency Services: Visitors should save the emergency number (112) in their phone as a precaution.

  • Be careful while swimming: Always practice caution when swimming or engaging in water sports due to the strong currents and tides.

Health in Southern Gran Canaria

  • Medical Insurance: Visitors should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any health-related issues.

  • Stay Hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated due to the warm and sunny weather.

Getting to Southern Gran Canaria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Southern Gran Canaria by airplane or bus.

Airports Near Southern Gran Canaria

  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): This is the biggest and primary airport in the Canary Islands. Visitors can take a direct flight to this airport from various cities in Spain and Europe.

Bus Stations Near Southern Gran Canaria

  • Puerto Rico bus station: Located in the center of Puerto Rico, it serves various routes to other towns and cities in the region.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Visitors can rent vehicles to explore the region at their convenience.

How to Get Around in Southern Gran Canaria

Visitors can use various transportation options to get around Southern Gran Canaria, including:

  • Bus: The local buses offer an affordable travel option to most destinations within the region.

  • Taxi: Taxis are available throughout the region for short trips.

Where to Go Next from Southern Gran Canaria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Southern Gran Canaria can explore and nearby destinations, including:

  • Tenerife: This island has beautiful beaches, historic sites and is a popular destination for whale watching tours.

  • Fuerteventura: This island has some of the world’s most amazing beaches and is recognized as a world biosphere reserve.

Conclusion

Southern Gran Canaria is a stunning destination in the Canary Islands that offers visitors a wealth of things to see, do, taste, and experience. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, this region offers something for everyone.

A table with approximate taxi fares to various places on the island A table with approximate taxi fares to various places on the island View of beach in Playa del Inglés View of beach in Playa del Inglés Lighthouse in Maspalomas Lighthouse in Maspalomas The Yumbo Centre entrance The Yumbo Centre entrance


    Maspalomas