Things to do in Gran Canaria

Date Ideas in Gran Canaria

Love is in the air on Gran Canaria. Make the most of romantic rendezvous by exploring the island with your significant other.

Romance comes alive in Gran Canaria, dancing on gilded sands, whispering through verdant valleys, and painting masterpieces in the sky with every sunset. This enchanting destination beckons lovers with its siren song, bringing them to a place where new adventures await everywhere.

New lovers take journeys of discovery, and established couples develop deeper bonds as they explore this island getaway at the heart of the Canary Islands. Here are a few of our favorite romantic things to do in Gran Canaria.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

History, culture, and romance collide in the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Situated on sparkling Atlantic shores, this city provides the perfect scenery for falling in love all over again.

1. Discover the Historic Vegueta

Meander down palm-lined cobblestone streets hand in hand at the historic Vegueta. This neighborhood takes you back in time with centuries-old buildings and homes. You’ll also find some of the most intimate spots in Gran Canaria amid the lazy paths and hidden plazas.

Stroll through the Catedral de Santa Ana, one of the area’s oldest buildings. Then, ponder the mystery of the eight cast-iron dogs at Plaza de Santa Ana. The nearby roofed stone fountain at Plaza del Espíritu Santo offers a serene spot to steal a kiss and snap a photo.

If you’re looking for a spot to sit down and share impressions, Plaza de Santo Domingo features benches shaded from the sun. Complete your exploration by walking through Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno, a modern art museum featuring 2,600 unique pieces.

If you’re feeling hungry, head to Calle Pelota or Calle Mendizábal. These neighborhood spots boast a variety of bars, terraces, and restaurants so you can dine, drink, and dance while you watch the sunset.

Photographer: Joel Rohland

2. Relax at Playa de Las Canteras

Dig your toes in the sand as you embrace at Playa de Las Canteras. You can paddleboard along vibrant coral reefs and watch marine life play here. This 2-km golden sand beach also offers opportunities to sunbathe, snorkel, and surf with your significant other.

As evening falls, make romantic plans for tomorrow at a quiet restaurant along the beachfront terraces. Share local cuisine and wine against the backdrop of the moonlit ocean. Find secluded spots to watch the sun rise and set near the La Barra, a volcanic rock formation.

3. Explore the Poema del Mar Aquarium

Wander through an aquatic wonderland at Poema del Mar Aquarium. This immersive aquarium takes you through areas with diverse marine life, including the reef, jungle, beach, and deep ocean, for the experience of a lifetime.

Amble through the ocean tunnel, a pathway cut through a world of vivid sea life. Marvel at the majesty as frisky fish and stately sharks swim around you. Next, head to the moon jellyfish tank, where you can bask in their bioluminescent beauty with your lover.

Maspalomas

Home to numerous resorts on the southern coast, the city of Maspalomas offers multiple places for memorable dates in Gran Canaria. The sun, sea, and dunescapes create a vibrant ambiance and punctuate the area’s potential for passion.

4. Spend a Day at Palmitos Park

Enjoy a romantic retreat amid lush gardens and native wildlife at Palmitos Park. Colorful blooms and exotic birds sit along the pathways here. Look for picnic spots along the trails when you want to share an alfresco meal by a waterfall.

Gaze into each other’s eyes among palm plants and trees worldwide, and grasp hands in front of the grandeur of blossoming buds in the Orchid House. We love how this botanical garden features a dolphin encounter that lets you swim with these gentle creatures.

5. Sunbathe at Playa de Amadores

Spread your towels on the white sand at Playa de Amadores and enjoy a day of sun worship together. As the two of you take in the stunning scenery, all your worries will drift away like the pillowy clouds above.

Bring some adventure to your excursion by grabbing a snorkel and observing marine wildlife up close and personal. You can also scuba dive and paddleboard together. When the sun sets, the colors of the sky shift to orange, gold, and pink, casting a warm glow across the ocean.

At night, revel in the soft glow of lanterns as restaurants and bars along the resort-linked promenade open for dinner. Savor local dishes and drinks together, entranced by each other and the soft tones of live music playing in the distance.

Photographer: Lydia

Puerto de Mogán

Known for its busy harbor and bougainvillea-covered buildings, Puerto de Mogán coaxes love into bloom with lovely landscapes and romantic restaurants. The laid-back ambiance makes this southwestern coastal city comfortable for love-filled activities.

6. Visit Little Venice

Three canals running from the wharves and a network of narrow streets make Little Venice an Italian-style delight in Spanish territory. Gaze at the scenic views and passing travelers while leaning on the edge of bridges dotting this quaint neighborhood.

All the streets lead to the marina, so you can explore the local boutiques or sip coffee at area cafés with confidence that you'll easily find your way back. The promenade here tends to be quieter than other island areas, making it perfect for romantic dinners.

7. Take a Sunset Boat Trip

Some say Puerto de Mogán has the best spots for watching sunsets. Taking a boat trip off the coast enhances these amazing views. While you wait, hang close to the beach, snorkel in the sea, or nosh tasty appetizers on the open deck.

The sunset isn’t all you'll see on your boat trip—you might also spy a giant whale or porpoise while you cruise the ocean. Several tours operate from the local marina and focus solely on spotting various species of whales and friendly dolphins.

For more adventurous dates, consider a kayaking tour within area caves. Jump together from the tall rock formations to enhance trust in an idyllic atmosphere. Or, hop aboard a boat to the neighboring Canary Island to stargaze in Tenerife.

Photographer: GregMontani

The Heart of Gran Canaria

Give your heart to each other at the island's heart, where romantic opportunities abound in every direction. When you’re looking for quieter excursions, this area has excellent spots for romantic outings.

8. Admire the Barranco de Fataga and Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas

Revel in the barren beauty of the Barranco de Fataga from the Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas. Climb to the top for awe-inspiring views of the volcanically created valley below.

Quarries dot the landscape due to the use of these volcanic rocks in local construction efforts. Celebrate the biodiversity by looking for keystone flora, such as tabaiba, a sweet plant that produces rubber-like sap that locals chew as gum. At the bottom of the valley, discover the Canary palm tree and the Gran Canaria dragon tree—a species you'll only find here.

9. Stroll through Fataga Village

After you check out the higher altitude views together, complete the experience with a stroll through Fataga Village. This tucked-away spot moves slower than the city, giving you space to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Rent a room at a rural hotel and venture to the Pilancones Nature Reserve to admire the local flora and fauna. Before you leave, sit down for a romantic meal at one of the area's restaurants.

Tejeda

When you want a change of scenery from the beautiful beaches, the charming mountain village of Tejeda awaits. Towering peaks and lush valleys surround this village, providing panoramic views of rugged, unforgettable landscapes.

10. Hike to Roque Nublo

When you’re looking for active pursuits with your partner, a hike to Roque Nublo should be on your list. Jutting up from the center of the area, this tall volcanic rock sits in one of the largest natural crags in the world.

This short 1.5-km hike starts at the main road and takes you near other natural monuments, including La Rana and El Fraile. From this vantage point, you can hold hands and gaze out at the dams and towns below.

Photographer: Juan Álvarez Ajamil

11. Visit the Medicinal Plants Center

Indulge a mutual love for botany at the Medicinal Plants Center. Created through a cross-discipline collaboration, this space tracks the history of this area's helpful plant life and provides a unique window into the island’s rich and storied history.

Discover various uses for all kinds of flora in the center’s multipurpose room, and explore your relationship—and the relationship between man and nature. Learn more about local plants in the interpretive garden, where you can admire their beauty and appreciate their smells and textures.

San Bartolomé de Tirajana

When you’re looking for spots for beach picnics, San Bartolomé de Tirajana has you covered. This area also has some of the best restaurants in Gran Canaria, whether you’re looking for a decadent breakfast, a tasty lunch, or a romantic spot for dinner.

This neighborhood is situated on the island's southern portion and hosts popular tourist destinations and hidden gems. We love to stop by these romantic spots when visiting the island.

12. Embark on a Camel Safari

Camel safaris offer a unique view of the Valley of a Thousand Palms. These tours take you through volcanic ravines and tropical gardens for the experience of a lifetime. Feed the animals and explore the oasis for a fun afternoon full of laughter and learning.

Source: OK Gran Canaria

Northwest Coast

Escape the festive resort atmosphere by visiting the northwest coast. Its rugged beauty and charming coastal village call out to lovers seeking a quiet spot to contemplate life and love amid the beauty of the Canary Islands. We love these spots when we need a break from the bustle.

13. Sunset at Agaete

The town of Agaete offers stunning sunset views. Here, you can hold hands and get to know each other better as you lounge on the beach, trek through the mountains, or explore one of the tourist attractions.

When the sun sets, you can take in the natural pools or enjoy the view from a quaint Puerto de las Nieves restaurant.

14. Visit the Coffee Plantations

Bond over your love of java at Bodega Los Berrazales, the only coffee plantation in Europe. Take a tour to learn about the Tamadaba Mountain estate's 200-year history and discover how these delicious beans get from the ground to your cup.

The tour takes roughly 75 minutes and includes visiting a tropical fruit plantation. At the end of the tour, you and your partner can enjoy product tasting for a fully immersive experience.

Cultural Exploration

In Gran Canaria, romantic plans and cultural exploration go hand in hand. We love how these cultural attractions lend a timeless aura to a lover’s getaway.

15. Cenobio de Valerón

Learn about the lives of ancient Canarians by visiting the Cenobio de Valerón. This aboriginal grain storage site shows how people of the past preserved their food by utilizing their local environment.

The guided tour employs information boards, models to scale, and life-size exhibits to help you and your sweetheart connect with the island's past. This attraction is open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday.

Create Unforgettable Moments With Date Ideas in Gran Canaria

We can't think of anything more romantic than cozying up with your significant other in the Canary Islands. Make your date last all evening with one of our shows in Gran Canaria.

Share intense gazes with your beloved as you immerse yourselves in our passionate movements and thrilling acrobatics. We'll take you to a special place where love is all you need.

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