Four places beyond the main resort areas for travellers who want to see a quieter, more local side of the island.
Gran Canaria is much more than its famous beaches and resorts. Across the island you can still find small coastal settlements, protected landscapes and green ravines that feel very different from the busiest tourist areas. These four places were already part of Leisure Gran Canaria's local guides and are a good starting point if you want to discover another side of the island.
El Risco is the westernmost neighbourhood of Agaete, around half an hour from the town centre. It retains a strongly rural character, with agriculture, livestock farming and local food production forming part of the area.
Tufia combines a small coastal settlement, a beach and one of Telde's important archaeological areas. Nearby Aguadulce is a small, rustic beach with golden sand inside the protected Tufia natural area.
This green ravine forms part of the wider Los Marteles protected landscape. The area is known for its vegetation, steep ravine scenery and the willow woodland around the upper Barranco de los Cernícalos.
El Álamo is a rural area of Teror, a municipality known for its historic centre, mountain scenery and walking routes. The Barranco del Álamo offers visitors a chance to combine a greener landscape with a visit to one of Gran Canaria's most traditional towns.
If you want to mix independent exploring with organised activities, browse our handpicked nature and adventure experiences across Gran Canaria.
Local information has been cross-checked against official tourism information from the Agaete Tourism Office, Telde Tourism, Gran Canaria Tourism and Teror Tourism.