An island made for social media where behind every photo is a story waiting to happen.

Gran Canaria isn’t shy when it comes to showing off. One minute it’s serving volcanic drama that looks like the moon after a night out, the next it’s giving you turquoise coves and rainbow sunsets straight out of a travel influencer’s feed.

This is an island made for social media, but the real beauty is, behind every photo is a story waiting to happen. Whether you’re a selfie connoisseur, drone devotee, or someone who just wants to make your mates jealous back home, here are 10 of the best places to capture Gran Canaria’s good side (spoiler: it doesn’t really have a bad one).

1. Maspalomas Dunes
If there’s one shot that screams ‘Gran Canaria,’ it’s this. Endless golden dunes rolling towards the Atlantic like waves frozen in sand. Go at sunrise or sunset for the best light - the dunes glow amber, the shadows deepen, and the crowds haven’t yet trampled your perfect shot.
Pro tip: Ditch the flip-flops and walk barefoot; it’s surprisingly peaceful, and your footprints look great in silhouette shots.
 
2. Amadores Beach
If beaches were cocktails, Amadores would be a Pina Colada: bright, smooth, and effortlessly photogenic. The bay curves like a smile, framed by aquamarine water and white sand imported from the Caribbean (yes, really).
Pro tip: Grab a photo from the coastal walkway between Amadores and Puerto Rico - it’s one of the best angles, especially in the golden hour before sunset.
 
3. Vegueta, Las Palmas
Time for a little old-town magic. Vegueta, the historic quarter of Las Palmas, is all cobbled streets, carved balconies, and colonial charm. The pastel houses and bright wooden shutters make a perfect backdrop for shots that feel more Havana than holiday resort.
Pro tip: Check out Calle Mendizábal for its photogenic cafés and quiet corners. Then wander to Santa Ana Cathedral, where the twin towers give a dramatic skyline shot from the plaza below.
 
4. Puerto de Mogán (‘Little Venice’)
No filters needed here - the colours do all the work. Whitewashed houses trimmed in blue, magenta bougainvillea spilling over balconies, and boats bobbing in the marina. Wander across the flower-draped bridges that earned the town its nickname, and you’ll find photo ops at every turn.
Pro tip: The best shots are taken early morning when the sunlight hits the façades.
 
5. Roque Nublo
This one’s for the adventurers. Roque Nublo - the island’s iconic volcanic rock, standing proudly 1,813 metres above sea level - is the shot that says, ‘I conquered Gran Canaria.’
Pro tip: Hike up from La Goleta car park (about 30–40 minutes each way). The reward: panoramic views across the island and, on clear days, Mount Teide on neighbouring Tenerife floating on the horizon. Bring water and your triumphant pose of choice.
 
6. Pico de las Nieves
If Roque Nublo is the symbol of Gran Canaria, Pico de las Nieves is its throne. This is the island’s highest point (1,949 m) and home to one of the best sunset panoramas in the Canaries.
Pro tip: From up here, you can see the ocean on both sides of the island, with Roque Nublo jutting proudly from the landscape like a sculpture. It’s a perfect place for drone shots, or a wide-angle photo that’ll make your followers swear you’re standing on the edge of the world.
 
7. Barranco de las Vacas (Gran Canaria’s ‘Mini Antelope Canyon’)
Hidden near Aguimes, this narrow ravine has become an Instagram sensation, and for good reason. The swirling red and orange sandstone looks straight out of Arizona, but it’s only a few minutes off the GC-550 road.
Pro tip: Go early morning or late afternoon when the light bounces dramatically off the walls. You’ll need sturdy shoes and a bit of patience (there’s room for only a handful of people at once), but the photos are worth every step.
 
8. Tejeda Village
Named one of Spain’s prettiest villages, Tejeda is all about whitewashed houses clinging to mountainsides, with terracotta rooftops and almond trees scattered around like confetti. From the Mirador Cruz de Tejeda, you can capture both the village and Roque Bentayga in one stunning frame.
Pro tip: Pair the view with a local almond pastry and a coffee shot - social media gold.

9. Agaete Valley
Gran Canaria’s greenest secret. The Valle de Agaete is where tropical plants, coffee plantations, and banana groves meet rugged cliffs.
Pro tip: For a standout shot, head to Bodega Los Berrazales, a family-run coffee and wine estate surrounded by lush greenery. A steaming espresso in hand, a mountain view behind you - perfection.
 
10. Mirador del Balcón (The Dragon’s Tail)
Arguably the most jaw-dropping view on the island. Perched high above the cliffs on the west coast, this viewpoint looks down upon a serrated stretch of coastline known as ‘The Dragon’s Tail.’
Pro tip: The best time to visit? Sunset - when the cliffs catch fire with golden light and the Atlantic stretches endlessly below. It’s the kind of photo that needs no caption, just a few stunned emojis.

So take all the shots you can, of course. But after you’ve posted, liked, and hashtagged to your heart’s content, take a breath. Lower the lens and let the real view - unfiltered, unframed - sink in. Because the island might just be even more beautiful when you’re not trying to capture it.
 
Why These Spots Are Perfect for Social Media

• Natural Light Galore - The island’s sunshine makes every colour pop.
• Variety in One Day - Dunes, beaches, villages, and volcanoes all within an hour’s drive.
• Colour Everywhere - From bright bougainvillea to pastel buildings, the palette’s unbeatable.
• Compact & Connected - You can shoot sunrise in the dunes and sunset in the mountains.
• Authentic Backdrops - It’s not just about pretty, it’s about place.