Top 6 Scenic Drives in Gran Canaria
From volcanic drama to sleepy hilltop villages, we take you on a winding journey along Gran Canaria’s six best drives.
Hiring a car in Gran Canaria is one of those travel moves that turns a good holiday into a great one. It gives you the freedom to slip away from the resorts, chase sunsets up in the mountains, and find those tucked-away tapas bars the tour buses never reach.
Here's our selection of the 6-best drives on Gran Canaria:
1. GC-60: Maspalomas to Tejeda via Fataga
Distance: 43 km | Drive time: 1 hr 15 mins (without stops – but you’ll definitely stop)
Start your journey where the dunes meet the desert – Maspalomas - and climb into the island’s volcanic heart. The GC-60 is one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic drives, snaking past the ochre cliffs and palm-fringed oasis of Fataga, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Palms.”
Stop at Mirador de la Degollada de las Yeguas for a panorama that looks straight out of a Western. Then wind your way to San Bartolomé de Tirajana, a sleepy village of whitewashed houses, and onward to Tejeda, perched 1,000 metres up and crowned one of Spain’s prettiest villages.
Grab a coffee with a view of Roque Nublo, the island’s famous volcanic monolith, and try not to gloat about how smugly off grid you feel.
2. GC-200: Agaete to Aldea de San Nicolás (via Mirador del Balcón)
Distance: 42 km | Drive time: 1 hr 10 mins
Gran Canaria’s wild west awaits. The GC-200 hugs cliffs so dramatic they could give the Amalfi Coast a run for its euros. Leaving the charming port of Agaete, where white houses tumble towards the Atlantic, you’ll follow hairpin bends that reveal endless blue sea and jagged peaks.
Stop at Mirador del Balcón, dubbed “the Dragon’s Tail,” where the road drops away beneath you and the island’s serrated coastline unfurls into infinity. It’s one of the island’s most jaw-dropping viewpoints - and also one of the few places where silence feels like an event.
End your drive in Aldea de San Nicolás, a tranquil farming town surrounded by banana plantations and sleepy cafés.
3. GC-15: Las Palmas to Tejeda via Santa Brígida and San Mateo
Distance: 44 km | Drive time: 1 hr 20 mins
From city to summit, this route takes you from the bustle of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to the crisp mountain air of Tejeda. The GC-15 meanders through vineyards, eucalyptus forests, and avocado farms, offering a greener, gentler face of the island.
Stop in Santa Brígida for a coffee and a wander among its colonial-style houses, then continue through San Mateo, famous for its weekend farmers’ market. The final climb rewards you with those picture-perfect views over the Caldera de Tejeda and a reminder that you’re driving through the island’s volcanic heart.
4. GC-500: Maspalomas to Puerto de Mogán (Coastal Route)
Distance: 29 km | Drive time: 40 mins
For something more laid-back, follow the old coastal road from Maspalomas to Puerto de Mogán, affectionately called “Little Venice” for its flower-draped bridges and pastel-painted buildings.
This sun-soaked route passes Arguineguín, Anfi del Mar, and Amadores, offering views of the glittering Atlantic all the way. You’ll find tempting beach cafés for pit stops and enough photo ops to fill your camera roll.
Finish in Puerto de Mogán with grilled fish by the marina and a smug smile that says, “I’ve found paradise and I’m not telling anyone.”
5. GC-210: Tejeda to Artenara and Tamadaba Natural Park
Distance: 36 km | Drive time: 1 hr 10 mins
This mountain road feels like a secret handshake among locals. From Tejeda, head northwest towards Artenara, Gran Canaria’s highest village. Here, homes are carved into cliffs, and the views stretch to Tenerife’s Mount Teide on clear days.
Continue into Tamadaba Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve carpeted with pine forest. The air smells of resin and mountain rain, and the scenery feels untouched by time. It’s wild, remote, and humbling - a world away from the beach resorts below.
6. GC-550: Agüimes to Santa Lucía and San Bartolomé
Distance: 35 km | Drive time: 1 hr
For a taste of the island’s traditional side, the GC-550 winds through the southeastern foothills. Starting in Agüimes, a beautifully restored old town with ochre stone houses, the road climbs through olive groves and past windmills to Santa Lucía de Tirajana.
Stop for a palm wine tasting or a bite of local goat’s cheese before continuing to San Bartolomé, where the landscape opens into deep ravines and rugged beauty. This is Gran Canaria at its most charming and authentic.
So hire yourself a car, fill up the tank and start your exploring adventures. And remember, goats always have the right of way.
Why Take a Scenic Drive in Gran Canaria?
- Compact Adventure – Nowhere is too far, but every road feels like a new adventure.
- Epic Landscapes – From desert dunes to pine forests in under an hour.
- Authentic Villages – See the real island beyond the resorts.
- Perfect Pit Stops – Coffee in Fataga, wine in Santa Lucía, sea views in Mogán.
- Year-Round Sunshine – Warm weather makes every day perfect for exploring.
- Endless Photo Ops – Expect to pull over a lot.
- Friendly Locals – Villagers wave, café owners chat, and everyone seems to know someone’s cousin in your hometown.
- Freedom – No schedules, no timetables, just you, the road, and the next wow.
Top 6 Scenic Drives in Gran Canaria - FAQs for Visitors
Should I pre-book a car before arriving in Gran Canaria?
t's a good idea. Car hire demand can skyrocket in winter (November–March) when half of Europe migrates south for the sun. Book online in advance, ideally a few weeks before your trip to snag better prices and ensure the car you want hasn’t already been snapped up.
Are there plenty of car hire companies to choose from?
Yes, but as always use trusted companies. Big international names (like Avis or Hertz) operate here, but also consider reliable local firms such as Cicar, AutoReisen, and TopCar. These companies are well-reviewed, often include full insurance with no excess, and won’t try to upsell you seventeen types of coverage before you’ve even found reverse gear.
What's included in the hire price?
Many car hire prices look low at first glance, until you realise the insurance is thinner than a paper towel. Check that your rate includes collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection. “Full-to-full” fuel policies (you pick it up full, return it full) are the fairest option too.
What form of payment will I need to hire a car?
Most car hire desks will need a credit card in the name of the main driver. It’s used to hold a deposit (or pre-authorisation) for potential damage. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but check before booking. The last thing you want is to be carless because you only brought your Sainsbury's Nectar Car.
Any other tips on car hire in Gran Canaria?
Before saying adios to your trusty 4-wheel steed, do a quick walkaround of the car and photograph every ding, scratch, and questionable scuff, even tiny ones. That way, if someone later tries to suggest you created that mystery door dent, you’ve got photo evidence on your side.
Do you actually need a car to explore Gran Canaria?
Not strictly, but hiring one is the best way to discover the island’s hidden gems and inland beauty.
Are the roads safe?
Gran Canaria’s roads are well maintained, but some twist like spaghetti. Take your time and enjoy the ride.
How long does it take to drive around the island?
Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours non-stop, but it’s far better to take it slow and stop whenever the mood takes you.
What’s the speed limit?
Usually 90 km/h on open roads, 50 km/h in towns, and lower on sharp bends.
Is there public transport to the lovely spots mentioned?
Buses reach many villages, but they can be infrequent - self-drive gives you true freedom.
