DRIVES AND CYCLE ROUTES
1. Agüimes to Maspalomas via Temisas, Santa Lucía de Tirajana and Fataga (drive)
Break up this winding drive with stops at Temisas and Fataga, and at the mirador (viewpoint)on the road to Maspalomas. A detour takes you to La Sorrueda dam and on to La Fortaleza de Ansite, south of Santa Lucía de Tirajana.
2. Gáldar to Moya via Fontanales (drive)
The GC-220 passes Hoya de Pineda, a troglodyte village, before reaching Pinos de Gáldar pine forest. Pause at the superb Mirador de Los Pinos de Gáldar before taking the GC-70 past Fontanales and then a scenic side road, the GC-700 on to Moya.
View on the Gáldar to Moya drive
3. Mogán to Pico de las Nieves (drive)
After heavy rain, waterfalls appear along the winding road that leads to the island’s highest point (see Pico de las Nieves).
Los Azulejos, on the West Coast drive
4. Tamadaba (drive)
The glorious views and lush scenery make this circular drive a favourite. Follow the GC-216 from Cruz de Acusa, near Artenara, and take the loop around Gran Canaria’s finest pine forest. The road is one-way.
5. Teror to Artenara (drive)
The highlights of this drive along the GC-21 are the stretch overlooking the Barranco de Valsendero and two stunning miradors, Balcón de Zamora and Los Pinos de Gáldar.
6. The West Coast (drive)
Not for the faint-hearted, the road from Agaete to Mogán has stunning coastal views. Stop off in Playa de la Aldea for lunch, before turning inland. The village of Veneguera merits a stop, and look out for the cliffs of Los Azulejos.
7. Island Circuit (cycle route)
For those with the leg strength and the stamina, this 190-km (118-mile) circular route circumnavigates the island, beginning and ending in Puerto de Mogán. Riding entirely on paved surfaces, you tackle testing gradients into the mountains and Tamadaba, before skirting Las Palmas and following the coast south.
8. Maspalomas (cycle route)
The GC-503, 26 km (16 miles) from Maspalomas, takes you north of the Aquapark. Following the GC-504, the road climbs up to the reservoir at Ayagaures before ascending to Cima Pedro González and finally dropping back to the coast along the GC-503.
Cyclists on a road near Maspalomas
9. Mogán to Soria (cycle route)
An arduous ride from Mogán through the Tauropass, this is one of Spain’s best climbs. To end this 68-km (42-mile) round trip, go down to Arguineguín from the Soria dam and ride back to Mogán.
10. Playa del Inglés to Santa Lucía de Tirajana (cycle route)
This 73-km (45-mile) route climbs from Playa del Inglés through Sardina del Sur and the Las Carboneras mountains to reach Santa Lucía de Tirajana and Tunte. The return descent through Fataga is a panoramic ride back to the coast.
TOP 10 MIRADORS
1. Degollada de la Becerra
On a clear day, Mount Teide makes a fine backdrop to this already stunning view of Roque Bentayga, Tejeda and the Acusa flatlands.
View from Degollada de la Becerra
2. Pico de las Nieves
Lucky visitors can see the coast from the island’s highest point (see Pico de las Nieves), but many get only mist.
3. Pico de Bandama
From the crater’s peak, you can see the capital, coast and mountains.
4. Degollada de las Palomas
A window over the Tejeda ravine, this viewpoint is great for spotting hawks.
5. Mirador del Balcón, La Aldea de San Nicolás
After driving the white-knuckle west coast, catch your breath and admire the stunning sheer cliffs (see Old Quarter, La Aldea de San Nicolás).
6. Mirador de la Montaña de Arucas
A viewpoint and restaurant with views over Las Palmas, Arucas and the ocean.
7. Barranco de Fataga
A mirador with a superb view over the Fataga ravine.
8. Cima Pedro González
The Ayagaures dam, with its pretty rural village, is visible at the end of the ravine.
9. Cruz Grande
Admire views over the Barranco de las Tederas and Pilancones forest.
10. Los Pinos de Gáldar
Look into the depths of the imposing crater, dotted with Canarian pine trees.
