Those with their own vehicle can drive 15km southeast of Tejeda to the highest peak on the island (1949m), which offers breathtaking views on a clear day. Follow the signs for Los Pechos and keep an eye out for the military communications post that sits atop the rise. Northwest of here stands the distinctive Roque Nublo.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Cueva Pintada Museum & Archaeological Park
13.55 MILES
Discovered by a local farmer in the late 19th century, this is one of Gran Canaria's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites: a cave adorned with…
13.34 MILES
This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic…
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Catedral de Santa Ana & Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro
13.28 MILES
The spiritual heart of the city, this brooding, grey cathedral was begun in the early 15th century, soon after the Spanish conquest, but took 350 years to…
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15.4 MILES
These fabulous dunes cover 400 hectares and were designated a nature reserve in the 1990s, ensuring that the rapidly multiplying hotels would never…
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Museum of the Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pino
6.7 MILES
Don't miss this museum (also called the 'treasure house'), accessed upstairs from the rear of the basilica, where you can get a real close-up view of the…
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6.2 MILES
One of several viewpoints in town, the Mirador de Unamuno looks out onto a sweeping panorama of the vast volcanic caldera beyond – it is a stupefying…
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14.89 MILES
The fine 3km stretch of yellow sand is magnificent, and is considered by many to be one of the world's best city beaches. There’s an attractive seaside…
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11.03 MILES
The extraordinary, neo-Gothic church stands sullen watch over the bright, white houses of Arucas in a striking display of disproportion and contrast. The…
Nearby Gran Canaria attractions
2.63 MILES
Work started on this church in 1690 (replacing a hermitage that dated to 1590), but it was not consecrated until 1922. It's a tranquil and lovely house of…
2.8 MILES
Roque Nublo is an icon of Gran Canaria, an impressive monolith (1803m) jutting 80m skywards from the surrounding volcanic landscape. It sneaks into the…
2.81 MILES
You can drop by this winery for a casual tasting, but book ahead for a tour and a sampler of local cheese, olives and mojo with your wine. There are two…
4. Mirador Degollada de la Cruz Grande
2.99 MILES
Located by the roadside between San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Tejeda, this superb viewpoint gives you vistas, in two directions, of the Caldera de…
3.53 MILES
The greenish-grey stone cross from which this spot takes its name marks the centre of Gran Canaria and its historic caminos reales (king’s highways),…
3.69 MILES
Based in one of Tejeda's most charming buildings, this museum gives a good overview of local life, starting with the Guanche era and covering the Spanish…
7. Centro de Plantas Medicinales
3.7 MILES
An appealing garden that showcases medicinal plants, with explanations in English. There's a small interpretation centre, and a cafe where you can…
4.69 MILES
Sitting at the base of Roque Bentayga, this centre provides excellent insights into the pre-Hispanic settlement of the Gran Canaria central mountains,…