GC-1
Road Scores
Description
Included Points of Interest
Mirador de Las Dunas
It is probably the most visited tourist attraction on **Gran Canaria**: an elevated viewpoint over the dunes of **Maspalomas**, around 400 hectares of shifting golden sand at the southernmost tip of the island, one of the few true desert ecosystems in Europe. From the **Mirador de Las Dunas** the whole expanse is visible: rhythmic crests and hollows, the morning light tinting the sand gold, the blue Atlantic marking the southern horizon, and the Maspalomas lighthouse rounding out the scene. The reserve also includes a freshwater lagoon, a palm grove, and a band of coastal scrub. The dunes themselves can be entered on foot from several access points — venturing in reveals a landscape of surprising silence and vastness. The nearby lighthouse area has cafes and facilities. The lagoon is a haven for migratory birds, particularly in autumn and spring. It is a must-stop for any itinerary in the south of the island.
Puerto de Mogan
The most pleasant port town on the south-western coast — built to a human scale rather than that of tourist infrastructure. **Puerto de Mogan** is characterised by whitewashed houses draped in bougainvillea, a working fishing harbour that shares its space with small yachts and dive boats, a small sheltered beach and small canals with arched bridges. On Friday mornings a market fills the streets with local produce and crafts. Twenty minutes is enough to walk from one end to the other and see the whole marina. The beach is among the cleanest and most sheltered on the southern coast. The town has cafés, shops and numerous restaurants. An ideal arrival or turnaround point if you're exploring the South of **Gran Canaria**, Puerto de Mogán is the place to stop, eat well and appreciate that even one of the most touristy corners of the island still keeps a community at its heart.
Tufia
A tiny coastal hamlet of pre-Hispanic origin with a modest black-sand beach sheltered from the trade winds, unusually calm for the eastern coast. The volcanic headland above hides a complex of rock-cut openings and ancient stone structures that make up a Protected Cultural Heritage Site. The natural pools at the foot of the cliffs and the ruins visible on the headland give the cove an intimate, layered character, very different from the developed beaches further south. **Tufia** is genuinely peaceful and free of commercialization — one of those unexpected encounters that define the best days on the bike. There are no services; the hamlet is tiny. Climb up toward the headland to take in the views over the cove and the coastline stretching north and south. The endemic plants on the protected fossil dunes around the site are worth a closer look. Just off the coastal road south of **Las Palmas**. The eastern coastal strip isn't the island's most spectacular stretch, but **Tufia** itself — an authentic hamlet with ancient roots and a headland with a wild feel — is exactly the kind of place you'd miss by sticking to the main roads, and one that's well worth a visit.
Itineraries that include this road
Discover complete riding experiences featuring this road
The heart of Gran Canaria (balanced version)
Discover the peaks and towns at the heart of Gran Canaria, with the right mix of riding and exploration.
Sea and mountains (short)
The itinerary that can't settle! From the ocean to the highest peaks and back to the ocean, visiting charming towns.
Sea and mountains (long)
The itinerary for those who want IT ALL! The best roads, the highest peaks, the most memorable coasts. Ride hard here!
Eastern mountains
Simply, all and only the best roads of the eastern side and heart of Gran Canaria.
Grand sea itinerary
An itinerary along the coasts, the most famous miradors and some beautiful, thrilling roads of Gran Canaria.
The heart of Gran Canaria (tourist version)
Discover the peaks and towns at the heart of Gran Canaria, prioritising the discovery of places and towns.
The heart of Gran Canaria (road version)
Discover the peaks and towns at the heart of Gran Canaria, prioritising the riding experience.
I want to go to the sea
An itinerary along all the coasts, more or less famous towns, the famous Maspalomas Dunes and the renowned Mirador del Balcón.
Journeys that include this road
Complete journey packages featuring this road
Gran Canaria Journey in 2 Days (balanced version)
A two-day exploration of Gran Canaria combining the main coastal and mountain attractions. A balanced mix of riding and sightseeing.
Included itineraries:
- Grand sea itinerary
- The heart of Gran Canaria (balanced version)
Gran Canaria Journey in 2 Days (road version)
A two-day exploration of Gran Canaria combining the main coastal and mountain attractions, with a focus on riding pleasure.
Included itineraries:
- Grand sea itinerary
- The heart of Gran Canaria (road version)
Gran Canaria Journey in 2 Days (tourist version)
A two-day exploration of Gran Canaria combining the main coastal and mountain attractions with the most characteristic Canarian towns.
Included itineraries:
- Grand sea itinerary
- The heart of Gran Canaria (tourist version)
Gran Canaria Journey in 3 Days
A 3-day journey to discover every face of Gran Canaria, from the wild coast to the volcanic peaks and the most authentic villages on the island.
Included itineraries:
- Eastern mountains
- Cities and mountains of the north
- I want to go to the sea
Gran Canaria Journey in 4 Days
A 4-day journey to discover Gran Canaria, from the wild coast to the volcanic peaks, the most authentic villages, and the island's main natural park.
Included itineraries:
- Eastern mountains
- Western Mountains
- Cities and mountains of the north
- I want to go to the sea