As a typical volcanic island, the interior of Gran Canaria is really picturesque and offers very good opportunities for photography, hiking, biking, long walks in the wilderness, camping under the stars and whatnot.
It is mainly made up of mountains, canyons, craters and calderas.
The interior of the island is quite contrasting, varying from semi-arid and wild areas to humid deciduous and coniferous forests.
Amidst the sheltered mountain valleys of the island are nestled small villages that seem completely isolated from the rest of the world.
Weather
The interior of the island experiences quite a different weather from what is expected along the coast.
At higher-lying areas, winters are cool, wet and cloudy, with relatively low temperatures, especially at night.
Temperatures of about 0°C are not uncommon.
However, compared with temperate climate zone, the weather in Gran Canaria is relatively mild, sunny and dry.
Of course, not all the parts of the interior are cool during the winter season.
There are low-lying areas, which enjoy plenty of sunshine and temperatures above 20°C even in the height of winter.
One feature that is noticeable along the coast is quite typical for the island’s interior too.
The north-facing slopes of the island are green, moist and cool compared to the warmer and drier south-facing parts.
Sights to See
If you are interested in the culture of Gran Canaria, the island’s interior is the most appropriate place to explore.
It is dotted by numerous small and remote settlements that keep their traditions unchanged.
Away from the livable ocean coast there are fewer foreign settlers, and that means less cosmopolitan atmosphere and more traditionalism.
The small villages of Gran Canaria are places to offer you the most interesting architecture, charming churches and the best craft shops.
The greatest attractions inside the island of Gran Canaria however, undoubtedly are Pico de las Nieves (the highest peak on the island, offering 360 degrees breathtaking panoramic view) and the lower, but also really impressive monolith Roque Nublo.
Although the opposite sides of Gran Canaria are separated by less than 50 km, the island is not so easy to cross.
Despite the excellent infrastructure, the winding Gran Canaria roads cross spectacular mountain areas, which prevent the development of high speed.