Pico de las Nieves Viewpoint Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria's highest viewpoint, offering breathtaking 360-degree island panoramas and a thrilling mountain drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for clear views
Pico de las Nieves Viewpoint Gran Canaria
Best Time
Best chance for clear views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gran Canaria's highest viewpoint, offering breathtaking 360-degree island panoramas and a thrilling mountain drive.
"Spectacular 360 degrees view of the amazing landscape. Must see place if you decide to hire a car."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Edgy Roads
Winding, narrow roads with sharp turns. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially in larger vehicles.
☁️ Check Weather for Clear Views
Visibility can be poor due to clouds. Check forecasts to maximize your chances of seeing the landscape.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Island Views
Summit viewpoint
Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Gran Canaria's diverse landscapes, from lush green mountains to the arid south.
Morro de la Agujerada
Adjacent to the main viewpoint
The true highest point of Gran Canaria, offering an even more expansive perspective above the clouds.
The Journey Up
Road to Pico de las Nieves
The drive itself is an adventure, with dramatic scenery and hairpin turns leading to the summit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Drive Safely on Mountain Roads
Check the Weather Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Edgy Roads
Winding, narrow roads with sharp turns. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially in larger vehicles.
☁️ Check Weather for Clear Views
Visibility can be poor due to clouds. Check forecasts to maximize your chances of seeing the landscape.
☕ Snacks Available
A food van often operates at the top, offering hot chocolate and snacks.
👟 Wear Layers
It can be surprisingly cold and windy at the summit, even in summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Edgy Roads
Winding, narrow roads with sharp turns. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially in larger vehicles.
☁️ Check Weather for Clear Views
Visibility can be poor due to clouds. Check forecasts to maximize your chances of seeing the landscape.
☕ Snacks Available
A food van often operates at the top, offering hot chocolate and snacks.
👟 Wear Layers
It can be surprisingly cold and windy at the summit, even in summer.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The drive and the views are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the spectacular 360-degree views from Pico de las Nieves, highlighting the dramatic contrast between the island's green interior and dry south. The accessibility via car and the adventurous drive are major draws, though some caution is advised for the winding roads. While weather can impact visibility, the overall experience is deemed well worth the effort, with many recommending it as a must-see on Gran Canaria.
"Spectacular 360 degrees view of the amazing landscape. Good thing is that you can drive almost to the top and then walk a minute or two up to the viewing area. There was also a food van if you needed lunch or snacks. Very lusciously green terrain surprisingly different to the dry and brown south side of the island and is UNESCO bisohere reserve. Must see place if you decide to hire a car in Gran Canaria."
T Manandhar
"Well the view wasn't a view, as I was in a wet cloud.
Arrived in my beach wear, it was a bit cold but that didn't stop me taking in the atmosphere.
Man in a van selling hot choclate and bananas.
Well worth the effort, great views on the journey there.
Avoid fat vehicles as the road can be narrow.
I did it in a Hyundai 110, it made it with some struggles, 180 degree bends up to the mountain.
Good roads, but edgy!"
Matt Russell
"Limited parking at the top which is probably only an issue on busy days, but fantastic views and well worth the drive up."
Simon Fraser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Playa del Inglés, it's about a 60-minute drive to Pico de las Nieves. The roads are scenic but can be narrow and winding with many hairpin turns. It's highly recommended to have a car for this journey.
Public transport options to Pico de las Nieves are limited and may require multiple transfers. Hiring a car is generally the most convenient way to access this viewpoint.
The road is well-maintained but very winding and steep in sections, with numerous 180-degree bends. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles.
Yes, you can drive very close to the summit, with parking available near the food truck. From there, it's just a short walk to the main viewing area.
Many visitors enjoy taking the mountain road, which offers spectacular scenery. Some routes might involve passing through charming villages like Tejeda.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pico de las Nieves viewpoint is a natural attraction and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the viewpoint itself is free.
Pico de las Nieves is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor viewpoint. However, visibility can vary greatly depending on weather conditions.
No booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime, but it's best to check weather conditions beforehand.
Limited parking is available at the top, especially near the food van. It can get busy on peak days, so arriving early is advisable.
There are no specific restrictions for visiting the viewpoint itself, but always be mindful of the natural environment and drive safely on the mountain roads.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings often offer clearer skies and softer light. Sunsets can also be spectacular, painting the landscape with warm colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Yes, on clear days, Roque Nublo is visible from Pico de las Nieves, offering a fantastic photographic opportunity.
The main viewpoint offers the most iconic shots. Exploring slightly beyond the immediate viewing area might reveal unique perspectives.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including fog and strong winds, which can add dramatic elements to your photos but also challenge your gear.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
Pico de las Nieves stands at 1949 meters (6394 feet) above sea level, making it the highest accessible viewpoint on Gran Canaria.
You'll experience stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the island's diverse landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and sometimes even the neighboring island of Tenerife on very clear days.
While the primary attraction is the view, there's often a food van offering snacks and drinks. It's also a great starting point for hikes or a place to simply soak in the atmosphere.
A quick stop might take 30 minutes to an hour, but if you plan to hike or truly savor the views, you could spend several hours.
Yes, you can drive almost to the top and walk for just a minute or two to reach the viewing area, making it a perfect quick stop if you're crossing the island.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan to incorporate it into a larger island-crossing route, perhaps combining it with visits to charming villages like Tejeda or Roque Nublo. +1 Be prepared for the challenging road conditions and allow ample time for the journey, as you'll likely want to stop for photos along the way. 🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Consider it a starting point for longer treks or a destination for a scenic picnic. The crisp mountain air and expansive views offer a refreshing contrast to the coastal areas. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive: An Adventure in Itself
The ascent offers ever-changing vistas, transitioning from coastal scenery to lush green interiors, a stark contrast to the island's drier southern regions. This scenic route is a highlight for many visitors, offering glimpses of traditional Canarian villages and diverse natural landscapes.
+1 The contrast between the coastal areas and the mountainous interior is striking, showcasing the island's varied microclimates and geological formations. Understanding the Summit: Views and Weather
However, the weather at this altitude can be unpredictable. Clouds can roll in quickly, sometimes obscuring the views entirely, leading to a 'wet cloud' experience. The summit is also surprisingly cool, even in warmer months, so packing layers is a wise precaution.
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