Gran Canaria is nicknamed the miniature continent: in under an hour you go from the southern dunes to pine-forested mountains. For walks with a dog, the island mixes leafy urban parks in Las Palmas with dramatic upland trails around Roque Nublo and the cobbled mountain village of Tejeda. A few municipalities have fenced off-leash dog areas (parques caninos); elsewhere a leash is required, and the protected Maspalomas dune reserve is off-limits to dogs.
Las Palmas's best-known central park, a subtropical garden of dragon trees, palms and ponds between the Hotel Santa Catalina and the Pueblo Canario. A shaded, easy leashed loop in the heart of the city, popular with local dog walkers in the cooler hours.
Off-leash zone: Leash required throughout the park.
💡 Combine with the nearby Pueblo Canario plaza and the Las Canteras paseo for a full city dog day.
The classic 1.5 km path to the foot of Roque Nublo, the 80 m volcanic monolith that is the island's spiritual landmark, at around 1,800 m altitude. Leashed dogs are welcome on the well-marked track; the cool mountain air is a relief from the coastal heat, and the views over a sea of clouds toward Tenerife's Teide are extraordinary.
Off-leash zone: Leash required; the area is a protected natural space.
💡 Start early; cloud often rolls in by midday and the small car park at La Goleta fills fast.
A fenced municipal dog run in San Fernando de Maspalomas, the residential core behind the south resorts, where dogs can play off the leash in a secured area with shade and water. The handiest off-leash option for travellers based around Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.
Off-leash zone: Fenced off-leash area with shade and water points.
💡 Go in the cooler morning or evening; the fenced surface heats up at midday in summer.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Seaside Sandy Beach
★★★★ · 8.7/10
€95/night
Gran Marina Suites
★★★★ · 8.9/10
€110/night
Sercotel Playa Canteras
★★★★ · 8.2/10
€80/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Gran Canaria also welcome your dog.
