Mirador Pico de Bandama Gran Canaria
Witness the dramatic beauty of a perfectly formed volcanic crater and enjoy breathtaking 360° views of Gran Canaria's coast and landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Avoid midday sun for hikes
Mirador Pico de Bandama Gran Canaria
Best Time
Avoid midday sun for hikes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the dramatic beauty of a perfectly formed volcanic crater and enjoy breathtaking 360° views of Gran Canaria's coast and landscape.
"Magnificent panoramic views from its summit; the caldera's perfect structure makes it one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The gravel trail can be slippery, especially on sneakers. Good grip is recommended for the hike.
🚗 Consider a Rental Car
Offers flexibility for exploring the curvy roads and other island sights. Taxis can be expensive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pico de Bandama Summit
Summit of the volcano
Panoramic 360° views of the crater, coastline, and distant ocean. A truly breathtaking vista.
Bandama Crater
Interior of the volcanic crater
Explore the unique volcanic landscape. Ancient inhabitants left engravings within the caldera.
Coastal and City Views
Viewpoint overlooking the coast
See Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the entire coastline stretching towards the airport.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Pico de Bandama
Getting to the Caldera
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The gravel trail can be slippery, especially on sneakers. Good grip is recommended for the hike.
🚗 Consider a Rental Car
Offers flexibility for exploring the curvy roads and other island sights. Taxis can be expensive.
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
There's little shade, especially when hiking into the crater. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are stunning. Don't forget your camera to document the unique volcanic landscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The gravel trail can be slippery, especially on sneakers. Good grip is recommended for the hike.
🚗 Consider a Rental Car
Offers flexibility for exploring the curvy roads and other island sights. Taxis can be expensive.
💧 Bring Water & Sun Protection
There's little shade, especially when hiking into the crater. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are stunning. Don't forget your camera to document the unique volcanic landscape.
🚌 Public Transport Option
Bus 311 from Las Palmas is a viable option, with buses running approximately every hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the magnificent panoramic views from Pico de Bandama, highlighting the impressive volcanic crater and the expansive coastline. While some find the reality slightly less dramatic than photos, the unique geological features and the opportunity for a crater hike are significant draws. The drive up is also noted for its scenic beauty.
"Nice trail along the top of a caldera. Doable but some steep points. I took the extra mile to go to the top which has great views. The trail is made of gravel so a bit slippery on sneakers"
Sylvester Danckaarts
"Great viewpoint to see the crater, the drive up is also breathtaking. We didnt end up hiking the crater since it would take about an hour with no shade in the midday sun but we'd love to do it one day."
Spela Kaluza
"In photos looks better than i reality, but still magnificent views.
Both Pico and Caldera de Bandama are two natural features of great uniqueness and scientific interest. The cone is also a prominent feature of the landscape, visible from a great distance and offering magnificent panoramic views from its summit; the caldera's perfect structure makes it one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands. Furthermore, inside the caldera there are engravings made by ancient inhabitants of the island."
Žilvinas P.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive, which offers scenic, albeit curvy, roads.
The road leading to the mirador is quite curvy, which might be challenging for those with vertigo.
While you can walk around the top of the caldera, the hike down into the crater and back up is a more significant undertaking that takes about an hour and requires good fitness.
Yes, there is parking available at the viewpoint, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Many visitors enjoy a combination of taking in the panoramic views from the summit and hiking down into the crater for a closer look at the unique volcanic landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Mirador Pico de Bandama viewpoint and the surrounding area is generally free. There are no admission fees.
The viewpoint is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to hike into the Bandama Crater. The trail is open to the public.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the lack of lighting and potential safety hazards on the trails and roads.
Yes, several tour operators offer excursions that include Pico de Bandama as part of a larger Gran Canaria itinerary, often combining it with other natural attractions.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible 360° panoramic shots. The rim of the crater provides dramatic angles, and the drive up offers stunning coastal views.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The golden hour can be particularly magical.
Absolutely! The unique geological formations and the scale of the crater make for dramatic and interesting photographs from within.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the distant coastline or the crater's interior.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Pico de Bandama. However, always be mindful of other visitors and safety.
🎫 🥾 Hiking & Trails
The hike down into the crater and back up takes about an hour and involves steep sections. It's considered moderately challenging, especially without shade in the midday sun.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as the gravel trail can be slippery. Comfortable clothing suitable for walking is also recommended.
Yes, there are trails along the rim of the caldera offering different perspectives and shorter walks. Some routes explore the volcanic landscape further.
The hike can be challenging for very young children due to the steepness and slippery terrain. Parental supervision is essential.
The round trip hike into the Bandama Crater typically takes around one hour, not including time spent at the bottom.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
makes it easy to incorporate into a wider itinerary. The drive itself is scenic, with winding roads offering glimpses of the island's diverse landscapes. You can easily spend an hour or two here, enjoying the views and perhaps a short walk around the crater rim. It's a perfect spot for a quick, impactful experience that showcases the island's volcanic heart.🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Bandama
The caldera's structure is considered one of the most beautiful in the Canary Islands, showcasing the raw power of geological forces. Visitors can explore the rim for breathtaking panoramic views or descend into the crater itself. Inside the caldera, evidence of ancient inhabitants has been found, including engravings, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the volcanic landscape.
The unique geological significance of Bandama makes it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and anyone interested in the volcanic origins of the Canary Islands. The contrast between the arid volcanic rock and the distant green landscapes and blue ocean creates a visually striking scene.
Navigating to and Around Pico de Bandama
This scenic route allows for spontaneous stops to admire the landscape. If you prefer public transport, bus 311 from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a convenient option, with services running approximately every hour and taking around 20 minutes.Once at the viewpoint, you can easily walk around the rim of the caldera. For a more immersive experience, the hike down into the crater is highly recommended. This trail is made of gravel and can be slippery, so wearing appropriate footwear is crucial.
Capturing the Essence of Bandama
+1 Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing the sheer scale of these vistas.Descending into the Bandama Crater provides a different photographic opportunity. The textures of the volcanic rock, the unique formations, and the sense of being within a geological marvel are captivating. Shots from within the crater looking up at the rim can be particularly dramatic. The drive up to the mirador itself also presents numerous opportunities for scenic shots of the winding roads and the surrounding countryside.
The best times for photography are typically during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and casts beautiful shadows. This also helps in avoiding the harsh midday sun, which can make the landscape appear washed out and increase the difficulty of the crater hike.
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