Mirador del Balcón Andén Verde
A dramatic viewpoint on Gran Canaria's western coast, famous for its glass walkway and the 'Dragon's Tail' cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Mirador del Balcón Andén Verde
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic viewpoint on Gran Canaria's western coast, famous for its glass walkway and the 'Dragon's Tail' cliffs.
"The view was spectacular! Even though the road leading here is a little long, it's 100% worth it!"
🚗 Winding Road Ahead
The drive is scenic but challenging. Take it slow, especially after dark. :car:
🌬️ Hold Onto Your Hat!
It's often very windy here. Secure your belongings and wear layers. :windblowingface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dragon's Tail Cliffs
Western coast of Gran Canaria
Jagged sea cliffs resembling a sleeping dragon, offering dizzying, panoramic ocean views.
Glass-Enclosed Walkway
Mirador del Balcón viewpoint
A modern walkway with glass panels, providing an exhilarating, unobstructed perspective of the coast.
Sunset Spectacle
Mirador del Balcón viewpoint
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the Atlantic horizon, painting the cliffs in warm hues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind and the Views
Timing is Key for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Winding Road Ahead
The drive is scenic but challenging. Take it slow, especially after dark. :car:
🌬️ Hold Onto Your Hat!
It's often very windy here. Secure your belongings and wear layers. :windblowingface:
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Sunset offers breathtaking views and incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🅿️ Parking Patience
The parking lot is tiny! Weekdays are best to snag a spot. :parking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Winding Road Ahead
The drive is scenic but challenging. Take it slow, especially after dark. :car:
🌬️ Hold Onto Your Hat!
It's often very windy here. Secure your belongings and wear layers. :windblowingface:
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Sunset offers breathtaking views and incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🅿️ Parking Patience
The parking lot is tiny! Weekdays are best to snag a spot. :parking:
☁️ Foggy Views? Wait!
Sometimes fog obscures the view, but it often clears quickly. Be patient! :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the absolutely breathtaking and spectacular views from Mirador del Balcón, often describing the 'Dragon's Tail' cliffs as a must-see. The drive is considered challenging but worthwhile, and many recommend visiting at sunset for the best experience. However, the small parking lot and strong winds are common points of caution.
"Well worth the drive, weren't fortunate with a perfect sunset but still lovely. Take care on the drive, particularly after dark in the way home. The roads are a challenge but enjoyable. As mentioned in many reviews it is windy so be careful of your possessions. Enjoy"
Adam McCalden
"It's a place with a breathtaking view, I recommend coming here at sunset to combine the incredible view with the colors of the sunset.
It's a relatively small space, and if there are a lot of people, you might have to wait a bit before taking a photo, but it's worth it!
We were even lucky enough to see Teide in the background!"
Greta Milani
"The view was spectacular! The parking space is quite limited but we visited during the week, so there was enough space for us to stop by. At first, it was foggy and nothing could be seen, but after a few minutes everything cleared up and the view was revealed"
Diana Dilova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mirador del Balcón is located on the western side of Gran Canaria. You'll need a car to reach it, as public transport is limited. The drive involves winding roads, particularly the last few miles, but the views are worth the journey. +2
The roads leading to the viewpoint are scenic but can be challenging, with many curves. Drivers are advised to take their time, especially if driving after dark.
Public transport options to Mirador del Balcón are very limited. Renting a car is highly recommended for easy access and flexibility to explore other nearby attractions.
Many visitors recommend approaching from La Aldea de San Nicolás. The journey offers stunning coastal scenery as you ascend towards the viewpoint. 
Yes, there's a cactus park nearby that's worth a visit if you enjoy botanical gardens. Puerto de Mogán, known as 'Little Venice,' is also a beautiful town to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mirador del Balcón is a public viewpoint and does not require an entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the views freely. +1
As an outdoor viewpoint, Mirador del Balcón is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best views.
No, there is no admission fee to visit Mirador del Balcón. It's a free public viewpoint offering spectacular natural scenery.
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit on a weekday, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Weekends and sunset times tend to be more popular.
Many visitors recommend visiting around sunset for the most dramatic lighting and colors. However, be aware that this is also a popular time, so arrive early for parking.
📸 📸 Photography
The glass-enclosed walkway offers incredible perspectives for photos. The 'Dragon's Tail' cliffs themselves are a prime subject, especially with the ocean as a backdrop. +2
Absolutely! Sunset at Mirador del Balcón provides stunning light and colors, making it a prime location for photographers. +1
Given the potential for strong winds and varying light, a tripod can be helpful. Consider using a wider aperture for landscape shots and a faster shutter speed if there's a lot of movement.
While fog can obscure the dramatic cliff views, it can also create a moody and atmospheric photographic scene. Patience is key, as fog often clears.
Landscape photography is ideal here, capturing the vastness of the ocean, the dramatic cliffs, and the expansive sky. Drone photography might also offer unique perspectives, weather permitting. +1
🎫 💨 Onsite Experience
Expect breathtaking, panoramic views of the rugged western coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The viewpoint features a glass-enclosed walkway for an immersive experience. +1
Yes, it is often extremely windy at this exposed viewpoint. Visitors are advised to hold onto their belongings and wear warm clothing.
The viewpoint is relatively small, and the parking lot is limited. It can get crowded, especially on weekends and during sunset. Visiting on a weekday is recommended for a less crowded experience. +2
The walkway is designed with safety in mind, featuring glass panels for views. However, due to the wind, it's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. +1
The nickname 'Dragon's Tail' refers to the distinctive, jagged shape of the coastal cliffs that resemble a sleeping dragon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play areas, the natural drama of the landscape itself is a huge draw. The nearby cactus park mentioned by some visitors could be a good addition to a family outing, offering a different kind of natural exploration.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the landscape. Experiment with different compositions, focusing on the textures of the cliffs, the patterns of the waves, and the interplay of light and shadow.
🚗 Road Trip Adventurers
Combine your visit with stops at other scenic points along the coast or explore charming nearby towns like Puerto de Mogán.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The "Dragon's Tail" Phenomenon
+1This natural wonder is best observed from the Mirador del Balcón itself, where a modern, glass-enclosed walkway extends out over the precipice. This allows visitors to stand directly above the abyss, offering an exhilarating and unobstructed perspective of the "Dragon's Tail" and the vast expanse of the ocean beyond. The experience is both awe-inspiring and a little dizzying, making it a memorable highlight for many visitors.
For photographers, the "Dragon's Tail" offers a dramatic subject, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts long shadows and highlights the textures of the rock formations. The contrast between the rugged cliffs and the deep blue of the sea creates a powerful visual narrative.
Navigating the Winding Roads
Many visitors note that the final stretch of the road can be particularly demanding, with narrow sections and steep drops. It's advisable to drive during daylight hours if possible, as visibility can be reduced after dark, and the winding nature of the roads requires full attention.
Despite the driving challenges, the reward is immense. The panoramic vistas that unfold as you ascend are a preview of the spectacular scenery awaiting you at the Mirador. The drive itself becomes part of the adventure, immersing you in the wild and dramatic landscapes of Gran Canaria.
Photography Tips for Mirador del Balcón
When shooting from the glass-enclosed walkway, be mindful of reflections on the glass. Experiment with different angles and try to shoot when the sun is not directly in front of you.
Don't forget to also capture the details – the texture of the rocks, the patterns of the waves crashing below, and the changing colors of the sky. Even if the weather is foggy, it can create a moody and atmospheric scene, so be prepared to adapt your photography style.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit