Pico de las Nieves is the highest point on Gran Canaria and one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints. Rising to almost 2,000 metres above sea level in the mountainous centre of Gran Canaria, the summit offers extraordinary panoramic views across volcanic landscapes, deep ravines and distant coastlines. On especially clear days it is even possible to see the neighbouring island of Tenerife and the outline of Mount Teide far across the Atlantic Ocean.
The name “Pico de las Nieves,” meaning “Peak of the Snows,” reflects the fact that the summit occasionally experiences frost or rare snowfall during winter, something many visitors do not associate with the Canary Islands. The cooler mountain climate creates a completely different atmosphere from the beaches and resorts along Gran Canaria’s coastline.
The journey to Pico de las Nieves is part of the attraction itself. Mountain roads wind through pine forests, rocky valleys and dramatic volcanic scenery, with numerous miradores and roadside viewpoints along the route. The changing landscape constantly reveals new perspectives across the island’s rugged interior. Many visitors combine the trip with nearby attractions such as Roque Nublo or the mountain villages of Tejeda and Artenara.
Near the summit stands the striking rock formation known as Roque de los Muchachos, which frames some of the best views on the island. From here the scenery feels surprisingly vast and remote, with layers of mountains and deep ravines stretching towards the coastline far below. Early morning and late afternoon are often considered the best times to visit due to softer light and clearer visibility.
Pico de las Nieves also highlights the volcanic origins of Gran Canaria. The surrounding mountains were formed through intense volcanic activity millions of years ago before erosion gradually shaped the island’s dramatic interior. Today the area forms part of a protected natural environment popular with hikers, cyclists and photographers.
For many visitors, Pico de las Nieves provides the most impressive scenery on Gran Canaria and reveals a side of the island far removed from its famous beaches and resorts.
Google map 4.7/5
Google map (Pico de los Pozos viewpoint) 4.8/5