Mirador del Balcón, Gran Canaria: western cliffs and tips

The Mirador del Balcón lets you look out over Gran Canaria’s most vertical coast, a sequence of volcanic walls dropping towards the sea at the island’s western edge. The view has none of the urban or beach-resort feel of other parts of Gran Canaria: here the relief, the mountain road and the sensation of standing on an Atlantic rim dominate. It is a short stop, but one with real presence, especially for anyone wanting to understand the scale of the western massif and the relationship between La Aldea, the ravines and the ocean.

The viewpoint is in the La Aldea de San Nicolás area, on the road that runs along Gran Canaria’s west coast. The approach can include bends and exposed stretches, so drive calmly and check the road conditions before setting off if there have been rockfalls, strong winds or bad weather. It is most comfortable by car and usually makes sense as part of a route through La Aldea, Agaete or the western landscapes of the island.

Plan the stop with enough daylight, because the relief is easier to read when the sun picks out the edges of the cliffs. Do not lean out beyond the designated areas: the terrain is abrupt and the wind can be stronger than it seems from the car. Bring water if you are doing a longer route through the west, as this is not an area with continuous services. For photography, look for lateral compositions of the coastline rather than relying only on the frontal view from the railing.