Things to Do in Gran Canaria
There are numerous ways to spend your time on Gran Canaria Island. The continent in miniature provides you all chances to make your holiday perfect, depending on your preferences. It would be pretty hard to name all the things possible on this beautiful island because everything is possible here. But let us try and focus on some of the main Gran Canaria’s attractions.
DESERT EXPLORATION
DUNES IN MASPALOMAS
If you want to witness a 60 kilometers long landscape that changes its appearance every day and every hour, there is no better place in Gran Canaria than dunes in Maspalomas. The unique mix of golden desert landscapes is combined with a beautiful oasis right in the south of the island, allowing its visitors to enjoy and explore a huge range of various ecosystems. It is not for nothing this area is considered to be one of the main tourist’s attractions in the region.
CAMEL RIDE
One of the most popular beaches in Gran Canaria and famous dunes are situated in Maspalomas. 6 kilometers of golden beach slowly morphs into heavy golden dunes. So if you want to make a break from your daily sunbathing, there is nothing better than taking a camel ride and starting the adventure of desert exploration. You can be sure that you will get supercharged!
RELAXATION
LA VEGUETA OLD TOWN
In case you get tired of lying on the beach, there is a great opportunity to witness traditional architecture of the old Town called La Vegueta. Here you can walk through cobbled streets filled with charming old houses with traditional wooden balconies. The old town offers you a lot of styles. One of the most noticeable ones is late-Gothic, appreciated by tourists from all across the world. If you get hungry or just looking for a place to relax, the town offers a plenty of outdoor cafes and some other charming places for a break.
LAS CANTERAS BEACH
Las Canteras, known in Europe as one of the best urban beaches, is a golden-sand paradise with calm and warm waters. Placed right in the hub of the capital, Las Palmas, the beach stretches for over two kilometers around the beautiful bay. It is a perfect place where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Spain without a need to get away from the city. Noisy and lively Las Palmas is right at hand, so you will always have a chance to change the relaxing and calm rest to a crazy party night.
PARKS AND GARDENS
NUBLO RURAL PARK
For all nature lovers, there is a wonderful 26,000-hectare area of virgin natural beauty in Gran Canaria, known as the Nublo Rural Park. It is considered to be the island’s largest natural area, filled with 30 tiny villages placed in an untouched paradise of mountains, rivers, lakes and forests. Nublo Rural Park is a Spain’s Biosphere Reserve, acceptable both from north and west of Gran Canaria Island. All those who are looking for the most breathtaking viewpoints have to mark the park as a must-visit place.
PALMITOS PARK
If you love animals, there is no better place for you in Gran Canaria than Palmitos Park. The park is set in 200,000 square meters of tropical gardens with a great variety of animals who came here from all across the globe. Crocodiles, dolphins, butterflies, monkeys, bears and many more beautiful and strange creatures are waiting for you here. By the way, do not miss a chance to visit Palmitos’ Cactus Garden and Orchid house. The dose of magic and relaxation is guaranteed. The park is situated on the outskirts of Maspalomas, so if you are somewhere nearby, come and experience the greatest adventure ever!
JARDIN BOTANICO CANARIO VIERA Y CLAVIJO
The Spanish largest botanical garden set in 27 hectares is situated 9 kilometers southwest of Las Palmas. Here you will find a great range of Macaronesian flora carefully collected from all across the island. Furthermore, the garden hosts some of the species on the verge of extinction. There are numerous boards written in English and Spanish, so you can come here to enjoy long walks, enormously beautiful landscapes, learn more about the Canarian flora and fauna, as well as get closer to the Island’s naturalistic history. Also, there is a restaurant at the upper entrance, so in case you get hungry, come here to enjoy fresh and tasty Spanish meals.
MUSEUMS AND CHURCHES
THE PAINTED CAVE
For all history lovers, there is a great spot in Gan Canaria, The Painted Cave museum and archeological park. People from all across the world come here to hear the echoes of an ancient Canarian people. The Painted Cave appeared thanks to 24 years of constant excavation and conservation of an ancient settlement in Gran Canaria. Here you will be able to get back to the early history of the island and to enjoy its famous cave paintings.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS MUSEUM
The fascinating museum, also known as Colombo’s’ House, documents his voyages. It is believed that Columbus stopped here in 1492, though it is not clear whether it is a truth or not. Also, the museum features exhibits that show the role of Canarian Islands in the beginning of transatlantic shipping.
If you come here with kids, do not miss a chance to show them the model galleon placed on the ground floor. They will love it! Upstairs you will find a gallery modeling the past and present of Las Palmas city. Also, you will be able to witness some historical maps remained from the early 16th century.
The building itself is a brilliant example of traditional Canarian architecture. There are two balconied patios, heavily wooden balconies and beautiful fountains surrounded by palm trees and parrots.
CHURCH OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA (ARUCAS)
If you want to witness one of the most magnificent buildings on the island, the neo-Gothic church that stands sullen watching over the purely white houses of Arucas is the best place to visit. The church of San Juan Bautista, also known as the Arucas cathedral, was built in 1977. It is worth to note that the construction started 68 years before, in 1909. Though, it was opened to the public in 1917. Inside you will be able to find some treasures, including a nude, reclining image of Christ created by a famous Spanish sculptor Manolo Ramos and three rose windows.
MUSEO ELDER DE LA CIENCIA Y LA TECNOLOGIA
If you have a couple of hours in Las Palmas and you love technologies, this museum is a must-visit. Especially it is a good place for those who have children: they will be rapt. It is full of things that can easily blow your mind. They clank and they hum, and can be quite noisy. Here you can become a pilot of a supersonic fighter plane, learn about the rockets and space, or ride a Robocoaster.
SEAWORLD
SPIRIT OF THE SEA
If you want to get an unforgettable experience, take part in an adventure provided by the “Spirit of the Sea” trip in Puerto Rico. Witness dolphins and whales in their natural environment, have fun and take incredible pictures. It is worth to mention that the waters in Gran Canaria are warm all year round and that is why dolphins can be seen here all year round as well. There are at least six different types at the spot, so do not miss a chance to tick them off your bucket list. Sometimes, it is easy to miss dolphins with pilot whales as their appearance is quite similar. Yes, you can see them as well. What is more, in the waters nearby Gran Canaria Island you can witness such fantastic creatures as fin whales, the second largest mammals in the world. There are many more sea creatures such as turtles, parrot fish and flying fishes you can see thanks to a glass bottom of the boat. Already exited?
LORO RARQUE
Do not miss a chance to visit a 13.5-hectare zoo, Loro Parque. Yes, it is Tenerife, but it will take you only an hour by sea to get there from Gran Canaria. It means you will accomplish two goals: see lovely animals and visit another Canary Island. By the way, the Loro Parque is famous for its world’s largest penguinarium. And if you want to see sharks at arm’s end, come and enjoy!
The zoo itself will let you explore it in your own way. You can come face to face with such amazing creatures as gorillas, tigers, alligators and many more. Still, the most exciting part begins when the show featuring dolphins and sea lions begins. Want some more excitement? Four killer whales leaping and splashing water around you are worth it!
APHRODITE ADVENTURE
If you are looking for the most relaxing way to spend a day, just imagine yourself lying on a sun-soaked deck with the ocean breeze ruffling your hair. Pine decks, wooden masts, and captain’s wheel reminds you of maritime drama. In Gran Canaria, this dream comes true with the leisurely cruise along south-western shores of the island. A traditional Turkish gullet, Aphrodite, will guarantee you a luxury rest that will be remembered for life. By the way, you can be absolutely sure that you will be treated like a royal!
