Liked By Over 400,000 Cruisers
|
Unbeatable Deals
|
Unedited Reviews
|
Dedicated Consultant
|
Impartial Advice
|
Real Feedback
|
ABTA & ATOL Bonded

Gran Canaria Cruises

Las Palmas de Gran Canarias is the largest city in the Canary Islands, situated on Gran Canaria. The island is known for its remarkable range of landscapes, from black sandy lava beaches to rolling sand dunes and tropical forests. Dive under the water in snorkelling hotspots like Las Canteras, or stay in the city to explore its historic districts and leafy parks. There’s a warm, balmy climate throughout the year to keep you comfortable, whether you’re visiting art galleries or shopping for leather goods and pottery in the market. Don’t forget to eat your fill of tasty tapas by the sea!

What You Need To Know About Gran Canaria

What are the can’t-miss sights in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

You’ll want to kick off your exploration of Las Palmas by visiting its stately main square, which features the imposing twin towers of its Gothic cathedral. It’s notable for being the first church constructed in the Canary Islands, with baroque flourishes. Casa de Colon is nearby, where Cristopher Columbus is rumoured to have stayed before his famous 1492 voyage. It’s now an interesting museum. Have a wander through the romantic old quarters of Vegueta and Triana, where you can pick up exquisite leather goods. Gran Canaria’s all about relaxing in the sun, so head to the Playa del Ingles resort area for beaches, water sports and epic sand dunes at Maspalomas!

How can you reach Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from the cruise terminal?

Las Palmas is compact, so it’s not difficult to make your way into town once you’ve arrived at the terminal. Exits and transport options are clearly marked, and you can walk into the town centre by exiting from the canopy-bedecked gate and wandering along Avenida Maritima del Norte towards Plaza de Santa Ana. The main beach is also within walking distance, situated next to a promenade lined with tapas bars. Free shuttle buses also depart from the cruise terminal for quick service to the main city market, and taxis are on hand by the quay (be prepared to negotiate).

Parking facilities around the cruise terminal

Street parking is available throughout Las Palmas, including the areas near the cruise terminal. The city uses a simple colour-coded system – look for white painted spaces if you want to park for free. These are hard to come by in the town centre! Blue Painted spaces offer reasonable rates, while green painted spaces are more expensive and usually just for an hour’s parking or less. Shopping centres and other major tourist areas offer covered parking, though you can expect to pay quite a bit for day-long use. Many visitors will choose to use public transport or walk instead of driving.

LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA - DID YOU KNOW?

The Canary Islands feature their own unique flora and fauna, due to the protected ecosystems here. If you want to see distinct plant life, visit to the Ciudad Jardin region of the city with its dragon trees and floral blooms.

Although it’s tailor-made for kids, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology is fun for the whole family! This interactive science museum is a highlight of any trip to Las Palmas with its distinct modern décor and hands-on exhibitions to get you involved.

A trip to Gran Canaria wouldn’t be complete without spending some time at the beach, and you’ll certainly have plenty to choose from. The closest one to the cruise port is Playa de las Canteras, offering beachside cafes, bars, and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. It can get busy, so if you want a more secluded experience you can venture further afield to Maspalomas or Puerto Rico.

Gran Canaria’s interior is rugged and mountainous, in contrast to its sandy beaches below. You don’t have to head far out of town to enter the Arucas Mountain range. The village of Arucas itself is impossibly charming, all whitewashed homes and cobblestoned streets set in an otherworldly volcanic landscape.