Things to do in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has a plethora of fantastic attractions that will appeal to all kinds of travellers. Tourists visit mainly to enjoy the resorts and beautiful beaches, but there's a lot to enjoy besides sun, sand and sea.
Animal lovers should head to Palmitos Park, Reptilandia and Parue de los Cocodrilo to engage with all sorts of creatures, while culture lovers should stop at the Museo Canario in Las Palmas to admire the world's largest collection of Cro-Magnon skulls. The Casa de Colon, a historic old house that's now a sort of maritime museum, is worth seeing as well. For something completely different, visitors should try Sioux City in San Agustín for a wild-west day out, while the historic town of Arucas remains a popular tourist attraction.
Getting around Gran Canaria to explore the varied landscapes and various towns and resorts is easy, as plenty of cheap, metered taxis are available. Grand Canaria also has reliable and efficient bus services that operate around the resorts and to all the main towns on the island; there's nowhere on the island that takes much longer than an hour to get to by bus. Local car rental companies have offices in all the main resorts for those who prefer to explore independently.
Museo Canario
The Museo Canario boasts mummies and the world's largest collection of Cro-Magnon skulls. The permanent exhibition is devoted solely to the aboriginal population of Gran Canaria, w…
Museo Canario
The Museo Canario boasts mummies and the world's largest collection of Cro-Magnon skulls. The permanent exhibition is devoted solely to the aboriginal population of Gran Canaria, who inhabited the islands from the second half of the first millennium BC up until the 15th century. It covers things such as religion and mythology, funerary practices, economic activity and the organisation of society. The award-winning museum in Las Palmas houses the most complete and comprehensive archaeological collection in the Canary Islands and should be of great interest to anybody keen on archaeology, anthropology and the ancient history of the Canary Islands. There's a room full of the skeletal remains of the ancients, which is spooky but fascinating.
Website www.elmuseocanario.com
Casa de Colon
Christopher Columbus is believed to have stayed in the Casa de Colon at various times. Situated in the historical quarter of Vegueta in Las Palmas, the house now serves as a museum…
Casa de Colon
Christopher Columbus is believed to have stayed in the Casa de Colon at various times. Situated in the historical quarter of Vegueta in Las Palmas, the house now serves as a museum that displays relics of early transatlantic voyages and pre-Columbian cultures, as well as acting as a cultural centre for the study of the Canary Island's relationship with the Americas. The building is a famous example of the architecture of the Canary Islands, and has heavy wooden balconies, patios, fountains and some unusual ornamental features. It was once the residence of Las Palmas's early governors.
Arucas
The delightful town of Arucas sits beneath a dormant volcano on the northern coast of Gran Canaria, and is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit. The neat town is do…
Arucas
The delightful town of Arucas sits beneath a dormant volcano on the northern coast of Gran Canaria, and is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit. The neat town is dominated by the majestic Church of San Juan Bautista, which local workers carved in stone. It's possible to take a short walk out of the town to the Montana de Arucas viewpoint for a panoramic look at the northern coastline. The town is scenically situated, surrounded by fields of corn and potatoes and banana plantations, and the Palmitos ravine provides some beautiful vistas. The stunning, UNESCO-listed Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve is also easily accessible from Arucas.
Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park is situated four miles (6km) inland from Arguineguin on the south coast, and presents a colourful and entertaining look at nature through a botanical garden, zoo and …
Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park is situated four miles (6km) inland from Arguineguin on the south coast, and presents a colourful and entertaining look at nature through a botanical garden, zoo and aquarium. The park is a subtropical oasis containing thousands of birds, fish, animals, trees, plants and particularly orchids. The orchid house is the largest in the Canary Islands and the range is astonishing. Visitors will also find a cactus garden, a huge butterfly house and an aquarium featuring a recreated riverbed. Attractions include dolphin shows and a number of bird shows including displays by birds of prey, parrots and exotic birds. Popular displays help fund the park's serious conservation programmes.
Website www.palmitospark.es
Aqualand Gran Canaria
Aqualand is a must for all families visiting Gran Canaria, especially those with children. The wide range of slides, pools, and rides will keep the young and the young at heart hap…
Aqualand Gran Canaria
Aqualand is a must for all families visiting Gran Canaria, especially those with children. The wide range of slides, pools, and rides will keep the young and the young at heart happily entertained for hours. Those looking for an injection of adrenalin should try the wide array of thrill rides, while young children have their own water playground with fun mini slides and swings. There is a surf beach and a lazy river, which families can enjoy together, and there are plenty of benches and beach areas for relaxing and picnicking. Lockers and sun loungers cost a little extra, but visitors do get free bags to keep their towels and other belongings in. The park is clean and well maintained, generally receiving rave reviews from tourists.
Website www.aqualand.es
Holiday World
Holiday World is a fun park that features a wide variety of activities and caters specifically to families on holiday in Gran Canaria. Kids of all ages can enjoy rides such as bump…
Holiday World
Holiday World is a fun park that features a wide variety of activities and caters specifically to families on holiday in Gran Canaria. Kids of all ages can enjoy rides such as bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, roller coasters and a pirate ship, as well as ten-pin bowling, pony rides and a parrot show. There's a playground area for children too young to enjoy the rides. A range of restaurants and fast-food outlets are available and, after dark, there are some nighttime entertainment options such as frequent live shows and music concerts, an Irish pub and some other drinking and dancing venues.
Website www.holidayworld-maspalomas.com