The third largest but most developed of the seven islands in the
Spanish-administered Canary archipelago, Gran Canaria has been billed as a
'miniature continent' because of the variety of climates and landscapes that it
offers, from the big city bustle of the capital, Las Palmas, to the serenity of
its lush woodlands.
DISABLED ACCESSIBLE HOLIDAY INFORMATION
FOR GRAN CANARIA
The Canaries lie in the Atlantic Ocean, about 125 miles (200km) from the African
coast and almost 800 miles (1,250km) from the closest European port of Cadiz.
Gran Canaria is almost circular, with a diameter of about 32 miles (50km), and
is characterised by deep ravines which radiate out from the centre down to the
coast. The north of the island is humid, boasting green valleys and volcanic
craters, while the south is arid and desert-like with vast stretches of beach.
The capital, Las Palmas, lies on the northeast tip of the island, between two
long beaches, Las Caletas and Alcaravaneras. The interior of Gran Canaria hosts
steep highlands dotted with small villages, sporting white houses with red
roofs, banana plantations and orchards bursting with tropical fruits.
Tourists generally favour the southern coastline, flocking to the well-known
beaches of Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, where the sea washes soft sands and
empty dunes stretch for miles.
RESORTS
See our separate guides to the following resorts in Gran Canaria: Playa del
Ingles, Maspalomas, Puerto Morgan, Puerto Rico, Playa del Cura and Las Palmas
ATTRACTIONS
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,
carved in stone by local workers. The town is also the centre of sugar and rum
production on the island and visitors are welcome at the Fabrica y Museo del Ron
to witness how sugar cane is turned into rum. It is possible to take a short
walk out of the town to the Montana de Arucas viewpoint for a panoramic look at
the northern coastline.
Casa de Colon
Christopher Columbus is believed to have stayed for different periods in the
Casa de Colon in the historical quarter of Vegueta in Las Palmas on his way to
the Americas. The house now serves as a museum displaying relics of early
transatlantic voyages and pre-Columbian cultures, as well as acting as a
cultural centre for the study of the Canaries' relationship with the Americas.
Telephone: 928 312 373; Opening time: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, weekends 9am
to 3pm; Admission: Free
Casa de Colon Museo Canario
The main museum in Las Palmas is well worth a visit, boasting the world’s
largest collection of Cro-Magnon skulls and a few mummies. The museum also gives
a comprehensive overview of the life and times of Gran Canaria’s original
inhabitants, the fair-haired light-skinned Guanche people, who were conquered by
the Spanish in the 15th century.
Address: Dr. Verneau, 2; Telephone: 928 336 800; Website: www.elmuseocanario.com;
Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, weekends 10am to 2pm. Guided tours
are available; Admission: €3, concessions available
Palmitos Park
A colourful and entertaining look at nature is presented at Palmitos Park,
situated four miles (6km) inland from Arguineguin on the south coast. The park
is a subtropical oasis containing thousands of birds, fish, trees, plants and
particularly orchids. The orchid house is the largest in the Canary Islands and
the range is astonishing. There is a cactus garden too, a huge butterfly house
and an aquarium featuring a recreated riverbed. Parrots complete the picture
among the lush Canarian flora which fills the park.
Telephone: 928 140 276; Website: www.palmitospark.es; Opening time: Daily 9am to
6pm; Admission: €16 (adults), €11 (children)
Parque de los Cocodrilo
This Crocodile Park is home to more than 300 crocodiles and alligators from all
over the world. Visitors shouldn't miss the crocodiles' feeding time - at 12pm,
2pm and 4.15pm. The other half of the park is a zoo, which has sections on
monkeys and chimpanzees, tigers, jaguars, camels and much more. There is a
restaurant in the centre of the park where visitors can see a show where parrots
perform various tricks, including doing a jigsaw puzzle and roller skating! The
park is near the town of Aguímes, a few miles southwest of the airport.
Address: Villa de Aguímes; Telephone: 928 784 725; Transport: Hourly bus
between 9am and 3pm from near the fun fair in Maspalomas. Alternatively the park
operates a service from Puerto Rico, picking up outside the Jamaica Supermarket,
at 10.30am on Thursdays and Sundays; Opening time: Sunday to Friday 10am to 6pm
Pueblo Canario
The whitewashed Pueblo Canario was the pet project of Canarian artist Nestor
Martin-Fernandez de la Torre, who conceived and oversaw the creation of this
idealised representation of a typical island village in Dorames Park, Las
Palmas. Buildings surround a square where performances of traditional folk music
and dance take place every Sunday morning. The village also contains the Museo
Nestor, in which is housed a collection of the artist’s modernist paintings.
The village also contains a Bodegon (wine bar) serving local dishes.
Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Sundays 10.30am to 2.30pm
Reptilandia
Those with a soft spot for reptiles should visit Reptilandia, situated a little
off the beaten tack, near Agaete in the northwest of the island. It includes a
collection of snakes, tortoises, turtles and lizards – the Komodo Dragon here
is believed to be the largest lizard in the world. There are also sections on
spiders and monkeys.
Address: Parque Rural de Amagro; Telephone: 928 551 269; Opening time: Daily
11am to 5.30pm
Sioux City
One of the most popular days out in Gran Canaria, Sioux city was built
originally as a stage set for an American western film in 1972, but developed
into a Wild West theme park complete with cowboys, Indians, Mexicans and of
course a sheriff. There are shows throughout the day featuring bank robberies,
saloon fights, cattle stampedes, rodeos and gunfights at the OK Corral. Between
shows visitors can enjoy a barbeque or taste the culinary delights of the Three
Star Saloon. Every Friday evening there are barbecue evenings complete with
country dancing.
Address: San Agustín; Telephone: 928 762 573; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday
10am to 5pm; closed Mondays
Waterparks
There are three water parks on Gran Canaria: Aqua Park in Puerto Rico, and Ocean
Park and Aqualand Aquasur, the largest on Gran Canaria, in Maspalomas. All offer
enough attractions to keep children and adults amused all day, including dozens
of slides and swimming pools. Aqualand also has a wave machine and a 'lazy
river' where visitors can float around the complex on an inflatable tyre.
Opening time: Ocean Park and Aqualand Aquasur: 10am to 5pm, Aqua Park: 10am to
6.30pm, closing at 5.30pm in winter; Admission: Aqualand: €22.50 (adults),
€16 (children 3-12 years). Aqua Park: € 21,50(adults), €15,50 (children) ;
sunbed €2 extra. Ocean Park: €10 (adults), €5 (children)