The North Coast
Agaete on the northwest coast surrounds a striking rocky bay and boasts delightful botanical gardens that are well worth a visit. For gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers, there’s also Jardin Canario, located to the southwest of Las Palmas in Tafira, and Caldera de la Bandama, a substantial volcanic crater 1,000m wide.
Las Palmas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria or Las Palmas as it is more commonly known, is Gran Canaria’s most populous city and is home to almost half the islands population. The city offers a wealth of things to do in Gran Canaria. For a look back into the islands history, Las Palmas has a host of museums including the Canarian Museum which is dedicated to the history and archeology of the Canary Islands. Equally the Casa de Colon which shows the voyages and artifacts of Columbus and his journeys, the museum also boasts two other floors which house, art, models and 13 other exhibition rooms.
The beach of Playa de Las Canteras is one of Gran Canaria’s most famous beaches and is located in Las Palmas. At around 3km long and set off the La Barra barrier reef the waters are calm, and the shore-front has an abundance of restaurant, bars and shops. For those ever wondering ‘what to do in Gran Canaria’, Las Palmas has something to offer all holiday-makers.
Palmitos Parque
One of the island’s principal attractions, Palmitos Parque features stunning subtropical gardens which provide homes for exotic birds, and include a butterfly house and an aquarium dramatically set in rocky surrounds. For those with an interest in nature or for those looking for things to do in Gran Canaria away from the beach, Palmitos Parque is a great option.
Central Highlights
Gran Canaria’s mountainous interior, fantastic for sightseers, ramblers and serious hikers alike, includes spectacular crags, caves, and charming old villages such as Artenara, and Tejeda. The most famous is the well-preserved village of Teror, which acts as the island’s spiritual centre and features some of the best examples of colonial style architecture, plus a beautiful 18th century church.
Catamaran Cruises
A favourite amongst things to do in Gran Canaria, is to set sail on a specially designed glass bottomed catamaran in search of some of the 29 different varieties of dolphins and whales that can be found off the south west coast.
Dunas de Maspalomas
The protected natural park of Dunas de Maspalomas encompasses a region of spectacular sand formations and the area boasts more than 6km of golden sandy beaches where the dunes meet the ocean, plus there’s a freshwater lagoon and delightful palm grove.
Theme Parks
Set in a tropical oasis in the south of the island, the vast water park Aqualand Maspalomas, boasts an abundance of waterslides and attractions to suit all the family. Alternatively, at Sioux City, the theme is of a traditional town in the Wild West with gunfights and shoot-outs and lots of stunt performing acrobats. These parks are great when looking for family things to do in Gran Canaria, or for day-trips away from the beach.