Home › Travel Guides › Europe Travel Guide › Spain › Canary Islands › Gran Canaria › Things to see and do in Gran Canaria
Image gallery

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

© iStockphoto / Thinkstock

Things to see and do in Gran Canaria

Aqua Sur Water Park

The biggest water park on the island, Aqua Sur Water Park (www.aqualand.es) in Maspalomas, has over 5,300 sp m (6,340 sq ft) of pools, 13 water attractions and 33 water slides.

Caldera de Bandama

The Caldera de Bandama, a 200m- (660ft-) deep volcanic crater, has an observation platform on its peak. Don't forget your camera as the views are some of the best on the island.

Crocodrilos Park

Otherwise known as Crocodile Park, this popular attraction is home to the biggest collection of crocodiles anywhere in Europe - over 300 of the snappy beasts call the park home. There's also a large collection of birds and monkeys as well as many other animals and tropical fish.

Holiday World

Holiday World (www.holidayworld-maspalomas.com) is the largest funfair in the Canary Islands. As well as the fair rides there is also a bowling alley, wellness centre, restaurants bars and arcades to cater for all ages.

La Vegueta

The 16th-century streets of La Vegueta, the oldest part of the capital, Las Palmas, exude charm and are made for strolling through. Sights include the 17th-century Palacio Regental, now the High Court of Law, and the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Ana.

Maspalomas Beach

Considered the most beautiful of all the beaches on the island, Maspalomas has fine white sand backed by vast, wind-sculpted dunes. At over 5.5km (3.5 miles) long, there's plenty of room even on the busiest days.

Museo Canario

The Guanches, Gran Canaria's original inhabitants play an important role at the Museo Canario (www.elmuseocanario.com) in Las Palmas. The museum also houses the world's largest collection of skulls and the remains of the island´s famous mummies.

Palmitos Park

A botanical and zoological wonderland, Palmitos Park (www.palmitospark.es) has 200 different species of birds plus the Butterfly House, an aquarium, an orchid house and extensive cactus gardens. There's also Primates Island, home to a community of white-handed gibbons.

Puerto de Mogán

Nicknamed the 'Venice of Gran Canaria,' this scenic harbour is home to gleaming white yachts and playboy toys. Be sure to eat at one of the excellent quayside restaurants.

Sioux City

Sioux City (www.siouxcity-grancanaria.com) is cowboy central, with shows such as Duel until death, Bank robbery, Town square hanging and Indian rain dance among the most popular live performances. The park also features a zoo for young visitors and horse riding.

Whale and dolphin watching

Gran Canaria is great for getting up close and personal with whales and dolphins in their natural habitat on a whale-watching boat excursion. Boats leave from Puerto Rico.

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.