Gran Canaria’s main draw are the beaches around Playa del Ingles but this is one Canarian island that isn’t called Gran(d) for nothing. Leave the tourists to sizzle in the sand and head for the hills. Gran Canaria enjoys a diverse landscape which in the north is green and leafy.
Also ensure you have a look around the capital, Las Palmas. It’s a lovely port town and gives you an insight into traditional Canarian life on the island.
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Don’t miss out!
La Vegueta
To see the historical side to Las Palmas, head to La Vegueta. In this old town, check out the pretty Palacio Episcopal (Bishop’s Palace), Casa de Colón and Santa Ana Cathedral.
Iglesia de San Juan
Spot the similarity with the Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia cathedral in this mini-Canarian version. Construction began on the Iglesia de San Juan in 1906 but wasn’t completed for some 70 years. Today it stands tall overlooking Arucas in Gran Canaria as a wonderful example neo-Gothic architecture.
Where?: Arucas, Gran Canaria
Castillo Museo Fortaleza de San Miguel
Castillo Museo Fortaleza de San Miguel is a stone built fortification built not centuries ago, but just some 50 years ago by local archaeologist and artist, the late Vicente Sánchez Araña. The building is actually a museum which houses archaeological findings and other historical items unearthed on the island. The upper floor is an art gallery exhibiting works from various local and international artists.
Where?:Avenida Tomé Cano, Las Palmas
Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno
The free-to-see Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno is Las Palmas’ key art museum which features a permanent collection and hosts a guest collections from around the world. The gallery is made up of several different arts spaces, and was designed by Portuguese architect Alvaro Sisa Vieira and was built on the grounds of the old Banco de España.
Where?: Calle Los Balcones, 11, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel: (+34) 928 311 800
The Palmitos Park
The Palmitos Park is located in the Barranco de Palmitos, in Gran Canaria. The park makes the perfect day out for families as it features daily parrot shows, a beautiful aquarium, and botanical garden. Check out the orchid house, which is home to species of birds, fish and butterflies.
Where?: Barranco de Los Palmitos s/n, 35109 Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
Where to eat
Casa Romántica
Casa Romántica is just as the name suggests. This is a great restaurant to head to for a romantic meal, located in the picturesque Agaete Valley. Come here for the great local view and amazing Canarian cuisine.
Where?: Carretera al Valle de Agaete, 35480 Gran Canaria
Casa Pepe
Although Casa Pepe isn’t directly on the waterfront, it’s a great place for those seeking super cheap fried fish. Recommended dishes include red mullet, papas arrugadas (potatoes with spicy sauce), chipirones (mini-fried squid) and if you arrive feeling really hungry, a grilled fish platter.
Where?: Calle Alcalde Armas Galván, 35480 Gran Canaria
Tel: (+34) 928 898 227
Casa Enrique
Casa Enrique is the place to head for some of Gran Canaria’s most traditional food. The décor is something out of 20th Century Canarian living, with amazing views over the mountains. Tuck into a typical island feed which includes papas arrugadas con mojo (potatoes in a spicy sauce) and local seafood.
Where?: 2, Calle San José, 35140 Gran Canaria
Tel: (+34) 928 569 542
Shopping
Puerto Mogan Market
Head to the Puerto Mogan every friday from 9am to browse through the market which sells everything from local crafts, gifts, clothes and jewellery. It’s a great spot to pick up gifts etc for folks back home.
Where?: Puerto Mogán, Gran Canaria
Galería de Arte Market
The Galería de Arte Market is held in Santa Catalina Park in Las Palmas on the first Sunday of every month, except during peak season (July, August and September). It’s open from 11am to 5pm.
San Bartolomé de Tirajana market
The San Bartolomé de Tirajana market is held every Thursday in San Fernando. Get here early for the best bargains. This market opens at 8am and runs until 2pm.
Where?: Centre of Tirajana, Gran Canaria
Commercial centre in Playa del Ingles
Commercial centre in Playa del Ingles is packed full of perfumeries, and stores stocking cheap fags and booze. Be warned, you will get hassled if you go in there, but in the current economic climate, it’s worth haggling to get yourself a bargain.
Teror Market
Pick up cheap locally grown and imported produce at makets held all over Gran Canaria. The most popular is the market held every Sunday in the tiny town of Teror which is just as popular with locals as it is with visitors.
Nightlife
Chic
Chic, but not so unique, this popular nightspot on Gran Canaria is just one of many which pumps out techno and dance every night, and attracts both locals and tourists. Arrive after midnight when the club starts to get busy.
Where?: 10, Sargento Provisionales, 35290 Gran Canaria
Time: Monday – Sunday: 11pm – 6am
La Alameda nightclub
La Alameda nightclub is a legendary and rustic nightspot located in Telde, as it’s been built to blend in with the traditional Canarian architecture in the San Juan neighbourhood. It’s popularity lies in the fact there’s no cover charge to get in here and hence why especially on Friday nights, it’s packed to the rafters.
Where?: 12, Plaza de San Juan, 35210 Telde
Time: Monday-Saturday: 11am – 11pm/ Sunday: Noon – 10:30pm
La Fábrica
La Fábrica is a cool pub situated near to the Las Canteras beach, Plaza España, and the port in Las Palmas. It’s reputed to host some cool concerts here and is a great place to listen to urban underground groves.
Where?: 1, Calle Mariana de Pineda, 35007 Gran Canaria
Events
Las Palmas Carnival
The Las Palmas Carnival in Gran Canaria is the island’s largest and most vibrant festival taking place on the island over three weeks. The event is planned by residents months in advance as elaborate floats and costumes are designed for the spectacular parade which winds through the streets of Las Palmas.
During the festival, a Carnival Queen is chosen as well as a Carnival “Drag” Queen to spice up proceedings. And with masses off-street parades, outdoor parties are in full swing making February one of the best times to visit the island and experience the livelier side to Spanish tradition.
When?: 26th January – 20th February
Maspalomas Carnival
Join the flamboyant Maspalomas Carnival in Gran Canaria, where the streets come alive with spectacular floats and colourful fancy dress. Plus there’s a drag queen competition, glitzy shows, dancing and music, as well as the traditional Spanish Burial of the Sardine at the end of the parade.
When?: 11th March – 22nd March
Tuesday 12 January 2010 12:39 | Published by Hotelopiauk | Categoriy: Travel News
