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Overview: The capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas is situated at the northeast tip of the island, between two long stretches of beach. The city was founded in 1478 and was the spot where Christopher Columbus began each of his voyages to the Americas. Much of the original Vegueta district remains behind the modern apartment blocks, which line the seafront, and there are many interesting sights and museums to visit. The ambience is lively, evident of a population of southern temperament not always taking life at its most serious. This city's great cultural offerings, attractive festivities and highly recommendable cuisine will make for a memorable stay.

Shopping: There are numerous shopping centres such as El Corte Ingles in Mesa y Lopez, which is Spain's largest national department store. It is 13 floors of shops, in total, housed in two buildings. Las Arenas in Las Canteras is another great shopping mall, a favourite with tourists. A street market is well worth a visit where most gift and souvenir shopping can be done.

 

Restaurants: There are plenty of seaside restaurants in Las Palmas to choose from as well as numerous tapas bars where travellers can eat and mingle with the locals, experiencing true Canarian cuisine. Since Las Palmas is not completely dominated by tourists, prices are up to 50 percent less than on other parts of the island. Plaza Santa Catalina is must see, where diners can enjoy the warm evenings in one of the many open-air restaurants.

 

Nightlife: The place to go in Las Palmas is Plaza de España, in the Mesa y Lopez district, which is usually packed until the early hours of the morning. The Heineken is where most locals start their evening and the Rum Museum is a good place to sample rum cocktails. Hip-swaying salsa music, live bands, cover bands, jazz, or anything else can be found in Las Palmas. There is even has a Casino where a spot of gambling can be done and visitors can take in a few shows.

 

Activities: The warm waters surrounding Las Palmas provide perfect conditions for all kinds of water sports including sailing and boating. Many of the resorts have their own tennis courts and golf courses, or have contracts with others so that holidaymakers can play when they so desire. Whale watching is another popular activity and tickets can be bought from companies taking tourists out on boats for the day.

 

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... see full details

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... see full details

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... see full details

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... see full details

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... see full details

Activities

Golf: There are four world-class golf courses on Gran Canaria. El Cortijo and was home to the Spanish Open in 2002 and is just outside Las Palmas. The Real Club de Golf is nearby in Bandama and is Spain's oldest golf club, founded in 1891; it is closed to non-members at weekends. The Maspalomas Club de Golf is located close to the sand dunes within a nature reserve, while the newest club, Salobre, is just 10 minutes drive east of Puerto Rico.

Camel rides: One of the most popular activities in the south of the island is a ride around the Maspalomas Dunes on the back of a camel. The trip usually lasts for around half an hour – the camels generally carry two passengers and walk behind one another as part of a ‘caravan’. Although camels can gallop at up to 35mph (56kph) they usually go at a more sedate pace. Camel rides can also be enjoyed at Fataga.

Jeep Safaris: The most spectacular scenery on the island can be found within the mountainous interior around Mount Tejeda. Jeep safaris take visitors around this area which has been almost completely untouched by tourism and offers wonderful views over rocky peaks, alpine forests and scenic reservoirs. Full-day tours can be organised in the resorts and leave most days of the week. Be aware of the changeable weather - in winter it can be snowing in the mountains while people soak up the sun on the beaches, up to 6,562ft (2,000m) below. Jeep safaris cost around €35 per adult and €25 per child.

Boat Trips: Boat trips of all sorts can be arranged from the resorts. The choice of boats is quite extensive, ranging from an all-day booze cruise aboard a 350ft (107m) liner, to smaller cruisers, yachts, catamarans and glass bottomed boats where visitors can take in the marine life below. In addition to cruising around the coast many boats drop anchor and offer swimming, snorkelling and banana boat rides. Jet skis and parasailing can also be arranged. The highlight of any cruise is usually the sight of dolphins playing around the boat.

Big Game Fishing: Gran Canaria is one of the best spots in the world for big game fishing and there are a number of companies competing for business. While blue marlin are the most highly prized trophy fish there are plenty of other species including white marlin, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin tuna, and mako and hammerhead sharks. Regular catches of blue marlin range from 331 to 496 pounds (150 to 225kg) with last year's record standing at 794 pounds (360kg). Trips cost around €45 including all equipment, but excluding lunch.