Things to do in Gran Canaria

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an autonomous archipelago of Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, and consist of seven main islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote Island. The archipelago enjoys a subtropical oceanic climate, with warm weather year-round and minimal temperature differences between winter and summer, making the seawater suitable for swimming throughout the year. Each of the main islands has distinct highlights: Tenerife's Teide National Park centers on the Teide volcano. This cone-shaped volcano, with an altitude of over 3,700 m, is the highest peak in Spain. You can take a cable car to a platform near the summit to overlook the sea of clouds rolling over the volcanic wasteland, and on clear nights, the mountains are perfect for stargazing; Gran Canaria is home to Las Palmas, one of the most populous cities in the archipelago. The city's Las Canteras Beach features fine sand, clear water, and gentle waves, while the Maspalomas Dunes in the south of the island are a sea of gold extending to the coast, offering a completely different landscape from the other islands; Lanzarote Island's Timanfaya National Park preserves vast areas of solidified lava fields. You can take a tour bus along the Volcano Route to travel through them, watch geothermal demonstrations that use underground residual heat to create steam eruptions, and even ride a camel slowly across the charred volcanic slopes. The Canary Islands are surrounded by the sea, offering a rich selection of marine activities such as surfing, diving, sailing, and boat trips to watch whales and dolphins, and there is convenient transportation connecting the islands.

No. 10 of Family-friendly Attractions in Spain

Poema del Mar

This aquarium showcases diverse marine life from around the world, including sharks, sea turtles, corals, starfish, and more.

Santa Catalina Park

This park blends urban life, cultural activities, and a natural atmosphere, making it a perfect place to relax and experience local charm during your trip. Located in the heart of Las Palmas, the park is near the port and beach, offers convenient transportation, and is surrounded by abundant amenities. Trees, palms, flowerbeds, and greenery dot the area, giving the square both the vibrancy of a city plaza and a touch of natural tranquility. Next to the park is a science and technology museum, which is not only a great place to visit on a rainy day but also offers an educational and fun option for family trips. There are also cafes, restaurants, and bars nearby, allowing visitors to enjoy local food or take a short break after sightseeing. Festivals, carnivals, and open-air events (such as local carnivals and music festivals) are often held here, filling the park with a vibrant local atmosphere.

The Dunes of Maspalomas

The Dunes of Maspalomas is a nature reserve in the Canary Islands that features many beautiful sand dunes, is home to lizards and rabbits, and is a great place for hiking.

Maspalomas Lighthouse

Maspalomas Lighthouse is a lighthouse that has weathered the elements, standing quietly where the dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. Built in the late 19th century, it serves as a guiding beacon for navigation on the island. Initially, this area was just a desolate sea of sand, but the lighthouse cast a long shadow in the sunset, gradually becoming a symbol of this coastline. Strolling to the lighthouse, you will pass through soft dunes, with swaying palm trees nearby and a gentle sea breeze. Upon reaching its base, the light-colored stone walls and red-tiled roof create a charming contrast. Not only is its exterior elegant, but its annex is now open to the public as a folk craft exhibition center. Inside, wooden stairs lead to the former watch rooms, where exhibitions tell the story of the lighthouse's role in navigation, the island's transformation, and local handicrafts. At dusk, it forms a beautiful scene with the coastline and the sunset. The small square, restaurants, and handicraft shops nearby are perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.

Las Canteras Beach

Las Canteras Beach is an urban beach approx. 3 km long, located close to the city center and extending along the coastline. The beach is protected by a natural reef known as "La Barra," which creates calm waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and walking. A spacious promenade runs along the beach, offering a pleasant setting for walking, cycling, or sitting at a cafe to enjoy the sea views in the shade and sea breeze. At the north end of the beach, you can see local fishing boats pulled ashore, while the south end is closer to the surfing area, perfect for visitors looking to experience the waves. The beach offers comprehensive facilities, including umbrella and sun lounger rentals, wheelchair-accessible pathways, shower and changing facilities, a children's play area, and a variety of water sports options such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and diving. Additionally, the seabed is rich in biodiversity, and the area near the reef allows for close-up observation of marine life, making it a beach that offers both leisure and exploration.

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Palmitos Park

This zoo and botanical garden is different from the zoo and botanical gardens we visit on weekdays. It is located directly on the hillside and is surrounded by mountains and greenery on all sides. In this park built along the mountain there are many unique plants and the first orchid house in Spain. And animal areas such as aquarium, butterfly house, parrot house, etc. are also very popular, very suitable for families with children to come here to integrate with nature.

Sanmao's Corner

This was once the home of Sanmao and José. A commemorative plaque featuring their portraits hangs on the outer wall of the former residence, and the white doors and red tiles inside remain as they were, along with the acacia tree mentioned in Sanmao's books. The house is now a private residence and is occupied by new owners. It is just a few minutes' walk from the former residence to the seaside, where there is a Sanmao Corner with several murals about Sanmao.

San Telmo Park

Jardin Botanico Viera & Clavijo