Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is famous for its sandy beaches to the south of the island, and most people do not go far from their all-encompassing resort. To the north, however, Las Palmas deserves a day trip, or a few nights, and has its beaches right in the center of town.

Vegueta

Vequeta Street

Vegueta is integrated with Spanish architecture

The scenic streets with the Vegueta quarter-historic stone are in line with Spanish architecture, from the late Gothic to the Renaissance. At its heart is the Cathedral of Santa Ana, the first church in the Canaries, dating to 1500. Climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city.

In the corner is the Ermita de San Antonio Abad, where Christopher Columbus prayed before he left for America.

A week later the cathedral is Casa de Colón, where Columbus was welcomed by the emperor when he arrived here in 1492 on his way to America. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and he travels and contains models of his ships. Nearby is the Museo Canario, dedicated to pre-colonial history consisting of Guanches, the indigenous people of Gran Canaria.

Vegueta is a place where locals go to eat tapas, especially in the many bars and restaurants around Mendizábal Street. Walk in the area, grab a glass of wine and tapas or two, in different places.

Mercado del Puerto

Mercado del Puerto has many fine restaurants

North of the city, Mercado del Puerto, along the coast, has an excellent mix of tapas bars, and shops all in one place.

There is not only one beach but five in the city so you can choose. Las Canteras has more than three miles [3 km] of golden sands on the west side of the city. El Confital, in the north, is deserted and rugged, famous for its diving.

Las Alcaravaneras, on the other hand, in front of the harbor, is ready for the scorching sun and the games. To the south are La Laja and San Cristobal, both very quiet.

Isleta

Las Colorados

Travel from La Puntilla, north of Las Canteras, to the La Isleta Peninsula, now a protected area of ​​wildlife, much of which remains occupied by soldiers.

After a dip in the ocean at El Confital, make your way up to the village of Las Colorados, located at the foot of the highest mountain in Las Palmas. A few restaurants here offer great local food and a beautiful view of the city.

Shopping

Triana is the city's largest pedestrian shopping center, part of a historic center, home to specialty shops. Near Avenida José Mesa y López you will find the department store El Corte Inglés and other supermarkets. At the southern end of Las Canteras Beach is Las Arenas, a large shopping mall. To find shops go to the Las Terrazas shopping center, on the edge.

Botanical Gardens

Take the bus to Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo on the outskirts of town. This is the largest botanical garden in Spain, covering 27 hectares, and protecting the 500 unique plants that make the Canary Islands one of the world's most beloved biodiversity hotspots. See their unusual collection of palm trees, over 2000 cacti, and many dragon trees.

Caldera de Bandama

Just 20 minutes from the town is the extinct volcano, Caldera de Bandama, the site of the last eruption on the island 2000 years ago. It is 200 meters deep and 1000m wide. Visit in the morning when the caldera is filled with mist and the mud glows. The earthen walls of the caldron lead down to the desert of ash-colored volcanic ash, lush with palm trees, oranges, and fig trees.

Rum Tour

In the northern part of the city, in Arucas, rum is produced from locally grown sugarcane. A guided tour of the Arehucas Distillery lasts 45 minutes and includes a visit to the mill, fermentation and distillation rooms, an aging basement, and a taste of rum and liqueur.

The Wine Line

Arehucas Cellar

The island is home to about 40 grape varieties, 24 of which are found only here. The Gran Canaria Wine Route includes ten restaurants as well as restaurants and hotels. Inside the city are Hoyas de Bandama, near the pit, and the small Señorío de Cabrera in Barranco de García Ruíz. Both give a taste of the selection of local tapas.