Gran Canaria is one of the largest islands in the Canary Archipelago, attracting more and more tourists from all over the world. In addition to numerous ocean beaches stretching over a distance of more than 230 km, the resort attracts travelers with its unique natural locations, parks and entertainment complexes, and historical monuments. Gran Canaria, whose attractions are scattered throughout the island, can surprise even the most biased tourists. What attracts the attention of the resort, we will tell you in detail later.
Timan Phaya National Park
One of the main attractions of Gran Canaria is a unique place located on the easternmost island of Lanzarote, where tourists get by ferry. Here is the unique Timan Phaya Park, famous for its Martian landscapes. Approximately 220 extinct volcanoes are located in the reserve area. Once their violent activity turned the local territory into an uninhabited wasteland. Today, the park’s landscapes are more like stills from a science fiction movie about space than terrestrial reliefs.
The main tourist attraction is the Islote de Ilario hill, named after a recluse who lived here for more than fifty years. It is from here that bus tours of the complex start, during which you can see how volcanic eruptions three hundred years ago distorted the appearance of the western part of Lanzarote. The excursion trip lasts no more than 40 minutes, after which tourists are brought back to the hill, where, if desired, everyone can go to the gift shop or visit the restaurant that serves barbecue chicken.
- Opening hours: The attraction is available on a daily basis from 09: 00 to 17: 45, with the last guided tour taking place at 17:00.
- Cost of visit: 10 €.
- Location: Lanzarote Island, Spain.
Crocodile Park
If you are interested in what to see in Gran Canaria, we recommend visiting the Crocodile Park. It is home to individuals of absolutely all ages, and also lives the largest Paco crocodile in Europe, which weighs up to 600 kg. Especially for visitors, the park hosts a daily performance with the participation of reptiles, during which you can observe the behavior of animals during feeding. In addition, the reserve has the opportunity to watch a parrot show.
In addition to crocodiles, other animals live in the park: foxes, tigers, raccoons, iguanas, pythons, as well as exotic fish and birds. Many of them are allowed to be touched. Often the inhabitants of the complex are confiscated animals, which were saved due to the disclosure of cases of illegal trade in animals. The main drawback of the park is the conditions of keeping individual individuals: some of them live in too small cages, which is a rather sad sight and causes ambiguous feelings among visitors.
- Visiting hours: from 10: 00 to 17: 00. The only day off is on Saturdays.
- Admission fee: adult ticket – 9.90 €, children’s ticket-6.90 €.
- Address: Ctra General Los Corralillos, Km 5.5, 35260 Agüimes, Las Palmas, Spain.
- Official website: www.cocodriloparkzoo.com
Pico de las Nieves
One of the most popular natural attractions of the famous island is Pic de las Nieves. Its main peak is 1,949 m high, making it the highest point in Gran Canaria. Interestingly, Pico de las Nieves was formed due to the eruption of an underwater volcano. Translated from Spanish, the name of the natural attraction means “snow peak”. This name is due to the fact that in winter the peak is covered with a thick layer of snow.
From the observation deck on the Peak de las Nieves, you can enjoy spectacular panoramas of the picturesque surroundings. And in clear sunny weather, you can even see the Teide volcano in Tenerife from here. It is easy to reach the mountain on your own by following the numerous signs. Well, if you don’t own a car, you can always book a tour of Pic de las Nieves at local travel agencies.
Palmitos Park
If you are in doubt about what to see in Gran Canaria, we recommend visiting Palmitos Park. This is a fairly large botanical and zoological complex, offering a whole range of entertainment for both children and their parents. There is a botanical garden with an interactive cage where you can interact with such exotic birds as flamingos, spatulas, South African ibises, etc. The park also has a beautiful garden, where you can see the largest orchid collection in Las Palmas, as well as appreciate the cactus greenhouse and butterfly house.
And the attraction also includes an aquarium, which features both freshwater and marine life. Among the latter, venomous individuals — the surgeon fish and the scorpion fish-attract the most attention. In Palmitos there is also a section with reptiles, where the Komodo monitor lizard lives – the largest lizard in nature, reaching a height of 3 m and a weight of 90 kg. And in the zoo with mammals, you can meet gibbons, aardvarks, wallabies, meerkats and other rare animals.
Perhaps the main attraction of Palmitos Park was its dolphinarium, which covers an area of about 3000 m2. The local swimming pool is home to five dolphins who perform acrobatics twice a day all year round. Guests can enjoy a pet-friendly swim at an additional cost.
- Opening hours: daily from 10: 00 to 18: 00 (entrance until 17:00).
- Admission fee: adult ticket – 32 €, children’s ticket (from 5 to 10 years) – 23 €, mini ticket (children from 3 to 4 years) – 11 €.
- Address: Barranco de los Palmitos, s / n, 35109 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain.
- Official website: www.palmitospark.es
Sioux City Theme Park
Some of the sights of the island of Gran Canaria are very original and cause great tourist interest. These definitely include the Sioux City theme Park, built in the spirit of the wild West of America. The complex was built in 1972, and initially it served as a film set for westerns. Today, it has turned into an amusement park, where literally every nook is imbued with an adventure atmosphere: every minute a cowboy will appear around the corner and a real shootout will begin.
It is interesting to see the performances arranged by actors and dancers on the territory of the complex. In just one day, 6 different shows are shown here. The park has themed shops and a restaurant. Even just wandering around the town and getting a taste of the wild west will be a real experience. The attraction will also appeal to kids, for whom there is a small zoo on the territory.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday-from 10: 00 to 15: 00, Saturday and Sunday – from 10: 00 to 16: 00. Monday is a day off. In summer, the attraction is open from 10: 00 to 17: 00.
- Admission fee: for adults – 21,90 €, for children (from 2 to 12 years) – 15,90 €.
- Address: Barranco del Aguila, s / n, 35100 San Agustín, Las Palmas, Spain.
- Official website: https://siouxcitypark.es/
Maspalomas Lighthouse
The island’s architectural highlights include a massive lighthouse located in the southern town of Maspalomas. The structure was built in 1861, but several decades passed before it began to function. The structure of the lighthouse consists of two buildings: a living room for the caretaker and, in fact, a tower, the length of which is 56 m.
The lighthouse stands on the picturesque Maspalomas beach and serves as a landmark not only for ships, but also for tourists. During the sunset, you can catch very beautiful shots against the background of the attraction. The place has long been a favorite among vacationers also due to the wide selection of souvenir shops and restaurants located in the area.
- Where to find: Plaza del Faro, 15, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain.
Ricky’s Cabaret Bar
If you are curious to watch a travesty show and have a humorous evening, then be sure to visit Ricky’s cabaret bar. Mostly people of retirement age, dressed in bright, shiny costumes, take part in the performance. And, judging by the reviews of tourists, they are really able to cause laughter among visitors. The program is based on well-known hits, and, in general, deserves attention. Different shows are waiting for you every night.
If you are going to watch the show, we recommend that you book a table in advance, as it is quite difficult to find free seats after 22:00. The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and helpful staff. The bar is located in the center of Yumbo on the third floor.
- Opening hours: 20: 00 to 04: 00. The bar is open every day.
- Address: Yumbo Centre, Av. Estados Unidos, 54, 35100 Maspalomas, Spain.
Roque Nublo
What can you see in Gran Canaria by car? It is definitely worth taking a trip along the mountain road to the famous rock of Roque Nublo. Stretching upwards at 1,813 m, the attraction ranks third among the highest points of the island. The rock of volcanic origin is known to travelers for its unusual spire in the shape of a finger pointing at the sky. The 60-meter-high point has acquired such contours as a result of the destruction and breakage of large parts of the rock.
If you decide to go to the attraction yourself by car, it is important to note that by lunchtime the parking lot at the cliff is sometimes filled to capacity. Also, be prepared to walk 1.5 km to the place (and the same amount back). Often, a cold wind catches up with tourists at the top, so a warm jacket taken with you will come in handy. But all these inconveniences will definitely pay off with picturesque panoramas opening from the top of Roque Nublo.
Old Town in Las Palmas (Vegueta)
Las Palmas, the island capital, was founded in the late 15th century by Spanish conquistadors. For several centuries, the city was a small settlement, which actively began to grow only by the end of the 19th century. Even today, every traveler can trace the stages of formation and development of the capital through its historical district. The old town consists of two blocks – Vegeta and Triana. Vegeta is a more ancient area with the distinctive architecture of a colonial island, while Triana is a relatively young place that has become the center of the capital’s shopping.
In the Old Town, there are several interesting sights, among which you should definitely look at the:
- The Columbus Museum is the former home of the explorer, where he stayed in the 15th century before conquering the Atlantic.
- The oldest luxury hotel in Santa Catalina, where famous guests from all over the world once lived.
- Museum of Modern Art.
In general, the Old Town is a rather cozy area, where it is pleasant to walk along the narrow, clean streets, look into miniature cafes with tables on the street, look at the bright facades and carved shutters. There are many souvenir shops and restaurants in the quarter, where you can often enjoy the performance of street musicians. If you want to feel the atmosphere of the colonial Middle Ages and briefly go back to that era, then you should definitely look at the historical district of the capital.
- Address: Plaza Sta. Ana, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.
Aqualand Maspalomas
If you are on vacation with children, then you can spend one day of your vacation visiting the water park. In the entertainment complex, tourists will find a variety of attractions divided into 4 age categories. Here you will find all kinds of slides with steep, winding and high-speed descents, a funnel slide, a boomerang slide, and you can also arrange a lazy rafting on an artificial river. For children, a small town with swimming pools and separate attractions is provided on the territory.
The water park has picnic areas, shops with swimming accessories and souvenirs, and several fast food restaurants. Food prices are quite high. Sun loungers (4 €) and a storage locker (5 € + 2 € refundable deposit) can be rented here for an additional fee. It is best to visit the water park on weekdays, when there are not so many people here.
- Opening hours: from September to June-from 10: 00 to 17: 00, from July 1 to August 31 – from 10: 00 to 18: 00.
- Admission fee: for adults – 32 € (when buying online-30 €), for children from 5 to 10 years-23 € (online – 21€), for children 3-4 years – standard 12 €.
- Address: Carr. Palmitos Park, Km 3, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain.
- Official website: www.aqualand.es
Arucas Church of San Juan Bautista (Iglesia de San Juan Bautista)
The most magnificent architectural landmark in Gran Canaria is the Church of San Juan Bautista. The temple is located in the northern city of Arukas and is considered the largest cathedral on the island. The structure began to be built in 1909 on the site of an old chapel, but the architectural masterpiece was completed only in 1977. The church is built of black basalt in the Neo-Gothic style, which is why it is often confused with the cathedral. Inside the attraction, it is interesting to see the main altar with a 16th-century crucifix, artfully made stained glass windows and elegant religious sculptures.
- Visiting hours: from 09: 30 to 12: 30 and from 16: 30 to 17: 15.
- Admission fee: free of charge.
- Address: Calle Parroco Morales, 35400 Arucas, Gran Canaria, Spain.
Gran Canaria, whose attractions are so diverse, is sure to be remembered as a unique place with a unique culture and history. Every traveler will find locations to their liking and will hardly ever forget their visit to the island.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: The Ultimate Destination for Attractions and Beaches
