Top Things to do in Gran Canaria
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Welcoming, tolerant Gran Canaria offers a little something for everyone. Families flock to the water parks and beaches of Puerto Rico. Those seeking peaceful escape scamper to Mogan's quiet fishing villages. Gay visitors crowd the bars, restaurants and beaches of Playa del Ingles. Urban attractions are on offer in Las Palmas. Three highways open up the island for those with a rental car or a bus schedule. Prime sites to visit include Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas and Palmalitos zoo park.
Restaurants in Gran Canaria
1. Casa de Colon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,841 reviews
Christopher Columbus' house is now a history museum, displaying several of his belongings, including his drawings, journals and a portrait.
Reviewed By VacaCouple2014 - New York City, United States
For history buffs this is a must see. The travels of the Nina,Pinta, and Santa Maria are all on display with replicas of the boats and a life-size replica of a cabin so you can imagine what it was like to travel back then and explore new worlds. Fascinating history with photos, provision lists, artifacts and more
2. Barranco de Guayadeque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 626 reviews
Reviewed By 7edg - London, United Kingdom
This baranco is very long. To get the most out of it I'd recommend heading to Montana de las tierras and starting out from there. We drove but saw taxis which you could pick up from aguimes. There was also evidence of a bus service, although I'd want to check the timetable before relying on them, not sure how frequent the service is. Once you've parked up you can follow the track up for as long as you like. It gives some great views of the area you've driven through. The trail also continues on through the baranco. We only had an hour of daylight so didn't go far. But looks like you could quite happily walk carry on for plenty a mile (although obviously check a map for trails). Also on the road from aguimes to the mountain you'll see the interpretation centre for the valley. Sadly it was closed for technical reasons when were there (mid December 2019).
3. Cocodrilo Park Gran Canaria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
The only animal recue centre in the Canaries. COCODRILE PARK is home to many animals brought by individuals or seized governmments. Many have terrible stories of abuse and neglect before coming here.
Reviewed By paulawat50 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Very nice well kept rescued animals including tigers snakes chimps birds and lots of crocodiles including babies. Make sure you go at interactive times (11am - 1pm ish). Not expensive
4. Caldera de Bandama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,091 reviews
Reviewed By Roadboy - London, United Kingdom
A highlight of our stay in Gran Canaria (where much of the landscape closer to the coast is, to be honest, ugly and ravaged); the 3.5km walk worked very well going clockwise, so ignore the sign to the Caldera itself (see warning in previous review) and follow the road toward Pico Bandama. Great views, and good exercise on the ups and downs. Important WARNING if coming by hourly bus 311 from Las Palmas: we (and a dozen or so other tourists) should have ignored the driver mischievously calling out 'Bandama'; unfortunately, we all got out at the village of Bandama, rather than the Caldera, and had 2km of road walk uphill to get to the start of the ridge walk. I suspect the local passengers on board have a good laugh about tourists' stupidity once the bus carries on to the Caldera without us.
5. Playa de Las Canteras
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,873 reviews
Reviewed By deltaman0_0 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Our second visit in December 2018 and now in January 2020, We have had wonderful weather on both visits, Great walk along the wonderful 3.5 km promenade a great clean beach with facilities for the disabled to enjoy the beach, excellent restaurants and cafés Don't miss out on this amazing place.
6. Jardin Botanico Viera & Clavijo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,585 reviews
This unique garden erected on the side of a ravine has examples of every kind of vegetation found on the Canaries.
Reviewed By Joel43_12 - Christchurch, United Kingdom
Short bus ride from Las Palmas, the driver told us where to get off. We entered via the upper (free) entrance and made our way down steep paths towards the lower entrance. there is an amazing variety of plants, trees (including numerous Dragon trees) and cacti (over a third of the world's known cacti). The gardens are well maintained with clean toilets, a restaurant near the upper entrance and were peaceful, not many visitors in February. We would certainly go back if we visited Gran Canaria again.
7. Calle Triana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,704 reviews
Street with upscale shopping
Reviewed By 154rox - Stamford, United States
Anything you want is probably here, there are many restaurants along the way and no cars so walking is easy and leisurely. Lots of local shops. Try cafe SOL for coffee. Nice service and presentation and a good energy boost along the way. Very fair prices.
8. Palmitos Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,566 reviews
Palmitos Park is a botanical zoo-themed park located 10 km from the Faro de Maspalomas. A subtropical oasis nestled in a wonderful natural environment of the island. His collection includes species of animals and plants from 5 continents. Best of nature concentrated in one place. Visit the new dolphinarium, with its spectacular show, aquarium, butterfly house, the incredible show of birds of prey, the show of parrots, meerkats, crocodiles and much more ....Discover the best of nature in Palmitos Park!!
Reviewed By 161shazzah - Exeter, United Kingdom
My 3rd year returning to palmitos and I still can’t fault it! Visited today and had to write a review, perfect day, amazing shows, friendly and helpful staff, birds of prey guys at the top of the canyon very funny make you feel comfortable around the birds to take photos, very kind men! Dolphin trainers are amazing! Would love to have their job, appreciate all the work the staff put in there. Big variety of animals, very warm in August so just be careful make sure you drink plenty of water, wear hats and lots of sun cream but 1000% would recommend
9. Playa de Maspalomas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,363 reviews
Reviewed By SebP_AnnaB - Brussels, Belgium
The Dunes and Beach of Maspalomas are a surprising sight and something not seen every day. Get lost in the dramatic sweeping dunes, walking along their crest of in the valleys between only to find before you a beautiful beach with inviting waters, even in December I was able to spend 45 minutes in the water! Key Points: 1) Bring Sunblock and Water. Not a lot of shade in the area and you don't want to wait for hours in lines a the drink shacks. 2) Dunes are gorgeous and fun. Have fun, try running down the dunes and jumping by the edge! 3) Be careful of the rip-tide. Maspalomas beach is a place where currents intersect. On some days the riptide is enough to carry you away even if you're in knee-high water. 4) Not a nude beach, specifically. But plenty of nude people. However, people are comfortable is how they do the beach there.
10. Paseo Costa Canaria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 836 reviews
Reviewed By Tamandmarion - Ardrossan, United Kingdom
We love walking and this is a lovely walk right along to the sand dunes and back take plenty water lovely views all the way along
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