Las Palmas de Gran Caneria
The Canary Islands, a Spanish volcanic archipelago less than 100 miles off the coast of northwestern Africa. They are known for their black- and white-sand beaches and rugged terrain. Tenerife, the largest island and most populated of the archipelago, is dominated by the sometimes-snowy active volcano Mt. Teide. Immediately east of Tenerife is Gran Canaria, an equally popular European vacation destination.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is popular for enjoying one of the worlds best climates and miles of beautiful beaches. It also boasts important historical and cultural heritage sites, centered in the district of Vegueta, the oldest quarter of Las Palmas, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
Where Your Ship Docks
The Las Palmas cruise ship piers are located right in the commercial center of the city which allows easy walking out. There are some public facilities at the pier and in the adjacent mall. Walking into town is less than a quarter of a mile. Right at the entry to the port is a modern five-story shopping mall which is very convenient for picking up some necessities and last minute souvenirs.
Getting Around
The island has a good public bus system. Around the island the buses are operated by the company Global, with routes all over the island. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, you can use the local city buses.
The city also features Hop-On Hop-Off tour buses at about US$25. The No.1 stop is Santa Catalina Park, a perfect place to begin and not too far from the pier. The bus will carry you to 11 locations in the city.
Attractions
Playa de las Canteras – Las Palmas is now one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations with almost 2 miles of magnificent yellow sand it is considered one of the world’s best in-city beaches. This attractive seaside promenade – the Paseo de las Canteras, allows walkers and joggers to enjoy the entire length of the beach. If you’re a snorkeler there is an incredible reef, called La Barra, which at low tide turns the waters of Las Canteras into a giant snorkeling pool.
Playa de Alcaravaneras. Taking a stroll through Triana – the city’s central pedestrian shopping area in the city’s historic center. There are lots of high end shops and boutiques, side streets laden with cafes and great places for tapas and drinks. Walk along the Paseo de Las Canteras promenade, situated along Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s premier beach – Playa de las Canteras. Take a moment to sit and enjoy a coffee or an ice cream from one of many cafes.
Also the Avenida Marítima connects with the pretty fishing village of San Cristóbal, arguably the best place for seafood in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Casa-Museo de Colón. This fascinating museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands.
Catedral de Santa Ana – The religious center of the city, this neoclassical cathedral was begun in the 15th century after the Spanish conquest, but wasn’t complete until the 1800’s. The lofty columns that match the majestic palm trees of the island. It also features paintings by Juan de Miranda, the Canary Islands’ most-respected 18th-century artist.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is home to the Pueblo Canario, a facsimile of a traditional Canarian village in the heart of the capital. There are free live performances of Canarian folk music every Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning which you can watch from the comfort of a table on the outdoor terrace. It is also the location of the Museo Néstor, one of the city’s art galleries.
intend2travel.info 