Things to do in  Gran Canaria

Situated on the southern tip of Gran Canaria, the golden sandy beaches, calm waters, and luxurious resorts of Playa del Inglés are hugely popular with tourists. Aside from sunbathing, windsurfing, and volleyball at the beach, the Playa del Inglés area offers lots of shopping and nightlife, as well as family-friendly attractions such as mini-golf, waterparks, and camel rides.

Roque Nublo (Cloud Rock is a lofty, 262-foot (80-meter rock formation that was formed millions of years ago during a volcanic eruption. Located in Nublo Rural Park (Parque Rural del Nublo, the landmark is the island’s second-highest peak after Pico de la Nieves.

The best views in Las Palmas lie at the south end of the Gran Canarian capital, where you can hike into the heart of a gigantic ancient crater more than 5,000 years old. The Bandama Caldera is an impressive sight, stretching the width of 10 football fields and framed against a backdrop of the city skyline and the ocean.

With more than 40 water slides and attractions to choose from, there’s fun for all ages at Aqualand Maspalomas on Gran Canaria. Relax on a lazy river, bob in a wave pool, race friends and family on multi-lane slides, or experience the high speeds and curves of Snake Falls or Anaconda. Kidzworld caters to younger visitors.

The historic heart of Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas, Vegueta is the city’s oldest and most atmospheric quarter. Dating back to the 15th century and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the neighborhood is brimming with monumental buildings, architectural gems, and lively bars and cafés.

Within the desert on the southern end of Spain’s Gran Canaria island lies a surprising replica of an American Wild Western town, complete with cowboys, robberies, and shoot-outs with the sheriff. Built as a film set in the 1970s, Sioux City is now a Wild Western theme park complete with a petting zoo for the kids and a saloon for adults.

This colonial-style mansion in the heart of Gran Canaria’s Old Town once hosted Christopher Columbus on his way to the Americas. Today, this former governor’s house is a museum dedicated to Columbus’ voyages and the history of the Canary Islands. Kids will enjoy the models of all three of Columbus' ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María—and the resident courtyard parrots.

Spain’s largest botanical garden at more than 67 acres (27 hectares), the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is one of Gran Canaria’s most popular green spaces and lies just south of Las Palmas. Dating back to 1959 and named after pioneering Spanish scholar José Viera y Clavijo, it’s bursting with endemic plants and exotic flora.

The Catedral de Santa Ana sits in the heart of Las Palmas de Canarias, where the city becomes La Isleta. This cathedral is special for two reasons: It’s the seat of the Diocese of the Canaries in the Roman Catholic Church, and its architecture marks it out as being one of the most important historical buildings in the Canary Islands.

Ringed by palm trees and terrace cafés with the cylindrical AC Hotel towering overhead, Santa Catalina Park (Parque de Santa Catalina) is one of the central hubs of downtown Las Palmas. A short walk from the cruise port and Las Canteras Beach, the large square is a popular meet-up spot, dotted with grassy banks and flower beds.

Situated in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Poema del Mar Aquarium is a world leader in aquatic animal conservation and education. Here, adults and children can learn about the underwater ecosystems of five continents and have a rare opportunity to observe endangered species such as tequila fish, axolotes, and Thai sharks.

The buzzing shopping street of Calle Triana slices through the heart of Vegueta, Las Palmas’ oldest district. Lined with elegant 16th- to 19th-century buildings, the boulevard’s historic architecture is a backdrop to this modern shopping area, home to a wide selection of high-street stores, clothing boutiques, restaurants, and cafés.

Las Palmas’ historic marketplace is an architectural landmark and one of the city’s main food markets. Built in 1891, it’s recognizable for its striking wrought iron arches and is packed with shops and stalls selling fresh produce, deli counters, restaurants, street food, and bakeries.

Situated in Agüimes, on the island of Grand Canary (Gran Canaria), Cocodrilo Park is the principal exotic animal rescue center in the Canary Islands. Here, education and fun come together with live crocodile, bird, and monkey feedings, plus zoo exhibits and opportunities to interact with the animals.

Ferris wheels, bowling alleys, and karaoke lounges are just some of the attractions at Holiday World Maspalomas, a multi-activity leisure center suitable for all the family in Gran Canaria. Eat your way through the food hall, ride the retro 2-story carousel at one of the island’s largest theme parks, or test your mettle in an escape room.