Things to do in Gran Canaria
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La Cucina
Run by Italians, this tiny place is predominantly a takeaway with a couple of outside tables. The pizzas come highly recommended, and there is also a limited range of pasta dishes and salads, plus the obligatory creamy tiramisu.
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas is the big smoke, the only place in the Canary Islands, apart from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with an unmistakable big-city feel. While it oozes the kind of sunny languor you'd associate with the Mediterranean or North Africa, its snarled traffic, bustling shopping districts, chatty bars and thriving port all give off the energy of a city, Spain's seventh largest.
The historic centre, though small, is rich in interest and undergoing a rebirth as an entertainment precinct. Combined with Playa de las Canteras, it could keep the average hedonist busy for days. The flavour is Spanish, with a heavy international overlay. You'll find a lively mix of Chinese, African, In…
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Camel Safari Park La Baranda
After the water rides and Guanches, how about a trip to the Orient? Camel Safari Park La Baranda has 70 camels and is located in a lush property with palms and avocado and citrus trees and also has a restaurant, bar and small zoo.
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Free Motion
The slickly run Free Motion offers a range of tours for small groups and has bikes and quads for rental.
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Parque Nacional de Garajonay
Covering 10% of La Gomera's surface, this 4000-hectare (9884-acre) park forms a knot in the island's centre and is a haven for some of the planet's most ancient forest. Over 400 species of flora, including its famous laurel, can be found here. Most trails running through the park were once used by the Gomeros. The majority of the hikes are relatively light, and you can get a solid view of the landscape without venturing too far.
Many independent visitors make for Alto de Garajonay (1487m/4879ft), the island's tallest peak. From here, clouds permitting, you can see the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and sometimes even Gran Canaria. Another favourite stop is La La…
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Casa/Museo de Colón
The Casa/Museo de Colón is a superb example of Canarian architecture, built around two balconied patios, complete with fountains, palm trees and parrots. The exterior is a work of art itself, with some showy plateresque (silversmith-like) elements combined with traditional heavy wooden balconies.
Although called Columbus' House (it's possible he stopped here to present his credentials to the governor in 1492), most of what you see dates from the time this was the opulent residence of Las Palmas' early governors.
The museum's four sections include fascinating accounts of Columbus' voyages, the Canary Islands role as a staging post for transatlantic shipping, pre-Columbian …
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Castillo de la Fortaleza
This miniature stone-turreted castle was built fifty years ago, not for tourism purposes, but as a folly; it was also the home of local archaeologist, writer, artist and collector, the late Vicente Sanchez Araña.
The museum has sixteen rooms which reflect the eclectic interests and energy of this veritable Renaissance man. The most impressive houses a well-labelled (in several languages) archaeological display - the Guanche artefacts were found in nearby caves. These include a tiny carved female idol; a Guanche symbol and one of only two in the world (the other is exhibited in a museum in France). Another room displays ancient armaments, including a 16th-century crossbow…
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Walking
Away from the coast you find a complete contrast to the beaches: untamed countryside with a dramatic variance in terrain, ranging from rocky and wild to gently undulating hills.
Free Motion has a choice of four hiking trips: Roque Nublo, Green North, Lake Tour and the daunting-sounding Summit Tour; all priced at around €45. The company will arrange transport to/from various resorts on the coast, including Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán for a small fee. Happy Biking offers gentler day walks from around €40, including pick up from your hotel.
To enjoy an exhilarating (and free) 5km walk, simply follow the promenade that extends eastwards from Playa del Inglés. The path…
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Catedral de Santa Ana
The city's brooding, grey Catedral de Santa Ana was begun in the early 15th century, soon after the Spanish conquest, but took 350 years to complete. The neoclassical facade contrasts with the interior, which is a fine example of what some art historians have denominated Atlantic Gothic. The retable above the high altar comes from Catalunya (mainland Spain) and the exquisite lamp hanging before the altar was made in Genoa (Italy).
The cathedral also displays several paintings by Juan de Miranda, the islands' most respected 18th-century artist.
You can access the cathedral's tower if you fancy a stunning and wide-ranging view of the surrounds from the city to the coast.
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Basílica de la Virgen del Pino
Dominating the town square is the Basílica de la Virgen del Pino, a neoclassical 18th-century church, and home to Gran Canaria's patron saint. According to legend, the Virgin was spied atop a pine tree in the nearby forest in the 15th century, which turned Teror into a quasi-Fatima pilgrimage site. The church interior, a lavishly gilt-laden affair, sees the enthroned Virgen de la Nieve illuminated in her place of honour at the heart of a lavishly ornate altarpiece, surrounded by angels.
It's a pity about the piped religious music, but the sign to turn off your mobile phone is spot on, stating that 'you don't need a mobile to talk to God'.
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Dunas de Maspalomas
In 1994 the fabulous Dunas de Maspalomas were designated a national park. The best view of them is from the bottom of Avenida Tirjana. Stroll through the arches of the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas to the balcony, which is surrounded by a botanical garden displaying many shrubs and plants endemic to the Canaries. There is a small information office here with sporadic opening hours.
Although the dunes look too pristine to blight with footprints, you can walk on the sand, but do respect the signs and keep to the designated trails. Alternatively, you can go the full Sahara and opt for a camel trip.
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Iglesia de San Juan
The extraordinary, neo-Gothic Iglesia de San Juan stands sullen watch over the bright white houses of Arucas in a striking display of disproportion. The church has a Sagrada Familia (Gaudi) look with its elaborate pointed spires and was, fittingly, designed by a Catalan architect. Construction started in 1906 on the site of a former ermita (chapel) and was completed 70 years later.
Within, a fine 16th-century Italian Crucifixion hangs above the altar; the wooden Cristo Yacente (Reclining Christ) is similarly impressive, together with three magnificent rose windows.
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Iglesia de San Juan
This extraordinary, neo-Gothic church stands watch sullenly over the bright, white houses of Arucas in a striking display of disproportion. The church has a Sagrada Familia (Gaudi) look with its elaborate pointed spires, and was, fittingly, designed by a Catalan architect.
Construction started in 1906 on the site of a former ermita, and was completed some 70 years later. Within, a fine 16th-century Italian Crucifixion hangs above the altar; the wooden Cristo Yacente (Reclining Christ) is similarly impressive, together with three magnificent rose windows.
reviewed
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Casa/Museo de Pérez Galdós
In 1843 the Canary Islands' most famous writer, Benito Pérez Galdós, was born in this house in the heart of old Las Palmas. He spent the first 19 years of his life here before moving on to Madrid and literary greatness.
The house contains a reconstruction of the author's study, various personal effects and other objects related to his life. It is a delightful place with a pretty central courtyard. Guided tours take place hourly, but only in Spanish.
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Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
This 21st-century Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología is full of things that whirr, clank and hum. It occupies a revamped docks' warehouse to the east of Parque Santa Catalina and is a great space to spend a few hours. Children will be rapt at some of the displays - a space pod, interactive chromakey screen and graphic depiction of a baby's birth - while adults may be equally fascinated by the 'how the internet functions' exhibit.
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Shopping Centres
About the only interruption to the hectares of apartments, hotels, restaurants and bars comes in the form of the shopping centres. In them you can buy everything from children's wear to electronics. A good tip is to keep on looking, despite the enormous temptation to buy everything as soon as you see it - you may well save even more money if you shop around. The main Shopping Centres are north of the centre in San Fernando and Bellavista.
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Natural Burguer
South of Santa Catalina, this eco-McDonald's burger joint is justifiably popular with budget-seekers and students. Veggie burgers with a choice of toppings are on the menu, as well as the regular beef burgers (although you are penalised with a white bun rather than wholemeal). Extras include watercress salad, corn on the cob and papas del abuelo (thick-cut potato chips). Go all out with a papaya-and-guava juice on the side.
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Pueblo Canario
Designed by artist Néstor Martín Fernández de la Torre, and built by his brother Miguel, the Pueblo Canario borders the gardens of the Parque Doramas. With a restaurant, central plaza, handicraft shops and children's playground, it is designed as a pleasant bit of escapism in a quasitraditional Canarian village.
You can enjoy free performances of Canarian folk music in the every Sunday morning from about 11:30.
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Playa de las Canteras
The fine 3km stretch of yellow, sandy beach lies a few hundred metres west of the centre, creating a holiday-resort border to the city. There's an attractive paseo marítimo (seaside promenade) - the Paseo Canteras - which allows walkers, cyclists, joggers and rollerbladers to cover the entire length of the beach, free from traffic. The whole area hums with the activity of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shops.
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Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo
About 9km southwest of the city, just before the village of Tafira Alta, this vast botanical garden - Spain's largest, encompassing 27 hectares - hosts a broad range of Macronesian flora from all seven Canary Islands, including many species on the verge of extinction.
Buses 301, 302 and 303 all pass by the garden's upper entrance. By car, take the C-811 road from Las Palmas.
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Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno
The city's main museum of modern art hosts some superb temporary exhibitions, while its permanent collection focuses on 20th-century art from both Canarian and international artists. The museum is housed in a tastefully rejuvenated 18th-century building, which is flooded with natural light. Local artists include Eduardo Gregorio, Santiago Santana and César Manrique.
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Jardín de las Hespérides
Northwest of Aruca, on the road to Bañaderos, the Jardín de las Hespérides botanical garden is owned by the Marquésa de Arucas. Lushly planted with more than 2500 different plants, trees and cacti, there are ponds, places to sit and a greenhouse with banana trees. The admission fee includes a detailed guide identifying the plants on display.
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Gabinete Literario
This sumptuously ornate historical building was the island's first theatre and is a national monument. It's an old-world display of faded elegance, with a gracious interior patio and rooms lined with bookcases crammed with learned-looking volumes. The place now functions as a private club, although the pricey French restaurant (La Galeria) is open to all.
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Centro de Talasoterapía
Centro de Talasoterapía is Europe's largest Thalassotherapy centre, occupying a huge complex attached to Hotel Gloria Palace, and is nothing short of breathtaking. Fabulous sea-water treatments leave your skin as smooth as a baby's bum and your mind as light as a feather. A day's dunking and use of the various appliances costs from around €50.
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Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park is a few kilometres north of the resort area, this is a subtropical oasis crammed with exotic flora and 1500 species of birds, along with an aquarium, orchid exhibit, reptile house, petting farm and animals such as wallabies and orang-utans. Buses run here regularly from various stops in Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico and Maspalomas.
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