Holiday resorts on Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The vibrant and exciting capital of the island and also the largest city in the Canary Islands. Almost half of the island's 885,000 inhabitants live in the large urbanisation on the north coast. Las Palmas is the tourist, cultural and economic hub of the island - a historical jewel on the one hand and a modern movement on the other. Anyone on holiday in Las Palmas can look forward to museum visits, market days and old town flair, restaurants and tapas in lively squares, one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a whole lot of history.
The Vegueta neighbourhood is the cradle of Las Palmas and is blessed with a range of colonial architecture that will amaze you. The harbour is one of the most important in the Atlantic, ships depart from here for destinations all over the world, cruise ships land here and Gran Canaria is in constant contact with its neighbours via ferries. If you come to Las Palmas to shop, you will find yourself in Triana at some point. The former seafaring neighbourhood is now one of the chicest on the island. If you are looking for the famous city beach, head to Guanarteme, a trendy neighbourhood in the capital.
To make just a small selection of the sights in Las Palmas, be sure to visit the Vequeta market, Columbus House, San Antonio Abad pilgrimage church, Pueblo Canario, Alfredo Kraus concert hall and the Teatro Pérez Galdós. Most of these places are on the route of the hop-on hop-off city bus.
1st Cathedral of Santa Ana:
The oldest and largest church on the island watches over the historic neighbourhood of Vegueta and stands in the Plaza de Santa Ana of the same name, just opposite the town hall. The three-nave cathedral was built over a century from 1497 with interruptions, which is why there are traces of Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Classicism. If you don't mind paying the entrance fee, you should definitely go up to the tower to see the really great view of the old town.
2nd Casa de Colón:
Dedicated to the great navigator Christopher Columbus, who anchored in Gran Canaria on his way to the New World and is said to have spent the night in this former governor's house in 1492. The architecture of the house alone, with its elaborate portals and handcrafted balconies, is an invitation to visit. Visitors can look around the museum and view ship models, nautical charts, replicas and paintings.
3rd Alfredo Kraus:
One of the most important cultural institutions in the Canary Islands, named after the Spanish tenor Alfredo Kraus and built right on Las Canteras beach. Inaugurated in 1997, the building with its special architecture hosts classical music concerts, opera performances, ballet and music festivals all year round. The concert hall has around 1600 seats and several halls.
4th Castillo de la Luz:
The old fortress stands on the headland of La Isleta, within easy reach of the harbour and Las Canteras beach. It is the oldest defence structure in the Canary Islands (built in 1478) and was intended to protect Las Palmas from pirates. The castle was remodelled several times over the centuries and a chapel and governor's house were added.
Today, the Castillo de la Luz is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the history and architecture of the castle and learn about the important role it played in the defence of Las Palmas. The museum has a collection of artefacts and exhibits that illustrate the history of Gran Canaria, including the island's pre-Hispanic period, its colonial past and its role as a strategic location for transatlantic trade.
The Castillo de la Luz is also a popular venue for cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions and theatre performances. The central courtyard and surrounding gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities.
Playa del Ingles
A popular seaside resort in the south of Gran Canaria and one of the island's best-known tourist destinations. The beach at Playa del Inglés stretches for several kilometres as far as Punta de Maspalomas and has everything that is important: turquoise water, sun loungers, showers, kiosks and water sports. Holidaymakers can choose between hotel and apartment complexes, everything is within easy reach and, above all, the sun shines here almost all year round. Those who like to go out in the evening will appreciate the long opening hours of the bars and restaurants, and the English beach also has shopping centres and amusement parks. The town is particularly popular with younger travellers and party holidaymakers due to its lively atmosphere and a good dose of nightlife. But Playa del Inglés is also a quiet place - those who want to go on holiday with the family will also find the best conditions here.
Meloneras
The seaside resort on the south coast is known for its upmarket hotels, luxury resorts and golf courses as well as its attractive beach promenade with shops, restaurants and bars. The beach promenade of Meloneras is one of the most beautiful on the island and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Here you can take long walks, relax in one of the bars or enjoy a delicious meal in one of the restaurants. The beach of Meloneras is one of the most beautiful on the island with fine, golden sand and clear, turquoise-coloured water. Meloneras also offers many activities for holidaymakers, including water sports, boat trips and excursions in the surrounding area. However, the resort is best known for its exclusive holiday resorts and golf courses. The Lopesan Meloneras Golf Resort is one of the most famous golf courses on the island and offers spectacular views of the sea. If you are looking for a more luxurious holiday, this is the place for you.
Maspalomas
Maspalomas is always mentioned in the same breath as the dunes and it is without question one of the greatest gifts of the south coast. Together with Playa Inglés and Meloneras, Maspalomas is the largest holiday resort on Gran Canaria. Maspalomas beach stretches for around six kilometres and is one of the longest beaches on Gran Canaria. With this expanse, everyone will find their favourite spot - whether it's for families, naturists or water sports. Especially in the high season, Maspalomas is a lively holiday destination that offers plenty of variety in addition to sun and beach. Among the leisure options, water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and diving are at the top of the list. There are also several golf courses in the area, as well as a water park and a shopping centre. The meeting point for those who want to socialise is the promenade with a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops. Various events and concerts are also organised here, especially in summer.
San Augustin
San Augustin is the best choice for those who want to enjoy a holiday under the sun of the south coast and prefer peace and quiet. The hustle and bustle and noise are completely absent here. This is probably because the nightlife and lively water sports activities have found a place elsewhere. San Agustín was one of the first seaside resorts on the island and still has a certain retro charm. The town is less touristy than neighbouring resorts such as Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, making it a perfect destination for travellers looking for a relaxing holiday in a tranquil setting. The main beach of San Agustín is Playa de San Agustín, a wide sandy beach with crystal clear waters, surrounded by restaurants and cafés. The beach is also popular for water sports such as windsurfing and diving.
Puerto de Mogán
Puerto de Mogán is such a charming little town on the south-west coast that you almost don't want to recommend it to others in order to preserve the temperate "city climate". The picturesque fishing village on the south-west coast has earned itself the nickname "Venice of the South" thanks to its many canals and bridges. An absolute plus point: the village centre is car-free and offers numerous restaurants, cafés and bars as well as small shops and boutiques. The harbour, which is surrounded by colourful buildings, and the weekly market, which takes place every Friday and is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists, are particularly worth seeing. The beach of Puerto Mogán is also very popular. The golden sandy beach is lined with palm trees and offers plenty of opportunities for relaxing, sunbathing and swimming. There are also water sports activities such as diving, snorkelling and boat trips. There are also many hiking opportunities in the area surrounding Puerto Mogán, including the breathtaking Barranco de Mogán gorge, which can be explored on foot or by bike.
Puerto Rico
Like Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico is a recommendation for a lively beach holiday. There are long beaches, a spectacular rocky coastline and a lively nightlife here. The main beach of Puerto Rico is Playa de Puerto Rico, a wide sandy beach with turquoise waters and a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing and banana boating. There are also many bars and restaurants along the seafront offering an excellent selection of food and drink. Families may be drawn to the "Lago Taurito" water park, which is just a short drive from Puerto Rico. The area surrounding Puerto Rico is also a popular destination for boat trips and diving excursions. There are many ways to explore the coast and surrounding waters and enjoy the natural beauty of Gran Canaria.
Agaeta
Agaete is a municipality on the north-west coast of Gran Canaria and is located in the province of Las Palmas. The municipality consists of the eponymous village of Agaete and several surrounding villages and hamlets. Agaete is known for its picturesque surroundings, including the valley of Agaete, which is surrounded by steep mountains. Here there are many hiking trails and opportunities to explore nature, including the nature reserves of Tamadaba and Roque Nublo.
Agaete itself also has some interesting sights, including the church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, which was built in the 19th century and contains several works of art from the 16th century. Near the church there is also a statue of the patron saint of Agaete, San Sebastián. Another highlight of Agaete is the harbour of Puerto de las Nieves, a small fishing port with a picturesque promenade where you can enjoy delicious fresh fish. From here you can also take boat trips to other places on Gran Canaria.
Agaete is also known for its thermal springs, which are located near the village and can be used as a natural wellness area. Here you can bathe in warm pools while enjoying the surrounding nature.