Cruise Holidays To Gran Canaria

Overview

Circular and mountainous, Gran Canaria is the third-largest of the Canaries. Las Palmas, the capital, is a particularly pleasant port of call as it's one of the world's few cities that has everything within walking distance and a really good beach, Playa de las Canteras, 15 minutes' walk from the dock.

Things to see in town include the Parque Santa Catalina, for shops, restaurants and outdoor cafes; the market; and the historic Triana and Vegueta areas. Here, you'll find the beautiful cathedral, the Canarian Museum and possibly the most visited attraction, the Columbus House, where the explorer lived in 1492 while repairs were made to his ship before setting out on his voyage of discovery of the New World.

Island tours are also popular, taking in the vast Bandama crater at the centre, the banana plantations, and pretty towns like Teror and Arucas. It's possible to drive right round the island in a day, although most excursions offer more condensed highlights. For a beach day, take a trip to Playa des Ingles in the south, a vast, bustling resort with golf, beaches and the famous Maspalomas sand dunes.