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Welcome to Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria accounts for over half the population of the Canarian archipelago due in no small part to the island’s booming tourist industry.

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Flights to Gran Canaria from Cork Airport

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Things to do here

While best known for the plentiful resort developments that hug the island’s coastline, outside of the joys of a package holiday, Gran Canaria has much to offer the intrepid traveller. The island's landscape ranges from the green and verdant north of the island through a mountainous interior to the desert-like south. The coastline is interspersed with white sandy beaches and purpose-built holiday resorts but there are well developed trails for hiking and cycling throughout the island with water sports of all kinds available on the coast. Las Palmas, the island’s capital, also boasts a vibrant cultural scene and an active nightlife.

To Eat

  1. Located in Puerto de Mogán, the most westerly resort in the south of the island, Qué Tal by Stena offers an adventurous set menu in a room decorated with contemporary artwork. Reservations recommended.
  2. Next to the port in Agaete & Puerto de las Nieves  is Cofradía de Pescadores, this restaurant, as you would expect, specialises in fish. You can dine on the catch of the day on the outdoor terrace. Address: Muelle Puerto Nieves.
     

To Stay

  1. The Parador de Cruz de Tejeda, a luxurious state-run hotel in Las Palmas, offers great views of the surrounding gorges and cliffs and the hotel's restaurant serves upmarket Canarian cuisine.
  2. The three-star Hotel Parque overlooks the Parque San Telmo in Las Palmas. The sixth floor restaurant has great views and the rooms are simple and designed in quiet muted tones.

Casa-Museo de Colón Museum

This museum documents Columbus’ voyages and features exhibits on the Canary Islands’ historical role as a staging post for transatlantic shipping. 
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Las Palmas Cultural

Las Palmas, Spain's seventh largest city, is as busy as you’d expect but the historic centre, though small, is interesting. The city itself has an eclectic mix of locals and tourists and is home to a great variety of excellent bars and restaurants. 

Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo Botannical Gardens

About 9km southwest of Las Palmas, this botanical garden is Spain’s largest covering 27 hectares. It hosts a broad range of flora from across the Canary Islands including many rare and endangered species. The displays are in English and Spanish.   
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Catedral de Santa Ana Historical

The spiritual heart of Las Palmas, the cathedral was begun in the early 15th century, soon after the Spanish conquest, but took 350 years to complete. You can take a lift to the top of the bell tower for a fantastic view of the city and the surrounding coastline.