Things to do on Gran Canaria
Address: , 64 North Row, London, United Kingdom
Tel: + 2011.
Opening times:Spanish Tourist Office in the USA
Address: , 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 5300 (53rd Floor), New York City, United States
Tel:
Opening times:This office is not open to the public; enquiries via the website only.
Tourism Board of Gran Canaria
Address: , Avenida de España esquina Avenida EEUU (Centro Comercial Yumbo), Playa del Inglés, Spain
Tel: +34 928 771 550.
Opening times:
Tee off at Anfi Tauro Golf Club
With its year-round sunshine, Gran Canaria provides 365 possible golfing days a year, which, unsurprisingly, make it a magnet for the Pringle sweater wearing set. There are seven excellent courses to choose from including the Anfi Tauro, par 72 championship course in Mogán. Designed by von Hagge, Smelek and Baril, the Arizona style course provides challenges and vistas in equally breathtaking measure.
Hike through dramatic landscapes
Gran Canaria’s varied typography is a big draw for hikers – some say it’s the best destination in Europe for ramblers. It certainly ticks all the boxes; the island has everything from deserts and mountains to coastal paths and valleys, with trails for all abilities. Gran Canaria’s hiking paths also reveal bucolic villages, forests and fabulous flora.
Nip down to Cocodrilos Park
Otherwise known as Crocodile Park, Cocodrilos Park Zoo ( this popular attraction is home to the biggest collection of crocodiles anywhere in Europe – over 300 of the snappy beasts call the park home. Virtually all the crocodiles have been rescued from illegal traders or from being kept in unsuitable conditions as pets. There’s also a tiger, a large collection of birds and monkeys and tropical fish.
Bask on Maspalomas Beach
Considered the most beautiful of all the beaches on the island, Maspalomas has fine white sand backed by vast, wind-sculpted dunes. At over 5.5km (3.5 miles) long, there’s plenty of room even on the busiest days.
Watch the action at Sioux City
Built in 1971 Sioux City is a western film set, which is the scene of movie-inspired performances such as Duel Until Death, Bank Robbery, Town Square Hanging and Indian Rain Dance. If formation foot moves are your thing, you’ll enjoy the late afternoon line dancing sessions. The park also features horse riding.
Learn about the Cañari at Museo Canario
The Cañari Gran Canaria’s original inhabitants, are the sole stars of the Museo Canario in Las Palmas ( which is dedicated entirely to understanding the lives of the island’s original inhabitants. The museum comprises the most comprehensive archaeological collection in the Canary Islands. The most popular room is the anthropology collection, which has wall-to-wall skulls and the mummified remains of Cañari
Discover the lost village of Cueva Pintada
Set within caves excavated into the cliffs of Galdár, Cueva Pintada is the remains of an aboriginal village discovered in 1987 that comprised some 50 houses. The caves contain wall paintings made by the island’s earliest inhabitants as well as archaeological findings dating from the 6th to the 16th centuries. Walkways take you through reconstructed houses for a glimpse into their primitive lives.
Strut your stuff at Las Canteras Beach
Gran Canaria’s answer to Ipanema and Bondi, Playa Las Canteras in Las Palmas is a golden beach lined with a multitude of bars, restaurants and shops. The favoured lunch venue for city workers and playground for surfers, sunbathers and posers, Las Canteras is the focal point of the city and the only urban beach in the Canaries.
