Gran Canaria Driving and Walking

Overview

Your English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the cruise port; board your transportation and settle in as you leave the port behind.

The Eastern Province of the Canary Islands - Las Palmas - is made up of the islands of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. All of these islands feature the same spectacular scenery, lots of sunshine, and amazing sandy beaches. All are unique and your half-day tour introduces Gran Canaria! Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is a large town, the administrative center for all the eastern islands. It has the largest resort, so there is a lively party feel here. Making Gran Canaria the most popular of the islands, you will soon discover why!

Settle in as you drive along winding roads and admire the ruggedly beautiful terrain, which rises to a symmetrical cone at the centre of the island. You will see both sides of the coastline, the port area as well as the sandy beach. The seaport will most likely be bustling and full of ships and the city itself is sprawling, built around an isthmus. The modern commercial shipping area called Puerto de la Luz takes up the eastern side and leads to the former island of La Isleta, and military quarter.

On the other side of the isthmus is the crowded Playa de las Canteras, a 2-mile stretch of golden beach. The promenade behind has been built up with bars, restaurants, and hotels and you will enjoy a walk on the promenade as well as a view around the city by vehicle.

The Pueblo Canario is a tourist enclave, perfect to people watch or browse in the small craft shops and art galleries. This can be viewed from above by walking uphill towards the AltaVista district, delivering a nice overview. At the end of town is the Barrio Vegueta, a neighborhood dating back to the Spanish conquest. In the heart of the barrio sits the Catedral de Santa Ana, which originated in 1500. You will also see the City Hall and the exterior view of the Columbus House.

Enjoy some free time to explore the best part of Spain - its gastronomy! Tastes are easy to come by as you move through the city, especially at the waterfront.