Cruises from Las Palmas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — the pearl of the Atlantic and the largest cruise hub of the Canary Islands. This is a city where eternal summer meets millennia of history, and volcanic landscapes blend with world-class beaches. The capital of Gran Canaria island and co-capital of the Canary Islands Autonomous Community stretches along the north-eastern coast of the island, just 150 kilometres from the shores of Africa. Here, the colonial architecture of the Vegueta quarter stands beside a three-kilometre city beach, while the cafés along the Paseo de Las Canteras promenade lead effortlessly to a stroll towards the most modern cruise terminal in Europe. 🌴
For the cruise traveller, Las Palmas is far more than a port of call. It is one of the key turnaround ports of the Atlantic, from which liners set sail towards the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Africa, and on transatlantic crossings between Europe and the Americas. The island's climate is among the most consistently pleasant in the world throughout the year, which is why the cruise season in Las Palmas never truly closes. In 2025, the Port of Las Palmas surpassed the 2 million cruise passenger mark for the first time in its history, firmly cementing its status as the leading Atlantic cruise hub. 🚢
📋 Before embarking on a cruise from Las Palmas or going ashore during a port call, here is the essential information:
🇪🇸 Country: Spain
📍 Region: Canary Islands (Autonomous Community)
🏝️ Island: Gran Canaria
👥 Population: approximately 380,000 city residents (island — over 860,000)
📐 City area: 100.5 km²
🗣️ Language: Spanish (official); English is widely understood in tourist areas
💶 Currency: Euro (EUR)
🕐 Time zone: WET (UTC+0), in summer WEST (UTC+1) — two hours behind Kyiv
☀️ Climate: subtropical, one of the mildest in the world: +18…+22 °C in winter, +24…+28 °C in summer; temperatures rarely fall below +15 °C
✈️ Nearest airport: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) — 20 km from the cruise port, approximately 20–30 minutes by road
⚓ Official cruise port name: Puerto de Las Palmas (Muelle de Santa Catalina)
🌍 Geographic location: 150 km from the African coast; 1,350 km from the Iberian Peninsula
🏛️ The History of Las Palmas — from the Guanches to the Atlantic Capital
⏳ Over 500 Years at the Crossroads of Civilisations
The history of Las Palmas is, above all, the history of its port and the sea. Before the arrival of the Spanish, the island was home to the Guanches — a mysterious indigenous people of Berber origin who left behind cave cities, mummies and a system of writing. On 24 June 1478, Castilian commander Juan Rejón founded a settlement named "Real de Las Palmas" — and it is this date that the city's residents celebrate as the city's birthday.
True fame came to Las Palmas in 1492, when Christopher Columbus stopped here during his first voyage to the Americas to repair a ship's rudder. That brief stay forever inscribed the city in the history of the Age of Discovery. Today, the Casa de Colón museum house in the Vegueta quarter welcomes thousands of visitors each year — it is in this very building that the admiral is said to have stayed.
⚓ From Transit Port to Modern Mega-Hub
Over the centuries that followed, Las Palmas became an indispensable link in Atlantic trade: ships sailing between Europe and the New World put in here to replenish supplies of fresh water, food and fuel. This tradition of the "island pit-stop" on transatlantic routes lives on to this day — now in the form of luxury liners that include Gran Canaria in their itineraries. In the twentieth century the city experienced rapid tourist growth, and on 1 November 1978, following the adoption of Spain's Constitution, the Canary Islands were granted the status of an Autonomous Community. Today, Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands and the ninth most populous city in Spain. 🌊
⚓ The Port of Las Palmas — the Heart of Atlantic Cruising
📊 Scale and Structure of the Port
The modern Port of Las Palmas, also known as "Puerto de la Luz" ("Port of Light"), is the largest port in the Canary archipelago and one of the most significant port complexes on the Atlantic. It occupies the north-eastern part of the city and combines cruise, cargo, container and leisure zones. The port's overall capacity allows it to accommodate up to five large cruise ships simultaneously.
For cruise passengers, the main facility is the Muelle de Santa Catalina berth — this is where cruise liners dock. On 2 October 2025, a new terminal officially opened here, becoming the largest cruise terminal in Europe. The 14,000 m² facility can handle up to five vessels at once and is equipped with three Passenger Boarding Bridges. The external esplanade promenade exceeds 17,800 m² and connects the terminal — via landscaped areas and a restored palm grove — directly to the city's main boulevard, Calle Mayor de Triana. ✨ The terminal operator is Global Ports Holding (GPH) in partnership with local partner SEPCAN; the concession runs for 40 years, until 2062.
🚢 Passenger Numbers and Seasonality
In 2025, the Port of Las Palmas surpassed 2 million cruise passengers for the first time, recording a historic high of 2,089,042 passengers. Since GPH took over management of the cruise terminals in 2022, passenger traffic has grown from 1.4 million to over 2 million. The peak season traditionally runs from October to April, when liners escape the cold winters of Northern Europe for the warm Canary Islands. At the same time, year-round direct flights from dozens of European cities keep the port attractive throughout the summer as well.
🏢 Cruise Companies Operating from Las Palmas
The Port of Las Palmas is a regular port of call or home port for liners from the world's leading cruise brands: MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Silversea. Las Palmas is particularly popular as the departure point for transatlantic crossings in autumn and spring. 🌍
💡 Fascinating Facts about Las Palmas and its Port
Your visit to the city will be richer if you know a few surprising details:
🌡️ Researchers at Syracuse University (USA) declared Las Palmas the city with the best climate in the world. The trade winds — the passat winds — maintain a comfortable temperature of +18 to +28 °C throughout the year: there is neither stifling heat nor a real winter here.
🗺️ Gran Canaria is a "miniature continent". The island, covering 1,560 km², encompasses every climate zone: from lush forests in the north to the semi-desert dunes of Maspalomas in the south. One third of the island is under UNESCO protection.
⛵ Las Palmas is the legendary starting point of transatlantic regattas. Every year, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) — the world's largest offshore sailing race for amateur sailors — sets off from this port bound for the Caribbean.
🧭 Christopher Columbus stopped here three times. The explorer visited Gran Canaria during his first, second and third voyages to the Americas. The Casa de Colón museum house in the Vegueta quarter recreates the atmosphere of that era.
🏖️ Las Canteras Beach ranks among the top ten city beaches in Europe. Three kilometres of golden sand are sheltered by a natural reef called "La Barra", which keeps the water calm even in rough weather.
🌋 Gran Canaria was shaped by volcanoes. The island's highest peak — Morro de la Agujereada (1,956 m) — is one of the most spectacular volcanic massifs in the Atlantic.
🏆 Las Palmas is the largest city in the EU outside the European continent. Geographically, the island is closer to Morocco than to Madrid, yet it is a full member of Spain and the European Union.
🎭 The Las Palmas Carnival is the second largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro. Every February, the city transforms into an endless spectacle of costumes, music and entertainment, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
📍 Top Sights of Las Palmas — Must-See for Cruise Tourists
A cruise ship stop in Las Palmas typically lasts between 8 and 12 hours. The cruise terminal is located right in the heart of the city, and most attractions are within walking distance or a short bus ride away. A detailed list with photos, addresses and opening hours can be found in the "Sights and Points of Interest" section; below is a brief overview of the city's most iconic locations.
🏖️ Las Canteras Beach (Playa de Las Canteras) — a world-class city beach just a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Three kilometres of smooth golden sand, a scenic promenade lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. A natural reef shields the shoreline from waves. The EU Blue Flag has been awarded here every year since 1989.
🏛️ The Vegueta Quarter (Barrio de Vegueta) — the oldest district of the city, founded in 1478. Cobbled streets, colonial façades and medieval courtyards. The heart of the quarter is the Plaza de Santa Ana, adorned with bronze dog sculptures — the symbol of the Canary Islands. Approximately 20 minutes from the port by bus or taxi.
⛪ Santa Ana Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Ana) — the first church built in the Canary Islands, construction of which began around 1500 and continued for nearly four centuries. Its architecture seamlessly blends Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical styles.
🧭 Casa de Colón Museum — one of the city's foremost cultural landmarks, dedicated to the Age of Discovery. The museum tells the story of Gran Canaria's role as a departure point for Columbus's voyages to the New World and preserves unique artefacts from that era.
🌿 Viera y Clavijo Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo) — the largest botanical garden in Spain, featuring a collection of over 500 endemic plant species of the Canary Islands. Located 7 km from the city centre, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
🏔️ Caldera de Bandama — a vast volcanic crater approximately one kilometre in diameter and 200 metres deep. From the rim (569 m above sea level), visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. An excellent option for a half-day excursion.
🎨 The Triana Quarter (Barrio de Triana) — a pedestrian shopping and cultural district with elegant Art Nouveau buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, coffee houses and boutiques by local designers. The ideal spot for shopping and dinner at a local restaurant.
🏜️ Maspalomas Dunes (Dunas de Maspalomas) — a spectacular nature reserve in the south of the island (about 50 km from the port): 4 km of desert-like dunes right on the Atlantic shore. A popular excursion destination for passengers with a longer port stay.
✨ Why Choose a Cruise from Las Palmas
Las Palmas is a rare port where climate, logistics and route variety combine to create a perfect picture for the cruise traveller.
First, there is the climate advantage: Las Palmas is the only city in the European Union where the cruise season runs all year round, thanks to its consistently mild subtropical temperatures. ☀️
Second, there is the unique geography of routes: from here, cruises depart to the Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands, to the Atlantic coast of Africa, to Cape Verde and the Caribbean, as well as transatlantic crossings between Europe and North America. 🌊
Third, the port itself is already an experience: the state-of-the-art terminal that opened in October 2025 is Europe's largest cruise terminal in terms of both floor area and passenger capacity. Even if you are visiting solely to embark, it is worth setting aside a day for Las Canteras Beach, a walk through the Vegueta quarter and dinner with a view of the Atlantic. 🍷
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you find the ideal liner, itinerary and cabin, take care of airport transfer details and Schengen visa arrangements, and offer exclusive rates from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Royal Caribbean and other leading brands, with whom we work as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference purposes only and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without prior notice. For the latest information, please contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or visit the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Las Palmas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — the capital of the Canary Islands and one of the key cruise hubs of the Atlantic. The port sits right in the heart of the city, making it one of the most convenient in Europe: no fuss with long transfers, no complicated connections. In October 2025, Europe's largest cruise terminal opened here, raising passenger services to a whole new level. Below is a step-by-step guide covering all transfer options, up-to-date prices and expert tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯
📍 Where Exactly Is the Las Palmas Cruise Port
The Port of Las Palmas (Puerto de La Luz) is a large, multi-purpose port complex on the north-eastern coast of Gran Canaria. Cruise infrastructure is concentrated at two main piers:
⚓ Muelle de Santa Catalina — the main cruise hub, where the vast majority of ships berth. Since October 2025, Europe's largest cruise terminal operates here:
• New GPH / SEPCAN Terminal — a two-level building of 14,000 sq. m with three telescopic passenger boarding bridges, opened on 2 October 2025. It can accommodate 4 large ships simultaneously and serves Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian, MSC, Costa and others.
• Outdoor Coastal Promenade — a landscaped pedestrian zone of over 17,800 sq. m connecting the terminal to the city's main boulevard, Calle Mayor de Triana, through a restored palm grove and green walkways.
📌 GPS Address: Muelle de Santa Catalina, s/n, 35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
🚶 Distance to the city centre: 100 metres to El Muelle shopping centre, 10 minutes' walk to Santa Catalina Park
⚓ Muelle de León y Castillo — an auxiliary pier used when several ships call simultaneously or for smaller yacht-class vessels (Windstar, Silversea, Azamara).
📌 GPS Address: Muelle de León y Castillo, s/n, 35003 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
❗ Important: the exact pier for your ship is always stated in your cruise voucher. Check it 48–72 hours before embarkation — piers can change due to adjustments in the port schedule.
✈️ From Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to the Cruise Terminal
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is located 27–30 km south of the cruise port. It is the only major airport on the island, handling all international flights. The journey takes between 30 minutes (taxi) and 1 hour (public transport).
🚕 Taxi — the Fastest and Most Convenient Option
Official Gran Canaria taxis have a distinctive white body with a red stripe on the front doors and a green light indicating availability. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals hall.
• Journey time: 30–40 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Fare to the port (as of 2026): approximately EUR 30–40 on the meter (night rates and a surcharge for large luggage may increase the fare)
• Payment: cash or card (most taxis accept both)
• Apps: Free Now and Cabify operate in Las Palmas
💡 Four Gates Tip: tell the driver the name of your terminal (Santa Catalina or León y Castillo) as soon as you get in — this will help avoid confusion in the large port area.
🚐 Private Transfer — the Most Comfortable Option
If you are travelling as a family, group or with heavy luggage, this is the best choice. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name board, assist with your bags and take you directly to your terminal at a fixed price.
• Price: from EUR 45 for a saloon car (1–3 passengers), from EUR 75–106 for a minivan (4–7 passengers)
• Journey time: 30–35 minutes
• Advantages: fixed price, English-speaking driver, flight monitoring, no waiting at the taxi rank
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise.
🚌 GLOBAL Bus Route 60 — the Budget Option
The direct bus from the airport to Las Palmas is the cheapest way to reach the city, though it requires one additional step to the terminal.
Route:
1️⃣ From the airport, board GLOBAL Bus No. 60 (stop on Level 1, opposite the passenger terminal — take the escalator up from Level 0)
2️⃣ Ride to the final stop «Intercambiador de Santa Catalina» (~30 minutes)
3️⃣ The bus station is adjacent to the cruise port entrance — 2–3 minutes' walk to the terminal
Fare:
• GLOBAL Bus No. 60: approximately EUR 2.95 per person
• Total: approximately EUR 2.95–3.45 per person
Journey time: 45–60 minutes
Schedule: every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 20:00; night bus No. 5 runs around the clock (less frequently)
⚠️ Important: Bus No. 60 is not always the most practical option with a lot of luggage. If your flight arrives late in the evening, a taxi or private transfer is a more reliable choice.
🏙️ From Las Palmas City Centre to the Cruise Terminal
If you have spent a night or several days at a city hotel, getting to your ship is exceptionally easy — the port is right in the heart of Las Palmas:
🚕 Taxi from your hotel — EUR 8–15 depending on the area. Quick (5–15 minutes) and comfortable with luggage. Taxis are easy to hail on the street or book via the Free Now or Cabify app.
🚌 Local Bus «Guaguas Municipales» — yellow municipal buses cover the entire city of Las Palmas:
• Fare: EUR 1.40 per journey
• Frequency: depending on the route; in the centre — every 5–15 minutes
• Stop «Intercambiador de Santa Catalina» — the main bus station, located right next to the port
• Payment: cash to the driver (it is advisable to have small change)
🚶 On foot — if your hotel is in the La Isleta, Guanarteme or Santa Catalina districts, the port is a 5–15 minute walk. The port opens directly onto the waterfront — the large El Muelle shopping centre serves as a landmark.
🚌 City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off — an open-top double-decker sightseeing bus stops directly at the cruise terminal exit:
• Stop: right at the port gates (first stop after disembarkation)
• Fare: from EUR 25 per person (24-hour ticket)
• Frequency: every 35–45 minutes from 10:00 to 17:00
• Route: 11 stops, including Las Canteras, Vegueta, the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium and Santa Catalina Park
• Audio guide: available in 8 languages
🛴 Scooters and bicycles: rental scooters and bicycles are available in Las Palmas, but entry into the restricted cruise port zone is not permitted for them.
🚗 By Car — Parking near the Port
If you are arriving at the port in your own or a hire car, several parking options are available close to the terminals:
🅿️ Covered long-stay car park (near the terminal) — the most convenient option:
• Price: EUR 12–15 per day depending on the season
• Features: security, CCTV, covered walkway to the terminals
• Accessibility: dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, ramps
🅿️ Open-air car park with shuttle — a budget alternative:
• Price: EUR 8–10 per day
• Shuttle: to the terminal every 15 minutes
🅿️ El Muelle Shopping Centre — free parking for 3 hours, convenient for those seeing passengers off:
• Address: Muelle de Santa Catalina, s/n
• Distance to the terminal: 3 minutes' walk
💡 Tip: it is best to book long-stay parking online in advance — this guarantees a space and often secures a better rate.
🛣️ GPS Route: regardless of your direction, follow the GC-1 Autopista del Sur or GC-2 Autopista del Norte — both motorways lead directly to the central port of Las Palmas.
♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
The new Las Palmas cruise terminal has been designed with the needs of passengers with reduced mobility in mind:
✅ The terminal is equipped with lifts, ramps and wide passageways
✅ Three telescopic boarding bridges adjust to the different heights of ship sides, making embarkation easier for wheelchair users
✅ Staff are on hand at the pier to assist during boarding — inform your cruise company of your requirements in advance
✅ The City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus is adapted for passengers with disabilities
✅ Guaguas Municipales city buses have low floors and designated spaces for wheelchairs
✅ Las Canteras beach — 10–15 minutes' walk away — features a special surface, ramps and beach wheelchairs for visitors with disabilities
✅ Gran Canaria taxis can provide adapted vehicles on request — book by phone or via app
⏰ When to Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
Most cruise lines open check-in desks 3–4 hours before the ship's departure. Recommended arrival times:
🕐 MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises: 3–3.5 hours before departure
🕐 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity: at your assigned check-in time (usually 30-minute windows)
🕐 Silversea, Azamara, Windstar (luxury yacht segment): any time after the terminal opens
❗ Boarding deadline: typically 60–90 minutes before departure — arriving late means watching the ship from the shore. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.
💡 Expert Tips from Four Gates Group
After years of working with Las Palmas, our cruise specialists have compiled a set of tips that will save you time, money and stress:
🌅 Arrive the day before your cruise. Even a two-hour flight delay can cost you the entire cruise — the ship will not wait. Las Palmas is well worth an overnight stay: Las Canteras beach, the Vegueta quarter, fresh fish at a tapas bar — the perfect start to your holiday.
💼 Book your transfer in advance. On peak embarkation days, the taxi queue at the airport can stretch to 30–40 minutes. A pre-booked transfer means a guaranteed price and zero waiting time.
💶 Carry cash for municipal buses. Guaguas Municipales do not always accept cards. Keep EUR 5–10 in small coins and notes.
🎒 Leave your luggage at the hotel until boarding. If you arrive in the morning and embarkation is not until the afternoon, most Las Palmas hotels will store your bags free of charge, even after check-out.
🌊 Make the most of the beach nearby. Las Canteras — one of the finest urban beaches in Europe — is just 10–15 minutes' walk from the terminal. If you have a few hours between landing and boarding, stroll along the promenade.
📱 Download apps in advance: Free Now or Cabify (taxis), Google Maps with an offline map of Las Palmas, Google Translate with the Spanish language pack — not all signs in the port are duplicated in English.
🏨 Choose a hotel in the Santa Catalina or Guanarteme area. From there it is 5–10 minutes' walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the port, and Las Canteras beach is right around the corner.
📞 Las Palmas Cruise Terminal Contacts
Las Palmas Cruise Port (general enquiries): info@laspalmascruiseport.com
Autoridad Portuaria de Las Palmas: +34 928 214 400
Spanish Emergency Services: 112
Four Gates Group Cruise Specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53
The Las Palmas cruise port is one of the most convenient in the Mediterranean-Atlantic region. The city literally embraces the terminal: shops, restaurants, the beach and the entire city centre are just a few minutes' walk away. The Four Gates Group cruise experts support our clients at every stage — from choosing the best flight to Las Palmas to arranging a private transfer with a name board in the arrivals hall. Contact our manager and your cruise from Las Palmas will begin without a moment's stress. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for guidance only and is accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant organisations.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the Professionals
Sights and Attractions of Las Palmas: A Complete Guide for Cruise Passengers
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of the Canary Islands and one of Spain's largest cities — a place where Africa, the Atlantic, and Europe converge in a single point. Eternal summer, a 5-kilometre urban beach, a medieval quarter dating back to the 15th century where Columbus stopped on his way to America, and one of Europe's most modern aquariums — all just minutes from the pier. For a cruise passenger with 8–12 hours in port, the key is to choose the right itinerary. Below is a tried-and-tested guide to the key sights with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and step-by-step directions from the new cruise terminal Muelle de Santa Catalina to each attraction. 🎯
🏖️ 1. Las Canteras Beach (Playa de Las Canteras)
💡 Interesting Facts:
Las Canteras is one of the best urban beaches in the world and the pride of Las Palmas. It stretches for 3 kilometres along the city's waterfront and is just 10–15 minutes on foot from the cruise terminal. 🌊
🔹 The beach is protected by a natural rock reef called "La Barra", which breaks the Atlantic waves and creates a calm lagoon safe for swimming even for young children.
🔹 The 3 km Paseo de Las Canteras promenade is one of the most beautiful in Spain: palm trees, café terraces, sculptures, and a cobblestone walkway.
🔹 According to National Geographic, Las Canteras ranks among the top 10 urban beaches in the world.
🔹 Unlike many famous tourist beaches, there is no mass tourism "conveyor belt" here — the beach has its own rhythm and fills up with local Canarians during the day.
🔹 At the northern end of the beach stands the sculpture "El Camino" — a favourite photo spot for visitors.
🔹 Atlantic water temperatures around Gran Canaria remain at a steady +18–24 °C year-round — the island has rightly earned its nickname "the island of eternal spring".
📜 History:
Las Canteras developed together with the city — it began as a fishing shore where local residents hauled in nets and dried their catch. The name comes from the Spanish word canteras — "stone quarries" — as rock was quarried here to build the first houses of Las Palmas. In the 19th century, as the port city grew, the shoreline began to transform into a resort area for English and Spanish aristocrats. Large Victorian-era hotels rose along the promenade in the early 20th century — some of which survive to this day. In the 1950s–1970s the beach became the main resort for tourists from Northern Europe, and the current resort infrastructure took shape. Today the beach is the heart of the city's tourism and a favourite retreat for more than 380,000 residents of the capital.
🚢 Getting There from Muelle de Santa Catalina:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes. Exit the terminal, walk past El Muelle Shopping Center, turn right onto Calle Luis Morote — and straight to the sea. The most convenient and fastest option
• Taxi: 5 minutes, EUR 6–8
• Bus (Guaguas Municipales): lines 12, 21, 47 — stop Santa Catalina, EUR 1.40
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Beach entry: free, open 24/7
• Paseo de Las Canteras promenade: free
• Water sports (surfing, SUP, kayak): from EUR 15 per hour — rental available directly on the beach
• Sun loungers and parasols: EUR 6–10 per day (by arrangement at beach kiosks)
⚠️ Tip: if you only have a few hours — start your day right here. The beach is five minutes from the ship, and by 9:00 AM it will still be relatively quiet.
🏛️ 2. Vegueta Quarter and Santa Ana Cathedral (Vegueta & Catedral de Santa Ana)
💡 Interesting Facts:
Vegueta is the oldest and best-preserved colonial quarter in Spain, included on the UNESCO Tentative List. It was here in 1478 that the first settlement of the conquerors was established, giving birth to the city of Las Palmas. 🏰
🔹 Santa Ana Cathedral is the first church built in the Canary Islands after the Spanish conquest. Construction lasted from 1497 to 1570, and the building blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles under one roof.
🔹 In front of the cathedral, on Plaza de Santa Ana, stand eight bronze dogs — the symbol of the Canary Islands. Incidentally, the name "Canary Islands" derives not from the bird but from the Latin word Canis (dog).
🔹 From the cathedral's bell tower there is a panoramic view of the entire historic centre and port — you can ride the lift to the viewing platform.
🔹 Within Vegueta you will find the Columbus House (Casa de Colón), the Canarian Museum (Museo Canario), and the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art (CAAM) — all just minutes from each other on foot.
🔹 The cobbled streets of Vegueta have appeared in numerous Spanish and international film productions: the atmosphere of the quarter has remained virtually unchanged for the past 500 years.
📜 History:
Vegueta is the heart of the first Spanish settlement in the Atlantic Islands. Conquistador Juan Rejón established a camp here in 1478, and within the following decade the first cathedral, governor's palace, and market square were already standing. The quarter was laid out as a rectangular street grid in the Spanish colonial urban planning tradition — the same layout was later replicated across Latin America, from Mexico City to Lima. In the 16th–17th centuries Vegueta was the wealthiest part of the city: merchants, governors, and church officials built lavish mansions here with carved wooden balconies in the characteristic Canarian style. These balconies are the quarter's special pride: nowhere else in Spain is there such a concentration of traditional carved galleries. Thanks to its protected status the quarter survived the 20th century, and its streets today look almost the same as they did 400 years ago.
🚢 Getting There from Muelle de Santa Catalina:
• Taxi: 10–12 minutes, EUR 8–12. Address: Plaza de Santa Ana, Vegueta
• Bus: lines 1 or 2 from Santa Catalina stop → Teatro Pérez Galdós or Alameda de Colón stop. Time ~15–18 min, EUR 1.40
• On foot: 30–35 minutes along Avenida Marítima del Norte
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Walking around Vegueta quarter: free (open 24/7)
• Santa Ana Cathedral (including bell tower and Diocesan Museum): paid entry, Mon–Fri 10:00–16:30, Sat 10:00–13:30, Sun — services only
• Casa de Colón (Columbus House): EUR 4 (adults), EUR 2 (concessions), Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–15:00
• Museo Canario (Canarian Museum): EUR 5 (adults), EUR 3 (students, pensioners), free under 12. Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00, Sat–Sun and holidays 10:00–14:00
⚠️ Tip: all three attractions are within 200 metres of each other — ideally visit them in one go over 2–3 hours.
🐟 3. Poema del Mar Aquarium
💡 Interesting Facts:
Poema del Mar opened in December 2017 and immediately established itself as one of Europe's most modern aquariums. The building is designed to resemble a wave and stands right on the waterfront — just 200 metres from Las Canteras beach. 🦈
🔹 The main attraction is the world's largest curved acrylic window — 36 metres long and 7 metres high, weighing over 140 tonnes. Behind it lies a recreated deep-ocean ecosystem with sharks, rays, and mantas.
🔹 The aquarium features 35 different ecosystems from every continent, more than 350 species of marine fauna, and 2,000 species of marine flora.
🔹 The "Jungle" zone recreates a tropical environment complete with live crocodiles, scorpions, giant snails, frogs, axolotls, and other terrestrial residents.
🔹 A cylindrical tank holding 400,000 litres, inhabited by jellyfish, seahorses, sea dragons, and turtles, is one of the most photogenic rooms in the aquarium. 📸
🔹 The aquarium is located just 200 metres from the cruise terminal — the most convenient "first stop" after stepping off the gangway.
📜 History:
The idea of building a large modern aquarium in Las Palmas was nurtured for more than a decade. The site chosen was the Muelle Sanapú — an old pier in the port area bordering Las Canteras beach. The architectural design mirrored the wave-like contours of the Atlantic and immediately became the dominant landmark of the waterfront. After opening in 2017, the aquarium welcomed more than 400,000 visitors in its very first year and earned the reputation of "the best attraction in the Canary Islands". It is operated by the same company that runs Loro Parque on Tenerife — one of the highest-rated zoos in Europe.
🚢 Getting There from Muelle de Santa Catalina:
• On foot: 5–7 minutes. Address: Av. de Los Consignatarios, s/n, 35008 Las Palmas. Exit the terminal and walk north along the waterfront
• Taxi: 5 minutes, EUR 6–8
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Adults (12 years and over): EUR 29
• Children (4–11 years): EUR 19
• Children under 4: free
• Opening hours (2026): daily 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30)
⚠️ IMPORTANT: booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially December–April (peak season). A visit takes 2–3 hours. Official website: poema del mar
🌋 4. Bandama Caldera (Caldera de Bandama)
💡 Interesting Facts:
Bandama is the best-preserved and most accessible volcanic crater on Gran Canaria. It is located just 12 km from the capital and is breathtaking in scale: the crater is 1 kilometre in diameter and 200 metres deep. 🌋
🔹 At the top of Pico de Bandama (574 m above sea level) there is a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the crater, the entire north-eastern part of the island, the capital, and the Atlantic Ocean.
🔹 At the bottom of the crater stand the ruins of an old farmhouse and vineyard: until an earthquake in the 19th century, a farming family lived there. Today it is a fantastic photographic location.
🔹 Surrounding Bandama is Spain's oldest golf club — the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, founded in 1891. Its fairways wrap around the volcano's slopes.
🔹 The soil inside the crater is exceptionally fertile thanks to its volcanic origins — grapes are grown here to produce unique volcanic wines bearing the PDO designation "Gran Canaria".
🔹 The descent into the crater on foot takes around 45 minutes one way — a moderate walk that requires no special equipment.
📜 History:
Bandama is a stratovolcano whose last eruption occurred approximately 2,000 years ago. The name itself derives from the Dutch merchant Daniel van Damme, who grew grapes on the volcano's slopes and made wine in the 16th century. The lands around the crater were inhabited by the Guanches — the indigenous people of the Canary Islands — and after the Spanish conquest of the 15th–16th centuries passed to colonists. In the early 20th century Bandama became a popular walking destination for the residents of Las Palmas and distinguished island visitors. British merchants and planters living in the city brought with them the tradition of golf — hence the country's oldest golf club. Today Bandama is a protected nature area and remains one of the most spectacular natural landscapes on Gran Canaria.
🚢 Getting There from Muelle de Santa Catalina:
• Taxi: 20–25 minutes, EUR 25–30 to the viewpoint. Ask the driver to stop at "Pico de Bandama"
• Rental car: 25 min. Route: GC-3 towards Tafira, then follow signs for "Bandama"
• Organised tour: group and private tours from the port (EUR 35–70 per person), including a stop at the Botanical Garden and Vegueta
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Pico de Bandama viewpoint: free, open 24/7
• Descent into the crater: free (marked walking trail)
⚠️ Tip: best visited in the morning — it can be very hot in the afternoon. Bring water and comfortable shoes for hiking.
🏜️ 5. Maspalomas Dunes (Dunas de Maspalomas)
💡 Interesting Facts:
The Maspalomas Dunes are a miniature Sahara on the Atlantic coast. A protected natural area of 404 hectares where living sand dunes up to 10 metres high merge seamlessly into a lagoon and palm grove. 🏜️
🔹 The sand has a dual origin: marine deposits of shells and calcareous organisms, plus Saharan dust carried by the trade winds from Africa. Even the colour of the sand is unique here — a golden-beige tone, far lighter than that of ordinary beaches.
🔹 The trade winds shift the dunes by 2–5 metres per year — this is a living landscape in constant motion.
🔹 The Charca de Maspalomas lagoon is an important stopping point for migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa: more than 80 bird species have been recorded here.
🔹 Nearby stands the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse (1890) — the oldest lighthouse in the Canary Islands and one of the island's most iconic landmarks.
🔹 The dunes have been protected since 1994 as a Special Nature Reserve and are part of the Natura 2000 network.
🔹 A popular activity in the dunes is a camel ride led by Saharan guides (EUR 18–20 per person, 20–30 minutes).
📜 History:
Maspalomas, in the far south of Gran Canaria, remained an uninhabited natural area for centuries — due to the scarcity of fresh water and its remoteness. The lighthouse built in 1890 guided shipping through the dangerous waters between the island and the African continent. Large-scale tourist development of the island's south began in the 1960s following a concession agreement between the Spanish government and a Belgian-Spanish consortium: this was when the first hotels of Playa del Inglés sprang up. As awareness of the landscape's unique value grew, local authorities placed the dunes under protection in 1994. Today millions of tourists visit each year, though the dune zone itself is strictly protected from unauthorised access.
🚢 Getting There from Muelle de Santa Catalina:
• Taxi: 40–50 minutes, EUR 55–70 one way (approximately 45 km south). Most convenient for groups of 3–4 people
• Global Bus (line 30 or 50): from Santa Catalina Bus Station to Maspalomas, approx. 55–70 min, EUR 3–4. Departures every 20–30 minutes
• Organised excursion: from EUR 35 per person including transfer
⚠️ ATTENTION: Maspalomas is 45 km from the port — to get back before departure, allow a minimum of 4–5 hours for this trip.
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Dunes entry: free, open 24/7
• Camel safari: EUR 18–20 per person (20–30 minutes). Operates daily approximately 9:00–15:00
• Playa de Maspalomas (beach): free
⚠️ Tip: walk the dunes early in the morning or in the evening — at midday the sand heats up to +50 °C. Essentials: closed shoes, a hat, and water!
🛍️ 6. Triana Shopping Quarter (Barrio de Triana)
💡 Interesting Facts:
Triana is the main commercial and cultural street of Las Palmas — the pulse of the city's daily life. If Vegueta is an "open-air museum", Triana is the city in action. 🛍️
🔹 Calle Mayor de Triana is the main pedestrian street lined with boutiques, traditional cafés, pastry shops, and independent stores. It is now directly connected to the new cruise terminal via a landscaped boulevard.
🔹 In 2025, a new pedestrian avenue from the Santa Catalina terminal straight to Calle Mayor de Triana significantly simplified the route for cruise tourists.
🔹 Gabinete Literario is one of the most beautiful architectural gems on the island: a picturesque neoclassical club founded in 1844 where the island's intelligentsia used to gather. The façade with its ornate balconies is an essential photo stop. 📸
🔹 Mercado de Vegueta is a covered market from the early 20th century offering tuna, avocado, local cheeses, mango, and traditional Canarian products (mojo sauces, papas arrugadas).
🔹 Elder Museum of Science and Technology (Museo Elder) is an interactive museum with a planetarium, aircraft and ship exhibits, and a "robotics" zone for children and adults. EUR 6.
📜 History:
Triana is an old suburban quarter that grew up alongside medieval Vegueta in the 17th–18th centuries. It was named after the famous Seville neighbourhood of Triana, from which the first settlers came. The quarter flourished in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the trading bourgeoisie settled here. Elegant apartment buildings with shops on the ground floors, cafés, clubs, and theatres sprang up during that period. Today Triana is the city's most vibrant quarter, where old Canarian architecture stands side by side with contemporary boutiques. A pedestrian landscaping project completed in 2025, linking the new cruise terminal directly to Triana's main street, made the quarter even more accessible for visitors.
🚢 Getting There from Muelle de Santa Catalina:
• On foot: 5–10 minutes along the new boulevard from the terminal directly to Calle Mayor de Triana
• Taxi: EUR 6–8, 5 minutes
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Walking the quarter: free
• Mercado de Vegueta: free entry. Mon–Sat 7:00–14:00, Sun closed
• Museo Elder (interactive): EUR 6 (adults), EUR 3 (children), Tue–Sat 10:00–20:00, Sun 10:00–14:00, Mon closed
• Gabinete Literario: lobby entry free, opening hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00
⚠️ Tip: Sunday in Triana: most shops are closed, but restaurants and cafés are open.
🌴 7. Maspalomas Resort / Playa del Inglés
💡 Interesting Facts:
Playa del Inglés is the most famous international resort in the Canary Islands and synonymous with "Canarian holidays". If Las Canteras is a beach for local residents, Playa del Inglés is everything tourists imagine when they say "Gran Canaria". ☀️
🔹 Playa del Inglés directly adjoins the Maspalomas Dunes and together they form over 6 kilometres of continuous beach.
🔹 The resort was developed in the 1960s and became the first licensed tourist zone in Spain — to such a degree that "playa del inglés" became a generic Spanish term for "tourist resort".
🔹 Hundreds of hotels, restaurants, clubs, entertainment centres, and shopping galleries are concentrated here — "Yumbo", "Kayta", "Metropoli".
🔹 For those seeking active leisure: Aqualand Maspalomas waterpark is nearby (EUR 28 adults, EUR 20 children).
🔹 Palmitos Park — a wildlife park with dolphins, birds, and reptiles in a subtropical canyon 10 km from Maspalomas. Daily 10:00–18:00.
📜 History:
As recently as the 1950s the entire south of the island was virtually deserted: scattered fishing hamlets and the Maspalomas lighthouse. In 1961 the Spanish government signed a concession with a Belgian-Spanish consortium to develop a tourist zone. Over twenty years an entire tourist city grew up on the barren coastline — with hotels, infrastructure, and an airport that welcomed its first charter passengers in 1972. Today the southern "tourist belt" of Gran Canaria has more than 100,000 tourist beds, and millions of guests from across Northern Europe arrive every year.
🚢 Getting There from Muelle de Santa Catalina:
• Taxi: 45–55 minutes, EUR 55–70. Most convenient for families
• Global Bus (line 30 or 50): from Santa Catalina Bus Station, approx. 60–70 minutes, EUR 3–4
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Playa del Inglés (beach): free, open 24/7
• Aqualand Maspalomas: EUR 28 (adults 12+), EUR 20 (children 3–11). Daily 10:00–17:00/18:00 (depending on season)
• Palmitos Park: from EUR 32 (adults), from EUR 22 (children). Daily 10:00–18:00
🎨 8. Other Attractions Worth Seeing
• 🔬 Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología — an interactive science museum with a planetarium, a real Boeing 727, and a submarine. EUR 6. Ideal for families with children.
• 🎭 Pueblo Canario (Canarian Village) in Doramas Park — a recreation of traditional Canarian architecture. Free entry. Sunday folk performances.
• 🌺 Jardín Botánico Canario "Viera y Clavijo" — Spain's largest botanical garden, 27 hectares of endemic plants. Located near Bandama, EUR 5, Mon–Sun 9:00–18:00.
• 🏛️ Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) — a contemporary art museum in Vegueta. EUR 3, Mon closed.
• ⛪ Ermita de San Antonio Abad — a small 15th-century chapel in Vegueta where Columbus prayed before sailing to the New World. Free entry.
• 🚡 Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing Las Palmas — a tourist bus with 11 stops around the city. From EUR 20 (24 hrs), departures near the terminal.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Itineraries for Las Palmas in 9 Hours
A cruise stop in Las Palmas typically lasts 8–12 hours. It is realistic to see 3–5 top attractions — if you plan your itinerary correctly. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.
🥉 Itinerary №1. Budget — up to EUR 20 per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 15–20 + food
🕘 09:00 — Leave Muelle de Santa Catalina cruise terminal
Walk 10 minutes along the waterfront — and you are already at Las Canteras beach.
🕘 09:10–10:30 — Las Canteras beach and promenade
Stroll the cobblestone promenade along the 3-kilometre beach, have a coffee at a local café, swim in the natural lagoon.
🕙 10:30–11:00 — Poema del Mar Aquarium (exterior and architecture)
The aquarium building is itself an architectural landmark. 5 minutes on foot from the beach.
🕚 11:00–12:00 — Triana Quarter
Walk along Calle Mayor de Triana — free. Stop at Gabinete Literario (photograph the façade), Mercado de Vegueta (taste local products).
🕧 12:00–13:30 — Vegueta: walking tour
Bus line 1 or 2 from Santa Catalina to Vegueta (EUR 1.40). Plaza de Santa Ana with the bronze dogs, exterior of the cathedral, stroll through medieval streets.
🕐 13:30–14:30 — Lunch in Vegueta or Triana
"Menú del día" (three-course set lunch + drink) in local restaurants — EUR 10–15. We recommend trying papas arrugadas (wrinkled boiled potatoes) with mojo sauce.
🕝 14:30–16:30 — Return to the centre, waterfront walk
Bus back to Santa Catalina or walk (30 min). Waterfront, souvenir shops in Triana.
🕟 16:30–17:00 — Return to the ship
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Bus (2 journeys): EUR 2.80
• Lunch: EUR 10–15
• Reserve: EUR 5–10
💸 TOTAL: EUR 17–28 per person (excluding paid museum entries)
🥈 Itinerary №2. Optimal — EUR 50–80 per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 65 + food
🕘 08:30 — Leave port, taxi to Vegueta
EUR 10 — straight to the Columbus House.
🕘 09:00–10:30 — Vegueta: Cathedral + Columbus House + Canarian Museum
Columbus House ticket EUR 4, Canarian Museum EUR 5. Visit Plaza de Santa Ana.
🕤 10:30–11:15 — Travel to Triana Quarter (bus EUR 1.40 or 20 min walk)
🕚 11:15–12:00 — Triana Quarter and Museo Elder
Walk around and Museo Elder EUR 6 (optional).
🕧 12:00–13:00 — Las Canteras beach
10 minutes on foot from Triana. Swimming, stroll along the promenade.
🕐 13:00–14:00 — Lunch at a restaurant on the Las Canteras waterfront
EUR 15–25 for a main course with a drink. We recommend vieja a la plancha (grilled parrot fish, a typical Canarian dish).
🕝 14:00–16:00 — Poema del Mar Aquarium
EUR 29 (adults), EUR 19 (children). 2 hours inside.
🕓 16:00–16:45 — Walk back to port (10 min)
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Taxi there: EUR 10
• Columbus House: EUR 4
• Museo Canario: EUR 5
• Museo Elder: EUR 6
• Aquarium: EUR 29
• Bus (1 journey): EUR 1.40
• Lunch: EUR 15–25
💸 TOTAL: EUR 70–82 per person
💡 If you swap the aquarium for a trip to Bandama Caldera — EUR 25–30 by taxi instead of EUR 29 for a ticket, plus a unique natural experience.
🥇 Itinerary №3. Premium — private tour from EUR 300 per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 300–500 + tickets
🏆 What is included:
• ✅ Private driver with a name board waiting at the gangway
• ✅ Comfortable car or minivan for the entire day
• ✅ Professional licensed guide (English or other language on request)
• ✅ Skip-the-line tickets to all attractions (no queuing)
• ✅ Restaurant booking
• ✅ Flexible itinerary — we adjust on the fly
You can book through your cruise manager or contact us directly in any convenient way:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Write to us by e-mail
🕘 08:30 — Meeting with driver and guide at the terminal
🕘 09:00–10:30 — Vegueta with private guide
Santa Ana Cathedral, Columbus House, Plaza de Santa Ana, with an explanation of every detail of the medieval architecture.
🕚 10:45–12:00 — Bandama Caldera (25-min drive)
Pico de Bandama viewpoint, descent into the crater with guide, stop at a winery.
🕧 12:15–13:45 — Lunch at a farm restaurant or in the city
For example, El Herrero or La Marinera — from EUR 30–50 per person. Reservation is the guide's responsibility.
🕝 14:00–15:30 — Poema del Mar Aquarium (VIP entry, skip-the-line)
EUR 29 per person; private tour with a marine biologist (on prior request).
🕞 15:45–16:30 — Las Canteras beach: walk and swim
The driver waits on the promenade.
🕟 16:45–17:15 — Shopping in Triana
Souvenirs: local wines, mojo, aloe vera, rum.
🕟 17:30 — Return to port by comfortable car
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from EUR 250
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from EUR 200
• Skip-the-line tickets (Columbus House + Aquarium): EUR 35
• Restaurant lunch: from EUR 35
💸 TOTAL: from EUR 520 per person (for 2+ people — calculated per group, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group organises private excursions in Las Palmas and Gran Canaria with licensed guides, transfer from the ship's gangway, and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day on the island will be perfectly tailored to your tastes. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Important to Know Before Going Ashore
🕐 "All aboard" rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you are late — the ship will not wait, and catching up with it in the next port will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: carry a photocopy of your passport and your Ship Card.
💶 Cash: have EUR 50–100 in cash for small expenses (toilets, market, bus). There are many ATMs in Triana.
👟 Clothing: comfortable shoes — you will walk 8–12 km. If you plan to visit the cathedral or other churches, shoulders and knees must be covered.
📱 Internet: free Wi-Fi is available at the El Muelle shopping centre next to the terminal and at most cafés. For navigation, download an offline Google Maps map.
🔐 Safety: Las Palmas is a relatively safe city, but be mindful of your valuables in tourist areas and at markets.
☀️ Sun protection: the average air temperature on Gran Canaria is +22–28 °C year-round. Despite the relative "coolness", the UV index is very high owing to the island's proximity to Africa. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential.
🚫 Sunday: most shops in Triana are closed. Restaurants, El Muelle Shopping Center, and tourist sites are open. The Vegueta market does not operate on Sundays.
🌡️ "Calima": several times a year a hot, sandy wind called "calima" blows in from Africa — visibility drops and it becomes very warm. It is not a reason to cancel your outing, but worth knowing about.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference only and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information please check with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.