The best excursions in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with your rental car

This post is also available in: Spanish

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island of Gran Canaria, is a dream destination for sun, beach, nature and culture lovers. With a subtropical climate that allows you to enjoy pleasant temperatures all year round, this city offers a wide range of activities and excursions to suit all tastes. In this article, we will explore some of the best excursions you can do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, highlighting the natural beauty, cultural richness and local gastronomy.

Without a doubt, a hire car is the best option for discovering these destinations, but in this post we also leave you with the must-see places that you must visit during your getaway.

1. Exploring Vegueta: The Historic Heart of Las Palmas

Start your adventure in the old quarter of the city, Vegueta. This neighbourhood is a living testimony to Gran Canaria’s colonial history, with cobbled streets, colonial-style houses and picturesque squares. Here, you can’t miss the Cathedral of Santa Ana, an impressive Gothic building dating back to the 15th century. Climb its tower for panoramic views of the city.

Another highlight in Vegueta is the Casa de Colón, a museum dedicated to the history of the discovery of America and Christopher Columbus, who stopped over in Gran Canaria in 1492. The museum houses a rich collection of maps, documents and artefacts related to the maritime explorations.

2. A stroll along Las Canteras: The Coastal Jewel

Las Canteras Beach is one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Spain. With a length of 3 kilometres, this beach offers golden sands and calm waters, protected by a natural barrier reef known as ‘La Barra’. It is an ideal place for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing in the sun.

The promenade that runs parallel to the beach is lined with restaurants, bars and shops. It is the perfect place to sample the local gastronomy, with dishes such as sancocho canario, a typical fish stew, or papas arrugadas con mojo, a must-try delicacy.

3. Viera y Clavijo Botanical Gardens: An Oasis of Biodiversity

For nature lovers, a visit to the Viera y Clavijo Botanical Gardens is a must. Located on the outskirts of the city, this garden is one of the largest and most complete in Spain, with an impressive collection of flora endemic to the Canary Islands.

The garden offers trails that take you through diverse climatic and landscape zones, from rainforests to deserts. Here you can learn about native plants and their importance in the local ecosystem, as well as enjoy a peaceful and serene environment.

4. Caldera de Bandama Climb: Adventure and Panoramic Views

The Caldera de Bandama is a volcanic crater located about 20 minutes drive from the centre of Las Palmas. With a diameter of one kilometre and a depth of about 200 metres, it is one of the most impressive examples of volcanic activity on the island.

You can walk to the edge of the caldera and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. For the more adventurous, it is possible to descend to the bottom of the crater, where you will find a small winery producing local wine.

5. Museo Canario: A Journey into the Pre-Hispanic Past

The Museo Canario, located in Vegueta, is the ideal place to learn about the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands, the Guanches. This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic artefacts, including ceramics, stone tools and mummies.

A visit to the Canarian Museum is an educational and fascinating experience that will give you a better understanding of the history and culture of Gran Canaria before the arrival of Europeans.

6. Excursions to the Inland Villages: Agüimes and Tejeda

You can’t miss exploring the interior of the island, where you will discover charming villages such as Agüimes and Tejeda. Agüimes, with its well-preserved colonial architecture, is famous for its narrow streets and its church of San Sebastián, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture.

Tejeda, on the other hand, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and its almond production. Don’t miss the opportunity to try marzipan and other traditional sweets made from local almonds. Tejeda also offers stunning views of Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria’s most emblematic natural monuments.

7. Sports and Adventure: Surfing and Hiking

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a paradise for water sports lovers. Las Canteras beach is an excellent place to learn to surf, with several surf schools offering lessons for beginners and advanced surfers.

For those who prefer land-based activities, the island has an extensive network of hiking trails through volcanic landscapes, laurel forests and deep ravines. Some recommended routes include the trail to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island, and the trail from Cruz de Tejeda to Roque Nublo, which offers panoramic views of the island.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a destination that offers a unique blend of culture, history, nature and adventure. From exploring its old town to enjoying its golden beaches, every excursion in this city promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, explore volcanic landscapes or immerse yourself in local history, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has something for everyone. So don’t wait any longer, plan your next adventure and discover all that this Canarian paradise has to offer – we look forward to seeing you!

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