Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria sits in the northeastern part of Gran Canaria, about 150 kilometres west of the African coast in the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of Gran Canaria and also a co-capital of the Canary Islands. Ships dock at Muelle Santa Catalina in what is mainly a port of call rather than a turnaround port, though some voyages do begin or end here.

The cruise terminal sits just a ten-minute walk from Parque Santa Catalina, a lively recreational park featuring outdoor cafes, restaurants, bars, and local shops. Meanwhile, the golden sands of Playa de Las Canteras beach are located just fifteen minutes on foot from the cruise port. Beyond the immediate waterfront, the city spreads across two main historic districts worth exploring. Many of the city's key cultural sites, including the striking Cathedral, Columbus House, the Canarian Museum, and the Museum of Sacred Art, lie in Vegueta and Triana and are best reached via a short bus ride or taxi. Together, the Vegueta and Triana neighbourhoods are proudly listed on the tentative registry of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The city was originally founded in 1478. Rich in maritime history, Christopher Columbus famously anchored his ships in the port on his first voyage to the Americas in 1492 and spent valuable time on the island preparing for the journey ahead. For five centuries, the port has served as a traditional base for supplying vessels on their way through the Mid-Atlantic, expertly handling maritime traffic at the vital crossroads between Europe, Africa, and America.

The local landscape and climate shape the experience ashore. Las Palmas experiences a warm desert climate offset nicely by the cooler Canary Current, maintaining a comfortable average annual temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. Gran Canaria's surrounding scenery is marked by dramatic volcanic landscapes filled with craters, deep gorges, and rugged mountains. Ashore, the rich mix of Spanish colonial architecture, distinct island culture, and accessible beaches makes for a rewarding half or full day away from the ship.

Ever been on a cruise that stopped along these Atlantic shores? You can add this trip to your overall stats and see your ship's actual track on The Cruise Globe.