Interesting place
Casa de Colón
The Casa de Colón is an institution that was created in 1950, the goal of the institution is to investigate and disseminate the history of Canary Islands in your relationships with America. The institution is located in a historic building in the neighborhood of Vegueta in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is created from several houses, currently occupies several mazanas. This location was chosen because it was the former Casa del Gobernador and according to some experts was visited by Christopher Columbus in the stop he made on his first trip in 1482 when you discovered America. The Casa de Colón has become an important cultural reference on the island, within which there are several rooms that serve as sections and where it is possible to know the funds and services of the institution. America before its discovery by Christopher Columbus: information about the American population and its culture and is divided into two sections. One of them is Cultura Esmeraldeña and in second place Culturas Mexicanas. Cristóbal Colón y sus Viajes. The history of Las Palmas de Gran Canarias. Paintings from the 16th to the 19th century. Near the Casa de Colón is the house where Alfredo Kraus was born, with a façade with Gothic decoration flamboyant
Interesting place
Catedral de Santa Ana
The Cathedral of Las Palmas is one of the most emblematic buildings in the capital of Gran Canaria, it is also called the Cathedral of Santa Ana. The Cathedral is located in the well-known neighborhood of La Vegueta in La Palma de Gran Canaria, in the historical center of the capital.It should be noted that the Cathedral of Santa Ana was the first church built in the archipelago, it began to be built in the XVI century after the Conquest of the Gran Canaria and under the order of the Catholic Kings. Because it took 4 centuries to be completed, you can see several architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical.The cathedral houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, where a large number of elements such as paintings or an interesting collection of Spanish sculptures are exhibited. It is possible to climb up one of its towers and see the capital from above.The Cathedral of Santa Ana has several chapels, like that of Immaculate Conception, that of Saint Peter the Apostle, of Dolores, Saint Joseph, Greater Chapel, Saint Mary of Antigua, Santísimo Sacramento, San Gregorio, San Fernando, Santa Catalina. It is also worth mentioning the organ of the cathedral, with Baroque aesthetics and one of the most valuable elements of the temple.
Interesting place
Vegueta
The importance of the Barrio de Vegueta of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is due to the fact that it is the founding nucleus of the capital of Gran Canaria. History tells that in 1478 the troops of Juan Rejón erected the Real de las Palmas which was the name given to the palm trees that were located in this place. Vegueta was the first Castilian site located in the Atlantic, it is also a historic place because according to the writings from here the Corona de Castilla began the conquest of the Canarian archipelago. The name of Vegueta comes from the vega that extended around the Real de Las Palmas, initially having the name of Vegueta of Santa Ana. Since then the neighborhood of Vegueta became the center of political, religious and administrative life on the island. In the Barrio de Vegueta you can find several points of interest , there are the squares of San Antonio Abad, Santa Ana, Plaza de Santo Domingo or Plaza del Espíritu Santo. Other monuments are the Cathedral of the Canary Islands, Town Halls of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Vegueta Market, Canarian Museum, Modern Art Center or Casa de Colón.
Interesting place
Playa de Las Canteras
The Playa de Las Canteras, located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is considered one of the best urban beaches in all Europe. The beach is located in the northeastern part of the island, not only one of the most interesting beaches because of its natural environment, but because of the amount of services offered to all visitors, an area full of life with a charming promenade to two steps from the center of the capital. The waters of the Playa de las Canteras are calm and the temperature is very pleasant throughout the year, so it is possible to enjoy a swim at any time of the year. In addition, we must highlight the richness of the seabed, an ideal place for lovers of snorkeling or diving. It has a length of over two kilometers of golden sand, it is possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, practice water sports, there are children's areas, also has changing rooms, sports areas, etc. Once the sun goes down, the Playa de las Canteras continues with a lot of life, the bars and restaurants on the promenade fill up and turn the area into one of the most recommendable of the city.
Interesting place
Iglesia San Juan Bautista
The Mother Church of Saint John the Baptist is located in the heart of the city of Arucas, on the island of Gran Canaria. For its architectural beauty it is known as the "Cathedral of Arucas" and is one of the best known monuments of the whole island.Started to build in 1909 on the bse of an old hermitage that dates back to colonial times, back in the year 1500, the beginning of the sixteenth century when an urban nucleus began to settle around the. Over the centuries and the commercial boom of the city, it became necessary to expand it, works that were gradually made between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, until finally in the twentieth century, in the aforementioned 1909, restructuring was faced total that gave rise to this church of current plant that, finally was definitively finished 70 years later.
Interesting place
Dunas de Maspalomas
In Gran Canarias, in San Bartolmé de Tirajana you will find one of the most spectacular and beautiful places of the Canarian archipelago, the Maspalomas Dunes. This part of the island is also known for having the Playa del Ingles, the Maspalomas Lighthouse and Meloneras, but they are undoubtedly the dunes which makes this point one of the most visited in Gran Canaria. The good weather is a constant in the southern part of the island, so it is perfect to enjoy the Natural Reserve of the Dunes of Maspalomas. This reserve is formed by three different ecosystems, the Palmeral, the Pond and the Dunes, three zones that form a natural space of incalculable value. The Dunes of Maspalomas has about 400 hectares, is a place of contrasts where the golden sand collides with the blue waters that bathe the coast. In addition, we must highlight the amount of wildlife that pass through the Natural Reserve, Storks, Common Redfish, Common Coot, Chorlitejo Chico, Pinto Starling, Pipit Caminero, Turkish Tortoise, other migratory bird species such as Common Flamingo, Common Egret, Great Gray Heron, Hoopoe, Whimbrel, Tridactyl Sandpiper, Vuelvepiedras and reptiles such as the Giant Lizard of Gran Canaria or Perenquén de Boettger.
Interesting place
Mundo Aborigen
The Ayagaures Natural Park not only encloses an impressive natural wealth, it also offers an interesting open-air museum where it is possible to know in depth the life that the ancient aborigines that inhabited the island took. This kind of Theme Park is called Mundo Aborigen and is dedicated to the way of life, history and culture of the first settlers of the Canary Islands. Through recreations of everyday scenes and the more than 100 life-size figures that make up these scenes it is possible to know the way of life of these first inhabitants. The beauty of the Fataga ravine implements much more the interest of this theme park on the life of the aborigines, the good weather, the good views and a very unique natural environment are reasons More than enough to visit it. In addition to the outdoor figures recreating the daily scenes of the aborigines there is also a small building in which remains are found in the Natural Park that will help to understand much better the life thousands of years ago. The site has been declared a Site of Historical, Social and Cultural Interest by Government of the Canary Islands.
Interesting place
Playa de Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a coastal town that belongs to Mogán in Gran Canaria
Interesting place
Mogán
Mogán is an eminently tourist municipality known especially for the towns that are deployed along its coast. Although the Villa de Mogán, capital of the municipality, is located in the interior, it is these coastal towns that agglutinate all tourism. These are Arguineguín-Patalavaca, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico - Amadores, Tauro - Playa del Cura, Taurito and Puerto de Mogán. The six areas have an excellent holiday offer, with restaurants, leisure areas and good hotel establishments where to stay. Like other Gran Canaria municipalities, also Mogán has several important archaeological sites, including Tauro Alto, the Barranco de Arguineguín or Lomo Galleon. In the interior, in the village of Mogán we recommend visiting the Church of San Antonio de Padua, from the year 1814.
Interesting place
Monumento Natural del Roque Nublo
The Roque Nublo Natural Monument is one of the most interesting places on the island of Gran Canaria, located in the municipality of Tejeda strong>, has dimensions of 451 hectares and whose symbol is the rock that stands out imposing from one of the crests. The rocky monolith of the Roque de Nublo is of erosive origin being a unique landscape and full of beauty. According to experts the Roque Nublo was formed in five episodes of volcanic origin, is one of the largest in the world and presides over the Caldera de Tejeda which is one of the largest on the island, it has a height of 80 meters from its base and is more than 1800 meters above sea level. The imposing landscape made this point a place of worship for the aborigines of the island, since 1987 it is protected as a natural space. The Roque de Nublo and all its surroundings is a perfect place to enjoy nature in all its splendor, it is possible to make paths of great beauty trails, it is also possible to make treaking and from the heights you can see the Caldera de Tejeda, Llanos de la Pez and the Pozo de las Nieves.
Interesting place
Pico de las Nieves
In Tejeda you will find the highest altitude in the province of Las Palmas, the Pico de las Nieves, with a height of 1,956 meters above sea level. The Pico de las Nieves is practically in the center of the island of Gran Canaria and hosts different protected points of the island, such as the Protected Landscape of the Summits, the Nublo Rural Park or the Riscos de Tirajana Natural Monument. At the peak is the highest viewpoint of Gran Canaria, from which you can see, on clear days, some of the islands that make up the archipelago, and make out part of the island and, specifically, a sector that was declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco. The view from this point is unparalleled, by the ravines that are around with their sharp edges, and by some points crowned by volcanic pythons of enigmatic forms. At the top of the Pico de las Nieves there is a semicircle covered in stone that faces west from whose viewpoint there are stunning sunsets, even more beautiful when there is sea clouds It is one of the most interesting natural spectacles of Tejeda.
Interesting place
Cruz de Tejeda
Located in the center of the island of Gran Canaria, the Cruz de Tejeda represents its geographic center and is located in a natural environment at more than 1,500 meters of altitude. Being as it is an old crossing of trails, nowadays it is an ideal place for the practice of hiking, and for its height and beauty, place of passage for tourists.
Around the Cross carved in stone that symbolizes the island's epicenter are located both the National Parador and different catering establishments for eating and sleeping.
Interesting place
Iglesia de Santiago de los Caballeros
Located in the Plaza de Santiago in the town of Gáldar is the Iglesia Matriz de Santiago de los Caballeros. This church, in the historic center of the city, the church has a marked neoclassical style although you can see some Baroque details. The limestone arch frontage stands out between two impressive towers of 35 meters high and with the façade made of materials from the Stonework in gilt stone that had not been used before in any temple built in the Canarian archipelago. The Church of Santiago de los Caballeros has a rectangular floor plan with three naves, a central one that is the one with the highest height, covered by half-barrel vaults and polygonal pillars. The importance of the church and the square in which it is located have led to its being declared Artistic Historic Site. Inside the church you can see works of art, such as goldsmiths and sculptures, the equestrian image of Santiago de los Caballeros, the so-called Niño de los Reyes Católicos which was a gift from the Kings themselves and the painful work of Luján Pérez who was a Canarian imager who was born in Guía. The works of art can be visited in the different chapels and the Museum of Sacred Art.
Interesting place
Casco Histórico de Santa Brígida
The Historic District of Santa Brígida is the main attraction of the population, its streets and houses marry in perfect harmony resulting in a wonderful environment. Of the elements to be highlighted within the historic center, it is worth highlighting the large number of well-preserved historical elements: Castellar Street, Muro Street, Historiador Morales Street, Calle de Medio, Calvario Street, Calle Fermín Monzón, Calle Tenderete among others they have served the village so that in 2010 it was declared Asset of Cultural Interest. It is important to highlight, for example, the pavement of the Castelar street, which has an important historical character. With regard to the buildings there are some important as the church that was built from a tower of the sixteenth century, this tower is what was left after the old temple was destroyed in a fire. Because of this, the church was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. Another interesting building is the Ayuntamiento de la Villa, another one of those landmark buildings in the old town that must be mentioned. El Calvario is a construction in stonework with three crosses and it is located in the image of the Passion of Christ, it is also The Casino, the Fonda Melián or La Alcantarilla, built in 1913.
Interesting place
Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pino
One of the most illustrious temples on the island of Gran Canari is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine in the town of Teror strong>, is considered the first Marian temple that was carried out in obtaining the title of basilica on the island, it was back in 1916, 60 years later in 1976 it was named National Monument. The temple lodged from the XVI century the image of the Virgen del Pino, and has had to receive several modifications throughout the history because it is based on a clayey soil . The exteriors of the Lesser Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine has an area of 1131 square meters, highlighting the three doors of the facade and three windows with stained glass windows. The Tower is of Gothic style and contrasts with the neoclassical style of the facade, in short the facade presents an amalgam of architectural styles. The basilica has a gable roof and is divided into three naves with 14 arches that are supported by communes and pilasters, has an important artistic heritage in its interior. It should be noted that until the 19th century the church was also used as a burial site.
Interesting place
Ermita Virgen de la Cuevita
One of the symbols of the population of Artenara is Virgen de La Cuevita. Just 400 meters from the town center is one of the most emblematic places for the inhabitants of this town of Gran Canaria the hermitage of the Virgen de la Cuevita, which She is the patron saint of the folklore groups and patron saint of the island's cyclists. Despite the dimensions of the Virgen de la Cuevita, 80 centimeters, there is a great devotion for this image whose veneration goes back to the end of the 14th century when friars of Mallorca and Cataluña arrived on the island with the intention of evangelizing the island's inhabitants. The first thing that catches the attention of the sanctuary is that it is excavated in the rock, the carving of the XVI century is inside, it attracts a lot of attention as the altar, the choir, the pulpit and the confessional are also excavated in the rock itself. The party in honor of the Virgen de la Cuevita is celebrated in August, the Virgin is transferred to the Church of San Matías and then returns to move to the hermitage accompanied by torches and fireworks.
Interesting place
Cactualdea
Located in the Aldea de San Nicolás is a kind of theme park dedicated to the cactus and is called Cactualdea Park. The enclosure has dimensions of around 15,000 square meters and houses up to 1200 different species of cactus brought from the most unsuspected parts of the world. Copies from countries such as Madagascar, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala etc. In the Cactualdea you can see varieties of infinite shapes, sizes or colors, an example is one of the largest cactus in the world with a height of 6 meters. In the Cactualdea, a park dedicated to the largest cactus in Europe, it also offers other plants and some animals, you can see palms, aloe vera plants and cardones among animals such as turtles or donkeys. The Cactualdea also has an amphitheater within its facilities, the simulation of a volcano to know how they work. Finally, you can relax in the cafeteria, having a drink on your terrace and finish the visit by picking up some souvenirs in the store. La Catualdea or Casa de las espinas also has a reproduction of a cave Guanche that recreates even the smallest detail these caves where the first settlers lived.
Interesting place
Salinas de Tenefé
One of the most important salinas south of Europa is on the island of Gran Canaria, they are the Salinas de Telefe in the population of Santa Lucia de Tirajana. The environment in which the salt flats are located is called Punta de Tenefé, on the coast of Pozo Izquierdo, nowadays they are the best preserved salt pans on mud Gran Canaria, located on a ground of fluvial sands and that has dimensions that surpass the 20,000 square meters. Las Salinas de Telefé were built at the end of the XVIII century with the intention of selling salt to fishing boats and for island consumption. In principle these salt mines had several windmills that were used to pump sea water to the highest areas, this led to also known as the Salina de los Tres Molinos. The salt works were declared Assets of Cultural Interest under the category of Ethnological Site on April 26, 2005. Next to the Salinas is the Interpretation Center of Las Salinas de Tenefé, where it is possible to know in depth how to obtain these salts of such quality. This center was the house of the salinero and is a building that served as housing and as a warehouse for workers.
Interesting place
Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Candelaria
Arriving at the town center of Moya is one of the most emblematic places, the Iglesia de Nuestra de Candelaria. First of all note that from the back of the church you have stunning views overlooking the north of the island. The church is built on the old temple of Candelaria, was inaugurated in 1957, the first thing that draws the attention of the church is that the architectural type to which it responds is of basic plant with three naves between octagonal pillars and dome on pendentives. The central nave is higher than the two lateral ones and the facade is composed of three bodies. Inside the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria we can find some images of great interest, one of the most important is a size of the Virgen de los Dolores of the sixteenth century plus of course the image of Our Lady of the Candelaria, you can also see other images such as San José with the eighteenth-century child, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and San Judas Tadeo. Another element that stands out is the stained glass windows, those that are on the back of the altar are the most specular.
Interesting place
Puerto de Mogan
Mogan has an interesting and cozy fishing port, it is located to the south of the island of Gran Canaria and in the same municipality. The houses that surround the port have a singular architecture a set of secluded and immaculate houses with gardens and bridges that allow the passage between the channels of sea water. Perhaps this is one of the most curious elements that Puerto de Mogán presents, some channels that make it receive the name of the Little Venice of the Canary Islands. The climate of Puerto de Mogán is perfect, with an average temperature of 22º throughout the year thanks to the fact that the population is protected from the winds and from the inclement weather. we must add the large number of sunny days per year that can be enjoyed. The municipality has a wonderful beach of clear sand and a port both sporting and fishing that give much more popularity. The seabed of the coast is also a claim for visitors, so many times underwater photography championships have been held. Near Puerto de Mogán there is also Taurito beach, surrounded by cliffs and with calm and warm waters.