Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Cruise Port Guide: Top Things to Do

LAST UPDATED October 21, 2025 BY Katarina Komazec

Gran Canaria Cruise Port (Las Palmas Port)

The Port of Las Palmas (Puerto de Las Palmas or Puerto de la Luz) is the largest and busiest port in the Canary Islands, serving both cruise and commercial ships for centuries.

Cruise ships dock at the Muelle de Santa Catalina terminal, conveniently located near many of the city’s main attractions.

The terminal has two berths dedicated to cruise vessels, which can accommodate two large ships simultaneously.

While Las Palmas’ historic Old Town (Vegueta) lies about 8 km (5 miles) south of the port, roughly a 10-minute drive, the area around the cruise pier is lively and fun to explore.

It’s flat, easy to navigate, and wheelchair accessible, with plenty of shops, cafés, and the beautiful Las Canteras Beach just a short walk away.

Getting Around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

🚶‍♀️ Walking & Accessibility

The port area is flat, easy to navigate, and suitable for people with walking difficulties or wheelchair users.

The nearby streets, promenade, and shopping areas are all on level ground.

🚌 Public Buses

It’s very easy to get around the island by public bus. Gran Canaria has an efficient, modern network:

• Global – blue buses operating across the island.
• Guaguas Municipales – yellow buses serving Las Palmas and nearby suburbs. (“Guaguas” is the local word for buses.)

Tickets can be bought at the Santa Catalina Park bus office or directly from the driver (slightly higher price).

The Santa Catalina bus station, also called El Intercambiador de Santa Catalina, is located next to the port and serves as one of the island’s main transport hubs.

Buses are air-conditioned, reliable, and inexpensive.

🚕 Taxis

Taxis are widely available, white-colored, and metered. They’re affordable compared to most European cities, and many drivers accept cards.

🏙️ Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The Las Palmas Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a great way to explore the city. It includes 11 stops at top sights such as:

• Santa Catalina Park
• El Corte Inglés
• Auditorio Alfredo Kraus
• Vegueta Old Town (with Las Palmas Cathedral)
• Playa de Las Canteras

The nearest stop is right outside the cruise terminal at Muelle de Santa Catalina.

👉 Book Las Palmas Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

🧭 Guided Tours

If you prefer a guided experience, you’ll find plenty of tours departing from or near the cruise terminal, from Old Town walking tours to island highlights like Bandama Caldera and Maspalomas Dunes.

👉 Check the latest tours and prices on Viator and Get Your Guide

🚗 Rent a Car

Renting a car is a great option if you want to explore Gran Canaria at your own pace.

The island’s roads are in excellent condition, and traffic is light once you leave the city. Popular spots like Roque Nublo, Maspalomas Dunes, and Bandama Caldera are all within an hour’s drive from the port.

👉 Compare rental car deals in Las Palmas on DiscoverCars

Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors

• Shopping: The port area is great for shopping. Centro Comercial El Muelle is located right next to the cruise terminal, while El Corte Inglés department store is about a 15-minute walk south. Both offer a good mix of international and local brands.
• VAT-free zone: The Canary Islands are part of Spain and the European Union but have a special fiscal status, making them a VAT-free zone. Prices for perfumes, watches, and jewelry are often lower than in mainland Europe.
• Currency: The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and there are plenty of ATMs and exchange offices around the port and in the city center.
• Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in shops, restaurants, and tourist areas.
• Safety: Las Palmas is considered safe and welcoming for visitors. As in any city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and on the beach.
• Airport: Gran Canaria Airport is located about 27 km (17 miles) south of the port, roughly a 25–30 minute drive depending on traffic.
• Where to stay: If you’re planning to spend a few days before or after your cruise, the best areas to stay are near Las Canteras Beach or Santa Catalina Park, both close to the port. Find hotels in Las Palmas

Things to See Within Walking Distance of the Port

If you prefer to stay near the port, there’s plenty to see and do within a short walk from the ship.

🛍️ Centro Comercial El Muelle

Right next to the cruise terminal, this modern shopping mall is the first building you’ll notice when you step outside the port.

It has several floors with clothing stores, perfumeries, a supermarket, and a food court on the top level.

There’s also a nice outdoor café in front where you can enjoy a coffee with a view of your ship. Prices are reasonable, and it’s a good spot to pick up a few things before sailing off.

🌴 Santa Catalina Park (Parque de Santa Catalina)

Just a few minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal and El Muelle shopping mall, Santa Catalina Park is the lively heart of Las Palmas.

This palm-lined square stretches between Plaza de Canarias and the waterfront, near the main Santa Catalina bus station (El Intercambiador de Santa Catalina).

You’ll find cafés, playgrounds, a tourist information center, and plenty of benches to relax in the shade.

The area is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, a great place to pause before heading toward Las Canteras Beach.

🧠 Elder Museum of Science and Technology

Located right next to Santa Catalina Park, this interactive museum has hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a small 3D cinema, great if you’re visiting with kids or simply curious about science.

🏖️ Las Canteras Beach (Playa de Las Canteras)

From Santa Catalina Park, keep walking straight for another few minutes and you’ll reach Las Canteras Beach, one of Spain’s most famous urban beaches.

The long promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants, perfect for a walk, a swim, or simply relaxing on the sand.

The water is calm and clear, and sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent in several sections.

Best Things to Do in Gran Canaria

If your ship stays longer in port, it’s worth exploring a bit further. Gran Canaria has so much variety — historic towns, beaches, and beautiful landscapes all within easy reach.

🏛️ Las Palmas Old Town (Vegueta)

Vegueta, the historic old town of Las Palmas, lies about 8 km (5 miles) south of the port, roughly a 10-minute drive.

This is where the city was founded in the 15th century when the Castilian army built its first settlement on the island.

The neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and charming plazas lined with cafés and small shops.

At its heart stands Santa Ana Cathedral, famous for its twin towers and panoramic city views. Around the square, you’ll also find the Town Hall, Episcopal Palace, and the Provincial Historic Archive.

A few steps away, Casa de Colón (Columbus House) showcases Christopher Columbus’s connection to the Canaries, while the nearby San Antonio Abad Hermitage is said to be where he prayed before his voyage to the Americas.

Other highlights include the Canarian Museum, dedicated to the island’s pre-Hispanic past, and the lively Vegueta Market, one of the oldest in the Canaries.

Don’t miss Plaza de Santo Domingo, a peaceful square with an 18th-century fountain, and the Atlantic Center of Modern Art (CAAM) for a dose of contemporary culture.

👉 Explore Vegueta tours and activities

🏖️ Dunes of Maspalomas

Located on the island’s south coast, about 56 km (35 miles) or a 45-minute drive from Las Palmas, Maspalomas is one of Gran Canaria’s most famous resort areas.

The protected Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve covers more than 400 hectares of golden sand, palm groves, and lagoons that attract migratory birds.

At the western end of the beach stands the 19th-century Faro de Maspalomas (Maspalomas Lighthouse), surrounded by lively cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Nearby Playa del Inglés, Playa de Maspalomas, and Playa de Meloneras are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or water sports, with every facility close by.

Families often head to Holiday World or Aqualand Maspalomas, while adults can enjoy the nightlife, casinos, and beach bars in the area.

For the best views, stop by the Dunas Mirador viewpoint at Hotel Riu Palace on Playa del Inglés, a great spot for photos and a short walk through the dunes.

👉 Explore Maspalomas tours and activities

⚓ Puerto de Mogán

Set on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, about 80 km (50 miles) or a one-hour drive from Las Palmas, Puerto de Mogán is one of the prettiest towns on the island.

Often called “Little Venice” for its canals and flower-covered bridges, it’s a peaceful escape from the busier resorts in Maspalomas and Las Palmas.

The town’s golden Playa de Mogán is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with calm water and all the facilities you need for a relaxing beach day.

Along the marina, you’ll find cafés, seafood restaurants, and small shops overlooking the boats, a lovely spot for lunch or an afternoon stroll.

👉 Check out Puerto de Mogán tours and activities

🏔️ Pico de las Nieves

Rising 1,949 meters (6,394 ft) above sea level, Pico de las Nieves is the second-highest peak on Gran Canaria and one of the island’s most scenic viewpoints.

Located in the center of the island, about an hour’s drive from Las Palmas, it offers breathtaking views of deep valleys, pine forests, and rugged volcanic landscapes that form part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

On clear days, you can even spot Mount Teide on Tenerife in the distance. Nearby stands the famous Roque Nublo, a 67-meter-tall volcanic rock that has become a symbol of Gran Canaria.

Pico de las Nieves is often included in full-day island tours, and it’s also popular with hikers and off-road excursions.

👉 Explore Gran Canaria island tours

🌋 Bandama Caldera

Located only about 20 minutes from Las Palmas, Bandama Caldera (Caldera de Bandama) is one of Gran Canaria’s most impressive volcanic sites.

The crater is over 1 km wide and 200 meters deep, surrounded by vineyards, rugged slopes, and hiking trails.

From the Bandama Viewpoint (Mirador de Bandama), you’ll get sweeping views into the crater and across the island.

Adventurous visitors can hike down to the bottom or walk around the rim for even better views.

It’s an easy half-day trip from the cruise port and often included in tours that also visit Teror or Arucas.

👉 Explore Bandama Caldera tours and activities

🐬 Dolphin and Whale Watching

For a different view of Gran Canaria, head out to sea on a dolphin and whale watching tour.

Boats depart from several marinas along the south coast, taking you into the Atlantic where you can often spot playful dolphins and, with some luck, even whales in their natural habitat.

The waters around the island are clear and rich with marine life, making them perfect for other water activities too — scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or surfing.

Whether you join a wildlife cruise or spend the day in the water, the coastline of Gran Canaria never disappoints.

👉 Check out Dolphin and Whale Watching tours
👉 Explore Gran Canaria water activities

🕍 Teror

About 24 km (15 miles) southwest of Las Palmas, around a 40-minute drive, Teror is a charming mountain town known for its history, traditions, and religious heritage.

Founded in the 15th century, it’s one of the island’s oldest settlements and home to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine, dedicated to Gran Canaria’s patron saint.

Wander along Calle Real de la Plaza, famous for its colorful wooden balconies, and visit the lively Sunday Market (Mercadillo de Teror) on Plaza del Pino for local goods and fresh produce.

Don’t leave without trying Teror’s homemade sweets and pastries — some of the best on the island.

👉 Explore Teror tours and activities

⛪ Arucas

Located about 16 km (10 miles) southwest of Las Palmas, around a 25-minute drive, Arucas is a charming town famous for its impressive Church of San Juan Bautista, a neo-Gothic masterpiece built in the early 1900s entirely from local volcanic stone.

The church’s stained glass and detailed carvings make it one of the island’s most striking landmarks.

Wander through Plaza de San Juan and Plaza de la Constitución, visit the Municipal Market, and stroll the Botanical Gardens (Jardín de la Marquesa).

Don’t miss Destilerías Arehucas, one of the oldest rum distilleries in the Canaries — tasting the local rum here is a must!

👉 Check out Arucas tours and activities

FAQ about Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Cruise Port

• Find the Port of Las Palmas on Google Maps
• Las Palmas Cruise Ship Schedule
• Gran Canaria Port Authority
• Gran Canaria Tourism Office
• Local Weather Forecast

⚓ Other Cruise Ports to Explore

If you’re planning a stop in Las Palmas, these ports are often part of the same Canary Islands, Transatlantic, or Iberian Peninsula itineraries:

• Tenerife, La Palma & Lanzarote – volcanic landscapes, year-round sunshine, and outdoor adventures.
• Madeira (Funchal) – stunning coastal views and lush mountain gardens.
• Cádiz – gateway to Andalusia and historic Seville.
• Gibraltar – dramatic views from the Rock and duty-free shopping.
• Lisbon, Vigo & La Coruña – classic Iberian cities with rich culture and beautiful coastline.
• Málaga – close to Granada and the famous Alhambra.
• Southampton & Barcelona – popular homeports for Canary Islands and Mediterranean cruises.

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand

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