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Playa de Arguineguín (playa)

Playa de Arguineguín (beach) – this beach, located by the town of the same name, is located on the southern coast of Gran Canaria. It gets its name from the local (Guanche) dialect, which means “quiet water”. While this area has attracted some hotels and resorts, Arguineguín is best known for its distinct Norwegian community, which grows during the winter. Along with having their own school, church, and clinic, the Norwegian community also has a timeshare holiday resort (Anfi del Mar).

Parque Palmitos

Palmitos Park (barranco de Los Palmitos, Maspalomas) – this is a 20-hectare botanical garden located 55 minutes (66 km) southwest of Port of Las Palmas. A dolphinarium can be found on the premises, as well as a display of eagles and other birds of prey (like falcons and owls), a separate section for parrots and other exotic birds (like Marabous, Cranes and Kookaburras), as well as an aquarium, and a separate area for caimans (crocodiles). To add to the park’s zoo-like features, there’s another area that’s dedicated to mammals (from primates to aardvarks and meerkats). See its website for updated rates and times: www.palmitospark.es

Maspalomas Golf

Maspalomas Golf (Av. Touroperador Neckerman, Maspalomas) – located on the southeast part of Gran Canaria island is this popular golf course, which is surrounded by the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve (a protected area of more than 400 hectares). The nearby seascape and a palm grove help shape the area’s horizon. This golf course, situated in this paradisiacal area, is surrounded by dunes, a feature which has influenced the design of the golf course, designed by Mackenzie Ross.

The proximity of the sea and the gentle breeze turn a game on this course into the most pleasant experience, thanks to the refreshing influence of the trade winds. The 18 hole, 73 par course has hosted international events and has a practice course, putting green and pitching green, driving range, instructors, golf cart rental, trolleys and clubs, golf shop, restaurant and snack bar. See the Maspalomas Golf website for more info: http://www.maspalomasgolf.net

Maspalomas

Maspalomas – this is a popular tourist town located at the southern end of Gran Canaria (40 minutes, or 56 km. south of Las Palmas). Here you’ll find a 2,000 hectare strip of land with 17 km of wonderful coastline with sand dunes, wide sandy beaches, shallow waters and an excellent all-year-round climate – a paradise for beach lovers and family holidays.

La Baranda Camel Safari Park

La Baranda Camel Safari Park (Fataga, Las Palmas) – located 12 km from Playa del Inglés is this nature reserve, which has been declared a special conservation area. Since the Canary Islands are off the coast of North Africa, the main attraction here is the camels (where visitors are free to feed them and pet them). Visitors can sign up for a camel-riding excursion, where they’ll also encounter other animals within this park (such as donkeys, goats, peacocks, etc.). Visitors will also come across plantations of mangoes, papayas, oranges, figs, guavas avocados and lemons. Both large and small groups are welcome. See its website for more details: www.camelsafarigrancanaria.com

Holiday World

Holiday World (Av. Touroperador Tui, s/n, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas) – this is an amusement park that is most appealing to school children. Various rides are available there (from carousels to bumper cars, trains and roller coasters). A great place for families with small children. See its website for details: www.holidayworldmaspalomas.com

Hangar 37

Hangar 37 (Tarajalillo, San Agustín, GC-500 km 45, Las Palmas) — Hangar 37 is the first airsoft, paintball, and laser gun theme park in Europe located in Gran Canaria. It offers a mode similar to paintball shots. With all spectators dressed in “Gulf War’-style military and protective gear, there are tanks, trucks, bunkers and other props that offer the trappings of a more authentic combat experience. This theme park is especially appealing to fans of the “Call of Duty” and similar combat video games. Suitable for all ages and levels. See its website for updates rates and other info: http://www.hangar37.es/

Carnaval de Las Palmas

Carnival of Las Palmas – just before Lent, Carnival is celebrated throughout the Canary Islands, including Las Palmas (which has the largest one within these islands). During the Carnival period, there are not only parades, but also galas (including the Drag Queen Gala).

The different performances by buskers and shows are distributed across the city. The main event of the carnival in Las Palmas is located in the Parque Santa Catalina. The inhabitants of Gran Canaria and Las Palmas take still flocking participate in the festivities. Very important for the existence of carnival is the Grand Parade (Gran Cabalgata), Los Mogollones and Burial of the Sardine (Entierro de la Sardina).

The Grand Parade takes place every year on the Saturday after the conclusion of the two Galas. About 200 000 people visit the Grand Carnival Parade through the streets of Las Palmas. he parade is about 7 km from the Castillo de la Luz along Parque San Telmo through the city the heart of the carnival along Parque Santa Catalina to Teatro Perez Galdos. For more info, see the Carnival’s website: www.lpacarnaval.com