Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the north-east of Gran Canaria, is a friendly, cosmopolitan city overlooking the sea that is really easy to get around. Strolling along its streets and avenues, you can quickly see all of the city's most iconic and popular spots, such as La Isleta (the old fisherman's quarter) or the Las Canteras Beach, on a walk that will combine swimming, leisure, gastronomy, history and culture. You will enjoy the urban beach at Las Canteras (the favourite of residents and tourists alike), the architecture of the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium and the fisherman's quarter of La Isleta on this route designed for cruise-goers visiting the city.
Castillo de la Luz: cultural tour heading from the boat towards La Isleta
Walking north from the port and very close by, you will find La Isleta, the old fisherman's quarter in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with its narrow streets where you will find stalls, shops and bars. In La Isleta, tourists can also take different cultural tours. The Castillo de la Luz (castle of light), to the south of the quarter, was declared a national historic monument in 1941. Built in 1491, it defended the Port of Las Palmas for centuries. It is currently The Martín Chirino Art and Thought Foundation, with reference to one of the Canary Islands' most universal artists, which hosts numerous cultural activities and national and international exhibitions.
Las Canteras Beach: leisure and relaxation close to the boat
Just a few minutes from the port's area dedicated to cruise liners or coming from the south of La Isleta, you will come across Las Canteras Beach, more than three kilometres of fine, golden sand surrounding the city. Las Canteras Beach is the most important urban beach in the Canary Islands and also one of the best in the world. The sea is calm as it is protected by a natural sandstone reef, known popularly as "la barra", which you can reach from the shore. Its pleasant climate means you can swim and do water sports all year round, and it's the favourite beach of the city's residents and visitors alike.
Las Canteras Seafront Promenade: enjoy the gastronomy before heading back to the boat
You can also visit the promenade at Las Canteras Beach. From the area of La Puntilla to the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium (a masterpiece of modern architecture) or vice versa, you will find a lots of terraces and restaurants where you can savour typical Canary Island dishes —especially those made with fresh fish— in a lively, friendly atmosphere while enjoying views of the sea and Las Canteras Beach and the pleasant climate before heading back to the boat. The promenade is one of the most popular areas of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a meeting place for its residents and a point of reference for tourists.
