LAS PALMAS - CANARY ISLANDS
PORT INFORMATION
photo courtesy Gran Canaria Tourist Board
Located just 210 kilometers off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, on the northeast coast of Gran Canary Island, the port of Las Palmas and the Canary islands offer a wealth of amazing beaches and a year-round warm-water climate as well as stunning botanical gardens, volcanoes, and a rich history displayed in archictecture dating to the 15th Century.
For no small reason it has become a major vacation destination and an important port of call for a number of cruise lines.
Brief History of Las Palmas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was founded in 1478 by Juan Rejón, leading the invading Castilian army fighting the local aboriginal Guanches.
One of the first notable “cruise” visitors to see the islands was Christopher Columbus in 1492. A good many tourists have followed him since that century and today Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a thriving cosmopolitan city with the large seaport of Puerto de la Luz.
Often referred to as the “First Port” of the Atlantic, Las Palmas
is the biggest port in Spanish territory.
Cruise Terminal in Las Palmas
Puerto de Las Palmas, also known as Puerto de la Luz is located in the north-west of the city. The cruise terminal, easily recognizable by the sail-effect canopy, is fully equipped with all amenities from toilets to bank outlets also has bus stops and taxi ranks at its doorstep, though it is only a 10-minute walk from from the city centre.
Gran Canaria International Airport is only eighteen kilometres from the the cruise terminal and offers connections with five European countries and six American cities.
Must See Attractions in Las Palmas
Science and Technology Museum: Located right at the cruise terminal, the popular Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnologia offers hands-on exhibits of interest to adults and young people
Pueblo Canario: A mere ten minute walk away from the cruise terminal, in the heart of the Ciudad Jardin or Garden City area, this arts and crafts district of Las Palmas on the site of a traditional Canarian village established in 1939 features a variety of art galleries, studios and shops.
Playa de las Canteras: A mere 3 blocks away from the cruise terminal, this popular three kilometer long beach attracts tourists and residents alike with its hotels and restaurants along the beach promenade.
Santa Ana Cathedral: A ten minute ride from the port, Catedral de Santa Ana is a beautiful twin-towered cathedral built in the 1500s and is located in the atmospheric Vegueta quarter of the city. Although not far from thre cruise terminal, it is not advised to walk the route due to lack of pedestrian paths in some places.
Casa de Colon: 12 minutes by car from the port, this 15th century military governor's residence is where Christopher Colombus is thought to have stayed in 1492 en route to the Americas. It has now been converted into a museum showcasing maritime artifacts especially those todo with Christopher Columbus and his voyages of discovery.
Maspalomas Beach: An hour's bus or taxi ride from the terminal at Puerto de la Luz, and a stepping stone away from the international resort area of Playa del Ingles, the world amous rolling sand dunes of this nature reserve is a defnitie must-see attraction.
