Wandering Around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

After our visits to the sand dunes and the town of Mogán, we walk into Las Palmas de Grand Canaria to explore the largest city in the Canary Islands.  We leave the harbor and walk along the sea on the Paseo de Las Canteras, a pedestrian-friendly promenade that covers the entire length of Las Canteras Beach.

Our ship behind the big one

Paseo de Las Canteras

Along the beach

Sailboats heading out

Oil rigs in for repair

Fish farm in the harbor

After a stroll along the beach and harbor, we reach the Mercado de Vegueta and wander in to see what's for sale.  The market was established in 1856 and focuses on offerings of local foods and products showcasing the diverse bounty of the Canary Islands.

Mercado de Vegueta

Wandering through the market

From the market, we walk into town, toward the mountains and the Cathedral de Santa Ana.

Through the streets

At the back side of the Cathedral de Santa Ana, we find a small market and purchase some locally-made jewelry from the artist.

Small street market

The Holy Cathedral-Basilica de Santa Ana was commenced in 1500 and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Canarias.  We wander through the square and continue down the street back toward the port.

Cathedral de Santa Ana

We follow the street through neighborhoods, parks, and cafes, generally toward the port.

Along the street

On reaching the port, instead of heading back to the ship, we turn the other way and cross a narrow peninsula to Playa de las Cantera, a long, urban beach known for its fine golden sand, clear waters, and protective offshore reef.  The beach features a lively promenade packed with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Playa de las Cantera

Beachside entertainment

On our way back to the port, we stop into a Super Dino grocery store and marvel at the fabulous foods on display, especially the fresh meat and seafood.

Super Dino

Super Dino counters

We return to the ship, preparing to start home tomorrow.  But, we have one more picture, the Jamón for sale at the airport.  Too bad we can't bring one of these home with us!

Airport shop

Exporing Grand Canaria and the town of Mogán

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital and largest city of the Canary Islands and is the ninth-largest city in Spain.  The island is located about 150 km (93 miles) west of the African coast and features a desert climate offset by the cooler Canary Current with warm temperatures through the year.  The city was founded in 1478 and was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1492 on his first trip to the Americas.  With its key location, the town was attacked by Francis Drake in 1595 and Pieter van der Does in 1599, destroying much of the town.

Approaching Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

We find a busy harbor with freighters, ferries, cruise ships, and oil rigs towed in for repair.

Cruise ships, freighters

Navy ship, Oil rigs

We head out to explore the island of Gran Canaria, visiting the Maspalomas Sand Dunes and then continuing to the town of Puerto de Mogán, known as "Little Venice" for its picturesque canals and vibrant floral displays.

The Maspalomas Sand Dunes are a unique 404-hectare (998-acre) nature reserve featuring vast sand dunes formed from the dried-up marine shelf after the last ice age, blown by the wind to the coast.  We wander through the dunes, enjoying the tranquility and the view.

Maspalomas Sand Dunes

From the dunes, we cross the island to Puerto de Mogán and wander through the former fishing village, now tourist destination, with floral gardens and bridges over channels of sea water.

At the beach

Floral gardens and walks

We wander along the canals and bridges through the different sections of this beautiful town and harbor.

Harbor

Fish in the harbor

City streets and canals

We walk back to the beach and the restaurants, cafes, and shops lining the boardwalk.

Along the beach

After our exploration of the village, we hop on a ferry up the coast to the town of Puerto Rico to meet our ride back to the ship.

Leaving the harbor

Heading up the coast

Arriving in Puerto Rico

Another great day exploring Gran Canaria!