Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
The Canary Islands' biggest city pairs a spectacular urban beach with a UNESCO-worthy old town — all bathed in near-perfect Atlantic sunshine that makes every port day feel like a gift.
The Canary Islands' biggest city pairs a spectacular urban beach with a UNESCO-worthy old town — all bathed in near-perfect Atlantic sunshine that makes every port day feel like a gift.
All cruise ships dock at the Puerto de La Luz / Santa Catalina terminal — no tendering required.
💡 Pro move: The terminal area has a small shopping strip, WiFi, and tourist information kiosk.
Las Palmas has a large commercial port; cruise ships berth at dedicated docks right in the city.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most major cruise lines (MSC, Costa, TUI, etc.) | Santa Catalina Cruise Terminal, Puerto de La Luz📍 | Docked |
| Large ships (P&O, Cunard, Royal Caribbean) | Muelle Santa Catalina or adjacent berths📍 | Docked |
From sun-drenched dunes to volcanic highlands, Gran Canaria packs a continent's worth of landscape into one island.
Drive south to the spectacular Maspalomas sand dunes — a mini-Sahara meeting the Atlantic. Add a stop at the clifftop village of Fataga for lunch.
Find Maspalomas dune tours →Explore Las Palmas' historic quarter: Casa de Colón (Columbus House), the Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral, and colourful colonial plazas. Combine with the Mercado del Puerto for lunch.
Find Vegueta walking tours →Head into the volcanic interior to the iconic Roque Nublo monolith, Gran Canaria's highest accessible peak area. Panoramic views over the entire island on clear days.
Find Roque Nublo hiking tours →Las Palmas' 3 km urban beach is one of Spain's finest — protected by a natural reef, gentle waves, and a promenade lined with cafés. Walkable from the port.
Book a Las Canteras sun lounger →Gran Canaria's food scene shines at the renovated Mercado del Puerto: fresh papas arrugadas, mojo sauces, local cheeses, and grilled seafood. Pair with a meander through Triana shopping street.
Find Las Palmas food tours →The northern end of Las Canteras (La Cicer) is a renowned surf spot. Rental shops and beginner surf schools operate right on the beach — no booking required most days.
Find Las Canteras surf lessons →Las Palmas rewards walkers — the beachfront promenade and Vegueta's cobblestone streets are highlights that need no guide.
Walk from the port along Paseo de Las Canteras, past surf schools and chiringuito bars, to the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus at the far end. Return via the back streets for local cafés.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From Plaza de Santa Ana, visit the Cathedral de Santa Ana, duck into Casa de Colón, and explore the Museo Canario before a coffee at a terrace on Calle Mayor de Triana.
Climate normals for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 67°F / 19°C | 58°F / 14°C | 9 | 7:54 AM | 6:27 PM |
| Feb | 67°F / 19°C | 58°F / 14°C | 8 | 7:39 AM | 6:52 PM |
| Mar | 68°F / 20°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 | 7:11 AM | 7:10 PM |
| Apr | 69°F / 21°C | 61°F / 16°C | 7 | 7:36 AM | 8:26 PM |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 63°F / 17°C | 6 | 7:11 AM | 8:44 PM |
| Jun | 74°F / 23°C | 66°F / 19°C | 5 | 7:04 AM | 8:59 PM |
| Jul | 77°F / 25°C | 68°F / 20°C | 2 | 7:15 AM | 8:59 PM |
| Aug | 79°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 2 | 7:31 AM | 8:39 PM |
| Sep | 78°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 5 | 7:47 AM | 8:06 PM |
| Oct | 77°F / 25°C | 68°F / 20°C | 8 | 8:02 AM | 7:31 PM |
| Nov | 73°F / 23°C | 64°F / 18°C | 9 | 7:23 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Dec | 70°F / 21°C | 61°F / 16°C | 7 | 7:45 AM | 6:07 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
11 stops on one route; full loop ~75 minutes; audio guide included
The cruise terminal is directly adjacent to the city center of Las Palmas. Many shops, restaurants, and Parque Santa Catalina are within a 5–10 minute walk of the port gate.
Official white metered taxis wait at the terminal. Fare to Vegueta (historic old town) is roughly €6–10; longer trips across the city run €15–20.
Local yellow city buses depart from Santa Catalina Bus Station, a 5-minute walk from the terminal. Line 12 runs directly to the Vegueta historic district (~6 km south).
Upcoming cruises that call at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.