Swap snowflakes for sunshine this Christmas in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Start your holly-jolly adventure at the Sand Nativity Scene on Las Canteras beach – yes, it's made entirely of sand. Then, you'll dive into the buzzing Christmas Market with over 70 stalls of unique gifts and tasty treats, plus live music, fun activities, and even a skating rink. It's a little holiday magic with a tropical twist.
Transport
Escort
Hop-On Hop-Off Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 24hr Bus
Enjoy the stunning sea views of Las Palma and the wind in your hair, as you board the bus and create your tour.
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Thrills, spills, rides and slides – and lots of fun – await you at Aqualand Maspalomas. One of the largest of water parks in the Canaries, it has more than 30 attractions to keep the whole family grinning all day.
Dr Doolittle eat your heart out – Palmitos Park has more birds, fish and creatures than you could ever chat to. Set at the top of volcanic canyon near Maspalomas, this brilliant wildlife park boasts a roll call of residents that will impress your whole family, large and small.
Nat Geo Day Tour: Gran Canaria's Southern Charms, a Photography Tour
Uncover the most photogenic corners of southern Gran Canaria on this National Geographic Day Tour. Your adventure begins in the village of Temisas, famed for its olive oil. Wander the narrow lanes lined with white houses with Arabic tiles, then discover the town square and capture traditional architecture. Next up is the hilltop village and authentic Canarian town of Tunte. Explore the charming streets, from the old washing places to the 19th-century fountain of El Rosal. Observe the details of a tile oven, original cobblestone paths, traditional houses, and the Casa Canaria de Tunte – a tribute to the ancient Canaries. As you will soon discover, Canarian villages are characterized by white-washed houses which can be dazzling in the bright sunshine. The photographer will give you valuable tips for making the most of the abundant light for great photos even in these conditions. Explore the villages at your own pace, taking snaps of the unique corners that appeal to you. There's plenty of potential subjects in these photogenic and typical Canarian villages. Climb to El Polvo viewpoint with its striking rock formation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the village and capture versatile images that tell its captivating story. The final stop is the sleepy hamlet of Fataga. Traverse the winding streets before gazing upon the striking stone massifs that flank the village. Finally, enjoy a spectacular drive down the mountain looking out to Meloneras and Maspalomas. View the imposing humpbacked sand dunes in the distance as you make your way to a local restaurant. Here, you'll review the photos and recap the experience over a well-earned lunch, after which the winning photograph will be revealed.
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Nat Geo Day Tour: Guanches Mysteries Unearthed with an Archaeologist
Unveil the secrets of the Guanches, Gran Canaria's extinct aboriginal population, with an archaeologist on this National Geographic Day Tour. Begin your tour at La Fortaleza Museum, where you can learn about ancestral diets, uncovering the nourishment that fuelled generations past. You will also have access to the archive room, exclusive to National Geographic travellers. Inside, a pair of rare mummies will reveal stories about the lives and deaths of the island's original inhabitants. After, you'll enjoy some local delicacies such as olive oil, bread, Tenefé salt, and pastries made with gofio flour, almonds or figs. Next, explore La Fortaleza archeological site, the most complete in all Gran Canaria. Protected by law, it is important both in terms of its historical significance and location. See habitation caves adorned with paintings, granaries, stone houses, funerary monuments, engravings, and the island's oldest sanctuary. Learn why the Guanches' referred to it as the ‘Axis of the World', the place where heaven and earth converged. Witness the ancient way of life in La Fortaleza as you discover the tunnel that traverses the rock, offering panoramas of La Fortaleza de Abajo. This sprawling settlement of excavated houses is just a stone's throw away. Round off this experience with a scenic drive along winding roads to the foot of the caldera. You'll head to Mirador Santa Lucia, where you'll indulge in a typical Canarian lunch of regional cuisine with a side order of impressive views. As you relish the rich flavors, soak up the surrounding landscape and reflect on the history you've uncovered during this journey.
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Cruising off the coast of the Gran Canaria has always been fun but this boat tour makes it even better. You can now hop off at any of the ports the Blue Bird boat docks in and wander around before hopping back on when the next one sails into port.The itineraries vary and cover four coastal towns in the southwest – Arguineguin, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan. So you can tick off sleepy fishing villages like Anfi, bubbly seaside spots like Puerto Rico and Arguineguin or more dashing towns like Puerto de Mogan.Each has its own charm – and nowhere can the colour of a town be better appreciated than during the weekly market. In Arguineguin, it's every Tuesday, while in Puerto de Mogan, there are two. Monday is the farmers' market while Friday sees the town come to life for the ethnic and gastronomic market – African drums, wooden wind chimes and Canarian cheeses are among the stall buys.
Tucked away in the southern tip of Gran Canaria is an oasis of unmatched beauty that'll make you think you're in the Sahara desert. The sand dunes of Maspalomas are hemmed in by the resorts of Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Meloneras – and there's no more authentic way to explore them than on the back of a camel.
Wooland is Gran Canaria's biggest and best amusement park – so you'll be spoilt for choice with things to see and do. It's home to fairground attractions, adrenaline-pumping rides, a rollercoaster, giant Ferris wheel, children's playgrounds and even a street food market.
Jet-Ski Anfi del Mar Beach Ticket
Is the daredevil in you hankering for an adrenaline rush? Get behind the handlebars of a jet-ski, try parasailing or hop aboard the Crazy Jet wave-riding boat. After a brief safety tutorial, you'll get to live the dream. There are plenty of other watersports to choose from, too, including wakeboards, flyboards, banana boats and paddle surf.
Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddle Boarding
If you're ready to pack some adrenaline into your holiday, then you're in the right place to try some water sports. Gran Canaria is considered one of the best places in the world for activities like windsurfing, as it has ideal wind conditions and spectacular coastline to boot. Choose from windsurfing or stand up paddle boarding courses, or simply rental, and learn how to cut across the waves in Bahia Feliz.With the windsurfing course, you'll discover what it feels like to stand on two feet above the Atlantic Ocean and glide across the waves. This two-hour course is designed to introduce you to the sport, which combines both sailing and surfing on a board that's two to two-and-a-half metres in length with a sail attached. There's also the option to rent a board for two hours.Alternatively, you can choose stand up paddle boarding – the latest craze in the water sports world. The two-hour course is ideal for beginners, or if you're already confident on the water, you can opt for four-hour board rental.