Las Palmas

The cruise season in Las Palmas, like the rest of the Canary Islands, begins on in Autumn. AIDA, Tui and Thomson use Las Palmas as their homeport for the winter season. Other companies like Costa Cruises an MSC Cruises also used Las Palmas during 2013 as home port in winter for cruises to Africa and Madeira.
 
The port of Las Palmas is quite comfortable and easy to access and exit for cruise passengers. It has a large shopping center with superb views to the port. If you are embarking in Las Palmas read our article Port of Las Palmas

Las Canteras (by N.G)

OFFICIAL TOURS: We can find almost every destination such as panoramic tours, visits to the south of the island (Mogan and great beaches of Maspalomas)...
 
ALTERNATIVES: You can find a rent a car in the cruise terminal at affordable prices (Cicar), but it is advisable to book before arrival.I would take the car  and drive to Maspalomas to enjoy the beach, one of the great attractions of the island. It is well known throughout the world an its one the favorite destinations for sun and beach holidays worldwide.If you want to enjoy a day at the beach you have annother option which is Playa de las Canteras in Las PalmasYou can also take the tourist bus to Triana, which is a large pedestrian street with shops. 

WHERE TO EAT: Inside Centro Comercial El Muelle we can find a variety of restaurants, including major fast food restaurants ( if you are traveling with children)Another attractive option is a small steakhouse style restaurant called the Novillo Precoz (Portugal St. Nr. 9) near Playa de las Canteras

SHOPPING: Centro Comercial El Muelle, Triana and Mesa y López are the best options.

LINKS

Rent a Car Cicar
El novillo Precoz Restaurant
El Muelle Shopping Mall
City Sightseeing Las Palmas

Port of Las Palmas

Las Palmas is home port for Aida, Thomson and TUI during the winter season. It is also an usual port of call on transatlantic routes. This winter (2013), MSC will be using Las Palmas as home port for MSC Armonia instead of placing this ship in Egypt.  

The port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is quite comfortable and is just 800 meters from Plaza de Santa Catalina. It has a shopping mall next to the Pier (Centro Comercial El Muelle)

It can accommodate large cruise ships like the Queen Mary 2 (who visited the island on its maiden voyage) or the Independence of the Seas, which has made numerous calls in the pasts winter seasons.

Las Canteras (by N.G)

GETTING TO THE PORT. The port entrance is 400 meters away from Plaza Santa Catalina, which makes the access easy and comfortable for passengers. The cruise terminal is located about 400 meters away from the port entrance. The main access is on the side of Centro Comercial El Muelle.


AIRPORT. The airport of Gran Canaria ( Gando ) is in the southern part of the island. The distance to the city center is about 20 kilometers.There is a bus (Nr. 60) starting at the airport to San Telmo (main bus station) for 2€ . We can also choose to go to Santa Catalina for 3€. The bus leaves every 30 minutes.We can also go by taxi for about 30 €.

HOTELS. Although it may be attractive to choose a hotel in the vicinity of Playa de las Canteras, the best choice the AC Gran Canaria. This iconic hotel belonged to the Sol-Melia few years ago was renovated by its current owners to adapt to AC- Marriott standards.However, there are othes cheaper alternatives like Reina Isabel hotel and Cristina hotel less closer to the port but near Las Canteras beach.

LINKS

Hotel AC Gran Canaria
Reina Isabel
Hotel Cristina