Las Palmas Cruise Stop: How to Spend a Day

Updated October 2026 · By the Digital Guest Pass team, a family who has lived in the Canary Islands since 1993

Cruise ships in Las Palmas dock close to the city, so you can see a lot in one day without booking a tour. Las Canteras beach is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal through Santa Catalina Park, the old town of Vegueta has the Cathedral of Santa Ana and Columbus House, and the hop-on hop-off bus links the main sights.

Can you walk from the cruise port to Las Canteras beach?

Yes. Las Canteras is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal, through Santa Catalina Park.

Is Las Canteras good for swimming?

Yes. A natural reef called La Barra runs along much of the beach, keeping the water calm and making it popular for swimming and snorkelling. The far end, near the auditorium, has bigger waves and is used by surfers.

What is Vegueta?

Vegueta is the oldest part of the city, with cobbled streets, colonial buildings, the Cathedral of Santa Ana and Columbus House. It is full of tapas bars and is a great area to explore on foot. Next door, Triana is the city's main shopping street.

Do I need a car or taxi?

No. The city is easy to get around on foot, by city bus or on the hop-on hop-off bus, which is the simplest way to see several sights in a short time.

A simple plan for one day

• Morning: take the hop-on hop-off bus or a taxi to Vegueta, walk the old town and visit the cathedral area.

• Lunch: tapas in Vegueta, or head back towards the port and eat by the beach.

• Afternoon: walk through Santa Catalina Park to Las Canteras for a swim, then stroll back to the ship.

Always leave plenty of time to be back before your ship's all-aboard time.

Can I see the rest of the island from the port?

Yes, some island tours offer pick-up from the city, and the Across the Island Tour starts in Las Palmas. These are full-day trips of around 8.5 hours, so only book one if your ship is in port long enough and the return time leaves a safe margin.

What is the weather like in Las Palmas?

Mild all year round, usually a little cooler and cloudier than the south coast. It rarely gets very hot or cold, so it is pleasant for sightseeing in any season.

For more ideas, see our full Las Palmas guide, or compare the Gran Canaria island tours.