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Have you been enjoying our municipal guides? Well, this latest post is even more specific. Covering, as it does, things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s Parque Santa Catalina.
Despite its name, Parque Santa Catalina feels more like a square than a park. It’s certainly more of a hive of activity than Vegueta’s Plaza de Santa Ana, ostensibly the city’s main square. Here’s a three-part guide which will show you around.
- Stay in Parque Santa Catalina
- Escape a rainy day in Parque Santa Catalina
- Eat and drink in Parque Santa Catalina
1. Stay in Parque Santa Catalina
If you want to spend some time in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Parque Santa Catalina makes for a great base. It’s easy to reach, with a number of yellow bus stops and indeed terminal. The park is both the first and last stop for Global bus services too.
Overlooking Parque Santa Catalina, you’ll find AC Hotel Gran Canaria with rooms available from €78 a night. 25 stories high, it’s the tallest building in the capital. A four-star establishment, it boasts a stunning rooftop pool.
For a more personal stay, book into one of the dozen rooms at the boutique Bed & Chic. They knock up a mean brunch at their in-house La Catalina which includes a terrace. If you’re looking for self-catering accommodation, the Apartamentos Miami are your best option.
2. Escape a rainy day in Parque Santa Catalina
When the clouds which loom over Las Palmas de Gran Canaria more often than you’d expect for a city with the second most favourable climate worldwide actually do burst, head for cover at Museo Elder. This is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s science museum and whilst it’s nowhere near as big as London’s, it will keep you and your kids entertained for a couple of hours. Children under six enter free.
Another way to avoid getting wet is to board a City Sightseeing Las Palmas tour bus. Just don’t make your way up to the open-air top deck as you would do on a sunnier day. Parque de Santa Catalina is one of the major stops on the tour.
Or if you want to beat the rain, enter the Casa del Turismo. This builiding of neoCanarian design offers information to visitors on a LPA Visit from Monday to Friday between 10:00am and 6:00pm. Whilst on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, it’s open from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
3. Eat and drink in Parque Santa Catalina
The House of Tourism dates back to 1944, although it closed in 2007 before reopening in 2013 as part of the city council’s plan to reenergize Parque Santa Catalina. This had a knock-on effect on the park’s bars and restaurants. As local landmarks such as Café La Alemana and Casa Fataga were spruced up.
Since then new venues have opened in the park. Elder & Co, just around the corner from the entrance to the museum of the same name, is both vegan and vegetarian friendly. As well as catering for lovers of fish, meat, and seafood.
Elsewhere, we challenge you to walk past the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria branch of Papizza without stopping. For the aromas of their various pizzas are so arresting. We recommend their Caprone: a fine base topped with mozzarella, cream, caramelized onion, goats’ cheese, and oregano.