You dock right in the city, next to a park, a mall and a short walk from Las Canteras beach. The historic old town, Vegueta, is about 4 km away and easy to reach by the yellow city bus. Good port to do on your own.
Where Las Palmas de Gran Canaria lies
Las Palmas de Gran CanariaArrecifeFunchalPonta DelgadaPuerto del RosarioSanta Cruz de La PalmaSanta Cruz de TenerifeWhere your ship docks
Ships dock at the Santa Catalina pier (Muelle Santa Catalina), next to the El Muelle shopping mall and Santa Catalina Park in the Puerto–Canteras district.
Shuttle. The pier is in the city, so most passengers walk. A tourist info kiosk in front of El Muelle mall opens on cruise days (Wikivoyage). Any ship shuttle depends on your line.
Getting to the sights
| The way | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Walk to Las Canteras beach | About 10 minutes (map estimate) | Free |
| City bus (guagua) to Vegueta old town (Cathedral, Columbus House) | About 20–30 minutes (approximate) | €1.40 per ride paid to driver; €5 tourist card for 24 hours unlimited rides (Guaguas Municipales) |
| Taxi to Vegueta old town | About 15 minutes (approximate) | Metered; price not verified |
Walk to Las Canteras beach
- Exit the pier toward Santa Catalina Park.
- Walk west across the narrow neck of land to the beach promenade.
Flat walk.
City bus (guagua) to Vegueta old town (Cathedral, Columbus House)
- Walk to the Santa Catalina Park bus area.
- Take a yellow Guaguas Municipales bus toward Teatro/San Telmo (Line 1 Teatro–Puerto is a main one).
- Get off at the Teatro / San Telmo area and walk into Vegueta.
Buses run every few minutes on main lines. Check the official 'Próxima Guagua' app or site for live times.
Taxi to Vegueta old town
- Use the taxi rank by the port or Santa Catalina Park.
What to see
Las Canteras beach
A 4 km city beach with a natural reef that calms the water.
- How
- 10-minute walk from the pier.
- Time
- 1–3 hours
- Tickets
- Free
Vegueta old town
The historic heart, with cobbled streets and colonial buildings.
- How
- City bus or taxi.
- Time
- 2–3 hours
- Tickets
- Free to walk
Cathedral of Santa Ana
Begun in 1497; mix of Gothic and later styles; rooftop views.
- How
- In Vegueta.
- Time
- 45–60 minutes
- Tickets
- Entry outside services is through the Diocesan Museum; Wikivoyage lists about €3 (approximate, may be out of date)
Columbus House (Casa de Colón)
Museum about Columbus, who stopped here before his 1492 voyage.
- How
- In Vegueta, Calle Colón 1.
- Time
- 1 hour
- Tickets
- Price not verified (official site would not load)
Museo Canario
Largest collection on the island's original people, including mummies.
- How
- In Vegueta.
- Time
- 1 hour
- Tickets
- Price not verified
Your day, hour by hour
Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.
- 8:00 Ship docks. Walk off; pick up a map at the cruise-day kiosk by El Muelle.
- 8:30 Bus from Santa Catalina Park to Teatro/San Telmo (€1.40 cash, or buy the €5 day card).
- 9:00–12:00 Vegueta: Cathedral of Santa Ana, Columbus House, Plaza Santa Ana.
- 12:00 Lunch in Vegueta or Triana shopping street.
- 13:00 Bus back toward Puerto.
- 13:30–15:00 Las Canteras beach promenade.
- 15:00 Walk back to the pier (10 minutes).
- 15:30 Be on board. That gives at least 1 hour before a typical 16:30 all-aboard.
What goes wrong, and how to avoid it
Beware
- Cathedral may be closed to tourists during services.
- Bus drivers take cash for single tickets; small bills help.
- Sun is strong even in winter. Bring a hat and water.
Do this
- The €5 24-hour bus card pays off if you ride 4 or more times.
- Most Canary and Madeira cruise calls happen in the cooler months, roughly October to April (typical pattern; confirm on your line's schedule).
- Sunday is quieter; some shops close.
Fees, money and access
Rules & fees
- Spanish city tourist taxes apply to hotel stays; none confirmed for cruise day visitors.
- Canary Islands cruise tax: no Canary-wide tax or daily cap on cruise passengers could be confirmed for 2026. Checked: Puertos de Tenerife cruise and fees pages (no text), Las Palmas port site (blocked), island tourism boards. Ask your cruise line before you go.
Accessibility
The pier, park and beach promenade are flat. Vegueta has some cobblestones. City buses are low-floor, but check each bus.
Money
Euro (€). Cards widely accepted. Carry coins for buses. Tipping is small and optional.
More of the Canaries, Madeira & Azores
Sources & what we could not confirm · 3 sources · checked 2026-11
- Guaguas Municipales, single fare (Pago directo)
- Guaguas Municipales: Tourist card LIVE
- Wikivoyage: Las Palmas
- Columbus House and Museo Canario ticket prices.
- Cathedral museum price (Wikivoyage €3 may be outdated).
- Bus ride time to Vegueta.
- Canary Islands cruise tax: no Canary-wide tax or daily cap on cruise passengers could be confirmed for 2026. Checked: Puertos de Tenerife cruise and fees pages (no text), Las Palmas port site (blocked), island tourism boards. Ask your cruise line before you go.