Top things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

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We curate the best ways to experience
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Palmitos Park is one of Gran Canaria’s most unusual days out. Set inside a lush ravine in the south of the island, it combines a subtropical botanical garden with a wildlife park, so your visit feels part nature walk, part animal encounter, and part slow, scenic escape from the beach crowds. One moment you’re walking past towering palms and cactus gardens, the next you’re inside an aviary with free-flying birds overhead or stopping by the lake to spot a Spectacled Caiman.

Your ticket gives you full-day access to the park’s gardens, exhibitions, and animal areas, so you can explore at your own pace. If you want a gentler, greener attraction in Gran Canaria that still feels special, Palmitos Park gets it right.

Quick overview

  • What your ticket includes: One-day entry to Palmitos Park with access to gardens, animal enclosures, exhibitions, and walking trails.
  • What makes it special: It is both a botanical garden and a wildlife park, so the day feels more varied than a standard zoo visit.
  • Big highlights: The Orchid House, the free-flight aviary, the palm collection, cactus garden, and the lake with caimans and Canary Island lizards.
  • Good for: Families, couples, bird lovers, plant lovers, and anyone who wants a quieter attraction in Gran Canaria.
  • Know before you go: Download or print your ticket before arrival. If you show up without it, you may need to pay the walk-up price difference.
  • Extra experience: The Dolphin Encounter is not included and must be booked on-site, subject to availability.
  • Best tip: Arrive earlier in the day so you can enjoy the trails before it gets warmer and move through the park at a relaxed pace.

Things to see at Palmitos Park

Palmitos Park is filled with multiple exciting shows and exhibitions, where you can enjoy observing the diverse animals and birds while simultaneously learning about them.

Birds

Head to the interactive cage for an intimate encounter with the majestic Flamingoes, Spatulas, and Ibis. You’ll be able to enjoy a colorful display in the Cage of Lories, and observe the flight and behavior of these breathtakingly beautiful birds.

The garden

Visit the house of orchids at Palmitos Park to view the biggest collection of orchids from tropical areas and subsoil Australia. Also witness the hundreds of species of cacti in the cactus garden, with some reaching up to 4 meters in height. Palmitos Park is also home to the biggest butterfly venue in Europe.

Aquarium

The aquarium at Palmitos Park is home to a range of different marine animals, including venomous species like the Surgeon Fish and the Scorpion Fish. The little ones in your group will definitely cherish meeting the aquarium’s Clown Fish in the Salt Water section.

Reptiles

Meet the first generation Komodo Dragon which was raised in captivity in Europe. As the biggest reptile belonging to the lizard group, it reaches up to 3 meters in height and weighs around 90kg. Don’t forget to head to the Caiman Lakes where you can view the greatest swamp predators up close.

Mammals

The Island of Primates is undoubtedly one of the most visited spaces of Palmitos Park. It is home to Gibbons, who are extremely agile animals native to India. Also spot the Aardvarks, Meerkats, and Wallabies, among many other species of mammals to be found at the park.

Things to know before booking Palmitos Park ticket

Book online to save money

Online tickets are usually cheaper than buying at the gate, so booking in advance makes sense even for a simple day out. It is the easiest way to lock in your visit and avoid paying more on arrival.

Download your ticket before you leave

This is important. You should have your ticket ready on your phone or printed before you get to the entrance. If you arrive without it, you may be asked to pay the difference between the online rate and the walk-up price.

This is a full-day outdoor visit

Your ticket covers the whole day, and the park is large enough to enjoy slowly. If you like strolling, stopping for photos, and taking breaks between areas, you will get more out of it than someone trying to rush through in an hour or two.

The Dolphin Encounter is separate

If seeing the dolphins from within the park is enough, your regular entry ticket covers your day well. If you want the Dolphin Encounter, know that it is not part of standard entry. You can only book it on-site, and places are limited.

Age categories matter at entry

Children’s ticket categories may be checked at the entrance, so bring ID or a passport if needed. If you are visiting as a family, this saves any confusion at the gate.

The park is not completely flat

Because it sits in a natural ravine, some walking routes are uneven. That makes the park beautiful, but it also means comfortable footwear is worth it, especially if you plan to explore the whole site.

Food rules are practical

There are places to eat inside, but you can also bring your own food and drinks. Just note that glass containers are not allowed.

Experiences at Palmitos Park

Dolphin experience

Through the unique educational program on ‘Dolphin encounters’, share some memorable moments with these beautiful sea animals. You will be able to enjoy a 30 minute experience while learning about these dolphins’ anatomy and habits.

Birds of prey

Gear up for a memorable experience at Palmitos Park as you witness the magnificent birds of prey in action, under the guidance of a trained professional. Acquaint yourself with these thrilling creatures and keep your camera handy to snap unforgettable pictures of the experience.

Exotic birds

Your family will never forget the experience of witnessing these majestic birds from various parts of the world, housed within Palmitos Park. Allow yourself to be blown away by the vibrant colors and peculiar habits of these diverse creatures.

House of butterflies

You would never have seen a sight like this before. Breathtaking butterflies of all sorts of colors and shapes dot the beautiful enclosure at Palmitos Park. Stop to take in the beauty of these simple, tiny creatures, and learn about what sets them apart from each other.

Visiting Palmitos Park with kids

Tourists observing a monkey at Palmitos Park, Gran Canaria.

Yes, Palmitos Park works well for families, especially if your children enjoy animals more than high-energy rides. The park is outdoors, spacious, and full of things that are easy for kids to react to right away, like colorful birds, unusual reptiles, tropical plants, and open walking areas.

A few things make it easier for parents too:

  • Flexible pace: You can move slowly, stop often, and shape the visit around your child’s energy level.
  • Different kinds of attractions: Birds, gardens, lakes, and walking paths help break up the day naturally.
  • Food flexibility: You can eat on-site or bring your own food, which is helpful with children.
  • Simple ticketing: One-day entry keeps planning straightforward.

This is a solid choice if you want a family attraction in Gran Canaria that feels calmer and greener than a theme park.

Plan your visit to Palmitos Park

Dolphin show at Palmitos Park zoo amphitheater, Spain, with audience watching.

Palmitos Park is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, with the last admission at 5 PM.The following are the schedules for the daily exhibitions that take place at Palmitos Park:

  • Watch the Dolphins – 1 PM | 4 PM.
  • Observe the Parrots 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM
  • Birds of Prey in Action – 11:45 AM | 2:30 PM
  • Exotic Birds Spread Their Wings – 2 PM

Palmitos Park is located on the island of Gran Canaria, in Spain’s Canary Islands. Find it on a map.

  • Via Bus: you can take bus lines 70 and 73. The closest bus stations are Bar El Moyero and Tablero De Maspalomas, which are both a short 2 minute walk from the park. You can also disembark at the Aqualand bus stop which is a 12 minute walk away.
  • If you're arriving from Maspalomas, you could drive to the park via the GC-503. It is a 25 minute car ride from Playa del Inglés, or less than an hour from Las Palmas.
Tourists seated in an amphitheater watching an animal show at Palmitos Park, Gran Canaria.

Apart from the many enclosures of the park, the grounds also have the following additional facilities for visitors.

  • There is a large amphitheater with shows depicting flying birds of prey.
  • Visit the terrace near the fountain for a moment of relaxation.
  • There is also a presentation room for documentaries and shows with trained parrots.
  • Head to the souvenir shop to purchase some memorabilia to mark your visit.
  • The refreshments center remains open from 12 PM to 3:30 PM.

The Park also houses a photographic laboratory where you can purchase photographs of yourself from your visit.

Hand arranging wooden blocks spelling 'Know the Rules' on yellow background

While visiting Palmitos Park and exploring its many enclosures, please remember to follow these rules of the park.

  • It is forbidden to feed animals. Please supervise children and respect the signs.
  • Palmitos Park reserves the right to close or to cancel certain shows or attractions for different reasons. 
  • Once you enter the park, you will not be entitled to any type of refund of your entry ticket if weather conditions result in the temporary closure of some of the attractions, or the park.
  • A refund will also not be issued in the event that the park is vacated, or shut down in case of a catastrophe or the threat of explosives within the premises.

The Management reserves the right of admission and may request expulsion of visitors from the premises, if their conduct is questionable.

Children playing at waterfall bay area in Aqualand Torremolinos.

There is plenty to do around Maspalomas near Palmitos Park.

  • You can head to Aqualand for a day of adventure and splashing fun. Or visit the Maspalomas Lighthouse. This lighthouse is one of the biggest tourist attractions in this region.
  • You can even go golfing or simply explore the nightlife of Maspalomas as well.
palmitos park tickets

There are an array of options to stay at while visiting Palmitos Park. Maspalomas is filled with luxury stays, as well as more pocket-friendly hotels for you to choose from.

  • Budget Stays: Side Shore | Apartamentos Amazonas | Jardin Del Atlantico
  • Mid-range Stays: AxelBeach Maspalomas | Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel | LABRANDA Playa Bonita
  • Luxury Stays: Hotel Riu Palace Palmeras | AxelBeach Maspalomas | Hotel Riu Gran Canaria | Bohemia Suites & Spa

Visitor tips

Visiting Palmitos Park can be a thrilling experience for you and your family, as it is filled with countless opportunities to learn and interact with exceptional species of flora and fauna. Ensure that your visit is memorable and filled with joy by keeping in mind the following tips and tricks while planning your trip.

  • Ensure that you book your tickets well in advance to avoid missing out on your preferred dates, and for a seamless reservation process free of long queues.
  • It would be a good idea to glance at a map of the 20-acre park before visiting it in person, so that you are not overwhelmed by the expansive grounds and have a vague sense of direction.
  • Before your visit, do cross-check the exact timings of the particular shows you are interested in watching, from the Palmitos Park official website.
  • Remember to carry some light snacks and plenty of drinking water to keep yourself hydrated.

Frequently asked questions about Palmitos Park

Although you can buy tickets at Palmitos Park itself, it is best to purchase tickets online in order to reduce exposure, and to be able to book your preferred date of visiting from the comfort of your home.