6 Best Sights in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

In a palace where Christopher Columbus may have stayed when he stopped to repair the Pinta's rudder, nautical instruments, copies of early navigational maps, and models of Columbus's three ships are on display in addition to interactive exhibits. The palace, which retains many original features, has two rooms holding pre-Columbian artifacts and one floor dedicated to paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries. There's a glaring absence of criticism of Columbus's complicated legacy.

Welcome to one of Spain's largest botanical gardens, with plants from all the islands grouped by their natural habitat. The cacti and succulents are particularly arresting.

One of the best urban beaches in Spain is found at the northwest end of the city. Its yellow sands are flanked by a pleasant promenade that stretches more than 3 km (nearly 2 miles) from the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium in the south, where surfers congregate, to the Playa del Confital in the north. The beach is protected by a natural volcanic reef, La Barra, which runs parallel to the shore and makes for safe swimming. Lounge chairs and sunshades can be rented year-round. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

The largest water park in the Canary Islands has wave pools, slides, and just about everything else splash-related.

One of the main attractions in this part of the island, inland from Maspalomas, this part botanical garden and part zoo has 1,500 tropical birds, a butterfly sanctuary, an orchid house, 160 species of tropical fish, many crocodiles, and parrot shows.

In this park, visit the Museo Néstor, home to neoclassical and modernist works by brothers Miguel (architect) and Néstor (artist) Martín Fernández. There's also a play area and cultural center with temporary exhibitions. On the way there, stop at the neighboring Parque Doramas (stops are listed on big yellow signs; bus Nos. 2, 3, and 12 generally cover the entire city) to peek at the elegant Santa Catalina Hotel. Next to the Parque Doramas is the Pueblo Canario, a model village with typical Canarian architecture.