Garden Tour
-
Port
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$59.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 3¾ Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Gran Canaria may be known for its riveting landscapes, sun-soaked villages, and inviting beaches but no visitor to Las Palmas should miss out on one of the city’s best-kept secrets: gardens. Each lovely garden featured during this four-hour tour is an unhurried refuge, a magical oasis that's a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
So put on your comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and hat before you board your coach and bring your camera to capture the magnificent gardens that help define this city.
Sit back and relax as your coach winds its way from the pier into the heart of Las Palmas to a neighborhood known as Ciudad Jardín. Established in the late 19th century by British residents the area is home to elegant homes, the official residence of the President, and Parque Doramas.
Named after a brave 15th century warrior who fought against the Spanish invasion, Doramas is a beautifully landscaped park that features a placid man-made lake, waterfalls, a wooden bridge that stretches over a koi pond, and two playgrounds. Take the time to relax and rejuvenate as you stroll past flowers, cacti and native Canarian plants such as palm trees that date back over a hundred years. Depending on the time of day you may hear the sounds of a folk music performance.
Back on the coach you’ll continue on to the hill town of Tafira Alta and its famous Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, more commonly known as Jardín Canario. Perched on terraces spread out over 27 acres the Botanical Garden hosts 500 plant species endemic to the Canary Islands including the iconic drago or dragon tree. As you walk around you’ll discover gardens within gardens such as the Cactus Garden that boasts 10,000 cacti and La Laurisilva, a remnant of the laurel trees that once covered the area before the Spanish colonization.
Your final destination is the Jardín de la Marquesa, located in the banana plantation region between the northern coastal towns of Aruca and Banaderos. Established in 1880 by the island's first Marquis and his wife the gardens are a romantic and serene backdrop for the 2,500 tropical plants that live in the five-acre park-like setting. Meander the grounds and marvel at the 200-year-old dragon tree tucked among the cacti and palms. Don’t be surprised if a resident peacock or two accompanies you on your walk.
After all of your photos have been taken, you’ll top off your tour with a typical Canarian snack of wrinkled potatoes, olives, cheese and wine.
At the end of this perfect outing you’ll rejoin your coach for the scenic ride back to your ship, relaxed and ready to begin another adventure.
Notes:
Between November and April we recommend to wear a light Jacket. This Tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.