Are you on vacation in Gran Canaria? Head inland and visit Palmitos Park. Located in the heart of a landlocked valley near Maspalomas, the park boasts a zoo and gardens. We saw many birds and beautiful palm trees.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Why visit Palmitos Park?
Is the park worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, nestled in a beautiful natural enclave, this zoological park is also a botanical garden. In the midst of lush vegetation, you can discover numerous species of animals and plants. The park also offers live entertainment. We loved the gardens, with plants from all over the world and hundreds of palm trees.
This is one of the best activities in Gran Canaria and Maspalomas.
Why is Palmitos Park famous?
Palmitos Park is renowned as one of the best wildlife parks in the Canaries and Gran Canaria. It is located in an exceptional natural setting, the Barranco de los Palmitos valley, hence its name. It also helps protect biodiversity and vulnerable species. We appreciate this approach.
Our favorite moments
We particularly appreciated it:
- The beauty of orchids displaying their delicacy in a beautiful garden
- The butterfly hothouse, a flight of colors
- The valley in which the park is located, a rocky enclave typical of Gran Canaria
WHERE TO STAY IN Maspalomas
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Méloneras, with its long sandy beach and dunes.
Hotel Unique Club Lopesan – see photos and availability
Playa del Ingles, a lively neighborhood on the cliffs above a long beach.
Santa Monica Suites Hotel – see photos and availability
In the center of Maspalomas, access to stores and attractions.
Hotel Nayra – Adults Only – view photos and availability
See our selection of the best hotels in Maspalomas
History in brief
The park was founded in 1978 in Gran Canaria. We were surprised to learn that in 2007, the site had suffered a fire. Since its renovation, it has been home to over 200 plant species and 500 animals. The park is also committed to preserving biodiversity and raising awareness of the need to protect it.
Access: Palmitos Park, Maspalomas
Where is the park?
- In the south of Gran Canaria
- In the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana
- In the hinterland of Maspalomas, a 20-minute drive from the center
- 10km from Meloneras
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
How to get there?
You can reach the park by car, the best way to get around the island. Find out all our tips for renting a car in Gran Canaria.
Buses 45 and 70 from Maspalomas can also drop you off. Allow around 30 minutes for public transport. You can also take a cab. We found the road to the park very beautiful. The scenery is worth the detour!
Parking
There’s a large parking lot at the entrance to the park.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
The summer season attracts more people. If you plan to visit the park at this time of year, we advise you to come on weekday mornings. In winter, your visit will be a little quieter.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Covering more than 24 hectares, the park is quite large. We recommend you allow 2 to 4 hours to explore the entire site. Apart from the size of the park, there are no particular difficulties to visit.
Advice on how to visit
There’s a set direction for the visit. Follow the signs and arrows. We first saw the meerkats and reptiles near the entrance. A path then led us to several aviaries and the orchid house. From here, you can see a large waterfall with parrots and walk around it. Continue with the cactus garden, butterfly greenhouse and aquariums. Finish the tour with Monkey Island and other surprises that will lead you to the exit.
Here’s a map of the park to help you find your way around.
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Visiting with children
In our opinion, the park is perfectly suited to a family outing. Children and adults alike will be delighted by the discovery of animal species and the shows on offer. The park also plays an educational role, transmitting best practices for preserving biodiversity.
Schedules and rates
Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Prices are as follows:
- From age 11: €35
- Children aged 5 to 10: €26
- Children under 5: €13
Find out more about the latest schedules and prices on the park’s official website here.
Catering
The park has its own restaurant, Palapa, and a snack bar, Papagayos. If you’re spending the morning on the site, why not have lunch? You can also decide to try a restaurant in Maspalomas or Meloneras and get closer to the sea.
Wings and feathers
Many birds
The park is home to many species from all over the world. You can discover specimens from Australia, Asia, Europe and America. Pelicans, eagles, cranes and emus, for example, all caught our eye.
We also admired the brightly colored exotic birds. The plumage of parrots and parakeets will leave no one indifferent.
The butterfly greenhouse
In the middle of the park, we came across the butterfly greenhouse. This large space is home to a flower garden. A mix of tropical and local plants.
Dozens of butterflies swoop down on the colorful flowers. We were struck by their beauty and delicacy.
Reptiles and sea creatures
Comodo’s snakes, caimans and dragons
As soon as we entered, we saw vivariums displaying curious reptiles. Poisonous or harmless snakes digest quietly while Comodo dragons slither into their lair.
A little further on, basins reminiscent of the murky colors of tropical waters are home to caimans. Take the time to observe the surface, and you may see, as we did, little eyes protruding.
Reef fish
At the Blue Reef, we admired hundreds of fish. Several aquariums allow you to contemplate a myriad of marine species.
You can discover local fish species and learn their names. A way of recognizing them if you try diving or snorkeling on your beach outings.
Several mammal species
Monkey Island
Around a stretch of water, on an island, we saw large wooden structures reminiscent of the trees and vines of a jungle. This is the monkey house.
You’ll be able to see several species. The park is home to capuchins and gibbons.
Small mammals of the world
Throughout our visit, we spotted various small mammals. Scattered throughout the park, they’ll surprise you with their origins. From every continent.
First we surprised some African meerkats at the entrance. Australian wallabies and South American coatis nasua, a protected species, vie for the limelight.
A botanical garden
Tropical flora
The park is a veritable lush garden! In addition to the hundreds of palm trees that pay tribute to the place’s name, we admired both exotic and local species. Flowers, giant-leaved shrubs and prickly cacti set the scene.
The orchid house
Stop off at Casa de Orquídeas to admire uniquely shaped, delicately colored flowers. We found these natural beauties comparable to paintings!
The cactus garden
The park also boasts a magnificent cactus garden. We enjoyed strolling along the aisles lined with these prickly, but particularly slender and superb creatures. It was like being in Mexico.
Several shows
High-flying demonstration
The park offers exotic bird and bird of prey shows. At the entrance, we saw information about opening times. You’ll find the bird arena to the north of the park.
The dolphinarium
The park is home to a dolphin pool which, in the middle of this semi-arid valley, really did feel out of place. It is located next to the Bleu Reef. Dolphin shows are offered during tours.
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Frequently asked questions
Which buses run to Palmitos Park?
Buses 45 and 70 will drop you off at the Palmitos Park stop. They leave from Maspalomas every 30 minutes or so.
What attractions are close to Palmitos Park?
The park is located near other attractions. Here are our suggestions:
- Have fun at Aqualand, another water park.
- The seaside resort of Meloneras, with its lagoon and beach, is a perfect destination for relaxing after a visit to Palmitos Park.
- End your day at the Maspalomas Dunes. We found the sunset over this little piece of desert magical.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
