Information
Landmark: Palmitos ParkCity: Gran Canaria
Country: Canary Islands
Continent: Europe
Palmitos Park, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Europe
Overview
Palmitos Park, just a short drive from Maspalomas, ranks among Gran Canaria’s top attractions, where bright parrots flash through the palm-filled air.It’s a sprawling mix of botanical gardens and a zoo, home to rare orchids, towering palms, and an incredible variety of animals.Let’s take a closer look at Palmitos Park, starting with the first stop on our tour: 1.Palmitos Park sits in southern Gran Canaria, about 10 kilometers-just a short drive-from the coast, tucked near the sunny town of Maspalomas.Tucked into a green valley ringed by mountains, the park offers a quiet, scenic escape where you might hear parrots chattering in the trees.Covering 20 hectares (about 50 acres), it combines sprawling botanical gardens with animal enclosures, and since opening in 2003, it’s grown from a garden into a full zoological park.Over the years, it’s grown into one of the island’s busiest attractions, pulling in travelers from every corner of the globe.The name “Palmitos” comes from the tall, swaying palm trees that give the park its unmistakable look.The area bursts with Canary Island palm trees (Phoenix canariensis), their tall fronds a proud emblem of the island, and the park itself overflows with tropical and subtropical plants, from glossy banana leaves to vivid hibiscus blooms.The park showcases distinct areas for every kind of plant lover: towering cacti and hardy succulents basking in the sun, a palm garden filled with species from around the globe-especially the graceful native Canary Island palms-an orchid house bursting with rare blooms, and dense tropical greenery from the Amazon and Southeast Asia.Waterfalls tumble into quiet ponds, cooling the air and nourishing the plants.You’ll also find lively animal exhibits, with vivid parrots, toucans, and elegant flamingos stealing the spotlight.You can catch a crowd‑pleasing bird of prey show, watching eagles, vultures, and falcons sweep low overhead; wander past bright parrots, from rare blue‑and‑yellow macaws to chatty African greys; linger by the wetlands where flamingos stand in soft pink clusters; and end the day at the dolphinarium, cheering as dolphins leap through the spray.Dolphins leap through hoops and spin in midair, their shows shining a light on both clever problem-solving and natural grace.The park also houses an array of primates, from bright-eyed lemurs to playful chimpanzees and gentle orangutans.The animals live in roomy enclosures designed to feel like their natural habitats, with sandy stretches or leafy shade where needed.You’ll also spot meerkats, snakes, iguanas, lemurs, and slow-moving tortoises.One of the park’s biggest draws is the dolphin show, where sleek, silver-grey dolphins leap and spin through the air.The dolphin show is as fun as it is informative, giving visitors a close look at their intelligence, behavior, and the need for conservation.Nearby, the Birds of Prey Show draws crowds with swooping eagles, sharp-eyed falcons, and other powerful raptors.Bright feathers flash as the birds wheel and dive, showing off their stunning agility; at the Parrot Show, visitors watch them perform clever tricks and even banter with the crowd, while throughout the day, the park’s talks share fascinating facts about the animals and their habitats, all part of Palmitos Park’s broader mission to protect and rehabilitate endangered species in a safe, well‑cared‑for home.The park joins breeding programs to help endangered species, and it’s serious about sustainability-planting native trees, cutting waste, and keeping its footprint as small as possible.That means protecting water, recycling, and caring for the park’s botanical variety so the island’s natural heritage stays intact.You’ll find a few restaurants and cafés serving everything from a slice of cake with coffee to hearty lunches, plus gift shops stocked with souvenirs tied to the park’s wildlife and plants.Kids can run and climb in dedicated play areas, and shaded benches offer a cool break for everyone.Palmitos Park is wheelchair-friendly, and with Gran Canaria’s mild weather all year, there’s never really a bad time to visit.It’s best to go in the morning or late afternoon, when the air’s cooler and the midday sun isn’t beating down.Summer, especially July and August, draws the biggest crowds, so spring or autumn can feel far more relaxed.Just nearby, the Maspalomas Dunes stretch out like a golden desert dotted with hardy plants, perfect for a hike or a few photos.At the edge of the sands, the old Maspalomas Lighthouse stands tall, offering sweeping views and a touch of Gran Canaria’s maritime past.Ticket Information - You’ll need to pay an entrance fee to visit Palmitos Park, though kids, seniors, and groups can get a discount, making it easier to plan a full day under the palm trees.You might find special deals or bundles with nearby attractions, so it’s worth looking.The park stays open all year, though hours shift with the seasons-check the website or give them a quick call before you go.Palmitos Park’s mix of lush greenery, exotic animals, and lively shows makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Gran Canaria.Whether you’re drawn to bright-feathered parrots, lush green palms, or a day of learning and laughter with the family, Palmitos Park has something for everyone.
