You've packed for the beach for your day trip exploring Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but the weather's got other plans for you. Thankfully, there's more to see and do in the capital city than its great outdoors. Here are our top five places to visit if the sun hasn't got its hat on.
Casa de Colón
Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's old town, is a great area to escape the weather when it decides to get doomy and gloomy. There are plenty of attractions to duck into for cover. And all within easy-on-the-shoe-leather walking distance of each other.
One of the main Vegueta sights to see is the Casa de Colón. Academics can't confirm if Columbus House was home to the great explorer Christopher Columbus during his 1492 stay in the capital. However, what's beyond doubt, is that he was received by the governor of the time here, as this was the official's residence.
Casa-Museo Pérez Galdós
They don't call it Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for nothing. This particular palm's located in Triana's Casa-Museo Pérez Galdós. Triana's the capital city's main shopping and the easy option is to use one of its clothes shops, say, as a giant umbrella.
However, we recommend going cultural at this museum. Where you'll receive a fun fact-filled tour of the family home of Gran Canaria's most famous literary son, Benito Pérez Galdós. If you haven't read him before, you'll be sorely tempted to do so after your visit here.
Catedral de Santa Ana
Yes, you're right, those palm trees in Vegueta's Plaza de Ana do look kinda arid. But when they do receive a much-needed watering, you can always make a dash to the Catedral de Santa Ana below. Where you don't necessarily have to be a fugitive from the law to seek sanctuary.
Mercado de Vegueta
They don't really do street markets in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Far more common iare the city's covered markets. The pick of these mercados is arguably the capital's original one, the Mercado de Vegueta. Where, if a spot of rain sends temperatures down, you can warm up with some churros y chocolate, the Spanish take on a doughnut-and-hot-chocolate combo.
Museo Elder
Within sprinting distance of Las Cantereas beach is the Parque de Santa Catalina. So if the sky starts sprinkling, make your way to the science museum which takes pride of place here. The Museo Elder will help your kids forget about the beach they expected to play on.
An added bonus is that your children will learn something new without realizing it. So, if you later see an improvement in their science grades, you know who to thank. Although, it's probably an educational experience as much for the older generation as it is for the younger one.