Palmitos Park is Gran Canaria’s best-known animal park, set in a ravine above Maspalomas in the south. The park describes itself as a giant nature park and zoo, with thousands of tropical birds, dolphins, other animals, gardens and what it calls the biggest butterfly house in Europe. It sits on the road inland from Maspalomas, a short drive from the beaches and the dunes, and is open every day from ten until six, so it is easy to fit into a family holiday. The shaded paths and gardens make it a pleasant visit even on a hot day, and shows and presentations are part of the day. The ticket we link to is the entry ticket, and combination tickets with Aqualand, the camel ride and other parks are also sold.
How it works
Buy a dated entry ticket online and show it on your phone at the entrance. The park is at Barranco de los Palmitos, on the Palmitos Park road inland from Maspalomas, a short drive from the resorts. Combination tickets pair the park with Aqualand, the dunes camel ride and other attractions in the south, which can offer better value if you plan to visit more than one.
What to expect
The park is a full-day outing for families, built on a slope, so there is walking uphill and downhill on paved paths. Plan your day around the show timetable shown at the entrance, because presentations run at set times. The butterfly house is warm and humid, and the aviaries are a good place to take photographs. Animal welfare groups have long debated keeping dolphins in captivity, and some visitors prefer to skip those shows.
Making the most of it
Arrive at opening time, when the animals are most active and the heat is lower, and plan lunch in the park or in nearby Maspalomas. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and refillable water bottle and plan a break in the shade at midday. A visit pairs well with a morning at the beach or the dunes.
What to expect
The experience
A large park on a hillside with aviaries, animal enclosures, gardens and scheduled shows.
Best time
Opening time on a weekday, before the heat builds and the shows get busy.
How long
Plan on four to six hours, or a whole day if you enjoy zoos and gardens.
Tips
Pick up the show timetable at the gate, wear comfortable shoes and take a hat and water.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and bird lovers who want a shaded, easy day out near the south coast resorts.
- Families
- Excellent for children, with shows, animals and a butterfly house in one place.
- Couples
- Enjoyable for gardens and photography, especially in the early part of the day.
- Pair with
- Aqualand Maspalomas on a combination ticket, or the dunes and a beach afternoon.
- Time needed
- Most of a day.
Good questions
What are the opening hours of Palmitos Park?+
The park is open every day from ten in the morning until six in the evening. Check your ticket for any changes on holidays.
Where is Palmitos Park?+
It is at Barranco de los Palmitos, inland from Maspalomas on the south of the island. It is a short drive from the beaches and resorts, and a short ride from Aqualand.
What is there to see at Palmitos Park?+
The park has thousands of tropical birds, dolphins, gardens and a very large butterfly house. Shows run at set times through the day, so check the timetable at the gate.
Can I combine Palmitos Park with other attractions?+
Yes, combination tickets with Aqualand, the Maspalomas camel ride and other southern attractions are available. They can save money if you plan to see more than one.
How long should I spend at Palmitos Park?+
Allow four to six hours, or a full day if you want to see all the shows. The park is hilly, so build in rest breaks.
