Top Rated Attracties in Gran Canaria

Auditorio Alfredo Kraus is named after acclaimed tenor Alfredo Kraus, as a tribute to him for his contribution in the field of music and is designed by the famous Oscar Tusquets. Originally built with the purpose of serving as a lighthouse, the auditorium is one of the prominent structures in the city and is an architectural gem in its truest sense. Set against an isolated background, this event venue provides magnificent views of the beach and is partly built on a volcanic rock. It is nothing short of a cultural hub with its theatrical performances and also runs a program of concerts year round that features great classical and modern artists from around the world. It also has well-equipped and spacious halls that can host major events like congresses and seminars.

Inaugurated in 1989 after being revamped in keeping with its original 17th-century façade, this 3682 square meter (39632.72 feet) gallery aims to give Canary Islanders a liberal view of the rest of the world. It claims to be a platform spanning the cultures of three continents, Europe, Africa and Latin America. In the many rooms there are exhibitions of Canary Island and international modern paintings, papers on contemporary African and Latin American art, and exhibitions on the latest creative processes. Seminars are also held there, and there's a library service and reference section. Guided tours can be booked by phone. There's also a giftshop and a bookshop. Admission is free.

In 1964, this museum was set up in the former home of Benito Pérez Galdós as a tribute to one of the most famous and internationally-renowned Canary Island literary figures. It's a faithful example of a 19th-century middle class Canary Island house, and, inside, you'll find some of the author's original manuscripts, plus part of his collection of 19th and 20th century Spanish literature. Among other notable items on collection, a lovely portrait of the author by the Valencian painter Joaquin Sorolla stands out. Every two years scholars from all over the world meet here for the Congreso Internacional de Estudios Galdosianaos.

The Basilica's present building was constructed between 1760 and 1767, in accordance with plans drawn up by the military engineer, Antonio de la Rocha. It comprises one floor divided into three naves of equal height, with cupolas on scallops, and is finished off with a lamp in the transept. It has retained its octagonal-shaped tower form 1708 in yellow stone. This church is the true spiritual centre of the whole of Gran Canaria and every year on 8 September the islanders go there on a pilgrimage to make their offerings to the Virgen del Pino, patron saint of the island, whose statue is of great artistic and religious interest. Admission is free.

This theater was designed in 1866 and built next to Guiniguada Ravine, very close to the sea and between the oldest districts in Las Palmas, Vegueta and Triana, a real hub. Money to build it was partially collected from islanders who had emigrated to Cuba. It was inaugurated in 1888 to obtain funds for those injured on board the Italian vessel "Sudamérica", which had been wrecked in an accident in the bay of Las Palmas. The theatre itself suffered a terrible fire in 1918, leaving only a part of the façade standing. The inside is decorated with paintings by Néstor de la Torre.

This is one of the best examples of neo-Gothic architecture in the Canary Islands, designed by the Catalan architect, Manuel Vega March, in 1909. The use of blue stone and the fine work on the towers reflect the expertise and traditional command of the art of masonry, for which the craftsmen of this northern area were known. The whole village contributed towards its construction, and it was finally opened in 1917, although the towers did not go up until many years later, in 1977. Inside, there are various works by the local painter, Cristóbal Hernández de Quintano, the recumbent statue of Christ by Manuel Ramos from Arucas and other works by Flemmish and Italian artists. The church is known as the Catedral de Arucas.