Ports of Gran Canaria: Ferry Ports, Routes and How to Travel by Ferry

Gran Canaria is the third largest island in the Canary Islands archipelago and one of the most populated and visited destinations in Spain. With a cosmopolitan capital, internationally renowned beaches and an interior designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island offers a variety of landscapes and experiences that few destinations can match. Like the rest of the Canary Islands, maritime transport plays a key role in connecting it with neighbouring islands and mainland Spain.

Gran Canaria has several marinas and yacht harbours, but only two ports offer regular passenger ferry services: the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Port of Agaete.

If you're planning a trip or simply want to learn more about the island, this guide explains how many ports there are in Gran Canaria, which ones have ferry services and what you can see near each of them.

Keep reading and discover everything about the ports of Gran Canaria:

Gran Canaria ferry ports

Gran Canaria has two main ports with regular ferry services: the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Port of Agaete. Together, they handle the island's most important ferry routes, whether travelling between the Canary Islands or connecting with mainland Spain. Below you'll find an overview of these ports and the routes they offer.

1. Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: routes and connections

The Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, also known as the Port of La Luz, is the main port on the island and one of the most important ports in the entire Canary Islands. Located on the northeast coast of the capital, it serves as the island's main gateway, with ferry connections to other Canary Islands as well as mainland Spain.

From here, ferries depart to Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, Cádiz and Huelva. In addition, the Port of La Luz is one of the Atlantic's leading cruise ports, welcoming large cruise ships from across Europe.

What does the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offer?

• Passenger terminal with regular connections to all Canary Islands and mainland Spain.
• Cruise terminal capable of accommodating large international cruise ships.
• Marina and supply facilities for Atlantic crossing vessels.
• Seafront promenade with restaurants, bars and views over Las Palmas Bay.
• Direct access to Santa Catalina Park, Mercado del Puerto and Las Canteras Beach.

Ferry routes available from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria you can travel to multiple destinations across the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. At Kikoto Ferries you'll find the best prices and timetables for these routes:

• Ferry Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Ferry Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Arrecife (Lanzarote)
• Ferry Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura)
• Ferry Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Morro Jable (Fuerteventura)
• Ferry Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Santa Cruz de La Palma
• Ferry Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – San Sebastián de La Gomera
• Ferry Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Cádiz
• Ferry Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Huelva

What to see near the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

If you arrive in Gran Canaria by ferry at the Port of La Luz, you'll find some of the capital's most interesting attractions just a short walk away. The port's location in the northern part of the city allows you to start exploring Las Palmas immediately, without needing additional transport.

1. Santa Catalina Park and Mercado del Puerto

The first place you'll come across after leaving the port is Santa Catalina Park, the main meeting point in northern Las Palmas. This lively green space hosts festivals, exhibitions and the famous Las Palmas Carnival throughout the year, one of the most spectacular carnivals in Spain.

Very close by is the Mercado del Puerto, a charming covered market built using techniques associated with Gustave Eiffel's company, featuring stalls selling exotic fruit, Canarian cheeses, fresh fish and a lively gastro-market atmosphere popular with both locals and visitors. It is the perfect first stop after disembarking from the ferry.

2. Las Canteras Beach

Just a few minutes from the port lies Las Canteras Beach, considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe. With more than three kilometres of golden sand protected by a natural reef that keeps the waters calm, it is perfect for swimming all year round.

The promenade is lined with restaurants, cafés and terraces where you can enjoy Canarian cuisine overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Many ferry passengers take the opportunity to enjoy a swim and a great meal here before continuing their journey inland.

3. Vegueta and Casa de Colón

Just over twenty minutes on foot from the port you'll reach the historic district of Vegueta, the birthplace of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Its cobbled streets, colonial houses with wooden balconies and the monumental Santa Ana Square form one of the best-preserved historic quarters in the Canary Islands.

At the heart of Vegueta you'll find the Casa de Colón, a museum housed in the former governor's residence where Christopher Columbus stayed during his stopovers in Gran Canaria before sailing to the Americas.

4. Castillo de La Luz

Very close to the port, at the eastern end of the bay, stands the Castillo de La Luz, a 16th-century fortress built to defend Las Palmas harbour from pirate attacks. Carefully restored and transformed into a cultural venue, it is now home to the Martín Chirino Foundation for Art and Thought.

2. Port of Agaete: routes and connections

The Port of Agaete, also known as the Port of Las Nieves, is located on the northwestern tip of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of the same name, approximately 30 kilometres from the capital. Its strategic location makes it the shortest ferry connection between Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

The ferry crossing between Agaete and Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes approximately 2 hours, making it an excellent option for travellers who want to combine both islands or travel to Tenerife.

Why choose the Port of Agaete?

• Direct route to Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• Shortest ferry connection between Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
• Exceptional natural surroundings with volcanic cliffs, natural pools and the Agaete Valley.
• Authentic and peaceful fishing village atmosphere.
• Local restaurants specialising in fresh fish.
• Option to take your car on board the ferry.

Ferry routes available from Agaete with Kikoto Ferries

From the Port of Agaete you can travel directly to Tenerife.

• Ferry Agaete – Santa Cruz de Tenerife

What to see near the Port of Agaete?

1. Las Salinas Natural Pools

Just a few metres from the harbour are the Las Salinas Natural Pools, three volcanic rock pools protected from the Atlantic waves and considered among the best natural swimming spots in Gran Canaria.

2. Puerto de Las Nieves and its seafront promenade

The surroundings of Puerto de Las Nieves offer restaurants specialising in fresh fish, seafront terraces and an authentic fishing village atmosphere. Facing the harbour stands the famous Roque Partido, popularly known as Dedo de Dios (God's Finger).

3. Agaete Valley and Europe's only coffee plantations

Just a few kilometres from the harbour lies the spectacular Agaete Valley, home to the only coffee plantations in Europe. Here you can visit Finca Los Castaños, enjoy a coffee tasting and walk through tropical plantations.

4. Tamadaba Natural Park

From Agaete you can also reach Tamadaba Natural Park, one of Gran Canaria's best-preserved natural areas and home to the impressive Risco Faneque, one of the highest coastal cliffs in the world.

3. Other ports and marinas in Gran Canaria worth visiting

In addition to the ferry ports, Gran Canaria is home to several marinas, fishing harbours and yacht ports that are well worth visiting.

Puerto de Mogán

Known as the Venice of Gran Canaria, it is famous for its canals, bridges and white houses decorated with colourful flowers. It is considered one of the most beautiful ports in the Canary Islands.

Pasito Blanco Marina

One of the most exclusive marinas in Gran Canaria and the venue for several prestigious sailing competitions.

Arguineguín Harbour

A traditional fishing harbour where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood and fish on the island.

Sardina del Norte Harbour

A small fishing harbour that has preserved all of its traditional charm and is perfect for travellers looking to discover a more authentic side of Gran Canaria.

Complete list of ports and marinas in Gran Canaria

• Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria / Port of La Luz (with ferry services)
• Port of Agaete / Port of Las Nieves (with ferry services)
• Puerto de Mogán
• Pasito Blanco Marina
• Arguineguín Harbour
• Sardina del Norte Harbour
• Las Palmas Marina

4. Ferry companies operating in Gran Canaria

Several ferry companies operate routes from the ports of Gran Canaria to other Canary Islands and mainland Spain.

The main ferry operators include:

• Naviera Armas
• Fred. Olsen Express

Through Kikoto Ferries you can compare routes, prices and timetables to find the best option for travelling.

Frequently asked questions about the ports of Gran Canaria

How many ports are there in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria has several commercial, fishing and leisure ports, although only two offer regular passenger ferry services: the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Port of Agaete.

What is the main port of Gran Canaria?

The Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, also known as the Port of La Luz, is the island's main port and one of the most important ports in the Atlantic.

Can I take my car on the ferry from Gran Canaria?

Yes. You can board the ferry with your vehicle from both the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Port of Agaete.

Which is the most beautiful port in Gran Canaria?

Many travellers consider the Port of Agaete (Puerto de Las Nieves) to be the island's most spectacular port because of its natural surroundings. However, Puerto de Mogán is regarded as one of the most picturesque harbours in the entire Canary Islands.

Ready to travel to Gran Canaria by ferry?

Now that you know all the ports of Gran Canaria, you can choose the one that best suits your trip. If you're arriving from another Canary Island or from mainland Spain, the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will be your main gateway. If you're looking for a fast connection to Tenerife surrounded by spectacular scenery, the Port of Agaete is an excellent alternative.

At Kikoto Ferries you can compare timetables, ferry companies and prices, book your ticket online in just a few minutes and enjoy the best way to travel between the Canary Islands or from mainland Spain.