Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Cathedral, Museum and Tower in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias
Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bengt Nyman

The Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias (often called Catedral de Canarias) is the landmark cathedral of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, set on the elegant Plaza de Santa Ana in the historic Vegueta district. From the outside, its grand façade anchors the Old Town; inside, it's a calm, light-filled space that feels worlds away from the city bustle.

A visit here is more than a quick look at a church: the ticketed route typically includes the cathedral interior, an attached museum, and access up to the roof and tower for some of the best views in the city-harbour, rooftops, and the Atlantic all in one sweep.

History and Significance of the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias

The cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in the Canary Islands and a symbol of Las Palmas' early role as a strategic Atlantic port. Its long construction history means you'll notice different architectural influences layered together, reflecting changing tastes and resources over the centuries.

Beyond architecture, Santa Ana is closely tied to the identity of Vegueta, the city’s oldest quarter. Standing on the main square beside historic civic buildings, it has long been a focal point for ceremonies, processions, and everyday local life.

Today, it remains both a place of worship and a cultural stop: visitors come for the atmosphere, the heritage displays in the museum, and the tower viewpoint that helps you understand the city’s layout from above.

Things to See and Do in the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias

Start with the interior: look for the soaring columns, the play of light in the nave, and the quiet side chapels where visitors often pause to reflect or light candles. Even if you’re not religious, the sense of scale and stillness is a big part of the experience.

Don’t skip the museum spaces included with entry, which add context to the cathedral’s role in island history and often feature rotating exhibitions. It’s a good way to turn a “quick stop” into a more complete visit.

Finally, head up to the roof and tower. The ascent is part lift, part stairs, and the payoff is a panoramic view over Vegueta’s courtyards and rooftops, with the ocean and port stretching out beyond-especially striking in late afternoon light.

How to Get to the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias

The nearest airport is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), with frequent connections to mainland Spain and other European cities; from there, you can reach Las Palmas de Gran Canaria by bus, taxi, or rental car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Booking.com.

Gran Canaria does not have intercity passenger rail, so you can’t reach Las Palmas by train; instead, use intercity buses (guaguas) or flights between islands. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio..

By car, follow signs for Las Palmas and then Vegueta/Old Town; parking is limited in the historic center, so using a paid car park and walking the last few minutes is usually easiest. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias

  • Entrance fee: Adults: €6
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday: from 10:00 to 18:00; Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00
  • Official website: https://catedraldecanarias.es/
  • Best time to visit: Go early for a quieter interior, then time the tower for clear skies and softer late-afternoon light over Vegueta and the port.
  • How long to spend: Plan 60-90 minutes for the cathedral, museum, and tower; allow longer if you like photography or want to linger in the square.
  • Accessibility: Step-free access may be limited in parts of the historic building; the roof/tower involves vertical movement and stairs, so it’s not suitable for all mobility levels.
  • Facilities: Expect basic visitor facilities and nearby cafés in Plaza de Santa Ana and surrounding streets rather than extensive on-site amenities.

Where to Stay Close to the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias

Base yourself in Vegueta or Triana for the easiest walkable access to the cathedral, museums, and Old Town dining.

Boutique Hotel Cordial La Peregrina is a stylish, small-scale option close to both Vegueta and Triana, great if you want character and quick access to the historic center on foot.

VEINTIUNO Emblematic Hotel is a top pick for design-forward stays in Vegueta, with a rooftop feel that pairs perfectly with a cathedral-and-old-town itinerary.

Suites 1478 suits travelers who want a refined boutique experience in a restored historic building, steps from the cathedral square.

Hotel Parque is a practical, good-value base near the main bus station area, convenient if you’re doing day trips around the island.

AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas works well if you prefer a larger, full-service hotel with easy taxi access and a straightforward ride to Vegueta.

Is the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias Worth Visiting?

Yes-this is one of the most rewarding cultural stops in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria because it combines a peaceful interior, meaningful local history, and a genuinely memorable tower viewpoint in a single visit. The setting on Plaza de Santa Ana also makes it easy to pair with a relaxed walk through Vegueta.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike paid entry for church interiors or you’re not comfortable with heights and stairs, you may prefer to admire the exterior and spend your time exploring the surrounding Old Town streets, patios, and free viewpoints instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (7,518)

Google reviewers rate the cathedral very highly, praising its beautiful interior architecture and the calm, reflective atmosphere. Many highlight the added value of the visit: an on-site museum and especially the roof/tower access with sweeping views over Vegueta, the harbour, and the ocean. The most common drawback is that some visitors are surprised the interior requires a paid ticket, though most still feel it’s reasonably priced and worth it.

Rajesh Rathod
a month ago
"We had a very nice time visiting this iconic Cathedral in Gran Canaria. The interior architecture is beautiful, felt very much at peace. We also litcandles for Mother Mary and took blessings. We also went up to the tower, the views are spectacular all around with the blue ocean on one side and the beautiful cottage house on the hills on the other side. We parked at the local car park that is walking distance from the cathedral..."
Travelina K
3 months ago
"So glad we visited this beautiful church it’s filled with so much rich history, and the area around it is absolutely gorgeous. There’s a small entryfee, but it’s worth it since you get to explore the grounds, walk through the museum, and even head up the tower for breathtaking views of the city. You can also light a candle with a donation, which makes the visit feel even more special. When you exit the church and take a left, there’s an amazing tapas restaurant I highly recommend. Not too far from there, you’ll also find Christopher Columbus’s house, where he once stayed. The walk itself is a treat the streets are lined with vibrant-colored buildings and lush plants throughout. Truly a must-see!..."
Alina Martha Muresan
3 months ago
"The Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Ana, also known as Catedral de Canarias, is a stu ing architectural and historical landmark located in Las Palmasde Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands.n🏛️It was the first church built in the Canary Islands, symbolizing the establishment of Christianity in the archipelago.n• The cathedral was the only one in the Canaries until 1819, when another diocese was created in Tenerife.n🎨 The cathedral showcases a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles, reflecting its long construction period and multiple renovations. Inside, you’ll find columns shaped like palm trees, a nod to the island’s flora. Located in the Vegueta neighborhood, it’s surrounded by other historic sites like the Casa de Colón (Columbus House). Entrance for a small fee ( 6€ adults , 4€ students or residents and under 12 or disable free ). The interior part of the church is well maintained. The beautiful view from the tower was for sure worth the climb of the stairs🔝nThere is an elevator as well but we decided to take the stairs ( only 163 stairs). We were accommodated right in front of the cathedral✅nVisited September 2025..."

For Different Travelers

Santa Ana works well as a flexible stop: you can keep it short (a calm interior visit) or make it a highlight by adding the museum and tower. It's also easy to combine with nearby museums and a Vegueta walking route.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the “mission” aspect of going up to the roof and tower, especially if you frame it as a lookout over the city and ocean. The square outside is also a good reset point for snacks and a breather.

Keep expectations realistic for very young children: the interior is quiet and the tower involves stairs. A shorter visit focused on the viewpoint and a quick look inside can work best.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the cathedral and Plaza de Santa Ana are ideal for a slow, atmospheric morning in Vegueta, followed by coffee or tapas nearby. The tower view is a strong shared moment, especially on a clear day.

Pair it with a stroll through Triana’s pedestrian streets afterward for shopping and architecture, then finish with sunset somewhere along the coast.

Budget Travelers

Even with a modest entry fee, the cathedral can be good value because it often bundles the museum and tower access. You can also enjoy the square, surrounding streets, and exterior architecture for free.

To keep costs down, combine the visit with a self-guided walking route through Vegueta and Triana rather than paid tours, and use local buses for getting around the city.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the cathedral anchors the story of early Las Palmas and the wider Canary Islands, especially when you connect it to the civic buildings around Plaza de Santa Ana. The long build timeline is visible in the structure and details.

Spend extra time in the museum areas to add context, then use the tower view to map out other historic stops in Vegueta from above.

FAQs for Visiting Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias

Getting There

It’s in Vegueta, the historic Old Town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Plaza de Santa Ana is the main square right in front of it.
Yes, city buses serve the Vegueta area and you can walk in from nearby stops. Taxis are also straightforward within Las Palmas.
You can drive to Vegueta, but street parking is limited and narrow. A paid car park nearby is usually the least stressful option.

Tickets & Entry

Usually you can buy on arrival, but it can be busier at peak times. If you’re on a tight schedule, booking ahead via the official site can help.
In many visits, the paid route includes museum access and the roof/tower viewpoint. Check what’s included on the day, as routes can vary.
You can always enjoy the exterior and Plaza de Santa Ana for free. Access to the main visitor route inside is typically ticketed.

Visiting Experience

Dress respectfully as it’s an active religious site. Light layers are helpful because stone interiors can feel cool.
Most visitors describe it as peaceful and reflective. Keep voices low and be mindful if services are taking place.
Midday can be busier with tour groups and cruise-day traffic. Early visits tend to feel calmer.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

If you want deeper context on architecture and local history, a guide adds a lot. If you prefer independence, the museum component can provide enough background.
Yes, it’s an ideal anchor point for a self-guided loop through Vegueta and into Triana. Plan for stops at nearby museums and historic squares.
Yes, it’s central, iconic, and time-efficient. Just aim for earlier hours to avoid the biggest crowds.

Photography

Photography is often allowed, but rules can change and some areas may restrict it. Look for posted signs and avoid disturbing worshippers.
Yes, it’s one of the best viewpoints in Las Palmas for city-and-ocean panoramas. Clear days give the sharpest harbour and coastline shots.
Late afternoon often gives warmer light on rooftops and the sea. Morning can be better for a quieter interior experience.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some areas may be accessible, but historic layouts can include steps and uneven surfaces. The roof/tower route is typically not fully accessible due to stairs.
Facilities can be limited within historic attractions. Plan to use nearby cafés or public facilities in the Old Town if needed.
The tower viewpoint can feel exposed and involves height. If you’re sensitive to heights, consider focusing on the interior and museum instead.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, Vegueta has plenty of cafés and small restaurants within a few minutes’ walk. Plaza de Santa Ana is a convenient meeting point before or after.
Triana’s pedestrian streets nearby have bakeries and casual spots. It’s easy to grab something without leaving the historic center.
Plaza de Santa Ana is more of a sitting-and-strolling square than a picnic spot. For a proper picnic, consider a nearby park area after your visit.

Safety & Timing

Vegueta is generally safe and busy with visitors, especially during the day. Use normal city precautions with valuables.
If you want a quiet experience, avoid peak midday hours and major local event times in the square. Service times can also limit tourist access.
Wind and rain can make the roof/tower less enjoyable or occasionally restricted. On those days, focus on the interior and museum and return for the viewpoint when skies clear.

Nearby Attractions to the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias

  • Casa de Colón: A museum in a historic mansion exploring Columbus-era Atlantic routes and Canary history.
  • Plaza de Santa Ana: The cathedral's grand square, ideal for photos and people-watching among historic façades.
  • Museo Canario: A key archaeology museum for understanding the islands' pre-Hispanic past.
  • Vegueta Old Town streets: Atmospheric lanes with traditional balconies, patios, and small bars for an easy wander.
  • Triana neighborhood: A nearby pedestrian shopping and architecture district that’s perfect to combine with Vegueta.

The Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday to Friday: from 10:00 to 18:00; Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00

Price:

Adults: €6

Address: Plaza Santa Ana, C. Obispo Codina, 13, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 2 km
Official Website

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