A day in Las Palmas

The largest city in the Canary Islands is the second stop on the MSC cruise from Madeira

It is the largest city in the Canary Islands. Las Palmas has almost 400,000 inhabitants living in the northeastern region of the island, which is also one of the main tourist destinations in the Spanish archipelago. The MSC Opera ship calls for a long time, between 6 am and 10 pm, plenty of time to enjoy excursions and walks around the island, or to enjoy the day and get to know the city a little.

The harbour is close to the beaches. And there is a shopping centre just outside. It could well be an afternoon programme, as the sea temperature is always mild, and the air temperature is higher than in some European summers.

But the old town, or the historic part, is further away and transport is recommended. The bus is a good option. The regular bus routes from the port are frequent and allow quick access to the Vegueta neighbourhood, around which medieval streets and colonial buildings are organised, with a predominance of 16th and 17th-century buildings.

The Vegueta Market is well worth a visit, with many stalls selling tropical fruit and vegetables and the inevitable ham, or we wouldn't be in Spain. Nearby stands Las Palmas Cathedral, a Gothic-style building that began in the 16th century with three naves, but which underwent renovations for centuries and was only finished in the 19th century, giving it a neoclassical façade.

The Diocesan Museum occupies part of the building. In front of the façade is the Plaza de Santa Ana, a kind of main square in Las Palmas.

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Next to the cathedral is Casa de Colon, the former residence of the governor of the Canary Islands and named after the navigator, in association with the fact that Columbus stayed there during his stopovers on his voyages to America. The building, an example of the colonial style, is open to the public and has 13 exhibition rooms on the subject of the history of the Canary Islands and their relationship with America.

A visit to the Vegueta neighbourhood can be rounded off with a stroll through the streets, where the historic buildings have been restored and their façades impeccably painted. Most of them serve as company headquarters or have different functions, but the care taken to maintain the buildings and the street layout is noteworthy.

Nearby, more modern, is the Triana neighbourhood, with its main shopping area. It's an opportunity to visit international brand shops.

For those who may choose to return early to MSC Opera, or have even preferred not to leave the ship, it could be a day to explore the wellness aspect. The focus is the Aurea Spa, which is open all day, with a sauna, Turkish bath, and relaxation areas.

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It also has a range of full-body massages, facials, and scrubs, including versions for families, such as mum and son, dad and daughter, or couples, and even relaxation massages for teenagers.

The MSC Aurea Spa is available on all ships. The signature massage is the Balinese, which can last 50 or 80 minutes. The range of massages on offer is similar in all the spas, but the wet areas vary from ship to ship.

Wellness also includes beauty, with manicure and pedicure services, waxing, hairdressing, and barbering.

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The offer is completed with the gym, which has a panoramic view of the sea. Here you can train for free, but you can also sign up for classes, ask for a body composition assessment, or even hire the services of a personal trainer.