Point of interest
Palmitos Park
in Maspalomas (Gran Canaria), Spain
Subtropical zoo and botanical park with bird and bird-of-prey shows, set in an inland ravine.
Where it is
The park sits in a mountain valley about 10 km inland from Maspalomas, in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
What it is
Spread over some 20 hectares, the park is home to more than 500 animals, including orangutans, birds of prey, parrots and dolphins, plus an aquarium and a large butterfly house. Bird and dolphin shows and the lush subtropical garden make it a popular family day out.
History
Palmitos Park opened in the 1970s as a botanical garden and aviary, becoming one of the island's oldest attractions. After a severe wildfire in 2007 it was largely rebuilt and reopened in 2009.