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November 4, 2025

October 2, 2025, Marked a Historic Date for Gran Canaria and the European Cruise Sector: the new Las Palmas Cruise Terminal, the largest in Europe, officially opened its doors with the arrival of the Celebrity Apex at the Santa Catalina pier.

This inauguration not only marked the beginning of operations at the new facility but also represented a strategic milestone in positioning Gran Canaria as a leading international cruise destination. It strengthened the Canary Islands’ role in the Mid-Atlantic market and laid the foundations for sustainable and technologically advanced development of the port infrastructure.

The new terminal, managed by Global Ports Holding in collaboration with local partner SEPCAN, spans 14,000 square meters over two levels, features three boarding bridges, and can accommodate up to four ships simultaneously, ensuring efficient operations for both transit and homeport cruises. Its architecture and design are not only functional but also aimed at offering a modern and comfortable welcome experience: spacious interiors, commercial and dining areas, and bright environments convey a sense of sustainability and innovation immediately perceived by visitors upon arrival.

The piers, designed and built by Spanish company Milán Port Equipment, represent a significant step forward in the modernization and operational efficiency of the terminal. Two piers are located in the Santa Catalina Poniente area and connected via a 220-meter fixed walkway, while the third pier is in Santa Catalina Naciente, measuring 140 meters. All three piers were manufactured and assembled in Almería and transported to Gran Canaria by sea, ready for immediate use.

Each pier is equipped with redundant safety systems, online monitoring, surveillance cameras, anemometers, fire detectors, and automatic mooring devices, ensuring stable and secure operations even in adverse weather conditions. The modern design, with spacious and bright interiors, smooth ramps, and adjustable access points, allows passengers to move comfortably and board quickly and safely.

The piers can adapt to any type of cruise ship, with adjustable heights ranging from 2 to 14 meters above the pier, ensuring a stable connection even during tidal changes or natural ship movements. The project also incorporates sustainable solutions such as clean energy systems, natural ventilation, and maximized sunlight, aligning with blue economy principles and the port’s commitment to marine environmental protection.

The surrounding infrastructure further completes the project, with a 17,800-square-meter esplanade integrating pedestrian paths, landscaped areas, and a restored palm grove that seamlessly connects to the city boulevard, providing a pleasant and direct link to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This connection between the port and the city strengthens the relationship between the cruise experience and the local area, allowing visitors to immediately immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the island.

The new terminal is part of a €40 million investment plan to modernize cruise infrastructure across the archipelago, including Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Construction, entrusted to Satocán, followed strict sustainability and innovation criteria: recycled and eco-friendly materials, high-efficiency energy systems, solar power, and advanced waste management practices were employed. These measures position Las Palmas as a benchmark in the European port sector, both for service quality and environmental responsibility.

The Las Palmas Port Authority also played a central role in the project, contributing to the improvement and redevelopment of surrounding areas to ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable experience for passengers and operators. An official opening ceremony included the exchange of a commemorative plaque between the Celebrity Apex captain and port authority representatives, followed by a tasting of local products organized with the Puerto Canteras Association, welcoming the first guests to the new facility.

Beatriz Calzada, President of the Las Palmas Port Authority, highlighted the strategic value of the new cruise terminal, emphasizing that it represents a significant advancement in port infrastructure and services. According to Calzada, the facility has strengthened the Canary Islands’ position in the Mid-Atlantic market and consolidated Las Palmas as a central hub for both transit and homeport cruise operations. She also noted that the terminal was designed with a strong focus on sustainability, reflecting the Port Authority’s commitment to innovation and responsible port development.

Susana Gutiérrez, General Manager of GPH Canary Islands Cruise Ports, stated that the terminal’s opening marks the beginning of a new era for Puerto de La Luz, enhancing the professionalism of cruise services and confirming the port management’s commitment to sustainable growth on the island. Gutiérrez added that the immediate goal of the facility is to establish Gran Canaria as a reference international cruise destination, ensuring efficiency, high-quality services, and a top-tier experience for passengers and operators alike.

Thanks to this terminal, the port is ready to efficiently handle a growing number of passengers, significantly boosting economic opportunities for the island through commercial, hotel, restaurant, and other key tourism-related sectors. The modern design, comprehensive facilities, and focus on sustainability make the terminal a benchmark for Mid-Atlantic cruises, confirming Gran Canaria as a competitive destination prepared to meet the challenges of a constantly growing market.

The opening of the new Las Palmas Cruise Terminal marks a crucial moment for the Canary Islands’ tourism and infrastructure development. By combining modernity, sustainability, and connection with the local territory, the facility not only enhances the passenger experience but also strengthens Gran Canaria’s position as a leading international cruise hub. The port’s strategic investment and forward-looking vision promise to turn every arrival into a memorable experience, consolidating the local economy and confirming the Canary Islands as a world-class cruise destination.

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Giorgia Lombardo

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