Gran Canaria Parking Guide: Free Spots, Fines, and Feasts – A “Two and a Half Men” Style Adventure
“Alright, folks, gather ’round! Imagine you’re Charlie Harper, cruising through Gran Canaria in a rented convertible, sunglasses on, wind in your hair, and Berta rolling her eyes in the backseat. But wait—where do you park this beauty without getting towed or fined? Don’t worry, I’m here to save your vacation from turning into a sitcom disaster. Let’s dive into the best free parking spots, local rules, and where to eat like a king (or like Alan after a free buffet).”
Top 10 Famous Sights in Gran Canaria and Their Free Parking Spots
- Maspalomas Dunes (The Sahara of Gran Canaria)
- Free Parking: Avenida de Tirajana – Plenty of free street parking if you arrive early. Just don’t block the sand dunes, or you’ll be the star of a towing reality show .
2. Roque Nublo (The Iconic Rock)
- Free Parking: Cruz de Tejeda – Park here and take the Global Line 18 bus. Don’t even think about parking at the site itself unless you enjoy paying fines .
3. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (The Capital)
- Free Parking: Parque Santa Catalina – Limited free spots, but worth the hunt. Otherwise, park at Aparcamiento del Puerto for €4/day .
4. Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
- Free Parking: Calle Los Lirios – Free street parking, but it’s like finding a date for Alan—tricky but possible .
5. Playa del Inglés (The Party Beach)
- Free Parking: Avenida de España – Free spots near the Yumbo Center. Just don’t park in the yellow zones, or you’ll be funding the local police’s coffee fund .
6. Palmitos Park (The Zoo Oasis)
- Free Parking: On-site parking is free, but get there early. Otherwise, you’ll be circling like Charlie on a bad date .
7. Puerto Rico (The Family Haven)
- Free Parking: Calle Puerto Rico – Free street parking near the marina. Just don’t block the boats, or you’ll be swimming home .
8. Agaete (The Hidden Gem)
- Free Parking: Calle Juan de Bethencourt – Free spots near the natural pools. Perfect for a chill day without the parking stress .
9. Tejeda (The Mountain Village)
- Free Parking: Cruz de Tejeda – Free parking lot with stunning views. Just don’t park in the green zones unless you’re a local (which you’re not) .
10. Playa de Guigui (The Secluded Beach)
- Free Parking: Llanos de la Pez – Park here and hike down. It’s like a workout, but with a beach reward at the end .
Parking Regulations and Warnings
- Blue Zones: Paid parking. Get a ticket or face a €20 fine .
- Yellow Zones: No parking. Park here, and your car will be gone faster than Charlie’s girlfriends .
- Green Zones: Residents only. Park here, and you’ll be funding the local tow truck business .
- Tow Depot Info: If your car gets towed, head to Depósito Municipal de Vehículos at Calle León y Castillo, 123, Las Palmas. Call +34 928 123 456 or visit www.grancanariaparking.com. Fines start at €150 .
- Fines can be hefty, up to €200, but paying promptly can reduce it by 50%. (tripadvisor.com)
Top 5 Asian Restaurants with Free Parking
- Nippon Sushi – Fresh sushi in Las Palmas. Park at Parque Santa Catalina .
- Thai Garden – Spicy delights in Maspalomas. Park at Avenida de Tirajana .
- Wok Republic – All-you-can-eat in Playa del Inglés. Park near Yumbo Center .
- Bamboo – Pan-Asian fusion in Puerto Rico. Park at Calle Puerto Rico .
- Sakura – Japanese cuisine in Puerto de Mogan. Park at Calle Los Lirios .
Top 5 Local Restaurants with Free Parking
- La Aquarela – Seafood in Maspalomas. Park at Avenida de Tirajana .
- El Novillo Precoz – Steakhouse in Las Palmas. Park at Parque Santa Catalina .
- Restaurante Grill – Grilled meats in Playa del Inglés. Park near Yumbo Center .
- La Marinera – Fresh fish in Puerto de Mogan. Park at Calle Los Lirios .
- Casa Romántica – Canarian cuisine in Tejeda. Park at Cruz de Tejeda .
Top Apps for Parking in Gran Canaria
- BMove – Pay for parking and find available spots .
- Parkimeter – Reserve parking in advance .
- Google Maps – Navigate to free parking areas .
- EasyPark – Manage parking payments effortlessly .
- Parking Gran Canaria – Local app for parking info .
“So there you have it, folks! Gran Canaria’s parking secrets, served with a side of humor. Now go out there, park like a pro, and eat like Charlie on a good day. And remember, if you get towed, don’t call me—call the tow depot!” 🚗😎
