Las Palmas (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria)

🎭 Activities

Playa de Las Canteras – Year-round: This stunning urban beach stretches for over three kilometers, offering golden sand, clear waters, and a natural reef that protects swimmers from strong waves. It’s perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and surfing, with plenty of beachfront cafés and restaurants. The promenade comes alive in the evenings, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll or a lively night out. 

Vegueta Old Town – Year-round: The historic heart of Las Palmas is filled with charming cobblestone streets, colonial-style buildings, and cultural landmarks like the Santa Ana Cathedral. Visitors can explore museums, art galleries, and traditional Canarian courtyards while learning about the city’s rich past. The area’s tapas bars and cafés offer a delightful blend of local and international flavors. 

Casa de Colón – Year-round: This beautifully preserved mansion, once visited by Christopher Columbus, now serves as a museum dedicated to his voyages and the connection between the Canary Islands and the Americas. Exhibits include ancient maps, ship models, and colonial artifacts. The building itself is a masterpiece, featuring elegant patios, wooden balconies, and intricate stonework. 

Roque Nublo – Year-round: Just a short drive from the city, this iconic volcanic rock formation stands 80 meters tall and offers breathtaking panoramic views over the island. The hike to the summit is a rewarding experience, showcasing Gran Canaria’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to arid desert-like terrain. Sunset here is particularly spectacular, as the sky transforms into vibrant hues. 

Mercado de Vegueta – Year-round: One of the island’s oldest markets, this bustling spot is perfect for sampling local delicacies like mojo sauces, gofio, and fresh tropical fruits. Vendors offer a colorful display of Canarian products, from cheeses and wines to exotic seafood. It’s a sensory experience filled with flavors, aromas, and the lively sounds of local shoppers. 

Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo – Year-round: This vast botanical garden is home to an impressive collection of native Canarian plants, including towering cacti, palm trees, and exotic flowers. Visitors can wander through scenic walking trails, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful ponds. The garden provides a tranquil escape from the city and a chance to appreciate the island’s biodiversity. 

Elder Museum of Science and Technology – Year-round: A fantastic destination for science enthusiasts, this interactive museum features exhibits on astronomy, robotics, and physics. Highlights include a flight simulator, a planetarium, and hands-on experiments for all ages. It’s an engaging and educational experience, perfect for families and curious minds. 

Las Palmas Tapas Night – Year-round: Every Thursday, bars in the Old Town participate in Ruta de los Pinchos, where visitors can enjoy affordable tapas and drinks. The streets fill with locals and tourists hopping between venues, creating a vibrant social atmosphere. It’s a delicious way to experience Canarian cuisine while exploring the city’s nightlife. 

Carnival of Las Palmas – February: One of Spain’s most spectacular carnivals, this lively event fills the streets with extravagant parades, dazzling costumes, and non-stop music. Highlights include the Drag Queen Gala, the Grand Parade, and the open-air street parties that last until dawn. The festive energy, combined with Las Palmas’ warm winter weather, makes it an unforgettable celebration. 

Poema del Mar Aquarium – Year-round: This modern aquarium showcases an incredible variety of marine life, from exotic fish and jellyfish to sharks and giant rays. Its standout feature is one of the world’s largest curved glass tanks, providing a breathtaking underwater experience. It’s a must-visit for ocean lovers and families looking for an immersive adventure. 

Dunas de Maspalomas – Year-round: Located just outside Las Palmas, this protected natural reserve features rolling golden sand dunes reminiscent of a desert landscape. Visitors can walk through the dunes, ride camels, or relax by the nearby lagoon, which is home to migratory birds. The area’s unique beauty makes it one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic attractions. 

Fiesta de San Juan – June: Celebrated on Las Canteras Beach, this midsummer festival welcomes the summer solstice with bonfires, fireworks, and live music. Locals and visitors gather to enjoy midnight swims and traditional rituals, including writing wishes on paper and burning them in the fire. The festive atmosphere and stunning coastal setting make it a magical night. 

🔹 Small Facts

• The Origin of Las Palmas’ Name: Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, was founded in 1478 by Juan Rejón as a strategic port city. The name “Las Palmas” comes from the many palm trees that once lined the area. The city grew rapidly during the Spanish colonial period, becoming an important trade hub between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. 

• Las Palmas and Its Colonial History: Las Palmas has a rich colonial history, with numerous buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. The old town, Vegueta, is home to many historical landmarks, including the Casa de Colón, where Christopher Columbus is believed to have stayed. The city’s colonial past remains a defining feature of its architecture and cultural heritage. 

• The Role of Las Palmas in Maritime Trade: As one of Spain’s busiest ports, Las Palmas played a key role in maritime trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The city’s strategic location made it a vital stop for ships on their way to the New World. Today, Las Palmas’ port remains a major economic engine for the Canary Islands. 

• The Las Palmas Cathedral and Its Historical Significance: The Las Palmas Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Ana, was built between the 15th and 18th centuries. The cathedral is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Its construction was central to the city’s development and remains one of Las Palmas’ most important religious and architectural landmarks. 

• Las Palmas and the Canarian Islands’ Indigenous History: Before Spanish colonization, Las Palmas was inhabited by the Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands. Their culture and customs still influence the local traditions and language. The city’s Museo Canario houses many artifacts from the Guanche period, preserving their legacy. 

• The Influence of the Atlantic Ocean on Las Palmas: Las Palmas is located along the northern coast of Gran Canaria, with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean has played a vital role in shaping the city’s economy, culture, and daily life, with fishing, maritime trade, and tourism at the heart of its activities. The coastline remains one of Las Palmas’ most important assets. 

• The Vegueta District and Its Historic Charm: Vegueta is the historic center of Las Palmas, filled with cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and vibrant plazas. This district was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its preservation of colonial architecture and its role in the city’s founding. Vegueta remains the cultural heart of Las Palmas. 

• Las Palmas and Its Role in the Spanish Civil War: During the Spanish Civil War, Las Palmas was a stronghold for Nationalist forces. The city saw significant political upheaval and was an important base for Francisco Franco’s forces. Today, several monuments in Las Palmas reflect the city’s involvement in the war. 

• Las Palmas and the Development of Tourism: Las Palmas has become a major tourist destination in the Canary Islands, known for its beautiful beaches and year-round warm climate. The city’s tourism industry is one of the main drivers of its economy, with visitors attracted to its mix of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and natural beauty. 

• The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus and Its Cultural Impact: The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus is an iconic modern concert hall in Las Palmas, named after the famous Spanish tenor. It hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, operas, and theater performances. The auditorium is an important cultural hub for the city and adds to its growing reputation as a center for the arts. 

• Las Palmas and Its Carnival Tradition: Las Palmas hosts one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in Spain, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The carnival, which includes parades, music, dancing, and extravagant costumes, reflects the city’s lively and festive spirit. It is an essential part of the city’s cultural calendar and local identity. 

• The University of Las Palmas and Its Role in Education: The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, established in 1989, is a major educational institution in the Canary Islands. It offers a wide range of academic programs and contributes to the city’s reputation as a center for research and higher education. The university attracts students from across Spain and beyond. 

• The Influence of African Trade on Las Palmas: Due to its proximity to Africa, Las Palmas has long been a key point of trade and cultural exchange between the Canary Islands and the African continent. This influence is reflected in the city’s cuisine, architecture, and festivals. The city’s port continues to facilitate trade between Europe and Africa. 

• The Beaches of Las Palmas and Their Popularity: Las Palmas is home to some of the most popular beaches in the Canary Islands, including Playa de Las Canteras. These beaches are known for their clear waters, warm temperatures, and ideal conditions for surfing and other water sports. The beach culture plays a significant role in the city’s appeal to both locals and tourists. 

• The Santa Catalina Park and Its Historical Importance: Santa Catalina Park is one of the most important public spaces in Las Palmas, offering a mix of nature, history, and culture. The park is home to several statues, monuments, and cultural institutions, including the Poema del Mar Aquarium. It serves as a hub for both relaxation and community events in the city.