Las Palmas Guide
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is 25 kilometres from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Situated to the North of Gran Canaria Airport is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria which is probably the most cosmopolitan city within the Canaries. Population size it is the 9th largest city of Spain. Boasting a near-perfect climate due to its location the average temperature in Winter is 17ºC and 25ºC in Summer.
As you walk through the streets of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria it oozes with Spanish ambiance, cultural heritage, and history. The oldest part of the city is the district of Vegueta, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
However, it is also home to all the high-end shops and boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that permeate the narrow streets. During the winter months of January-March, the city hosts many carnivals and cultural shows.
The main feature that makes Las Palmas truly special is that it has one of the best city beaches in the world!
Beaches
Playa de las Canteras
Playa de las Canteras is 3km of golden soft sand. The beach is also known for its long and picturesque promenade or paseo. Each Saturday, the paseo evolves into an amazing outdoor music venue, filling the air with a variety of music from different cultures. Nothing better than to sit in one of the open-air cafes and enjoy the musical atmosphere. Despite being a city beach it is clean and well maintained. There are various sections to the long beach that attract different activities.
Playa de las Alcaravaneras
Playa de las Alcaravaneras is next to Canteras. This is the beach for sailing and canoeing and other water sports. There are sunbeds for hire and showers on the beach. There are bars and cafes, shops along this section also.
Playa Chica
Playa Chica is a small little beach with several bars and cafes. There are no sunbeds or parasols here to rent. This is a good beach to go snorkeling amid the rocks as the waters are clear made crystal clear by the reef that protects the bay.
El Confital
El Confital is the best beach to go surfing. Huge waves can roll in here from the Atlantic and have attracted some of the top surfers in Europe to come here.
La Cicer Beach
La Cicer Beach has become a good beach for sporting activities like surfing and volleyball and other sports. Surfing Schools that provide lessons are given here.
Attractions
Botanical Gardens
The Jardin Canario is a beautiful park filled with exotic plants and flowers. Walking through the cobbled pathways of the park is a real pleasure as the song of the many birds fill the air. There are a couple of lakes located within the park. The flowers are mainly native to the islands of the Canaries, Cape Verde, and the Azores. The plants are sectioned off and laid out in various locations according to species and origin. With the blue skies and lush trees and plants, the visitor gets a sense of paradise!
Address: 35017, Las Palmas, Spain
Phone: +34 928 21 95 80
Museum of Perez Galdos
Perez Galdos is considered to be the most prolific and distinguished writer/dramatist after Cervantes to come from the Canary Islands.
This museum dedicated to him is a testimony to his life and work. Visitors can admire and view the fine examples of 18th century Canaries architecture. The courtyard is central to the museum which houses a statue to Perez Galdos. Inside you can find within the interiors the original decor and many personal items belonging to Perez Galdos. Basically, the place is a walk-through museum. The museum is situated conveniently on Cano street which is also good for buying drinks and food for lunch.
Address: Calle Cano, 6, 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Phone: +34 928 36 69 76
Doramas Park
Parque Doramas is a fantastic place to bring children. There are lots to keep them amused as various interesting activities are exhibited here. If you come here in the Summer months, there are many exotic butterflies that can be seen within the gardens, trees, and natural stone structures. There are a few waterfalls giving this park a tropical ambiance. Within the park, there are a couple of cafes where you can find refreshments in the shade.
Address: Calle Leon y Castillo, 227, 35005 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Plaza de Santa Ana
Plaza de Santa Ana is located within the centre of the Vegueta area of Las Palmas. It is a wonderful plaza surrounded by colonial buildings, traditional ornate street lamps, and palm trees. The main Bishop’s palace dominates the scene. Here you will find eight delightful statues of dogs made from bronze. They are reputed to be the guardians of the plaza. To rest your legs there are plenty of benches to relax and take in the atmosphere in this wonderful plaza. To admire a spectacular view of Las Palmas a visitor can enter the cathedral and pay €1.50 to climb the stairs to the roof.
Address: Plaza Sta.Ana 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Poema del Mar
Poema del Mar is a real highlight when visiting Gran Canaria. It is a gigantic aquarium with sharks and tropical fish and exotic plants and many more marine species to behold. Poema del Mar boasts the largest tank in the world! Also, there is a huge underwater tunnel that lets you be part of the underwater experience.
Address: Muelle del Sanapo, 22, 35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Phone: +34 928 01 03 50
Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas.
Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas dates back to 1891 making it the oldest golf course in Spain. Every fairway is blessed with spectacular views of either the volcanic hills inland or the craggy coastline. The fairways are quite narrow and the greens small, fast and can be tricky in places, making for some serious golf expertise. You can hire a buggy or an electric trolley for a reasonable price. There is also a swimming pool on site.
Address: Ctra. Bandama, 35310 Sta Brigida, Las Palmas, Spain
Phone: +34 928 35 01 04
Shopping
Alisios
Alisios is a modern, open-air shopping mall that recently opened at the end of 2017. It has now become the biggest mall in the Canaries. The design has allowed the visitor to be in the open air and yet be shade from the sun. The restaurants and cafes are situated in the outdoor areas. This makes it possible to enjoy the wonderful climate in Las Palmas.
Also, there is a large Hiperdino Supermarket here, but mainly clothes shops with familiar high street names. There are a couple of electronic stores and furniture stores. In total there are 120 stores located on 2 floors.
Opening Times:
Mon – Sat – 10:00-22:00 Shops
Mon – Sun – 09:00-24:00 Restaurants
C/ Hermanos Dominguez Santana S/N, GC-308 salida 9, 35018
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Phone: +34 928 42 31 11
Centro Commercial Las Arenas
Centro Comercial Las Arenas is more centrally located within Las Palmas than Alisios. This is another large mall with hundreds of outlets and shops including Primark. It also has a huge Carrefour supermarket located here, along with a Media Market Electronic superstore. For children, they will enjoy the Disney Store.
For eats, there are restaurants and cafe bars located inside and in the outside areas of the mall.
Opening Times:
Mon – Sat – 10:00-22:00 Shops
Mon – Sun – 09:00-24:00 Restaurants
Ctra. del Rincon, s/n, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Mercado de Vegueta
The Mercado de Vegueta is a must visit market to spend a few hours in the city. If you like fresh food and street food this is the place! From fresh meat, fish, and spices are on offer here! Situated in the oldest district of Las Palmas it is surrounded by beautiful architecture. The smells, noise, and colours create a wonderful atmosphere while strolling around the stalls. Dating back to 1787 when it was an open-air location for all the travelling merchants to sell their produce. It now has a landmark entrance to the market hall.
Opening Times:
Mon – Sat – 06:30-14:00
Sun – Closed.
Address: 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Triana District
No visit to Las Palmas would be complete without a visit to the Triana district of the city. This is next door to Vegueta and can be found by just walking a few minutes from Vegueta. It is reputed to be the best outdoor shopping area in the whole of Spain. All the major retailers can be found here in a well-established district of plazas, streets, and narrow side streets. Wander down these to find chic boutiques and local produce. When you get tired stop off for refreshment at the many open-air street cafes lining the pavements.
Car Hire in Las Palmas
Car Hire in Las Palmas Gran Canaria is a good option. Renting a car allows you to see some amazing scenery. Please be aware that not all major car rental companies operate out of Las Palmas but there are a few. They have offices in Las Palmas itself or at the port. Check out the Car Hire in Las Palmas page.