Located on the island’s lesser visited northern coast, Las Palmas is Gran Canaria’s original resort and the largest city in the Canary Islands. The city offers a harmonious blend of ancient and modern, culture and commerce, plus beaches and urban delights. Beautiful sunbathing spots, an old town full of colonial history and exciting city attractions await.
Beaches
The beaches of Las Palmas are generally quieter than those found in the island’s southern resorts. Playa de las Canteras is the city’s most striking and well-known beach, boasting golden sands stretching for 2.5km across a sheltered bay, by shops and cafés lining the promenade. A reef keeps the waters clear and ideal for snorkelling, with conditions beyond the reef ideal for windsurfing. Playa de las Alcaravaneras is a popular pick with families owing to its calm waters, while those who prefer their beaches on the wilder side can head to the secluded cove of El Confital.
Food & Drink
Much like the remainder of the island, typical Canarian cuisine can be found in Las Palmas, with a dash of international influence. The wide variety of restaurants available ranges from local and Spanish to Mediterranean and even Asian flavours! Expect tapas, delicious seafood and the Canaries’ signature wrinkly potatoes. And be sure to try the local “ron miel” liqueur, made with delicious Canarian rum and honey.
Culture
Since Puerto de la Luz became a major seaport in the 19th century, the city is home to well over 400,000 people so it has a bustling atmosphere. A real window into the traditional culture can be found at the Pueblo Canario, offering typical Canarian architecture, folklore, handicrafts and regular folk music shows. Visitors can explore the handful of museums on offer in the city and indulge in the great shopping opportunities.
Nightlife
When in Las Palmas, head to the Plaza de España for evening ambience and lively entertainment. Being the island’s capital city, the nightlife tends to be more cosmopolitan than in the resorts. The trendy cocktail bars and nightclubs stay open until the early hours and are frequented by local students and tourists alike. Popular clubs include The Fortuni, The Paper Club and Bravia.
Important Information
Flight Time: 4hr 40Time Difference: +0Currency: Euro Official Language: Spanish
