Planning a trip to the Canary Islands? Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, was one of our favorites. Authentic yet modern, the city is home to architectural gems such as the cathedral and the famous Casa de Colón. Its cultural life is vibrant and radiant. Did you know that in January and February, the island’s capital also holds its own carnival? A multicultural crossroads just a few kilometers from Africa, there’s no doubt that its rich historical heritage, natural activities, long sandy beaches and excellent cuisine will fascinate you.
In this article, we share with you our top ideas for things to do in Las Palmas, some pictorial tips for organizing your visit and a map to help you find your way around.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
1. Stroll through the historic district of Vegueta
Why visit?
Did you know that the Vegueta (or Veguet) district in the south of Las Palmas is the historic heart of the capital? This 15th-century heart of the city is home to numerous monuments, including the Canary Cathedral and the Casa de Colón. We loved wandering through the narrow streets with their colorful buildings and history-laden colonial houses. You’ll feel the soul of Las Palmas and enjoy the city’s rich culture. In fact, we’ve listed this mythical district in our ideas for the best things to do on Gran Canaria!
Practical advice
- Duration: if you’re visiting the district’s main points of interest and taking the time to stroll through its typical cobbled streets, allow half a day. Otherwise, you can easily stroll around for 1 hour, not counting the places to visit.
- Difficulties: the alleyways are narrow and cobbled, so wear good shoes; this is a very touristy area, and crowds can be high, so plan your visit for the morning. Finally, parking can be tricky in this neighborhood.
- Access: located south of the city center; buses serve the area as well as the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus, which makes it easy to get around – buy your ticket in advance.
- Eating out: among our selection of good addresses in the old town, the bistronomic Mexico-Canary fusion table of Restaurant El Santo or for traditional tapas with grandma’s recipes, Restaurant La Vegueta de Colón.
- Would you like to try a guided tour of the old town? Book here to explore Vegueta by bike
- Discover the historic center on foot with riddles and directions on your smartphone – see the program and reserve
2. Marvel at Santa Ana Cathedral and its tower
Why visit?
We arrived at Plaza Santa Ana in the old Vegueta district. In front of us stood the majestic Gothic Cathedral of Santa Ana, with its twin towers and ornate façade. Did you know that it was built in the early Renaissance? This place of worship fascinated us above all for its grandiose, heterogeneous architecture, a symbol of several eras. You’ll notice that the building has 3 naves and 11 chapels. Carved wooden stalls, Baroque organ, numerous side chapels with remarkable works of art… So many treasures inside, we didn’t know where to look! On closer inspection, you’ll see that the columns are palm-shaped. We appreciated the exotic touch that honors this botanical species with its graphic silhouette. Palm trees adorn the Canaries’ verdant landscapes. Seat of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, the cathedral also houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art. The icing on the cake is the sublime view of the city from the top of the tower!
Practical advice
- Duration: 1h to 1h30 if you take the time to observe the exterior on the square, then the interior with its 3 naves, transept and 11 chapels.
- No particular difficulties, as the site is accessible to wheelchair users with elevators and stairs.
- Access: on Plaza Santa Ana in Las Palmas, 1min walk from Casa de Colón
- Eating out: from our selection of nearby restaurants in the old town, enjoy gourmet fusion cuisine at Restaurant Que Leche (our favorite) or traditional tapas at Restaurant La Vegueta de Colón.
- Take a 1-day tour of Las Palmas, including the historic quarter and the cathedral – see the program and book now
- Price: free admission to the cathedral during Masses from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and on Sundays, but tour and museum at an additional cost. Outside these hours, admission to the cathedral, the tower and the Diocesan Museum is subject to a fee (full price: €6; reduced price: €4, free for children under 12).
- Opening hours: open daily for Mass from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and on Sundays; Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE TO STAY IN Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the old town, surrounded by charming alleyways.
Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana – see photos and availability
On the Playa de las Canteras side, a long sandy beach.
Hotel Maresía Canteras Urban – view photos and availability
Near Playa de la Alcaravaneras, a less touristy area.
Hotel Santa Catalina, historic – see photos and availability
See our selection of the best hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
3. Go back in time at Casa de Colón
Why visit?
Another must-see in Las Palmas is the Casa de Colón house-museum, which is very popular in the area, with a large number of visitors. Inside a sublime colonial building on the street of the same name, we discovered this museum dedicated to the cultures of the Canaries and the Americas. Did you know that this former colonial mansion, built in the 16th century, once belonged to the 1st governors of Gran Canaria? It was also home to the famous Genoese navigator Christopher Columbus, who stopped off in the Canaries on his journeys across the Atlantic Ocean. With its 13 exhibition rooms, patios and magnificent Ara-colored parrots, this cultural institution in the heart of Vegueta was a real eye-catcher! Between models of sailing ships and reconstructions of the town, old maps, ancient time-measuring instruments, astrolabes and navigational instruments… The Casa de Colón is packed with magnificent period artefacts, enabling us to learn more about the history of the archipelago and local culture. Our favorites: the ornate, carved wooden ceilings in every room, and the precious treasure of the Catalan Atlas, a collection of illuminated maps dating from the 14th century.
Practical advice
- Duration: 1 hour
- No particular difficulties on site, the site is accessible for wheelchair users with elevators.
- Access: in the old town near the cathedral; no dedicated parking lot, several underground parking lots 10 minutes’ walk away (Vegueta parking lot rather narrow or 1° de Mayo parking lot with larger spaces)
- Eating out: from our selection of nearby restaurants in the old town, enjoy gourmet fusion cuisine at Restaurant Que Leche (our favorite) or traditional tapas at Restaurant La Vegueta de Colón.
- Price: full price €4; reduced price €2; free for children under 18
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed on January 1st and 6th, May 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st.
- See any updates on the official website here
4. Stroll along the seafront Sendero Azul
Why visit?
We loved this walk! 7 km long, it stretches along the seafront from Bahia del Confital to Playa de Las Canteras, with numerous explanatory signs along the way. We spotted the Canary Caves, a group of 20 caves that once formed an aboriginal village with a kind of natural watchtower overlooking the entire bay. Did you know that these caves were still inhabited in the 1920s and 1930s? Surprising, isn’t it! You may be lucky enough to discover another set of 9 caves on this walk, some of which served as dwellings, warehouses and fish processing plants. The walk along the path was really enjoyable, with sublime views of the bay, the island’s historic heritage and the gradation of blues between sky and ocean. You’ll see that the walk is made up of several sections with an increasingly steep climb. Finally, the name of this walk struck us as very lyrical. Sendero Azul” means “blue path” in Spanish, due to its proximity to the azure bay.
Practical advice
- Duration: allow 1h45 to 2h to walk the 7 km of the Sendero Azul (allow 10min to 25min depending on the sections if you walk them separately).
- Difficulties: the walk is on a path, with a few steps down, but the further you go, the more uphill the walk becomes, reaching an altitude of 1,600 m. Please note that there are several PRM access points and that pets are not allowed.
- Access: on the Playa de Las Canteras and the Bahia del Confital, there are several access points on foot with explanatory signs; there are also 4 parking lots along the path.
- Eating out: on the promenade, you are close to many restaurants; our favourite in the area is Restaurant Tabaiba, where you can enjoy gourmet fusion cuisine.
- The Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus makes it easy for you to get around, stopping at Playa de Las Canteras to take you to the Sendero Azul – buy your ticket in advance.
- Access is free of charge. In an emergency, you can call 112.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
5. Visit the Poema del Mar Aquarium
Why visit?
Want to immerse yourself in the marine world? Meet at the Las Palmas Aquarium, Poema del Mar. Did you know that it literally means “poem of the sea”? It wasn’t just the poetic name that drew us in, but our keen interest in the depths of the oceans and the wonders they harbor. The place piqued our curiosity, and we weren’t disappointed. The tanks are huge, and the variety of fish and marine species is quite impressive. We enjoyed the walk through this almost magical marine world. The Poema del Mar Aquarium is the largest in Europe where animal welfare is respected. We appreciated the educational dimension of the experience, as the site participates in the conservation and preservation of certain endangered species, fulfilling a mission to raise awareness of environmental challenges.
Reserve your ticket now
Practical advice
- Duration: 1h30 to 3h on site to visit the 3 floors and 63 zones of the “jungle”, “beach reef” and “deep ocean” sections.
- No particular difficulties, PRM-accessible site, wheelchairs available for hire, one-way tour only; if very busy, it will be difficult to see some of the aquariums.
- Access: located near the port and Playa de Las Canteras
- Food & beverage: the site features 3 food and beverage outlets: Restaurant Nestor, where you can admire marine species while enjoying your meal behind the huge mural aquarium; Nemo snack-bar for a snack near the Arrecife exhibition; Café Lobby for a drink at the entrance to the site.
- Save time by opting for a ticket that cuts through the crowds
- Price: full price €18.50; Canary Islands resident price €13
- Opening hours: open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A LITTLE MORE patience
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6. Sunbathing on Playa de Las Canteras
Why visit?
We really liked Playa de Las Canteras. This urban beach is Las Palmas’ main beach to the north, with several sections. In fact, we’ve listed it among the most beautiful beaches on the island. It’s a fairly touristy area, where you’ll be surrounded by seaside nature. A pedestrian promenade, restaurants, brasseries, bars and boutiques enliven this must-see corner of the island’s capital. Enjoy the space, facilities, bars and restaurants on the waterfront.
We loved the atmosphere on this beach, whether it was the lively end-of-day entertainment or the calm of the early morning wake-up call. It’s also the ideal spot for water sports such as diving and snorkeling.
Practical advice
- All-day activities, children’s playground, restaurants
- Being a city beach, you must choose one of the city’s public parking lots, as there are very few parking spaces in the streets around the beach.
- Sand beach
- Surveillance in certain areas
- Toilets, showers, sun loungers, parasols, PRM access
- Plenty of restaurants along the promenade, beach volleyball court, children’s playground
- Close to the Aquarium de Gran Canaria Poema del Mar – reserve your ticket
7. Learn about the history of the Canaries at the Museo Canario
Why visit?
Let’s continue our stroll through the charming historic district of Vegueta. Here we visited the Museo Canario, a must-see if you want to learn more about the history and heritage of the Canary Islands. Established in 1879, this museum houses a rich archaeological collection that has shed light on the archipelago’s various aboriginal civilizations. The exhibits are permanent, giving you a better understanding of the way of life of the inhabitants before the conquest and colonization by Europeans from the 15th century onwards. Known for its mummies, we found it the perfect place to round off a visit to the archaeological sites, which are often difficult to visualize if you haven’t had the chance to go there. Ethnography, folk art, island traditions, troglodyte houses, treat yourself to an immersion in local culture.
Practical advice
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours on site, depending on your interest in the exhibitions
- Difficulties: no elevator, but stairs to first floor, flat parquet floor
- Access: as the museum is in the old town, there is no dedicated parking lot, but there are several underground parking lots within a 10-minute walk, such as the rather narrow Vegueta parking lot or the 1° de Mayo parking lot with larger spaces.
- No restaurants on site, but you’re in the old town, so check back soon for our best places to eat in Las Palmas.
- Price: €5
- Opening hours: open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
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8. Visit the Centre atlantique d’art moderne (CAAM)
Why visit?
Do you know the CAAM or Centre atlantique d’art moderne in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? If you’re a fan of contemporary art, this museum must be on your list! The Centre Atlantique d’Art Moderne has established itself as a benchmark in the Canary Islands. At the crossroads of several artistic cultures between Africa, America and Europe, we travelled between several works in different forms (drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs…). We appreciated the artistic quality of the collections, enhanced by the modern architecture of the building housing these creations. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s documentation center. You can consult no fewer than 57,000 books on African and Latin American art and artists!
Practical advice
- Duration: 1 hour
- No particular difficulties, PRM-accessible venue (access via the store)
- Access: in the Vegueta district near the Casa de Colon and the cathedral (no dedicated parking lot but several underground parking lots 10min walk away such as the rather narrow Vegueta parking lot or the 1° de Mayo parking lot with larger spaces)
- Eating out: from our selection of nearby restaurants in the old town, enjoy gourmet fusion cuisine at Restaurant Que Leche (our favorite) or traditional tapas at Restaurant La Vegueta de Colón.
- Price: free admission
- Opening hours: open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed on Mondays, public holidays, December 24th and 31st.
9. Shopping under the arches of the Mercado del Puerto
Why visit?
As its name suggests, the Mercado del Puerto is a covered market located near the port of Las Palmas, the Castillo de la Luz and north of the Playa de Las Canteras. We strolled between the stalls of colourful fruit, flowers, vegetables, knife-cut cured ham and also some very good fresh fish! We really enjoyed the warm, lively atmosphere. In our opinion, this pretty market under the arcades is the typical place to fully experience the local charm of this jewel of the Canaries. Here we met friendly craftsmen and shopkeepers eager to share their island’s local culture. With tapas bars, local produce, greengrocers and authentic little tables where you can sample local specialities, you’ll be spoilt for choice! As well as discovering new flavors that delighted our taste buds, we also loved the modern wrought-iron building that houses this traditional covered market. An ideal place to soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant corner of the city.
Practical advice
- Duration: 1h to 2h if you tour the stalls and sit down to eat tapas
- No particular difficulties identified, pets not allowed in market area
- Access: north of Las Palmas between the port, Castillo de la Luz and Playa de Las Canteras, dedicated parking on site
- Catering: 15 on-site catering areas
- Schedules: food Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; service Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. then 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 0:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; catering Tuesday to Thursday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 noon to 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight, Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m.
- More information on the official website here
10. Discover the Castillo de la Luz
Why visit?
Still to the north of Las Palmas, the Castillo de la Luz, literally “castle of light” in Spanish, rose before us. The building visible today was built at the end of the 15th century, but we have learned that its foundations date back to 1402! We began with a tour of this square-shaped fortress. For those of us who love old stone buildings, this was the perfect choice. Its platform could accommodate more than a dozen cannons, but you’ll see that it was damaged at the end of the 16th century during the Dutch invasion. Its location to the north of the capital, in the port district of La Isleta, made it a strategic defense post for the island. Listed as a national historic monument, the fortress was restored in the late 1990s. We enjoyed the exhibitions with antiques and the 2-storey cultural center. From the inside, we could no longer make out the fort! A harmonious blend of modernity, art museum and remains of ancient ramparts. This touch of authenticity seduced us into immersing ourselves further in the city’s history. You can also climb onto the fort’s roof terrace, but we weren’t able to admire the view as access was closed during our visit.
Practical advice
- Duration: 30min to 1h
- No identified difficulties, flat floor, elevator on site, no pets or bicycles allowed.
- Access: located in the north of the city in the port district of La Isleta, Mercado del Puerto parking lot nearby.
- Eating out: small restaurants and stalls at the Mercado del Puerto market, a 10-minute walk away,
- Price: full price €4, concessions €2, free for under-18s and Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sundays and public holidays 10am to 2pm
11. Explore the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art
Why visit?
Located in the outbuildings of Santa Ana Cathedral in the heart of the historic Végueta district, the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art exhibits precious objects such as sculptures, paintings and goldsmith’s and silversmith’s work. These collector’s items illustrate periods from the 16th to the 19th century. We were charmed by the Patio des Orangers, which you can see in the image above. A typically Mediterranean setting, with fruit and palm trees adorning the small orchard amidst the pretty old stone and wood buildings. We really enjoyed admiring the El árbol de la vida exhibition, which means “the Tree of Life” in Spanish. The expression refers to engravings, embroideries, paintings and sculptures, symbolizing eternity. We were also fascinated by antique furniture, such as the above-mentioned 18th-century polychrome wood armoire from the Confrérie du Rosaire. Another favorite: the wooden altar lectern with mother-of-pearl, silver and bone inlays. So many treasures!
Practical advice
- Duration: 30min to 45min for the museum only (excluding the cathedral and its tower), depending on your interest in religious art.
- No particular difficulties, as the site is accessible to wheelchair users with elevators and stairs.
- Access: in the Santa Ana Cathedral (historic Vegueta district, see above)
- Eating out: from our selection of nearby restaurants in the old town, enjoy gourmet fusion cuisine at Restaurant Que Leche (our favorite) or traditional tapas at Restaurant La Vegueta de Colón.
- Price includes museum, cathedral and tower: full price €6, concessions €4, free for children under 12.
- Opening hours: museum accessible in the cathedral Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
- More information on the official website here
12. Search for the Las Palmas emblem
Why go looking for it?
Do you know the emblem of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? We spotted the town’s coat of arms several times in the old town, and in other places near the port and various beaches. It represents several significant symbols for the city. Deciphering the Las Palmas coat of arms echoed our cultural visits and learning about the island’s history during our stay. If you look closely, the first thing you’ll notice is a castle or fortification, a reference to Gran Canaria’s strategic northern location on the Atlantic Ocean. A reminder of the town’s defensive and military past. Did you also notice the 2 palm trees inside, in front of the waves, and the branches surrounding the emblem? A reference to the verdant landscapes of the Canary Islands covered with this symbolic plant. Note that the emblem is topped by a crown, reminding us that these volcanic lands were conquered in the 15th century under the Spanish monarchy. Finally, lend your eye one last time. ” Segura tiene la palma” is the city’s motto, inscribed between the coat of arms and the palm leaves. In Spanish, it means “she holds the palm firmly” and refers both to the many palm trees in the city of Las Palmas and to the expression “to win the victory”. Ready for this treasure hunt?
Practical advice
The Las Palmas emblem can be seen on signs, street names, in various neighborhoods and on monuments. Look out for the coat of arms, which can take different shapes and colors, and is sometimes inlaid in the town’s stone walls. Let’s go!
Things to do in Las Palmas: other ideas
Other museums in Las Palmas
If you’re a fan of culture and museums, here are some additional ideas to enhance your stay in Las Palmas:
- Pueblo Canario architectural site: discover local crafts and folklore through shows, stores and tastings of local recipes.
- Nestor Museum: inside the Pueblo Canario complex, a gallery devoted to the work of Nestor Martín-Fernandez de la Torre, a famous painter from the Canary Islands.
- Pérez Galdos Museum House: emblematic home of local architecture, where Spanish writer and journalist Benito Pérez Galdós was born and lived (personal effects, antique furniture, library, archives).
- Elder Museum: immersive museography and interactive science and technology experience
- Canary Islands Naval Museum: small museum dedicated to the evolution of Spain’s navy, attached to the Las Palmas naval base.
- La Regenta Art Center: contemporary art exhibition space near Parc Santa Catalina
Other churches and hermitages in Las Palmas
As the historic capital of Gran Canaria, you’ll find that Las Palmas reflects the influence of Catholicism in the Canaries through its religious buildings scattered around the city. Churches, convents and hermitages are a sight to behold:
- Santo Domingo church, 2 steps from the Museo Canario
- Hermitage of San Pedro Gonzales Telmo near San Telmo Park
- Espiritu Santo Hermitage in the Vegueta district
- Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church near Santa Ana Cathedral
- Hermitage of San Antonio Abad behind Casa de Colón
- Holy Trinity Church near Playa de Alcaravaneras
- Church of San Francisco de Borja near Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana
- Church of San Antonio de Padua near Parc de las Rehoyas
Other monuments in Las Palmas
Las Palmas is a veritable open-air museum, and all we had to do was stroll around to admire the jewels of Spanish colonial architecture. This traditional style, with Andalucia influences from the Renaissance to the 19th century, is characterized by sober, simple moldings and ornamentation. You’ll also notice interior patios, wooden galleries and the presence of wrought iron. We appreciated the mix of styles in the different buildings. Some architectural wonders to see:
- Pérez Galdós Theatre: still the cultural heart of Las Palmas, built at the end of the 19th century in the Triana district.
- Plaza de Santa Ana: in Vegueta, bronze dog sculptures, 17th-century buildings such as the Casa Regental and the Bishop’s Palace.
- Gabinete Literario: beautiful 19th-century building housing a cultural center, works of art and a rich library
- Castillo de Mata: 16th-century castle combining ancient and modern architecture, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1949, Museum of the City and the Sea
Other beaches in Las Palmas
- Playa de las Alcaravaneras: close to the port, with a view of numerous boats (sailboats, catamarans…) and a beautiful stretch of sand for a walk with your feet in the water or a pleasant jog with a sea view.
- Playa El Confital: section at the northern end of Playa de Las Canteras and Sendero Azul, viewpoint after the climb over the entire town and bay.
- Piscinas de La La ja: natural pools between Las Palmas and Telde, a 15-minute drive away, with a great atmosphere and beautiful views of the horizon – see our article on the best natural pools in Gran Canaria.
Things to do in Las Palmas with children
We’re convinced that Las Palmas is also a great destination for families! Large urban sandy beaches, aquarium, playground, castles, immersive museums… You won’t be bored, and neither will your little ones! Some of the ideas mentioned above:
- Poema del Mar Aquarium – book your skip-the-line ticket
- Playa de Las Canteras – beautiful beach and large stretch of sand with games and activities
- Parc de Santa Catalina – lovely park near the aquarium and Playa de Las Canteras
- Las Palmas and Telde natural pools
- Castillo de la Luz Castle
Things to do in Las Palmas when it rains
It rarely rains in Las Palmas. The month with the highest risk of precipitation is January, with an average of less than 3 days per month. Don’t worry, Las Palmas is a lively city with plenty to do. Even in the rain, there’s plenty to keep you busy:
- Visit the city’s many museums, including the Museo Canario, dedicated to the history of the city and the archipelago, and the Casa de Colón, Christopher Columbus’ former residence.
- Visit Santa Ana Cathedral
- Discover the Poema del Mar aquarium
- Taste local specialities in one of the city’s best restaurants (article to come)
- Enjoy the capital’s lively nightlife in the Vegueta, Triana and port districts
Excursions around Las Palmas
Departing from Las Palmas, we also appreciated the variety of day and half-day excursions available. Here’s our selection for your enjoyment:
Volcano crater Caldera de Bandama
- If you like volcanoes, Gran Canaria may not be the right destination for you: Lanzarote and Tenerife have much more to offer.
But you can still go down to the south of Las Palmas to see the Bandama crater from the peak at 575m above sea level!
And if you’re brave enough, you can even hike inside it for a unique experience in the heart of nature. see program and book
Archaeological sites in Gran Canaria
- Gran Canaria isn’t just famous for its sandy beaches and beautiful scenery. The island is also home to a rich archaeological heritage, bearing witness to the civilizations that have inhabited it. The Cenobio de Valeron is a fine example, with over 300 man-made caves, all just a 30-minute drive from Las Palmas – see our article on the island’s best archaeological sites.
Agaete Valley
- In our opinion, the Agaete Valley is one of the most beautiful roads in Gran Canaria.
The scenery is magnificent, with mountains rising on either side, and a little greenery, despite the narrow passages. Just a 30-minute drive west from Las Palmas, discover this natural gem of the island – read our article
Hiking in Gran Canaria’s waterfalls
- Reconnect with nature from Las Palmas and discover the island’s flora and fauna at Gran Canaria’s magical waterfalls. see program and book
Barranco de los Cernicalos rainforest
- Subtropical plants, cacti and lush green landscapes will fill your eyes in the Barranco de los Cernicalos Forest, a 40-minute drive south of Las Palmas. Ready for a hike with panoramic views and the chance to see over 300 endemic species of the Canaries? See the program and book
Useful tips for visiting Las Palmas
Where is Las Palmas?
- north of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands archipelago
- Las Palmas to Maspalomas = 40min drive
- Las Palmas to Puerto Rico = 55min drive
- Las Palmas to Agaete = 30min drive
- Here’s a map to help you visit the city’s top attractions:
How to get to Las Palmas
There are two options for getting to Las Palmas if you’re not already in the Canaries:
- By ferry: from Huelva or Cadiz in Andalucia, ferries arrive at Las Palmas. If you’re already on another island in the Canary archipelago, you can also reach the capital by ferry. see routes
- By air: Las Palmas has an international airport with direct flights to 133 destinations in 28 countries. see available flights
Although Agadir on the Moroccan coast is less than 620 km as the crow flies from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, there is no ferry option between these 2 cities.
If you’re already in Gran Canaria, you can also rent a car to get around the capital and the surrounding area more easily.
Parking in Las Palmas
If you have a car, parking can be a real headache in Las Palmas. We recommend avoiding the historic district of Vegueta, where the streets are fairly narrow. Remember to check whether your accommodation is equipped with a parking lot. If not, pay parking lots will be secure. The El Muelle shopping center, for example, has its own parking lot.
Near beaches such as Las Canteras or Las Alcaravaneras, large free parking lots are available, ideal if you spend the day sunbathing.
Getting around Las Palmas
Las Palmas is pretty well equipped when it comes to transport. To get around the city easily, consult the “guaguas” urban bus routes and timetables here. If you prefer 2 wheels, Las Palmas has bike paths and a self-service public bike rental system here.
Finally, to make the most of all the capital’s attractions, we recommend that you choose the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus, which will take you leisurely to the city’s best points of interest. Book your ticket
Where to eat in Las Palmas
For us, eating well is an integral part of the travel experience. We have unearthed some very fine restaurants in Las Palmas. Here are our favorites:
- Restaurant Tabaiba: avant-garde dishes with revisited local produce from the Canary Islands
- Restaurant Que Leche: fusion cuisine based on Canarian specialties blended with influences from elsewhere
- Restaurant Llévame al Huerto: a short menu with simplicity and finesse, all in a friendly atmosphere
Look out for our article on the best restaurants in Las Palmas!
Visiting Las Palmas in winter
If you’re looking for sun in winter, this is the ideal time to discover Las Palmas! Temperatures vary around 20°C. Our last stay in Las Palmas was in winter, and we took full advantage of the sandy beaches. You can also let yourself be carried away by the local gentle way of life, strolling through the picturesque streets of the historic Vegueta district or exploring the island’s volcanic landscapes. All attractions, restaurants, hotels and museums are open even in winter. This is a popular destination for tourists from the northern hemisphere, who come in search of sunshine at this time of year. In our opinion, spending winter in Las Palmas is the perfect way to get a taste of summer!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
