Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a big, lively city with some lovely beaches. The main reason people come here is Playa de las Canteras beach, with its long promenade and many bars and restaurants. Aside from the beach, there is plenty of shopping, museums, culture, and a typical Spanish atmosphere. On top of that, the prices are generally more friendly than in the more typical touristy holiday destinations on the island.
Beaches
Las Palmas has several lovely beaches, but Playa de las Canteras is the biggest and most popular. This beach is very long, with mostly golden sands and some black sand mixed in. The sand here also moves around depending on the time of year, because of the wind, so depending on when you go, the north or the south of this beach may be more pretty. Nonetheless, there are lovely bars and restaurants next to the beach along the entire coastline. This beach is also very popular for surfing and for people learning how to surf.
On the other side of the city, you also have Playa de las Alcaravaneras beach, which is less touristy. Since it is next to a busy road and the shipping harbour, it makes it somewhat less attractive, but the beach itself and the water are still excellent for a day at the beach. This beach is also very popular for kayaking and other sports on the sports fields next to it.
Where to stay in Las Palmas
Las Palmas has a mix of boutique hotels in the city and large beach promenade hotels. It is essential to make sure your hotel is in a good location for your holiday, as Las Palmas is huge and picking the wrong location will make your holiday much less enjoyable.
- Bull Reina Isabel: Beach holiday, right next to the beautiful Playa de las Canteras. There is also an excellent rooftop pool. Very popular with couples.
- Hotel Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas: Modern hotel next to the Playa de las Canteras beach with excellent pool.
- Hotel MG Poniente: A budget-friendly stay for a few days. The breakfast was also clean and fresh, but not for more than a week, as it changes a bit, not much.
Things to do in Las Palmas
- El Confital: Do the coastal walk to the El Confital beach. A rougher beach just outside of town that is very popular with locals, and also an excellent place for exploring and snorkelling.
- Shopping: There are large shopping centres in the area. Also, Avenida José Mesa y López is an excellent shopping street with limited traffic.
- Vegueta: The Las Palmas old town is full of history.
- Triana: A great area to go shopping or have tapas at night, especially on the weekends.
- Santa Ana Cathedral: A cheap entrance ticket can be bought at the cathedral, giving you access and an excellent panoramic view over the city.
- Museums: There are plenty of museums for those who want to learn about the island, like Museo Canario and Casa del Colón. Both in Veguata, costing about 5 euros each.
- Poema del Mar: This impressive Aquarium was just built a few years ago and is fantastic for both adults and children. Ideal for cloudy, windy or rainy days.
- Surfing: Las Palmas is very popular among surfers, but even more for people learning to surf.
- Jardín Botánico Canaria Viera y Clavijo: This botanical garden is ideal for those who love nature and is located just on the edge of town.
- Parque Doramas and Pueblo Canario: A beautiful park in the city, you can visit with stunning fauna, architecture, water fountains and waterfalls.
- San Cristobal: A neighbourhood on the edge of town with a few typical Canarian beaches and some excellent, cheap fish restaurants. It really helps to speak some Spanish here to get the best service.
- Promenade: Las Canteras has an excellent beachside promenade, ideal for evening strolls.
- Castillo de la Luz: Coastal fortress, part museum, part fortress.
- Rooftop bars: The city has many rooftop bars that are great to enjoy in summer with a fresh breeze. Hotel Aloe Canteras has one of the best views over Las Canteras beach and offers fair prices.
- Snorkelling: The La Barra reef at Las Canteras is excellent for snorkelling, but be careful, as waves here can be surprising and the reef is pretty sharp in some places.
- Markets: There are many markets throughout the city, some of which are covered and open every day, like the Mercado del Puerto (also excellent for tapas). Others only once a week.
This list is of things to do in or near Las Palmas. But there is much more to see and do on the island. You can find a full list of the top things to do and not do in Gran Canaria here.
Restaurants
Las Palmas has one of the largest selections of restaurants on the island. You can find a bit of everything here simply because the city is so big. Also, prices here are a bit fairer than in other, more touristy places on the island, and I like the fact that there isn’t that person outside every restaurant trying to convince you to come in.
Most of these restaurants are along the coast of Las Canteras or in the Vegueta and Triana areas of the old part of town. In the city’s streets, you will also find many budget-friendly eateries
Nightlife
Nightlife in Las Palmas, in general, is pretty relaxed and oriented toward couples and singles, not so much families. For most, it is about having a few drinks next to the sea or in town. Especially near the La Puntilla (the end of Playa de las Canteras), where the boats are, it is very nice to chill and relax in the evening. There are also often some street musicians in this area. Also, at the bars next to Santa Catalina Park, it is nice to enjoy a quiet evening with a typical Spanish vibe.
For a more lively atmosphere with a more pub, club and bar focus, you can go to the other side of the Playa de las Canteras, in the direction of the shopping centre.
There is also a big casino and live shows in Las Palmas, but these are more for locals than for foreign tourists. Of course, if you are interested, you can attend them as well.
A bit further from the tourist area, Veguetta and Calle Triana are also popular at night for a mix of shopping, tapas, wine, and cocktails. This area is typically Spanish, so it’s most lively on weekends and later in the evening and night.
Gran Canaria airport to Las Palmas
- Public transport (2.95 €/pp): A cheap option, but keep in mind that in most cases your hotel will be at least 1 km from the bus stop. Also, the bus may stop many times along the way.
- Shuttle bus online: Most companies don’t offer shuttles to Las Palmas.
- Taxi (66.98 €) or minibus (97.42 €) online: If you have a lot of luggage or need child safety seats, booking a taxi or minibus online is best. A minibus is required if you are travelling with more than 4 people.
- Taxi at the airport (44.00 €): A good option if you are arriving in the daytime on weekdays, don’t need child safety seats, are not travelling in high season, and are not more than 4 people.
Here, you can find the timetables and prices for public transportation in Gran Canaria and easily book a minibus or taxi.
When to go
Las Palmas has good weather and feels lively most of the year, but during the winter months, it can be a bit cloudier and rainier than the south of the island, though not by much. So if you want to be guaranteed the best weather, it is best to visit during the summer months, but winters here can be very lovely as well. Just not as nice as in the south of the island.
Generally, the cheapest and best time to visit is the second half of September. May is also cheap, but September typically has better weather. Good deals can also be found in March, April, June, September and October, always outside of the school holidays.
Las Palmas is also a great place to escape to during school holidays for a more relaxing location, as many of the other holiday destinations on the island get overrun with families with kids and can feel very crowded.
Is Las Palmas the best holiday destination for you?
Las Palmas offers the best mix of authenticity, big-city vibes, culture, and beach, and is therefore very popular with couples. Especially older couples like the many restaurants, Playa de las Canteras beach and long beach promenade. Also, singles might like this place for coworking and surfing. Low prices compared to other, more well-known holiday destinations on the islands are also a excellent selling point for many.
If you are looking for a more typical holiday destination or travelling as a family, Las Palmas is not ideal.
If you’re not sure if Las Palmas is the best holiday destination for you in Gran Canaria, have a look at where to stay in Gran Canaria.
