Your guide to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria highlights
Outdoor thrills
With around 300 sunny days a year in Gran Canaria, it’s almost always a great time to hike in Nublo Rural Park or scuba dive at El Cabron Beach. You can also kayak around secluded coves, or set sail on sunset dinner cruises. Even on budget trips to Gran Canaria, you’re never far from free activities like hiking a coastal trail and stopping for a swim at a gorgeous beach.
Beach resort towns
Gran Canaria’s resort-town beach hotels typically suit all kinds of travellers. Enjoy beach volleyball and water sports at Playa del Ingles, then stroll to bars and nightclubs near your hotel. Couples and families love Puerto de Mogan, with its glamorous marina and stylish restaurants surrounding a sheltered beach.
Village life
The best way to experience the island is to explore its historic villages with their whitewashed houses and stone churches. Munch on ‘almendrados’ (almond cookies) in Tejeda village, where mountains overlook quaint streets. Annual festivals often feature craft displays, traditional music and Canarian wrestling matches. Time your trip with the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival, held in January or February.
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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) and UTC+1 (WEST) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | May and November |
Find the best time to go to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Weather in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
March – May: Like most of the year, spring in Gran Canaria is comfortable and pleasant. Expect loads of sun and very little rain.
June – August: Summers are clear and dry, with plenty of that signature sunshine. August is the island’s hottest month. In general, the north is a bit cooler and cloudier than the south.
September – November: Beach season stretches into autumn, as the water stays swimmable until November.Bring a light jacket for the evenings.
December – February: Gran Canaria’s sunny, mostly dry winters are what draw European sun-seekers. February is the coolest month — temperatures drop as low as 16°C.
Events in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas International Film Festival (April to May): The island attracts Hollywood stars like Ed Harris, Susan Sarandon and Jeff Daniels to this annual celebration of independent cinema.
Fiestas del Carmen (July): Many towns and villages honour the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of sailors, with seaside processions and boat parades.
The Festiva del Surl (October): Performing arts troupes from Europe, Latin America and Africa showcase their latest works in this autumn festival.
World of Music, Arts & Dance (November): Parque Santa Catalina hosts this four-day festival of music, food, culture and artists from around the world, founded by the musician Peter Gabriel.
The best neighbourhoods in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Maspalomas
This neighbourhood is where to stay in Gran Canaria to be within steps of the island’s star attraction, the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve. This wonder of undulating golden sand has a palm grove and a wildlife-filled lagoon. Right next door, stroll along the restaurant and gift shop–lined promenade, or take a dip at Maspalomas Beach.
Good for: Beach, wildlife, restaurants
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The largest city in the Canaries, Las Palmas is the best area to stay in Gran Canaria to experience the island’s urban energy. Follow the old town’s cobbled streets to the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Casa de Colon mansion. The bars lining Avenida Maritima offer a party atmosphere. And relaxing with an ice cream on the golden sands of Las Canteras beach is always a good idea.
Good for: Museums, nightlife, historical landmarks
Puerto Rico
It’s all about the ocean views at this sun-drenched resort town on the southwest of the island. Many of the hotels are built on the rocky hills overlooking the water. Head down to the marina to watch boats, dolphins and resident whales. Take your pick of waterfront restaurants for a top-notch seafood dinner or sunset aperitivo.
Good for: Ocean views, whale watching, seafood dinner
Things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Family friendly things to do
Travelling with the family? Pack beach toys for a day on child-friendly beaches such as Las Canteras and Maspalomas. Zip down the slides at Aqualand Maspalomas, or book tickets online for discounts to Puerto de Mogan’s Submarine Adventure. Sioux City Park delivers the Wild West setting for little (and big) cowboys and cowgirls.
Shopping
Check out the Las Palmas hop-on hop-off bus tour for shopping in Gran Canaria’s capital. This will allow you to access lots of markets and shopping centres. Historic Calle Triana is the main pedestrianised avenue, with exclusive boutiques and souvenir shops. Most villages hold weekly markets highlighting speciality food and handicrafts. Don’t miss the town of Moya, known for its lemon-flavoured ‘bizcocho de Moya’ biscuits.
Take in the culture
Focus on the cobbled streets of Vegueta for traditional Canarian architecture and the best museums in Gran Canaria. The old town is home to colonial Casa de Colon, Museo Canario and the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art. With its planetarium and 3D cinema among the interactive exhibits, you’ll find something for all ages at the Elder Museum of Science and Technology.
Nightlife
Playa del Ingles is the hotspot for nightlife in Gran Canaria, especially at Yumbo Centrum’s neon-lit LGBTQ discos. Bar-hop between Las Canteras and the port in Las Palmas before clubbing around Triana. Puerto Rico’s main strip hosts plenty of themed pubs, along with the Europa Centre for family-friendly nightlife. Bear in mind that many clubs don’t get busy until after midnight.
Places to eat
Look for buttery ‘flor de Guia’ cheese and salt-crusted Canarian potatoes washed down with volcanic wines at restaurants in Gran Canaria. You’ll need reservations for seafood tapas at the renowned Restaurante La Marinera in Las Palmas and for avant-garde flavours at Michelin-starred Los Guayres in Puerto de Mogan. Or just snack on delicious grilled sardines at rustic beach bars.
Beaches
Resort towns feature some of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria, but it’s worth the effort to discover beaches without the crowds. Set out on a 2.5-hour hike from Tasartico to Gii Gii beach to swim with views of Teide volcano (or visit on a boat trip). Time a trip to Guayedra Beach at sunset for incredible lighting over dramatic cliffs.
Get ready for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Budget
From the postcard beaches to the rugged landscapes, the best things in the Canaries are free. This makes it easy to enjoy an inexpensive stay in Gran Canaria. You can usually find a cheap meal for around 11 euros (€). And for another €3, enjoy a morning cappuccino or evening beer. A short taxi ride will cost you about €7.
Day trips from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
For a taste of Europe’s only coffee plantation, head west to the Valley of Agaete. Or drive 20 minutes to Arucas, home to a striking neo-Gothic church and a historic rum distillery. Venture inland to Roque Nublo for a scenic hike, then reward yourself with an almond pastry in the charming village of Tejeda.
Getting around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Getting around Gran Canaria is easy. Most towns have hotels, beaches and restaurants within walking distance. Buses run across the island, with Global and Guaguas accepting bank cards, cash and travel cards. Taxis are easy to find, and you can hire shared bikes or e-scooters. Thinking of hiring a car? The roads are well marked and easy to navigate.
