This article contains affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Disclosure for more. Thanks for your support!
Last updated on October 5th, 2024 at 01:05 pm
If you’re planning a trip to Gran Canaria and wondering what to do in Las Palmas, the island’s lively capital, you’ve come to the right place. Complete with the top things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the best travel tips, this guide is all you need to plan the perfect trip to the capital of the Canary Islands.
From taking long beachside walks to learning the history of the entire island to delving into the unique culture of this seaside city, the list of amazing things to do in Las Palmas seems endless. But there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. In this article, we’re showing you exactly what to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for a trip to remember.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones.
This means that if you click through them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
For more information, visit our Disclosure page.
Where is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The capital of the Province of Las Palmas, the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also the capital of Gran Canaria and all the Canary Islands, an archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco. Also called Las Palmas, this big city extends to the northeastern tip of the island and it’s the ninth largest city in Spain.
Best time to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
With average temperatures of 21-28°C (70-82°F), Gran Canaria attracts plenty of visitors during the low season in Spain, especially at Christmas. Overall, the Canary Islands’ tropical climate with year-round sunshine and little rain makes Gran Canaria an ideal destination throughout the whole year.
How many days in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
We recommend spending ten days on the island, so you can venture into the diverse countryside of Gran Canaria on a road trip. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the best base for your daily excursions around the island. Yet, make sure you spend between two and three of your total days on the island in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to explore the city and take in its relaxing vibes.
How to get to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas Airport is connected to mainland Spain and other European cities with plenty of domestic and international flights. Read our guide on how to book a flight for beginners and find the best deals for your flights to Gran Canaria.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is located a 20-minute drive from the airport. You can get to the city centre either by public transportation (bus Line 1) or just pick up your rental car right at the airport.
Where to stay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
As we found Las Palmas Old Town a bit far from Las Canteras beach, we recommend staying in a hotel near the beachfront like Sercotel Playa Canteras to fully enjoy the beach and the sun.
How to get around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a flat and walkable city. If you’re staying in Las Canteras, you can easily move around on foot. That said, you might need to hop on a bus or taxi to get to the Old Town (Vegueta and Triana) and vice versa.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Watch Our Las Palmas de Gran Canaria YouTube Video
What To Do in Las Palmas: Top 20 Things To Do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
1. Stroll Along Playa de Las Canteras
Las Palmas boasts four major urban beaches. Playa de Las Canteras, Playa del Confital, Playa de Las Alcaravaneras and La Laja Beach. Among them, the three-kilometre sandy beach of Las Canteras stands out the most as it’s the main attraction in Las Palmas.
The gorgeous coastline is the perfect place to get to the rhythm of the Canary Islands. You can do just that with a leisurely stroll from La Puntilla to the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium.
Along the way, some unattractive buildings that line the promenade might put you off at first sight. Most of them date back to the beginning of the 20th century when Playa de Las Canteras transformed into a popular winter resort. This urban landscape along the beach is a visual representation of the effects of mass tourism as opposed to sustainable tourism.
However, if you look past this architectural cacophony, you’ll quickly become fond of the surrounding beauty. The wide open sea spans forever, while the protective reef, La Barra, showcases an interior array of azure waters. You’ll wander by swaying palm trees, locals and fellow travellers bathing in the sun. In the distance, the rising mountains complete the image.
Soon, you’ll be tempted to stop and enjoy. So you should. There are sunbeds to hire, you can join in on some beach volleyball and admire the surfers making use of the break at La Cicer, the southern part of Las Canteras.
2. Take a Long Seaside Walk To El Confital
Connecting Playa de Las Cantera to El Confital is a promenade that further links the coastline, past numerous exotic viewpoints. The best of the lot occurs after dancing between the coast and the neighbourhood of Las Coloradas.
The trail heads up gradually until the world finally opens itself up. Here you’ll have one of the best views as you look down on the capital of the island of Gran Canaria, especially on clear days.
But it gets better. From your elevated spot, you can watch the surf come in from a vast distance and the horde of sunbathers revelling in the peace. It’s worth timing your hike to coincide with what promises to be a memorable sunset at what is considered one of the best surf beaches in Europe.
3. Get To Know Vegueta, The Old Town of Las Palmas
OK, so you’ve ticked off Las Palmas’ best beach and coastal walks. It’s now time to tackle the Old Quarter of Las Palmas, Vegueta. Wandering without a goal is the optimal way to experience this section of Las Palmas. Without an agenda, you can best discover the Old Town’s hidden secrets, stunning sandstone architecture and rich history.
Vegueta’s tightly packed narrow streets take you on a journey back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It was during this period that the discovery of the New World along with the Spice Trade made Gran Canaria a bustling stopover.
The highlights of the historic centre include Plaza de San Antonio Abad, the Catedral de Santa Ana, the Columbus House, the Museo Canario, the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno and the Vegueta Market. The latter is booming with fresh produce.
4. Visit Casa de Colón, Christopher Columbus’ House
On Columbus’ first voyage in search of this mysterious land mass, he would stop in Gran Canaria. In Las Palmas, he would live for over a month as he restocked and waited for favourable weather.
Today, you can explore this very home, Casa de Colon, and learn all about Columbus and his fateful journey. In the Old Town, this museum features an elegant facade and exterior fountain that paints a worthy picture. However, the real treasures lie within, including a replica of Christopher Columbus’ diary and old maps that helped explorers of all nationalities to navigate the globe.
5. Step Inside The Cathedral of Santa Ana
Featuring a conglomerate of different architectural styles, such as Neoclassical, Renaissance and Gothic, the Cathedral of Santa Ana is arguably the most beautiful structure in Las Palmas. At first, you’ll spot the Neoclassical facade that quickly contrasts with the Renaissance interior that dazzles with stained glass.
The moody, grey Cathedral marks the spiritual heart of the capital. This is partly because of its religious significance but also because it took some 350 years to complete. It gets more grandiose once you enter, with your ticket allowing you to explore the art museum with originals from Juan de Miranda.
To top it off, it’s a great idea to head to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views that include Plaza de Santa Ana, where eight renowned dog sculptures, famous to tourists, face the Cathedral.
6. Mingle With Locals in Triana
To get a local perspective, put on your walking shoes and explore the Triana neighbourhood. It’s one of Las Palmas’ most charming and historic neighbourhoods. The pedestrianised Calle Mayor de Triana guides you through a lively shopping district where great restaurants and bars – even some with live music – intermingle.
The alleys here are made colourful by the street art encapsulating Triana’s creative personality. This is further explored within the Perez Galdos House Museum and the Pérez Galdós Theater, found along the vibrant Cano Street.
For some great people-watching, head to either Cairasco or Lagunetas squares. The latter features an incredible mural of prominent women throughout history.
7. Shop At The Markets of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Architecture and museums showcase the city’s rich history. However, you can experience much of the local culture – and fantastic shopping opportunities – at the many markets in Las Palmas. The top three are El Mercado Central, El Mercado del Puerto and the aforementioned Mercado de Vegueta.
The Vegueta and Central markets specialise in fresh produce. These markets start early, with chefs and locals wandering the many stalls. This is a great spot to load up the picnic basket with delicious fruit and cheese or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
El Mercado del Puerto is a short walk from Las Canteras beach. It’s a good place for a quick lunch and to try local cuisine. It’s not bad in the evening either, for a drink or three, paired with tapas. Sometimes, there are live DJ sets, too.
8. Admire Castillo de La Luz
Built in the late 15th century, Castillo de La Luz was a vital fortress for almost 400 years. Located close to the Port of Las Palmas (Puerto de La Luz), the castle is open to the public. You can explore this ancient fortress and its surrounding grounds to understand the wartime history of Gran Canaria.
Guided tours will help you dive further into this experience. Now that the fortress is no longer used for its original purpose, it’s also undertaken an artistic twist. Castillo de La Luz dances between its past and its present as a centre for art and culture. It’s now also a fortress that celebrates the work of Martin Chirino, a famous Spanish sculptor.
9. Explore San Cristobal
Among the best places to visit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and around is San Cristobal, a neighbourhood with rugged yet fabulous vibes. The waterfront path takes you along the coast where deep blue seas crash in on one side and colourful old buildings stand proud on the other. Beyond the colourful waterfront, you can also explore Torreón de San Pedro Mártir, the Castle of San Cristobal.
10. Be Amazed By La Laja Natural Pools
Known for its sparkling black sands, La Laja is a beach just outside of Las Palmas. It’s often forgotten by travellers, making it a great spot to get away from the crowds. But swimming and boogie boarding aren’t the only ways to have fun here.
Exploring the La Laja Natural Pools is one of the best things to do in Las Palmas. It’s like a regular swimming pool, yet it’s fed by the refreshing waters of the Atlantic. The calm water makes it great for families with younger kids.
If you’re driving, you have to park the car on the opposite side of the highway and reach the natural pools on foot via a tunnel. It sounds – and looks – spooky, but it’s safe.
11. Try Papas Arrugadas Con Mojo
One of the best parts about travelling is trying the local cuisine. Nothing beats the real thing and no trip to Las Palmas is complete without sampling papas arrugadas con mojo.
It’s one of the most common local dishes. Papas arrugadas is a serving of boiled potatoes doused in a rich chilli pepper and garlic sauce, otherwise known as mojo rojo. You’ll find this dish all over and it makes for the perfect appetiser.
12. Enjoy The View From Mirador Altavista
One of the most impressive views you can attain in Las Palmas is Mirador Altavista. The best way to get there is to drive to the viewpoint’s small car park and bask in the scenery.
On one side, the rocky cliffs tumble towards the hauntingly beautiful Atlantic Ocean. On the other, the beautiful city of Las Palmas spreads into the distance. It’s a remarkable mix of the natural and the human and will surely create some of your favourite photos.
13. Wander Around The City Garden
The City Garden, also known as Ciudad Jardin, is a great place to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Contrary to what its name suggests, the City Garden isn’t a park but an entire neighbourhood composed of polished mansions that boast extensive gardens.
The towering palms and elegant gardens provide some shade and relief from the heat while also being very easy on the eye. Dotted with statues and fountains, the leafy Doramas Park is part of the neighbourhood.
However, just as eye-catching is the colonial architecture that envelopes the City Garden. In the late 1800s, this part of Las Palmas was developed by British residents, creating one of the city’s most upscale neighbourhoods. From the park, you’ll spot opulent townhouses along with the gorgeous Holy Trinity Church.
In the same neighbourhood, Pueblo Canario is often considered one of the best places to visit in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This is a complex that features buildings inspired by traditional Canarian architecture.
14. Relax At The Parks of Las Palmas
Las Palmas has several parks where you can take a pause and enjoy your surroundings. One of the most popular among them is Santa Catalina Park. Here, you’ll find a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere where locals gather under the trees and play dominoes until the nighttime calls them in.
Keep in mind that, when cruise ships stop in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the ambience isn’t as tranquil as the park is a mere ten-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Another great spot is San Telmo Park in Triana. Grab a coffee at the quirky, colourful Modernista de San Telmo, enjoy some sun and check out Iglesia San Telmo, one of the oldest churches in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
15. See The Sand Sculptures & Nativity Scene At Christmas
Las Palmas’ great year-round weather means it’s a nice place to visit during the holiday season. Forget the markets and the snow, you can instead discover the incredible Nativity Scene made of sand.
On the famous beach of Las Canteras, 200,000 travellers visit the stunning scene every year. It covers over 1000 square metres and can reach over five metres in height. A mix of water and 2000 tons of sand is required to make the scene, which also features several beautiful landscapes of the Canary Islands.
16. Go Snorkelling
There’s much more to Playa de las Canteras than just walking, sunbathing and swimming. Thanks to its protective barrier, created by volcanic activity, the beach has some of the best urban snorkelling in the world.
You can uncover a remarkable underwater world on a snorkelling tour. A professional instructor will guide you through the crystalline waters just off the coast. A menagerie of ocean life presents itself, showcasing amazing beauty over the course of 90 minutes.
17. Join an 8-Hour Gran Canaria Highlights Tour
Speaking of tours, you can see the best of the south of the island on this 8-hour adventure. This comprehensive day trip starts with a drive along the east coast where you’ll enjoy amazing views as the wind flows by. Soon you’ll reach an enormous, extinct volcano crater, the Caldera de Bandama.
Next up is a visit to the highest point on Gran Canaria, Pico de Las Nieves, where you’ll be able to spot Tenerife. Continue to the mountain village of San Bartolome, before exploring the memorable Maspalomas sand dunes.
18. Jump on The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
If you prefer to have more control over your sightseeing and if you’re wondering what to do in Las Palmas that’s super fun, then try this 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour. Using the classic red double-decker bus, you can make your own itinerary as you explore the best of Las Palmas.
There are ten stops in total, including some on this list of the best things to do in Las Palmas, such as Vegueta, Playa de Las Canteras and Santa Catalina Park.
19. Experience La Noche de Pinchos in Vegueta
What to do in Las Palmas if you’re a foodie – or just enjoy trying local food when you travel? You must experience La Noche de Pinchos in the Vegueta neighbourhood Every Thursday, the Pinchos Route takes you through Vegueta where hungry patrons bounce between tapas restaurants enjoying beer and pinchos.
Restaurants and even theatres have signed up to be a part of the route to showcase the best of local cuisine. Add on some great atmosphere and it promises to be one of your favourite nights in Las Palmas.
20. Drink an Ice-Cold Local Beer As You Dip Your Toes in The Sand
One of our favourite things to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is to sit back, reflect and enjoy the sunset. What better way to do this than by grabbing a beer from one of Las Canteras’ beachfront shacks and digging your toes in the golden sand?
We hope you enjoyed this article about what to do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and that we inspired you to spend a few days taking in the unparalleled ambience of one of Spain’s largest cities.
Before you go, read our other Spain articles:
The Ultimate 4-Day Barcelona Itinerary & Guide
The Best 3-Day Madrid Itinerary
Madrid Tips & The Best Madrid Travel Guide
What To Do in Palma de Mallorca Spain All Year Round + Travel Guide
What To Do in Nerja, One of Spain’s Sunniest Corners
WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria