Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Vegueta is the heart and soul of Las Palmas — and one of the best-preserved colonial centers in the entire Atlantic region. Founded on June 24, 1478 by the Castilian conqueror Juan Rejón, Vegueta was the starting point of the Spanish colonization of the Canary Islands and later an important stopover on the way to the New World. Christopher Columbus stopped here in 1492 before discovering America — his stay is documented in the Casa de Colón.

Casa de Colón (Columbus House)

The Casa de Colón is the most visited museum in the Canary Islands and an architectural gem. The magnificent colonial building with carved wooden balconies and planted courtyards houses exhibitions on Columbus' voyages, the history of the Canary Islands, and the connection between Europe, Africa, and America. Particularly fascinating: original models of the ships Santa María, Pinta, and Niña, and a replica of the captain's cabin. Admission: 4€, free on Sundays.

Cathedral of Santa Ana

The Catedral de Santa Ana (construction began in 1497) dominates the square of the same name and is the most important religious building in the Canary Islands. Its facade combines Gothic, Renaissance, and neoclassical elements — an architectural reflection of the centuries it took to build. Inside, the Gothic vaults and the diocesan museum's treasure impress. The climb to the tower (2€ extra) rewards with a panoramic view over Vegueta and the harbor. Museum admission: 3.50€.

Plaza de Santa Ana & Plaza del Espíritu Santo

The Plaza de Santa Ana with its eight bronze Canary dogs (the island's namesakes!) is the historical center of the city. Here stand the bishop's palace, the cathedral, and the old town hall. A few steps away lies the more intimate Plaza del Espíritu Santo — a cobbled square with dragon trees, fountains, and probably the most beautiful street café in the city. On Thursday evenings, Vegueta transforms into the "Vegueta Nights" market with live music, food stalls, and crafts.

CAAM — Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno

The CAAM in a restored colonial building is one of the most important museums for contemporary art in Spain, focusing on the connection between Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Changing exhibitions of international artists in spectacular spaces. Admission: free.

The Playa de Las Canteras is not just a city beach — it is one of the best city beaches in Europe and the heart of modern Las Palmas. The golden sandy beach stretches over 3.2 kilometers along the Istmo de Guanarteme, protected by a natural rock reef called La Barra, which runs parallel to the beach and tames the waves.

The Beach

Las Canteras can be divided into three sections:

• Playa Grande (South): The main section with the best sand, protected by La Barra. Calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Life pulses here: joggers, families, surfers, skaters on the promenade.
• La Cícer (Middle/North): The surfer section. Here, La Barra breaks, and the waves reach the beach unimpeded. Local surfers and bodyboarders share the waves with international surfers. Onshore: trendy cafés and surf shops.
• El Confital (North End): Untouched rocky beach at the far end, without tourist infrastructure. Wild, rugged, and popular with locals. Famous for the El Confital wave — one of the best surf waves in Europe, breaking only with a big swell.

The Promenade (Paseo de Las Canteras)

The beach promenade of Las Canteras is the social center of the city: 3.2 kilometers long, lined with restaurants, bars, ice cream parlors, and small shops. In the evenings, half of Las Palmas strolls along here — the Paseo (evening stroll) is a deeply rooted Spanish tradition. Sunsets at Las Canteras are among the most beautiful in the Canary Islands: the sun sets directly into the sea, and the sky turns all shades of orange.

Snorkeling at La Barra

The natural reef La Barra is an underrated snorkeling paradise right at the city beach. At low tide, the rocks protrude from the water; at high tide, you can snorkel over the reef and observe parrotfish, trumpetfish, moray eels, and occasionally angel sharks. Masks and snorkels are available at rental stations on the beach (from 5€/day). Best to snorkel in calm seas and at high tide.

Between the historic Vegueta and the modern Las Canteras stretch the lively districts that give Las Palmas its vibrant metropolitan character.

Triana — Shopping & Art Nouveau

Triana is the historic shopping street of Las Palmas — a car-free promenade stretching almost a kilometer through the district of the same name. The Calle Mayor de Triana (main street) is lined with Art Nouveau facades from the early 20th century, behind which are local boutiques, bookstores, cafés, and the obligatory Spanish fashion chains. Particularly noteworthy: the Casa Museo Pérez Galdós, the birthplace of the great Canarian novelist Benito Pérez Galdós (1843–1920), considered the "Spanish Dickens." Admission: 3€, free on Sundays.

Mercado de Vegueta

The Mercado de Vegueta (market hall) has been the culinary center of the city since 1854. Under the wrought-iron roof, you will find everything that defines Canarian cuisine: freshly caught fish (Vieja, Cherne, Sama), tropical fruits (papayas, mangos, avocados — all local!), Canarian cheese, Mojo sauces, and Gofio (roasted flour). On weekends, there is also an organic market on the forecourt. The market is the ideal place to buy souvenirs and experience the local food culture.

Puerto de la Luz & Santa Catalina

The Puerto de la Luz is one of the most important ports in the Atlantic — a commercial port, cruise terminal, and fishing port all in one. In the adjacent district Santa Catalina lies the Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología — an interactive science museum in a former harbor warehouse, particularly exciting for families with children (admission: 6€). The Plaza de Santa Catalina is the starting point for the Carnival of Las Palmas — one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in the world, rivaling that of Rio.

Carnival of Las Palmas

The Carnaval de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (February/March) is the largest festival in the Canary Islands and one of the most important carnivals in Europe. For three weeks, the city transforms into a frenzy of music, dance, and costumes. Highlights: the Drag Queen Gala (a spectacular costume competition that attracts worldwide attention), the Mogollón (mass street party), and the Entierro de la Sardina (the burial of the sardine to conclude). Hotels in Las Palmas are booked weeks in advance during the carnival!

In recent years, Las Palmas has experienced a gastronomic renaissance and is now one of the most exciting food cities in Spain. The mix of fresh Atlantic seafood, Canarian tradition, and international influences (especially Latin American and African) makes the cuisine unique.

Where to Eat?

• Vegueta: The old town offers upscale restaurants in a historic setting. The bodega bars around Plaza de Santa Ana serve excellent tapas and local wines.
• La Isleta: The former fishing district at the north end of Las Canteras has become a foodie hotspot: small restaurants with freshly caught fish, cevicherías, and creative fusion cuisine.
• Triana: Café culture during the day, upscale restaurants in the evening. The side streets of the pedestrian zone hold surprises.
• Mesa y López: The modern business district with good everyday restaurants and the Centro Comercial Las Arenas for shopping and food courts.

What to Eat?

• Vieja a la espalda: Parrotfish, grilled on the skin — the signature dish of Canarian cuisine. Best in the fishing port or in La Isleta.
• Ropa vieja: Stew of chickpeas, meat, and vegetables — Canarian comfort food at its best.
• Tapas: Las Palmas has a tapas scene that rivals Seville or San Sebastián. Tip: a tapas tour through Vegueta and Triana.
• Café with Barraquito: The typical Canarian coffee — espresso with condensed milk, frothed milk, Licor 43, and cinnamon in a layered glass. Addictive!

Nightlife

Las Palmas has the liveliest nightlife in the Canary Islands:

• La Isleta & Las Canteras: Bars and clubs along the beach promenade, especially on weekends.
• Vegueta: Wine bars and cocktail bars in a historic setting — stylish and relaxed.
• Mesa y López: Clubs and music bars for the younger crowd.

The nightlife starts late (typical for Spain): dinner from 9 PM, bars from 11 PM, clubs from 1 AM. On weekends, it goes until the early morning hours.

Las Palmas is one of the best surf cities in Europe — and that all year round. The combination of consistent waves, warm water (18–24°C), a cosmopolitan surfer community, and affordable living costs has made the city a mecca for surfers, digital nomads, and winter escapees from all over Europe.

Surf Spots

• La Cícer (Las Canteras): The main surf beach right in the city. Beach break with various peaks, good for beginners to advanced. The surf schools are concentrated here. Wave quality: best from October to April.
• El Confital: The famous right-hand wave at the north end of Las Canteras — one of the best waves in Europe, but only for experienced surfers. Breaks over a rock reef with a big swell (3m+). Best in winter.
• El Lloret: Reef break south of Las Canteras, for experienced surfers. Fast, hollow waves.

Surf Schools & Camps

Las Palmas has dozens of surf schools, most concentrated at the La Cícer section:

• Group lesson (2h): From 25–35€ including board and wetsuit.
• Surf camp (1 week): From 250–400€ including accommodation, daily sessions, and theory.
• Board rental: From 10–15€/day (softboard), 15–20€ (hardboard).
• Wetsuit: In winter (Dec–Mar) a 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended, in summer board shorts or a shorty are sufficient.

Other Beach Activities

• Stand-Up Paddling: On the calm water behind La Barra, ideal for beginners. Rental from 10€/hour.
• Snorkeling: La Barra offers surprising underwater life right at the city beach — parrotfish, trumpetfish, sea urchins, and with luck, angel sharks.
• Yoga on the Beach: Several studios offer morning yoga sessions on the beach — the perfect complement to surfing.
• Beach Volleyball: Fixed nets at the southern section of Las Canteras, freely accessible.