Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) / Spain

Gran Canaria (1560 km²) is the third largest island of the Canary Archipelago and a popular destination for a sunny holiday, offering much more than just beautiful beaches, of which there are approximately 150 – it also attracts with its beautiful nature and rich history. Thanks to different microclimates, you can experience almost all seasons in one day. The island is suitable for relaxing on the beaches, active sports, mountain hiking, and exploring the wild western coast. Its volcanic origin created the highest peak Pico de las Nieves (almost 2000 m), the crater Caldera de Tejeda, and a dramatic rugged coastline with underwater caves and volcanic beaches.

The main and largest city on the island of Gran Canaria is Las Palmas, with nearly 400,000 inhabitants, located in the northern part of the territory. Besides historical monuments in the old district of Vegueta, don't miss a walk along the famous shopping street Triana or the pleasant beaches located near Las Palmas, the most famous of which is Playa las Canteras.

What to taste in Las Palmas?

Here you will find a combination of Canarian and Spanish cuisine, often with fresh fish and seafood. Typical specialties include:

• Mojo – a traditional sauce made from oil, garlic, and many herbs added to various dishes,
• Potajes – a popular vegetable soup,
• Conejo en salmorejo – stewed rabbit meat with coriander sauce, 
• Bienmesabe – almond paste with honey served with ice cream,
• Rapaduras – a dessert made from sugar cane,
• Truchas de batata – pastries filled with sweet potatoes and candied fruit,
• Ron miel – Canarian honey rum, traditionally served as a digestif.

Why will you love Las Palmas?

Las Palmas enchants with a combination of pleasant subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene. Historical districts, such as Vegueta, offer a glimpse into the past with narrow streets and colonial buildings, while modern centers pulse with life, cafes, and shops.

Practical tips:

• Official language: Spanish, in tourist areas you can communicate in English and often also in German and French.
• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Opening hours: Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday, mostly from 10:00 to 13:00 and then again from 16:00 to 20:00. Supermarkets and large shopping centers are usually open without a break and often until 21:00 or 22:00, and some are open even on Sundays.
• Public transport: It is mainly based on a bus network. City buses (Guaguas Municipales) connect the center with beaches and key points of the city, tickets can be purchased from the driver. Intercity buses (Guaguas Global) connect the city with other parts of the island, including the airport and tourist areas. Cruise ships dock at the port about 3 – 4 km from the center, which can be easily reached by city buses, taxi in 10–15 minutes, or for fit tourists, even on foot along the waterfront.
• Weather: Las Palmas has a subtropical to desert climate, meaning warm and dry summers and mild, pleasant winters. The average annual temperature is around 21°C, with daily temperatures typically between approximately 19°C in January and around 27 – 28°C from August to September.

What to visit in Las Palmas:

• Triana – a lively district in Las Palmas with colonial and modern buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is an ideal place for walks, shopping, and experiencing the city atmosphere.
• Columbus House – where, according to tradition, Christopher Columbus stayed during his voyages to the New World. Today it is a museum that presents exhibitions on discovery voyages, the history of the Canary Islands, and colonial architecture.
• Vegueta – a historic district with narrow cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and significant landmarks. It includes Santa Ana Cathedral, Plaza de Santa Ana, and numerous museums, making it the center of the city's history and culture.
• Arucas – a town in the north of Gran Canaria, known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and rum production.
• Jardin Canario – the largest botanical garden in the Canary Islands, offering displays of local and exotic flora, picturesque paths, and peaceful corners ideal for relaxation and exploring the island's nature.
• Caldera Bandama – an impressive volcanic crater in the northeast of Gran Canaria, almost 200 m high and approximately 1 km wide. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the possibility of short hiking walks, and a unique view into the volcano's interior.

The most interesting from the history of Las Palmas:

The town founded in the 15th century has become a significant port and the main administrative center of the entire archipelago during its existence. The most important milestone in its history is the famous visit of the navigator Christopher Columbus, whose house, now serving as a museum, is one of the city's biggest attractions.

Useful information

• How to choose the right cruise?
• How to choose a cruise company?