Las Palmas
Las Palmas, the vibrant capital of Gran Canaria, is a city rich in history, culture, and maritime tradition. Founded in 1478, it quickly grew into one of the most important ports in the Atlantic, serving as a crucial stopover for explorers, merchants, and travelers on their routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its strategic location made it a key player in the Age of Exploration, facilitating trade in goods like sugar, wine, and spices. Over the centuries, Las Palmas has evolved into a bustling cosmopolitan city, blending its historic past with modern influences, all while maintaining a strong connection to the sea that continues to shape its identity.
💡Las Palmas: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Spain allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, including the US, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, for short stays (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement).
✈️ Closest Airport: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
💬 Language: Spanish is the official language. In Las Palmas, you’ll hear the Canarian Spanish dialect, which is warm and melodic. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate — generally more affordable than mainland Spain’s big cities like Madrid or Barcelona, especially for dining and accommodation.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Spain: US$4.30
💰 Currency: Euro (€) | 1 USD ≈ 0.90 EUR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: March to October — enjoy warm, sunny weather year-round, with mild winters and hot summers.
🚆 Transportation: buses and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Spain uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and public areas. Many places offer free WiFi, including some public squares and beaches.
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments. ATMs are easy to find across the city. However, carrying some cash is recommended for small vendors, markets, or tapas bars.
💸 Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. At restaurants, a 5–10% tip is common if service is good. In taxis, rounding up the fare is polite. Hotel staff may appreciate small tips for extra service.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Mlle. de Transbordadores, 2, 35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Getting around Las Palmas is easy, convenient, and a great way to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Las Palmas is fairly compact, especially the historic Vegueta district, the bustling shopping streets, and the popular beachfront area of Las Canteras — all easily explored on foot.
For longer trips around the city or to other parts of Gran Canaria, the public bus system (called “Guaguas”) is reliable, frequent, and affordable. The buses connect Las Palmas with the suburbs, the airport, and many popular spots across the island.
Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, offering a quick way to get around if you prefer convenience. Renting a car is also a popular option for visitors who want to explore beyond the city, such as the beautiful mountain villages or beaches further afield.
Tickets for buses can be purchased onboard or via contactless payment methods like debit/credit cards or mobile wallets. Multi-trip cards and day passes are available for great value if you plan to use public transport often.
✈️ Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is located about 18 km (11 miles) from Las Palmas city centre and offers convenient, affordable access via public transport. The Global bus line 60 runs regularly between the airport and the city centre, taking around 25–30 minutes.
Taxis are readily available at the airport and typically take about 20 minutes to reach Las Palmas, costing approximately €25–€35. Car rentals are also available at the airport for visitors planning to explore the island at their own pace.
🚇 Las Palmas Cruise Port is a major arrival point for ships visiting the Canary Islands, conveniently located near the city centre and the popular port area of Puerto de la Luz. The cruise terminal is within walking distance (about 10–15 minutes) of key attractions like the historic Vegueta district, the lively shopping streets, and Las Canteras Beach.
Public transport options are readily available nearby, including frequent buses (“Guaguas”) that connect the port with the city and surrounding neighborhoods. Taxis are also easy to find at the terminal, offering quick and convenient rides to hotels, the airport, or other destinations across Gran Canaria.
🚌 The City Sightseeing Las Palmas bus operates one bus route covering the most important sights around the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Las Palmas
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria enjoys one of the “best climates in the world,” according to climatologists
📸 Las Canteras Beach: One of the city’s most famous spots, this golden sandy beach stretches for kilometers along the coast. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering calm waters protected by a natural reef — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The lively promenade is lined with cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views.
📸 Vegueta Historic District: The charming old quarter of Las Palmas is a step back in time with its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and bustling plazas. Here, you can explore charming shops, traditional taverns, and vibrant street art, while soaking up the city’s rich history and culture. It’s also the heart of many local festivals and events.
📸 Casa de Colón: Located in a striking 15th-century building, this museum celebrates Christopher Columbus and his voyages, highlighting Las Palmas’ role as a key stopover on his journey to the Americas. The exhibits include maps, artifacts, and art that tell the story of exploration and discovery in the Atlantic.
📸 Santa Ana Cathedral: This impressive Gothic and Renaissance-style cathedral is one of the city’s architectural jewels. Inside, visitors can admire stunning altarpieces, beautiful stained glass, and the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to climb the towers for sweeping views over Vegueta and the surrounding city.
📸 Parque de Santa Catalina: The vibrant heart of Las Palmas’ social scene, this lively park hosts weekly markets, festivals like the famous Carnival, and open-air concerts. Surrounded by bars, cafés, and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to experience the city’s lively nightlife and meet locals.
📸 Elder Museum of Science and Technology: This interactive museum offers engaging exhibits for all ages, focusing on natural history, science, and technology with a special emphasis on the Canary Islands’ unique environment. It’s a great spot for families and curious minds, featuring planetarium shows and hands-on workshops.
📸 Auditorio Alfredo Kraus: Named after the famous Spanish tenor, this striking modern concert hall sits on the coast, blending contemporary design with spectacular ocean views. It hosts classical music performances, jazz concerts, and cultural festivals throughout the year, making it a cultural landmark in Las Palmas.
📸 Mercado de Vegueta: A bustling traditional market where you can sample fresh local produce, vibrant spices, and the finest Canarian cheeses and seafood. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, offering a true taste of island life and a chance to mingle with locals.
📸 Alfredo Kraus Park: A peaceful, green retreat near the sea, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. The park offers beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean and often features outdoor art installations and community events.
📸 Paseo de las Canteras: This scenic beachfront promenade stretches along Las Canteras Beach, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling while enjoying sea breezes and sunset views. It’s lined with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a vibrant spot both day and night.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Las Palmas’ food scene is a vibrant reflection of its rich cultural heritage, coastal location, and lively community spirit. As a historic port city bridging Europe, Africa, and the Americas, it has long welcomed a blend of flavors and culinary traditions. Today, Las Palmas offers an exciting mix of fresh seafood, traditional Canarian dishes, and international influences—from hearty stews and mojo sauces to global street food and contemporary fusion cuisine. Independent cafés, bustling markets, beachfront tapas bars, and modern restaurants thrive side by side, all fueled by a warm, friendly atmosphere that celebrates great food and social connection. For food lovers, Las Palmas promises a delicious and unforgettable culinary journey.
🍽️ Papas Arrugadas with Mojo: One of the most iconic Canarian dishes, these “wrinkled” small potatoes are boiled in salty water until their skins wrinkle. Served with vibrant red (mojo picón) or green (mojo verde) sauces made from garlic, peppers, and herbs, it’s a simple but addictive local favorite.
🍽️ Fresh Local Seafood: Thanks to its coastal location, Las Palmas boasts an abundance of fresh fish and seafood like grilled sardines, octopus, and sea bass. Enjoy these delights at beachfront restaurants or bustling fish markets, where catch-of-the-day dishes highlight the ocean’s flavors.
🍽️ Gofio: A traditional Canary Islands staple, gofio is toasted ground grain (often wheat or corn) used in many dishes—from thick porridges to sprinkled toppings on stews. It’s a humble but essential ingredient reflecting the island’s agricultural roots.
🍽️ Ropa Vieja: A hearty, comforting stew made from shredded meat (usually beef or chicken), chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetables. Its name means “old clothes,” referring to the dish’s use of leftover ingredients, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
🍽️ Bienmesabe: A sweet dessert made from ground almonds, honey, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon, often served with ice cream or pastries. Its rich, nutty flavor offers a delicious taste of Canarian tradition.
🍽️ Sancocho Canario: A traditional salted fish stew served with potatoes, sweet potatoes, and mojo sauce. This dish is deeply rooted in the island’s fishing heritage and is beloved for its robust flavors.
🍽️ Almogrote: A savory spread made from hard cheese, peppers, garlic, and olive oil, typically enjoyed on toasted bread. It’s a flavorful snack perfect for sharing and embodies the island’s love for bold, simple flavors.
🥤Barraquito: A beloved Canarian coffee specialty, barraquito is a layered drink combining espresso, condensed milk, frothed milk, a hint of Licor 43 (a sweet Spanish liqueur), and a dash of cinnamon and lemon zest. It’s a deliciously rich and aromatic treat, perfect for a mid-morning pick-me-up or an afternoon indulgence.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Green Trip Tuk-Tuk City Tours
🚕 Uber
🚲 Bike Sharing Service Moxsi