All About Las Palmas
Not only is Las Palmas the capital of Gran Canaria, but it is also the largest city on the island. With its origins going back to 1478, the town started as an essential mid-Atlantic stop for Spanish ships heading towards America. Having an 8km long coastline, the importance of Las Palmas grew tenfold with the construction of a port. It wasn’t long after the international tourist crowd first noted the island’s beauty that the city soon became the most desirable destination in the Canary Islands.
Mixing old-world charm with modernism, Las Palmas is chock-a-block full of hidden riches. From its beaches and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vegueta, the city’s old quarter, to its shopping and culinary establishments, Las Palmas promises a stimulating, fun-filled holiday that entices vacationers to return again and again.
Routes and Ferries to Las Palmas
When visiting the Canary Islands many people like to go island hopping. Assisting them in this endeavor are multiple ferries operated by Naviera Armas. You can get a ferry to Las Palmas from Tenerife, Arrecife, Puerto del Rosario, Morro Jable, and La Gomera using the Ferryscanner website.
Amongst all the ferry connections, the almost two-hour journey from Tenerife to Las Palmas is the most popular. There are 38 sailings per week on this route as opposed to the 11 from La Gomera. Ferry tickets to Las Palmas vary in price depending on your island of departure. A trip from Arrecife costs €33, whereas an adult has to pay €55 one way when traveling from Morro Jable. Similarly, the journey from Tenerife costs between €45 to €52, whereas you’ll end up paying €42 for a seat on the three-hour ferry from Puerto del Rosario.
Flights from across Europe land at Las Palmas Airport throughout the year, making it easier for travelers to reach the island even for a short holiday. The airport is 18km from the city. Taxis and buses for the town are available readily at the exit gates. A bus ticket to the San Telmo bus station in the center costs €2.30.
Port of Las Palmas
La Luz Port is the largest harbor in the archipelago, tackling every kind of vessel, from fishing boats and cruise ships to ro-ro ferries and yachts. While the port does handle inter-island boat traffic, it is a vital stopover for cross-Atlantic ships. Located on the northern tip of Gran Canaria and sheltered by breakwaters and the neighborhood of La Isleta, La Luz is famously known as the ‘Atlantic’s fueling station’.
The Port of Las Palmas is perpetually busy with activity, welcoming over 650,000 cruise passengers annually and having 1300 plus berthing stations in its marina. Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Las Palmas will find the ferry terminal to have all modern-day conveniences in addition to parking, car hire agencies, and transport facilities to the town.
Best Beaches
The 236km long coastline of Gran Canaria promises a range of beaches, satisfying the wants of casual as well as demanding sunseekers. While the more popular beaches of the island are in its southern region, Las Palmas has its fair share of sandy strips, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the Atlantic.
Playa de Las Canteras
The 3km stretch of sandy heaven is the life center of Las Palmas. You’ll find everything imaginable at this urban beach, from water sports, sand art, and boats for hire to snorkeling, shopping, and parasols for rent. No less than an amusement park, the laidback daytime atmosphere at Playa de Las Canteras morphs into a vibrant ambiance post sundown, thanks to the many bars and restaurants in the area. Although crowded, the beach is a must to people-watch, take in the ocean breeze, relish comfort snacks, and appreciate the good things in life.
Playa de Las Alcaravaneras
Located on the opposite side of Playa de Las Canteras, this is the city’s second urban beach. However, because of its proximity to the port, it remains crowd-free on weekdays. The number one choice among beach-going families, Alcaravaneras has shallow and calm water with the option of sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Children usually love waving at passengers sailing into town with ferry tickets to Las Palmas. Relatively quiet, it’s an idyllic spot next to the center to enjoy hours of sunbathing.
Playa de la Laja
Playa de la Laja is the first sandy beach that you encounter when driving out of the city. The 1.2km long stretch is relatively empty due to waves during high tide. However, there are now calm saltwater pools, Piscinas Naturales, on one side that add to its appeal among families. About 12-minutes from the city, Playa de la Laja has ample parking, lifeguards on duty, it allows going topless, and it is an excellent spot to try surfing.
San Cristóbal
When wanting to escape the crowds of Las Palmas, head to the 150-year-old village of San Cristóbal, a short drive from the center. Historically a fishing district, you’ll find colorful houses and rustic restaurants serving local cuisine near its harbor. Devoid of any tourist traffic, the main beach is a thin pebble shoreline ideal for walks and sunbathing. San Cristóbal’s second beach is a tiny sandy stretch near the port, better suited for swimming.
Playa de Maspalomas
It’s pretty much mandatory that you visit the gorgeously natural Playa de Maspalomas while holidaying in Gran Canaria. The beach on the island’s southern tip is a beautiful 45-minute drive along the eastern coast from Las Palmas. Famous for its rolling sand dunes, the beach’s desert-like shoreline is open to the ocean, making the water here slightly colder than elsewhere.
Additionally, the windy nature of the area has resulted in Maspalomas becoming a hotspot for surfers. Amenities aplenty, there are restaurants, shops, and sunbeds for rent. The beach also has a separate nudist section.
Places to Visit
One of the best things to do in Las Palmas is to meander around its neighborhoods aimlessly. Crammed with color and quirkiness, the streets are full of pleasant surprises. However, if it is structured sightseeing in Las Palmas you desire, plan on visiting the following must-see places.
Caldera de Bandama
A 2000-year-old volcanic crater, brimming with lush greenery, lies only 20 minutes away from the city. Well, 30 minutes if you take the Global public bus. Upon reaching Caldera de Bandama, you can either drive up to its highest peak, Pico de Bandama, to admire panoramic vistas. Or, take a 35-minute walking dirt trail down to the mouth of the crater. Two hundred meters deep, the bottom of the crater houses remains of a deserted farm and guarantees an adventurous expedition amidst nature.
Mercado Central
With its 120+ stalls spread over two floors, Mercado Central is primarily a fruit and vegetable market in the Avenida Jose Mesa y Lopez district. Housed in a bright red building, the market remains open Monday to Saturday but closes in the afternoon for siesta. As the city’s largest market, you’ll find a variety of products here, from cheese and meats to fish, sausages, and a chance to sit down and have coffee. On Sunday, though, head over to Mercado de Vegueta, a handicraft bazaar that dates back to 1865.
Casa de Colón
The house in which Christopher Columbus once stayed for a short period in 1492 is now a must-visit museum in Las Palmas. On display here are vintage maps, ship models, maritime artifacts, and a replica of Columbus’ diary. Moreover, the residence itself is an architectural feast for the eyes, having striking features be it the balconies, courtyards, doors, and ceilings. Casa de Colón is open every day and charges €4 per entry.
Deliciosa Marta
Deliciosa Marta is the best restaurant in Las Palmas to savor finger-licking Canarian delicacies. Located in the neighborhood of Triana, this fine-dining establishment typically requires a 2–3-month advance reservation. If feeling lucky, walk in without a booking, and you might get a table in case of a cancelation.
The eatery has a Bib Gourmand mention in the Michelin guide and is a passion project of a husband-and-wife team. The interiors are cozy and romantic. Moreover, the menu is seasonal and only one page long. Among the favorites at Deliciosa Marta are the steak tartar, suckling of pig, and gnocchi with truffles.
Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park
The painted caves of Gáldar on the northwest of the island, are an archaeological wonder not to miss when staying in Las Palmas. About 27km from the city, you can enter the caves only with a guided tour costing €6 per person. Featuring fragments of ancient settlements, the highlight of a visit is the fascinatingly colorful symbols drawn on the walls. Furthermore, the on-site museum displays meticulously excavated pre-Hispanic artifacts such as bones, coins, knives, and pottery.
Transportation Around Las Palmas
Guaguas Municipales manages the bus network of Las Palmas. This includes yellow buses for the city and blue ones that travel around the rest of the island. Tickets for the guaguas in the town are available from the driver for €1.40. Travelers can also buy a renewable 10-journey card at a lower price of €8.50. Buses run frequently and are the preferred mode of transport for tourists.
Taxis in Las Palmas also make for a convenient travel option. Metered and easy to find near tourist sites, they charge extra for luggage and night-time hire. With Gran Canaria having strict traffic rules, mountainous routes, and parking issues, avoid renting a car unless you are a true-blue driving enthusiast.
Map of Las Palmas
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