Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The Capital That Makes Other Cities Look Boring
Located on the island’s lesser visited northern coast, Las Palmas is Gran Canaria’s original resort and the largest city in the Canary Islands. Las Palmas is basically what happens when you combine a proper Spanish city with one of Europe's best urban beaches, then add year-round sunshine and prices that won't require you to remortgage your house! This vibrant capital proves you can have culture, nightlife, fantastic food, brilliant shopping, and gorgeous beaches all in one place.
The Urban Beaches That Breaks All the Rules
Las Canteras - the cities main beach is absolutely incredible - a 3-kilometer stretch of golden sand right in the city center that's protected by a natural reef, creating perfect swimming conditions and waves that are brilliant for surfing. It's like someone took a contender for best urban beach and then made it even better by adding palm-lined promenades, excellent beach bars, and that infectious local atmosphere where families, surfers, and sun-worshippers all happily coexist.
Playa de las Alcaravaneras is also a popular pick with families owing to its calm waters, while those who prefer their beaches on the wilder side can head to the nearby secluded cove of El Confital.
Food & Drink
Much like the remainder of the island, typical Canarian cuisine can be found in Las Palmas, with a dash of international influence. The wide variety of restaurants available ranges from local and Spanish to Mediterranean and even Asian flavours! Expect tapas, delicious seafood and the Canaries’ signature wrinkly potatoes. And be sure to try the local “ron miel” liqueur, made with delicious Canarian rum and honey.
Culture That Doesn't Feel Like Homework
The historic Vegueta quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site and absolutely fascinating - think beautiful colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and the house where Christopher Columbus supposedly stayed (though half of Spain claims this, so take it with a pinch of salt!). The Cathedral is stunning, and the Casa de Colón museum is actually interesting rather than just educational (although, sadly, it doesn’t mean “The House of Colon museum” as Rob from accounts thought it did!)
Nightlife That Locals Actually Use
The nightlife here is fantastic because it's where the locals come to go out! The Triana district comes alive at weekends with traditional tapas bars, and cocktail venues that stay open until dawn. You'll practice your Spanish, learn about local culture, and probably have some of the most memorable nights of your holiday while spending half what you'd pay in tourist areas! Popular clubs include The Fortuni, The Paper Club and Bravia.
