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Discover the best things to do in Las Palmas – Gran Canaria

Las Palmas is the most popular city of the Canary Islands, and with a population of over 300,000 people, it is the ninth largest city in Spain. Nearly 20 per cent of the Canary Islands’ inhabitants live in Las Palmas, and it’s also the largest city of the European Union that lies outside of a continent. Located about 150 kilometres off the northwest coast of Africa, Las Palmas enjoys a sub-tropical climate, and according to some scientists, the most perfect climate in the world.

La Palmas on Gran Canaria Photo: Ricardo SB on Flickr
Street cafes in La Palmas on Gran Canaria

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Founded as a city in 1478, Las Palmas was considered the only capital of the Canary Islands until the late seventeenth century and the birth of Santa Cruz. First named “Real de Las Palmas” by founder and head of Castilian forces Juan Rejon, Las Palmas has been a popular holiday destination for holiday-makers all over the world for hundreds of years.

Offering a variety of theatre, opera, concerts, cinema and dance, Las Palmas’ culture is something to be adored, and rarely missed by visiting tourists. Shore excursions to the island are also very popular, so visit Cheapflights.co.uk to find flights to Gran Canaria and experience Las Palmas first hand!

You may also enjoy: 12 fun and unexpected things to do in Tenerife

Sand dunes at Maspalomas in Gran Canaria Photo: Pedro Szekely on Flickr
Sand dunes at Maspalomas in Gran Canaria

South Western Delights

Setting off towards Playa del Ingles, you’ll be leaving the pier behind and arriving at the beautiful town of Maspalomas. The sand dunes, a local attraction and hot spot for celebrities, are admired throughout Las Palmas, and if you’ve brought a camera with you on your shore excursion, then this is the place to use it!

Moving on to Puerto del Mogan, you won’t find another town in Gran Canaria as picturesque. From its cobbled streets and traditional houses to the old harbour and fishing restaurants, you’ll certainly need an entire day to fit in all the culture this place has to offer.

Puerto del Mogan in Gran Canaria Photo: Anne Roberts on Flickr
Puerto del Mogan in Gran Canaria

Las Palmas and Bandama Crater

If you’re a lover of art, crafts and culture, then Las Palmas in Gran Canaria’s cosmopolitan capital. Your first point of call will be “Playa de las Canteras”, home to some of the most outstanding views in the Gran Canaria, as well as the best urban beach in Europe.

Once you’ve soaked in the sun, you’ll move on to Barrio Vegueta, the old Quarter of Las Palmas. This spectacular setting is a maze of old cobbled streets and historical stone squares, and why not call in at the museum of Christopher Columbus on your way through? Last but not least, you’ll end your shore excursion on one of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful and natural sights, the famous Caldera de Bandama. Not only is this an extinct volcanic crater situated in the heart of Gran Canaria, but it’s one of the very few inhabited craters left in the world!

Bandama Crater on Gran Canaria Photo: Erik on Flickr
Bandama Crater on Gran Canaria

Camel Trekking

Camels might not be associated with Gran Canaria, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any on this magical island! The sand dunes are camel territory, and this is where you’ll be spending the afternoon with your favourite furry mode of transport. Not only will you have a tour guide teaching you the history of the local land, but you’ll also be able to stop off at the promenade, where you’ll be served refreshments on the seafront.

Camel Trekking on Gran Canaria Photo: alobos Life on Flickr
Camel Trekking on Gran Canaria

Surfing

In Las Palmas, you will also find nine official surf spots for all skill levels, making it the perfect destination for anyone keen on riding the waves. If you’ve never tried it before but are looking to give it a shot, head over to La Cicer at Canteras Beach. You’ll find a surf school here, where you’ll get trained professionals ready to teach you how to master the tubes.

However, if you feel in control of a board and are ready for a challenge, you should instead head down to El Confital – it is renowned around the world as having some of the best waves on the planet!

Surfing on Gran Canaria Photo: Juan Ramon Rodriguez Sosa on Flickr
Surfing on Gran Canaria

Local Restaurants

What’s the best measure of the quality of a restaurant? Well, to us, it is whether or not the locals like to eat there. And they love La Oliva, which is famous for its fantastic Mediterranean food. Sitting beneath the palm trees on the sea front, it has a great atmosphere, even better views, and even better food. Some of the best calamares fritos on the island are served here.

Another popular one is Restaurante Bosmediano. An authentic, traditional fish restaurant, it specialises in massive dishes of seafood alongside Canarian dishes such as papas arrugadas. For a unique experience, try the fried moray eel!

Papas Arrugadas on Gran Canaria Photo: by espinr on Flickr
Papas Arrugadas on Gran Canaria

Photo credits: Sand Dunes by Pedro Szekely, Puerto Mogan by Anne Roberts, Las Palmas by Ricardo SB, Bandama Crater by Erik, Camel Trekking by alobos Life, Surfing by Juan Ramon Rodriguez Sosa, Papas Arrugadas by espinr

For more holidays in the Canaries

César Manrique and the volcanic island of Lanzarote

Many thanks* for this article to Cheapflights.co.uk, the UKs leading flight deals publisher.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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John

Monday 11th of November 2019

Hi Heather….the picture of street cafes in La Palmas is so captivating that I ended up staring at it at least for a minute. What a wonderful view it is!!! Furthermore the information on surfing and local restaurants is also extremely useful. I continue following your blogs. Thanks a lot.

Eldin van der Dussen

Friday 27th of October 2017

I really enjoyed my travel in this place. Thanks to Canary Islands Info for introducing me this kind of paradise. You can visit this link https://www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk to know more about the Canary Islands. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Lerroy Wick

Friday 11th of August 2017

I really love going out and do some nature tripping so when my friends had a vacation last year on cannary island I didn't waste any opportunity to try climbing Roque Nublo a "must visit" in Gran Canaria may not be that challenging to climb if you are an expert and into extreme sports but the scenery that you can see from this route is absoultely unique. Well I'm the only one in the gang who's on to nature but theirs a lot more to do on Gran Canaria hope this could also help https://www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk/gran-canaria/things-to-do/. And if you still have some extra time also try visiting Tamadaba national park( about nature again ).

Gran Canaria Excursions

Friday 2nd of June 2017

Hi,

your informative article about the great Las Palmas is useful for everyone for future use. thanks for sharing information.

Ben

Wednesday 19th of February 2014

Hoping I could start in Las Palmas on my schedule so that I could visit that place by the close of February. Thanks for the post

Heather Cowper

Wednesday 19th of February 2014

@Ben Hope you have fun if you get there