Separated by the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland of Spain, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the electric mix of the traditional Spanish culture along with the modern traits. Even in the old quarter of the city, the fashionable vibes appear to be most prominent. This small port city is busy, yet it is excellent for a relaxing holiday. In the daytime, explore the beaches and the old quarter, whereas at night, you must hop on to the nightclub and bar to get a feel of the amazing nightlife. Planning a visit soon? Check out some hotels and vacation rentals if you’re not sure where to stay. Then read on to learn more about the best things to do in Las Palmas De Gran Canaria.
1. The five most hyped beaches of the city
The primary reason you are setting foot on the Canary Island is definitely the amazing beaches of the city. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a collection of five lively beaches which gives you the chance of sunbathing, swimming or surfing. All the five beaches, Playa de las Canteras, Playa de las Alcaravaneras, Playa de la Laja, Playa de la Puntilla, and Playa del Confital have their own reasons to be famous. The Playa de las Canteras can be ranked as one of the most popular urban beaches of the Spain. Similarly, if you like seclusion and don’t mind being through the wild nature, then the Playa del Confital is your place.
The Playa de las Canteras
Address: Avenida de Las Canteras, 35007 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Facebook page: The Playa de las Canteras
2. A trip through the Historic corner of the town to get a Spanish feel
The oldest corner of the city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is called Vegueta. In this district, the famous Plaza Santa Ana with the statue of the bronze dogs is the symbol of an old legend of the town. Apart from the statue, there are a few more historic buildings, which still present the old architecture of the town, like Casa Regental, Casas Consistoriales, and Catedral de Santa Ana. Along with the history, you are to find the small boutiques which are set to make you more fashionable than usual.
Vegueta Barrio
Address: Plaza de Santo Domingo, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Website: Official Website of Gran Canaria
3. Explore the museum and art galleries of Vegueta
Vegueta is not only the historic quarter of the town. It is also a place which has preserved the art and culture of the city. The art gallery named CAAM is located in a historic building, and it portrays the collections of most famous native sculptor Martín Chirino, along with the other sculptures like Lanzarote’s Cesar Manrique.
CAAM
Address: Calle los Balcones, 11, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Website: CAAM
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4. Hop into the local markets
The vibe of the original city can be felt firsthand in its local market. The Mercado Central is the biggest local market of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Hop into the Mercado Central on any day of the week at the Alcaravaneras district.
The San Lorenzo’s farmers’ market is a weekly market you can find every Sunday. Just beside the old district Vegueta, the Triana district is another old part of the town, which is converted into the main commercial part of the city. Triana is also the central shopping area of the town.
Mercado Central
Address: Calle Galicia, 24, 35006 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
5. Visit Casa de Cólon to discover the footsteps of Christopher Columbus
The Casa de Colón is another attraction of the island, where Christopher Columbus stayed when he had to remain at Cannery Island. The Casa de Colón museum showcases the things which had belonged to him during this time. Christopher Columbus had arrived in this island at the year 1492 and was forced to stay back as his crew members had sabotaged his ship for some unknown reason. The architecture of the Casa de Colón is impressive, with the large courtyard and stone doors.
Casa de Cólon
Address: Calle Colón, 1, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Facebook Page: Casa de Cólon
6. Visit the tropical parks of the town: Parque Doramas
Away from the crowded beach and the hustle bustle of the city, if you are craving for some greenery, head on to the Parque Doramas. Inside the park, you will find the wildlife in the water, two playgrounds, and a quiet little corner Rincón Oriental. Originally built as a zoo, this tropical park is one of the greenest parts of the city. On a Thursday afternoon or a Sunday morning, if you are chilling out at Rincón Oriental, you get to hear the native music tune from the Pueblo Canario, located next to the park.
Parque Doramas
Address: Calle León y Castillo, 227, 35005 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
7. Try the local food, especially the seafood
The foods of the Canary Island possesses different flavor than the traditional Spanish food, yet there is a connection that cannot be denied. Being an island, it has to have a collection of different kinds of seafood. The special native dishes are named bienmesabe, Papas con mojo, cherne, and ropa vieja. For authentic food in this city, you can try the restaurant Casa Montesdeoca, the favorite of King Juan Carlos.
Casa Montesdeoca
Address: Calle Montesdeoca, 10, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Website: Casa Montesdeoca
8. Skate, cycle, or simply walk in the Avenida Marítima before the sunset
The Avenida Marítima is a walkway beside the sea, where you can take a refreshing walk. If you need more exercise, take your bicycle or skateboard along with you. The best time to visit this place is definitely around sunset. Watch the amazing view of the sun coming down and disappearing into the Atlantic Ocean from Avenida Marítima. Feel the fresh ocean breeze on your face and gear up for a long night to party on Gran Canaria style.
Avenida Marítima
Address: Av. Marítima, 35580 Playa Blanca, Las Palmas, Spain
Website: Avenida Marítima
9. Lastly, don’t return without partying through the night
The Cannery Island is famous for its bursting nightlife. The urban beaches of the city possess countless bars and nightclubs to enjoy the nightlife. The place called Playa Del Ingles is the main party hub of the town.
Playa Del Ingles
Address: Playa del Inglés, 35100 Maspalomas, Las Palmas, Spain
Website: Playa Del Ingles - in Spanish)
10. Scuba diving under the water (from USD 93.0)
If you are determined not to return from Cannery Island without an underwater experience, try the scuba diving. The one-hour scuba diving experience gives you the chance of exploring the underwater world firsthand. Before your journey to the underwater world, you will be provided with an hour of scuba diving lessons. After that, holding the hand of your professional instructor, you can enter into the underwater world to swim with the fishes and to explore the corals.
Gran Canaria Puerto Rico Beginners Scuba Diving Experience
Duration: 2 hours
The blend of culture and a lively vibe
The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria gets another life after sundown. A fine blend of traditional and modern ways, you need to hop into the clubs as much as you need to discover Vegueta and the other places. In the middle of the Atlantic ocean, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of the last remaining European retreats, where the mix of culture and a lively vibe keep the visitors hooked for a long time.
History
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