Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Travel Guide
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria which includes heritage architecture and night scenes
The largest city of the Canary Islands appeals with its beaches, history and carnival. Enjoy beautiful scenery, historic tours, watersports and colourful pageants.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria lies on the northern coast of Gran Canaria and is the island’s capital. The town is known for its beaches, historic buildings and annual carnival. Come for history, culture, watersports and one of the most famous street parties in Spain.

Start your visit with historic insights. Wander along the cobblestone streets of the old town of Vegueta, where the city was settled by the Spanish in 1478. At the twin-towered Cathedral of Santa Ana, take the elevator up the south tower to enjoy views across the city and over the Atlantic Ocean. Visit Columbus House Museum, where it is claimed the explorer Christopher Columbus stayed while his ship was being repaired. Feed pigeons in the historic Plaza de Santa Ana.

If shopping is on the agenda, head for Calle Mayor de Triana. Stroll through upmarket boutiques, shops and kiosks selling locally made goods. Dine at cafés and restaurants along this extended pedestrianized boulevard.

Relax on one of the beaches. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is located between two bays and has miles of sandy coastline. Swim safely at the main beach, Playa de las Canteras, which is sheltered by a large reef. Splash around, rent a kayak or just laze on the sand. In the evening, join locals for a sunset walk along the promenade.

Enjoy the party during February’s carnival celebration. The massive open-air festival dates back to the late 15th century. Dance in the streets as exuberant parades pass by featuring a colourful mix of floats, costumed revellers, musicians and dancers. Watch beauty pageants to elect the Carnival Queen and Drag Queen. 

Reach Las Palmas de Gran Canaria by air or sea and get around by bus, taxi or rental car.  Venture outside the city to enjoy the rest of the island. Hike in the mountains and go to the ancient cave paintings at Cueva Pintada, about 16 miles (26 kilometres) from Las Palmas.

Where to stay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Cathedral of Santa Ana featuring religious elements, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Vegueta

Historical sites, shopping and restaurants are some highlights of Vegueta. Make a stop by Cathedral of Santa Ana or Santa Ana Plaza while you're exploring.

Vegueta
Default Image

Triana

Triana is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Calle Triana and San Telmo Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Triana
AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas
AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas
4 out of 5
Avenida Alcalde J Ramirez Bethencourt 8, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The price is RM347 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
RM347
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Las Canteras ...
8/10 Very Good! (465 reviews)
Ideal location
"Good quality hotel and the staff were friendly and efficient. It's easy to drive to and only ten minutes walk from the old town. Excellent breakfast buffet except, and this is the reason for my poor sustainability/ environmental rating, they have Nespresso machines that generate hundreds of waste ..."

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2024

AC Hotel Iberia Las Palmas
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
5 out of 5
Calle Leon Y Castillo, 227, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM989 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
RM989
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (365 reviews)
"It is a beautiful hotel. The room was lovely and the staff were excellent."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2024

Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
AC Hotel Gran Canaria by Marriott
AC Hotel Gran Canaria by Marriott
4 out of 5
Eduardo Benot, 3, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
The price is RM413 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
RM413
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (871 reviews)
"Everything was great except that there is no heating in the building, and it becomes drafty at night. But the staff offer extra blankets!"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

AC Hotel Gran Canaria by Marriott
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Miami Santa Catalina
Miami Santa Catalina
3 out of 5
Calle Parque Santa Catalina 12, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Enjoy free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and cable TV. Popular attractions Las Canteras Beach and Port ...
7/10 Good! (117 reviews)
"Very good location for buses to entire island. Lovely beach within walking distance. Safe but lively environment, good value for money and would go back again . Only downside is noise from local park into the early hours."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Miami Santa Catalina
Valentina Beach
Valentina Beach
3 out of 5
Calle Pascal, 1, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Enjoy free WiFi, a balcony, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Las Canteras Beach and Port ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (167 reviews)
Excellent stay
"Excellent location near Las Canteras beach and the city center. The place is very clean, comfortable, with very nice terrace with jacuzzi. For recommendation!"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2021

Valentina Beach
 TocToc Suites Olof Palme
TocToc Suites Olof Palme
4 out of 5
Olof Palme, 28, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and bicycle rentals on site. Popular attractions Las Canteras Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"This is a lovely apartment but the road is really noisy during the day and Night, not helped by a public carpark over the road. They do provide everything you need just a shame about the road noise,"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2023

TocToc Suites Olof Palme
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
57
" "5 - Excellent 63.333333333333336%
4 - Good
31
" "4 - Good 34.44444444444444%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 2.2222222222222223%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Mar 2020

I loved it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Feb 2020

Definitely visit the Old Town. Very quiet and peaceful but with beautiful buildings and good restaurants. Good to go to top of cathedral in the lift as superb views .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Feb 2020

Centre around cathedral a Unesco site. Open top bus route stops at hotel. Fabulous beach half hour walk from hotel or on bus route Some good restaurants within 5 minutes of hotel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Jan 2020

If you want sun, warmth, beach, food and drink, culture in the middle of winter you cannot go wrong. However choose your accommodation with care.

5/5 - Excellent

DL
24 Jan 2020

Definitely worth a visit - beautiful beach, great services, a cosmopolitan option versus the south resorts which are catering for tourists, Las Palmas felt far more authentic. Loved it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Jan 2020

It's just a wonderful city to walk around you can always find something interesting