Welcome to Las Palmas
Nestled on the northeastern tip of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers an irresistible blend of sun-soaked beaches, colonial history and cosmopolitan energy. Drawing visitors from the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands year-round, this vibrant port city showcases centuries-old landmarks in its UNESCO-listed Vegueta district, a three-kilometre stretch of golden sand at Las Canteras Beach and a culinary scene that marries traditional Canarian flavours with avant-garde creativity.
Whether you’re seeking a winter escape from British grey skies or a Mediterranean-style summer by the Atlantic, Las Palmas delivers on every front.
Las Palmas enjoys a mild subtropical climate, averaging 22 °C even in winter—perfect for UK and Dutch visitors seeking sun year-round Gran Canaria. The official language is Spanish, though English and Dutch are widely spoken in tourist areas; learning a few basic phrases will always win smiles. Currency is the euro, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tap water is safe to drink, and the city is renowned for its cleanliness and low crime rates. Finally, remember to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect Las Palmas’s beautiful marine environment.
From sun-bathed beaches and historic quarters to world-class dining and lively festivals, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers an all-encompassing holiday tailored to the tastes of British and Dutch tourists alike. Whether you spend your days exploring colonial cathedrals or lounging with a cocktail by the sea, the “continent in miniature” promises memories that will call you back to its shores.
Getting There and Getting Around
Multiple airlines offer direct routes to Gran Canaria from London, Manchester and Amsterdam, with flight times averaging around 4 hours. British travellers should ensure their passport has at least three months’ validity beyond their departure date from the Schengen Zone (visas are not required for stays under 90 days), while Dutch visitors enjoy seamless entry as fellow EU citizens. Once you touch down at Gran Canaria Airport, located just 25 km south of the city, efficient bus services (known locally as “guaguas”), affordable taxis and tourist travel cards make exploring Las Palmas entirely stress-free.
Where to stay
Las Palmas caters to every taste and budget. Alongside beachside resorts on Las Canteras, boutique hotels in the historic Vegueta quarter such as Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana and Suites 1478 offer luxurious rooms in restored colonial buildings.If you crave late-night tapas and carnival vibes, choose an apartment in the lively Triana neighbourhood; for peace and panoramic views, the hills above the city centre contain charming guesthouses tucked into pine-dotted ravines. No matter where you rest, you’re never more than a short stroll from cafés, galleries and shops.
Food and drink in Las Palmas
Las Palmas’s gastronomy reflects its crossroads history. Savour papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with fiery mojo picón, paired with fresh Atlantic tuna or grilled octopus at seaside chiringuitos. For a contemporary twist, trendy tapas bars in Triana offer fusion plates highlighting local cheeses, cured meats and tropical fruits. Don’t miss the bustling Mercado de Vegueta, where stalls brim with artisan breads, regional wines and homemade desserts—a living showcase of the city’s cultural mosaic
Top Attractions
Las Palmas’s cultural heart lies in Vegueta, where cobblestone streets lead to the Casa de Colón (Columbus House), a 15th-century palacio now a museum celebrating the city’s role in transatlantic voyages, and the Museo Canario, which showcases pre-Hispanic artefacts TripadvisorCanarias Lovers: Tenerife + Gran Canaria. Don’t miss the imposing Santa Ana Cathedral, whose twin towers gaze over Plaza de Santa Ana, or the cutting-edge Poema del Mar aquarium with its vast ocean-themed exhibits. For panoramic vistas, climb the nearby Castillo de la Luz, originally built in the late 15th century to guard against maritime threats.
Beaches and outdoor activities
By day, Las Canteras Beach sparkles under the Atlantic sun, its protected bay ideal for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. Since 1989 the European Blue Flag has fluttered over its golden sands, lined with bars, ice-cream parlours and beachfront terraces Gran Canaria. For surfers, the La Cicer break lies just around the headland, while families will delight in the natural pools at La Laja. Beyond the coast, Gran Canaria’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve beckons hikers to lush ravines inland, and sailing, diving and fishing excursions depart daily from the city’s modern marina.
Culture and Events
Las Palmas pulses year-round with festivals and live entertainment. Carnival season in February and March transforms the city into a kaleidoscope of parades, music and masquerade balls—often touted as the Canary Islands’ grandest celebrations GetYourGuide. In May, island-wide events such as Maspalomas Pride by Freedom Gran Canaria offer vibrant LGBTQ+ gatherings and beach parties Gran Canaria. Film buffs can trace the legacy of John Huston’s 1954 epic Moby Dick, parts of which were shot on Las Canteras sands and in the Spanish-style interiors of Hotel Santa Catalina, still revered by cinephiles today