Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
These places every visitor to Las Palmas should experience, delivering deep insights into the city's character and history. Vegueta, the historic heart, dates to 1478 and is an UNESCO World Heritage tentative site, reflecting centuries of development.
Santa Ana Cathedral dominates Vegueta's main square, its construction spanning centuries and showing a blend of architectural styles. Casa de Colón, a complex of historic houses, may have been visited by Christopher Columbus in 1492, exploring the Canary Islands' role in his voyages.
Avoid peak hours for a more serene experience at popular sites.
A small viewpoint near the Cathedral, presenting a different perspective of the Cathedral's facade and the surrounding historic area.
Offers views of the port and the rugged La Isleta peninsula. While an attraction, it also functions as a less crowded viewpoint.
The end of La Isleta peninsula provides stunning views of Las Canteras and the city skyline, especially at sunset.
Las Palmas delivers a range of museums and cultural institutions that serve various interests, from ancient history to contemporary art and interactive science.
Located in Vegueta, this museum focuses on the pre-Hispanic history and culture of the Canary Islands, especially the Guanches. Its highlights include an extensive collection of aboriginal artifacts, including ceramics, tools, and human remains.
An interactive museum in the Santa Catalina area, engaging for all ages. It includes a planetarium, a F-18 fighter jet simulator, and various hands-on exhibits covering physics, chemistry, and technology, rendering learning engaging.
The Atlantic Center of Modern Art is a contemporary art museum in Vegueta. It examines art from the Canary Islands, Africa, and Latin America, alongside international contemporary artists. Its exhibitions frequently challenge and provoke thought.
Dedicated to Gran Canarian Symbolist painter Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre. Situated within the beautiful Pueblo Canario complex in Parque Doramas. His works are often symbolic and inspired by Canarian landscapes and folklore.
Adjacent to Santa Ana Cathedral, this museum contains a collection of religious art and artifacts from the diocese, including sculptures, paintings, and vestments.
Beyond the major institutions, discover niche collections focusing on specific aspects of island life and history.
Numerous smaller galleries dot Vegueta and Triana, often showing local artists and their interpretations of Canarian life. Centro de Cultura Contemporánea San Martín delivers a blend of history and modern art.
Teatro Pérez Galdós, a grand opera house, and Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, an iconic concert hall, both host diverse programs of concerts, ballets, plays, and operas. Pueblo Canario often holds free folk dance and music performances.
To find out about current temporary exhibitions, concerts, and performances, check local listings.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's history appears throughout its urban fabric and beyond, offering a journey through time from aboriginal settlements to colonial strongholds.
The city and its surroundings hold important archaeological sites, well-preserved historical districts, significant religious structures, and monuments that recount its past.
Explore the pre-Hispanic past of Gran Canaria with these significant sites, offering insights into aboriginal life and ingenuity.
Wander through areas that reflect the city's growth and architectural evolution from colonial times to the early 20th century.
Visit the city's important places of worship, demonstrating architectural beauty and religious heritage.
Discover structures that played a role in the city's defense and development as an useful Atlantic trade hub.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, despite being a city, has surprising proximity to natural beauty, from urban green spaces to dramatic coastal features.
Parque Doramas is a beautiful, tranquil park. Jardín Canario (Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo) is Spain's largest botanical garden, focusing on endemic Canarian flora, presenting a distinct collection of plants.
El Confital Beach, a wilder beach, offers stunning views of Las Canteras and the city skyline. Mirador de Altavista presents panoramic vistas over Las Palmas. La Isleta offers rugged landscapes and dramatic cliffs.
Poema del Mar Aquarium, a modern, impressive aquarium near the port, contains a vast array of marine life and delivers close encounters with diverse species.
La Barra (Playa de Las Canteras) is the natural volcanic rock reef that shields Las Canteras beach. This geological formation forms the calm waters of the bay, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa de Las Canteras is the main urban beach, offering soft sand and protected swimming areas. El Confital Beach is a wilder, rocky beach suitable for surfing and relaxation, with natural pools appearing at low tide.
Parque de San Telmo is a small, central park with a historic kiosk and chapel. Parque Romano is a larger park with sports facilities, playgrounds, and green spaces, popular with locals for recreation.
While outside Las Palmas city limits, these natural wonders on Gran Canaria are easily accessible for day trips and offer different natural experiences.
Gran Canaria's interior holds stunning landscapes for hiking and experiencing nature's tranquility.
For more specific birdwatching, venture outside the city to natural reserves and protected areas.
Urban birds are common, but diverse species often appear in dedicated natural habitats.
Beyond the main attractions, Las Palmas contains lesser-known spots that present unique insights and experiences, favored by locals.
Faro de La Isleta (Lighthouse) delivers dramatic, wild coastal views. Barrio de San Juan / San Cristóbal are charming fishing villages offering a glimpse into traditional island life. El Rincón is a lesser-known section of Las Canteras popular with local surfers.
Calle Mendizábal (Vegueta) is known for its lively tapas bars, especially on Thursday evenings for "Jueves de Pinchos," offering an authentic social experience. Mercado del Puerto, a food market, its evening ambiance with diverse food stalls and lively bars is often overlooked by tourists.
Capture the sun setting over the natural reef (La Barra) at Las Canteras. Explore Vegueta's hidden patios for picturesque scenes. Photograph the iconic Auditorio Alfredo Kraus at dusk, set against the ocean backdrop.
The revitalized small towns in the north, like Moya and Firgas, gaining more attention for their rural charm, traditional architecture, and hiking opportunities.
Home to Europe's only coffee plantations. A tranquil valley for tasting local coffee and enjoying peaceful landscapes.
These areas offer a peaceful escape and a taste of authentic island life away from the larger resorts, with opportunities for rural tourism.
To maximize your sightseeing, prioritize attractions based on your interests and available time. Group nearby sites for efficient visits.
Consider exploring the lesser-known streets and local neighborhoods for an authentic view of daily life in Las Palmas.
For popular attractions or tours, consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
This avoids queues and secures your spot. GetYourGuide is an useful platform for activity bookings.
Beyond the main attractions, Las Palmas contains lesser-known spots that present unique insights and experiences, favored by locals.
Discover the less visited but equally captivating sites that offer a different perspective of the city and its surroundings.
Experience the city as locals do, finding spots for genuine social interaction and authentic flavors.
Capture memorable images at spots with distinct beauty and atmosphere.
The La Cicer end of Las Canteras beach also provides wide vistas for photography.
Many areas, especially Vegueta, involve extensive walking on cobblestone streets. Comfortable footwear is for enjoyment.
The Canarian sun can be strong. Always carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially when visiting outdoor attractions.
Carry a water bottle, notably during warmer months and when exploring on foot. Dehydration can occur quickly.