MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Las Palmas De Gran Canaria

Things to Do in Las Palmas De Gran Canaria

Las Palmas De Gran Canaria Gran Canaria, Canary Islands Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Gran Canaria's diverse landscape, from ocean to mountains, renders it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking & Trekking

Within Las Palmas

Enjoy easy, flat coastal walks along Playa de Las Canteras and the rugged paths of El Confital. These are suitable for all fitness levels and present stunning ocean views.

Roque Nublo Day Trip

This iconic rock formation has a moderate, 3 km return hike from the parking area. Views from the top are spectacular, covering much of the island and often Tenerife's Mount Teide.

Barranco de Azuaje Moya/Firgas

A lush ravine with a rare river, offering hikes that range from moderate to challenging. It differs from the island's drier landscapes.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Surfing/Bodyboarding: Playa de Las Canteras, specifically La Cicer, is a renowned surf spot. Surf schools present lessons and rent equipment.
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP): Calm waters behind "La Barra" are perfect for SUP. Rentals are widely available from kiosks along the promenade.
  • Snorkeling/Diving: Waters around "La Barra" present excellent visibility and diverse marine life, rendering them perfect for snorkeling. Dive centers present courses and guided dives.
  • Kayaking/Sailing: Kayaks are available for rent along Las Canteras. Excursions for sailing, catamaran cruises, or fishing trips start from Puerto de la Luz.

Adventure Sports

  • Canyoning: Descending canyons using techniques like abseiling, jumping, and sliding.
  • Rock Climbing: Opportunities are available in various parts of the island's interior.
  • Mountain Biking: Gran Canaria features an extensive network of trails for all levels.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Dolphin and Whale Watching: Boat tours start from Puerto de Mogán or Puerto Rico on the southern coast. Requires a day trip.
  • Poema del Mar Aquarium: Delivers close encounters with a vast array of marine species in impressive habitats.

Cycling

  • Urban Cycling: Las Palmas has a growing network of dedicated bike lanes. Sítycleta bike sharing is a practical option.
  • Road Cycling: Gran Canaria is a favored destination due to challenging climbs and scenic routes.
  • Mountain Biking: Extensive trails in the interior. Rent bikes in the city and transport them to trails.

Important Considerations for Outdoor Adventures

For activities like canyoning or rock climbing, ensure you book with certified guides and operators for safety. Always check weather conditions before embarking on hikes, especially in the mountains.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Las Palmas and Gran Canaria through various interactive experiences and performances.

Workshops and Classes

  • Canarian Cooking Classes: Become proficient in preparing traditional dishes. These often include market visits and tasting sessions.
  • Art Workshops: Some local galleries or cultural centers may present workshops in painting, ceramics, or other crafts. Check local listings.
  • Spanish Language Schools: Several schools in Las Palmas present short-term intensive Spanish language courses, learning basic phrases or improving fluency.

Cultural Performances

Pueblo Canario

This traditional Canarian village replica often holds free folk music and dance performances on Sunday mornings. It provides a colorful display of local traditions.

Teatro Pérez Galdós / Auditorio Alfredo Kraus

These major venues present a variety of performances, including classical music concerts, opera, ballet, and theater productions by national and international artists. Check their schedules.

Community Tourism

Some rural tourism initiatives in the island's interior try to connect visitors with local traditions and products, including visits to small farms or artisan workshops.

Language Learning

Numerous Spanish language schools serve travelers of all levels, offering immersive courses that blend classroom learning with cultural activities, delivering a deep dive into the local language.

Cultural Festivals

Carnival of Las Palmas (Feb/Mar) is famous. Fiestas de San Juan (June 24th) celebrates city founding day. Fiestas del Pino (Teror, Sept) is a major religious festival. Also, film festivals and world music festivals.

Relaxation & Wellness

Las Palmas has options for relaxation and rejuvenation, from city spas to natural coastal areas.

Spa and Wellness Centers

  • Many larger hotels, like Hotel Santa Catalina and Hotel Cristina, present spa facilities with treatments, pools, and relaxation areas.
  • Independent wellness centers throughout the city present a range of services, including massages, beauty treatments, and hydrotherapy circuits.

Natural Therapy Options

Natural Pools

No natural hot springs directly in Las Palmas. However, some natural pools ("charcos") formed by volcanic rock along the coast present saltwater bathing in a natural setting. El Confital has some at low tide.

Yoga & Meditation

Several yoga studios function in Las Palmas, some offering classes in English. For longer, more immersive retreats, look for options in quieter, rural parts of the island, which deliver a more serene environment.

Traditional Healing

Traditional healing practices are not a major feature of mainstream tourism in Las Palmas. You might find some holistic practitioners, but they are not widely advertised for tourists.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Day Passes

Several beach clubs or hotel pools along Las Canteras promenade present day passes for non-guests.

Amenities

These typically furnish loungers, umbrellas, food, and drinks.

Relaxation

Delivering a comfortable spot to relax by the water without staying at the hotel.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Las Palmas has a lively nightlife scene, serving various tastes, from laid-back bars to energetic nightclubs.

Live Music Venues

  • Vegueta: Several bars on Calle Mendizábal present live Spanish guitar, flamenco, or jazz nights, forming an intimate atmosphere.
  • Las Canteras: Bars along the promenade often include live music, including rock, pop, and cover bands, especially on weekends.
  • Teatro Pérez Galdós / Auditorio Alfredo Kraus: For more formal and larger concerts, including classical music, opera, and international acts.

Theater & Performance

Teatro Pérez Galdós

The main theater for plays, opera, and dance performances.

Sala Insular de Teatro SIT

A smaller venue frequently hosting contemporary theater, experimental performances, and local productions.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Nightclubs are mainly in the Mesa y López district (especially around "La Zona") and parts of Las Canteras (La Cicer end). These areas include a mix of clubs playing international hits, Spanish pop, and electronic music.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Vegueta's Calle Mendizábal is highly popular on Thursday nights for "Jueves de Pinchos," where many bars present special deals on tapas/pinchos and drinks, forming a lively street party. Las Canteras Promenade has numerous bars and cafes presenting a relaxed setting for drinks.

Late-Night Entertainment

Clubs generally open late, often staying open until 3 AM or 4 AM. Some bars, especially those in entertainment zones, may stay open even later, specifically on weekends. The city has a relaxed attitude towards late-night socializing.

Safety Tips for Nightlife

Stay Aware of Surroundings
  • Always be aware of your personal belongings in crowded areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
  • Keep bags secured and close to your body.
Transportation
  • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps for late-night travel.
  • Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas late at night.

Local Events Check

Check local listings or tourist information for special events, concerts, or festivals happening during your visit to enhance your nightlife experience.

Activity Planning Summary

Recommended Activities

  • Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, surfing, paddleboarding.
  • Cultural Immersion: Cooking classes, food tours, language schools, festivals.
  • Relaxation & Wellness: Spas, natural pools, beach clubs.
  • Entertainment & Nightlife: Live music, nightclubs, bar hopping.

Planning Your Days

  • Flexibility: Build some free time into your itinerary for spontaneous discoveries.
  • Balance: Mix active pursuits with relaxing breaks to avoid burnout.
  • Local Experiences: Seek out authentic local events or eateries for a genuine connection.
  • Advance Booking: For popular tours or high season, booking ahead is a good practice. GetYourGuide is a great option.