The city of Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canaries and one of the largest in the entire Atlantic. The capital of the island of Gran Canaria is comfortably located in its northeastern section, in a picturesque location formed by two harbors with beautiful beaches. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is renowned for its rich cultural and historical significance. Many of its important monuments are located in the oldest part of the city - in Vegueta. This ancient quarter is included in the UNESCO Heritage List. There are equally significant places. No one will be bored in the city, because there are excellent clean beaches, ancient monuments, as well as many entertainment venues and restaurants.
Getting to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
There are no direct flights from Moscow to Gran Canaria yet. Therefore, the island can only be reached with transfers. S7 Airlines regularly operates flights from Moscow Domodedovo Airport to Tenerife. And from Tenerife to Gran Canaria tourists will be delivered by planes of the Binter Canarias company.
Another popular way to travel is by sea ferry, which departs from the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and goes to the port of Agaete in the northwestern part of Gran Canaria. A free bus will take you to Las Palmas from the port.
They can also get to Gran Canaria from Moscow with a transfer in Madrid. Planes fly to Gran Canaria with connections in Helsinki (from St. Petersburg), Frankfurt and other European cities.
Prices for travelers to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Guests of the city speak highly of the city’s hotels, because their rooms are distinguished by their comfort and coziness. Attentive staff will ensure that all hotel visitors are satisfied.
One of the most expensive hotels in the city, Hotel ReinaIsabel 4*, offers tourists comfortable rooms starting from 8,000 rubles per night. The hotel is located just 50 meters from the coast, and in the hotel itself you can visit a Turkish bath, a fitness center and several swimming pools.
Also quite popular among tourists is the SantaCatalina 5* hotel, located right in the city center. Each room has all the necessary amenities and offers magnificent views of the courtyard or garden.
Inexpensive options are HotelVerol 3* - from 2400 rubles per night, NHPlayaLasCanteras 3* - from 3000 rubles per night.
The capital of Gran Canaria has been considered one of the island's best shopping destinations for many years. Almost every corner of the city has souvenir shops, large shopping centers and markets. Triana is considered the most popular shopping center here; Cano Street and Hurtado Mendoza Square are also worth noting.
The markets in Las Palmas are filled with vegetables, meat, and seafood. The city sells high-quality jewelry, shoes, clothing, and antiques. At the old Vegeta Market you can visit any of the many bars and bakeries.
Cuisine and best restaurants of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The island will delight tourists with many bars and restaurants with delicious cuisine and affordable prices. Locals and travelers prefer the DeliciosaMarta restaurant, whose menu includes Canary Island dishes, seafood, and delicious desserts. There is entertainment every evening and the restaurant often hosts banquets.
Fans of Spanish tapas cuisine should head to the Allende restaurant, where they offer a large number of treats at reasonable prices. National cuisine is also presented in the LaPastaReal establishment. The restaurant is perfect for a family and quiet holiday.
Unusual Peruvian cuisine can be enjoyed at the SegundoMuelle restaurant. It is often visited by connoisseurs of seafood and exotic foods, because its chefs prepare the most incredible dishes. The Jacaba restaurant attracts vacationers with its Mediterranean delicacies at low prices. There is a children's menu for children, and a wine list is available for wine lovers.
The most interesting and beautiful places in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The main attraction of the city and the island itself is the Museum of the Canary Islands, housed in a remarkable historical building. The spacious halls of the museum store valuable archaeological finds, ancient photographs and books, and art objects. These places will leave impressions for a long time, just like the Pantheon in Tbilisi.
The Plaza de Santa Ana is recognized as the religious center of Las Palmas. Near the square you can see the 14th century Church of St. Anne. The building is made in the Gothic style; currently the church is decorated with a neoclassical facade. Another spectacular building near the square is the Bishop's Palace and the City Hall.
Tourists will also be interested in visiting the Columbus House Museum, which is part of the grandiose exhibition complex. A famous navigator stayed in this beautiful house in 1492. The museum's exhibition is dedicated to maritime topics: ship models, ship parts, navigational items and nautical charts.
Don't pass by the Canary Village. This open-air museum will tell visitors about the cultural life of local residents. You can get acquainted with contemporary art in the SAAM gallery, where guests can not only view beautiful masterpieces, but also purchase any of them. Interesting exhibits are presented at the Museum of Science and Technology. The PerezGaldos Theater is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the country.
You can see the picturesque nature of the island in Doramas Park, where dragon and laurel trees grow. Walking through the park, you can go to the Julio Navarro swimming pool, and also see the Santa Catalina Hotel, where the casino operates.
For a beach holiday, you should go to Las Canteras beach, which is considered the most beautiful in the Canaries. 4 kilometers of golden sand are separated from the surf by a reef.
You should also take warm clothes with you to Las Palmas. This applies to those who plan to walk around the city in the evening and go on excursions to different places on the island. In winter, you also need to take an umbrella with you, because at this time it can suddenly rain.
To visit prestigious casinos and restaurants, you should take care of wearing elegant clothes. After all, people who are unkempt or sporty are not allowed into respectable establishments in the city.
Strict dress codes also apply at religious sites. Hands and knees should not be exposed, and women should wear a headscarf.
When relaxing on the beach, it is advisable to have sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and dark glasses on hand. It is not recommended to be on the beach between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. When visiting natural attractions, tourists will need special remedies against insect bites.
Smoking is prohibited in the city in public places and where prohibiting signs are posted. Violators of the rules will face heavy fines. It is also worth remembering that tobacco products on the island are very expensive, so smoking tourists are better off buying them in advance.
The capital of the island of Gran Canaria - Las Palmas (full name - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) lies on the northern coast and is considered the center of nightlife.
The city was founded on June 24, 1478 under the name Real de las Palmas, and already in 1492 Columbus' ships anchored in its harbor. Now it is a bustling tourist center, filled with hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.
Sights of Las Palmas
In the heart of the city there are historical Vegeta quarter With Cathedral of Santa Ana(1497), Casa de Colon("House of Columbus", in reality the residence of the first governors of the island), Hermitage San Antonio-Abad(it was here that Columbus prayed before sailing to the shores of the New World), Museum of the Canary Islands(a good exhibition on archeology and pre-Hispanic culture of the islands), Museum of Science and Technology, as well as many old residential buildings with colorful facades and closed internal patios (local houses are especially proud of their characteristic carved balconies made of precious Canarian pine).
South of Las Canteras beach begins the Ciudad Jardín (“Garden City”) district, in which the Doramas Park, on whose territory the typical flora of the archipelago is planted, beautiful alleys with waterfalls and special lighting are laid out, a typical Canarian village is recreated with Museum of the artist Nestor de la Torre, there are numerous galleries, studios and shops.
Nearby are municipal swimming pool named after Julio Navarro And Hotel Santa Catalina with the casino of the same name.
Beaches in Las Palmas
The highlight of the city is the excellent beach located on the isthmus. Las Canteras(length 4 km with a width of almost 100 m), closed from the sea by a reef, and therefore completely safe for swimming. Nearby are two other famous beaches of the city - Las Arcaravaneras And San Cristobal.
The Santa Catalina Cruise Terminal in Las Palmas is the main port for ferries and cruise ships, so it is always busy. Located right in the city center, the cruise terminal can accommodate 2 large ships. 100 meters away is El Muelle, a very modern shopping center. Directly in front of the terminal there is a bus station from where regional buses depart. In addition, many taxis await passengers here. You can easily explore everything on foot.
After the small capitals of the other Canary Islands, Las Palmas with its 600 thousand population may seem like a real metropolis
How to get from Gran Canaria Airport to Las Palmas Cruise Port
You can get from the airport to the seaport by bus number 60. The stop is located at the exit from the airport, a little to the right of the exit. You need to go to the final stop, which is called Santa Catalina, the journey time is 45 minutes. The fare is 3 euros, which includes luggage. The suitcase will need to be placed in the luggage compartment. The bus runs from 6 am to 11 pm, every 45 minutes. You will find the exact schedule at the bus stop or in the airport building. The final stop is within walking distance from the port entrance. Please note that the stop is located underground.
What to see in Las Palmas on a cruise
In the heart of the Vegueta quarter is the Santa Ana Cathedral with its twin towers. This is the first architectural structure in the Canaries, which was built at the direction of the Catholic kings after the conquest of Gran Canaria in 1478. Construction began around 1500 and took almost 4 centuries, which made the intervention of several architects and artists inevitable. The result of this was the unification of three main architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical.
Another fun attraction is the “living” moving sculpture. You can watch it completely free of charge at the entrance to the Museum of Technology, which is only 150 meters from your mooring point.
The tourist office is located at Calle Leon y Castillo, 17.
Routes, excursions, transport in the port of Las Palmas
Buses with free entry and exit are waiting for you near the terminal. Since life here slows down between noon and 15:00 (siesta), this period is perhaps the best time to land.
Taxis are matte white cars with a red stripe on the front doors. Other identifying signs that will help you identify a taxi are the letters SP (which stands for Servicio Publico) and a green light on the roof or windshield (this indicates that the taxi is available).
A four-hour taxi tour costs around 100 euros. Drivers know all the charming places.
What to see around Las Palmas
In the northern part of the city (take a bus or taxi from Parque Santa Catalina, but you can also walk) is the 3 km sandy beach de la Canteras with many restaurants and a pleasant atmosphere.
The south of the island is a resort area, the road to which takes about 50 minutes. There are many good beaches, as well as high-rise hotels.
The best things to do in and around the port of Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
We selected these hotels based on our own experience and the experience of other cruise travelers. Determining factors when choosing: proximity to the cruise terminal of Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), the ability to quickly and easily get to the ship, as well as the airport or train station.
Good afternoon.
Capital of the island Las Palmas de Gran Canari I, with a population of just over 300,000 people.
The town is very cozy, colorful and has its own history. A city that you fall in love with the first time and for the rest of your life.
The city, like the island itself, is ideal for relaxation. Couples with children, groups of tourists, just couples in love will find something to do and what to visit!
1. This is of course beaches. There are different ones, for every taste and color and for every type of holiday! But my 2 favorite beaches are (in the city of Las Palmas) and in the south of the island.
This is the treasure of the island. The sandy shore is several kilometers long, a cozy, clean beach. Despite the fact that it is located in the city and the windows of houses and hotels overlook the beach, and a huge number of cafes, restaurants and bars are located on the alley in front of the beach, people who sit or eat or just walk, all this does not interfere in any way. While on the beach you enjoy the sea, sand and sun. If you want to eat and drink, please, everything is nearby, close at hand!
This beach also has one special feature. Nature itself has created a barrier of stones in the water, which turns the initial part of the sea into a natural pool and protects it from the tide. Locals call this chain of stones La Barra(Bar counter)! The water is always clean and calm, where many fish swim. And what I like about this beach is that it is different every day! The water changes color like a chameleon! An unforgettable sight
Anfi(Anfi Beach) , is the name of the beach, which is located in the south of the island. This is a typical tourist place where there is sea, relaxation, beach, hotels. This beach, but it is somehow unreal. It itself is small, semicircular, the sand is white, the water is turquoise. The beach is fenced and the water is clean and calm. You can sunbathe on sun loungers (but you have to pay), or you can sunbathe on the sand, spread a towel and enjoy!!! An unrealistically beautiful place!
2. City of Las Palmas. Which is very beautiful and has both old and new. There are high-rise buildings, but they don’t interfere, everything is in its place.
The city has a port that fits in very harmoniously and all these cranes, ships, liners do not spoil the landscape.
A must visit to the old town is Vegueta, on which the magnificent St. Anne's Cathedral is located.
A very beautiful place. In front of the cathedral there is a huge square with beautiful sculptures of dogs.
Also not far from the Cathedral is the Columbus Museum. I recommend visiting
And it’s just nice to just walk around. There are many unusual corners, houses with old balconies, huge wooden doors, fountains.
You should also take a walk around Triana, this is a street blocked for pedestrians, on which shops are located.
I can’t say that the city is green, but there are parks that are looked after and very beautiful. One of these parks El Parque Doramas. Well-groomed, green, fountains and huge fish swimming in the pond.
3. Food. You can talk a lot about Canarian food, but it’s better to try everything. As the Canarians themselves say, their food is not Spanish, but Canarian.
Very tasty fish, different, big and small, but all very tasty.
I really liked the green peppers, which were fried in oil and sprinkled with sea salt. They are not spicy, but very tasty.
Also in the Canaries they prepare a sauce called “mojo”, red and green they are served with potatoes
Avocados grow in the Canaries and every restaurant serves avocado salad... Mmmm
I fell in love with the island itself. This is such a mini world where there is a forest and a beach and mountains and dunes. If you are tired of the beach and the sun, go to the mountains, enjoy the forest and silence. I don’t have enough words or time to describe everything in detail. I’ll just show you the places that captivated me
* Forests that are somehow different, beautiful and mountains
* Artenara, a small village whose houses are built into the rocks. And in one rock there is a sculpture of the Virgin Mary who grants wishes
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria(Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) is the administrative center on the island of Gran Canaria, most often it is simply called Las Palmas.
City coat of arms
The city is located in the north-eastern part, in a place of unparalleled beauty, formed by two harbors with beautiful beaches - Playa de las Canteras and Playa de las Alcaravaneras.
The city was founded on June 24, 1478 by Juan Rejon and the troops of Castile after the victory over the Guanches (the indigenous population of the Canary Islands). In 1492, Christopher Columbus stopped in Las Palmas before his first voyage to America. On his way back to Spain he also stopped in the city. Today, a museum in the city's Vegeta quarter is named in his honor.
At the end of the 16th century, there were several attacks on the island by English corsairs. However, Las Palmas was not taken. The city also withstood the onslaught of the Dutch navigator Pierre van der Doyes. On June 28, 1599, a decisive battle took place between Dutch and Spanish troops, after which the Dutch were forced to once and for all forget about their claims to the Canary Islands. In honor of this victory, the Cathedral of the Canary Islands (Catedral de Canarias) was built, dedicated to St. Anne, the patroness of the city.
At the end of the 19th century, Sir Alfred Levy Jones founded the Gran Canaria Coal Company here, which marked the beginning of the city's prosperity. Ships traveling on the transatlantic route began to stop at the port. New neighborhoods sprang up around the city. In 1927, Las Palmas became the capital of the eastern province of the Canary Islands, which includes Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
Photo: wikimedia.org The main advantage of Las Palmas, thanks to which it has found popularity among tourists all over the world, is its wonderful mild climate, beautiful beaches, first-class hotels, modern entertainment venues, cultural monuments and museums with unique exhibitions, festivals, fashion brand stores and a variety of restaurants and bars - the totality This made this place an ideal resort town.
Thus, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria can be safely called one of the best Canarian resorts, which will appeal to both lovers of an idle beach holiday and fans of a rich entertainment and cultural program.
Climate and weather in Las Palmas
Las Palmas is recognized as the city with the most comfortable climatic conditions in the world. This conclusion was made by American scientists who examined six hundred resort towns around the globe. Such climatic conditions are explained by the geographical location of the island. In summer, winds from northern Europe bring fresh and cool air, and clouds coming from the mainland shield the island from the scorching rays of the sun, making the climate very mild. The average temperature in the winter months is 17 C, and in the summer - 25 C.
Weather in Las Palmas by months:
Beaches of Las Palmas
The attraction of the city is the Las Canteras beach located on the isthmus (4 km long and almost 100 m wide), closed from the sea by a reef, and therefore completely calm, clean and safe for swimming. Along Las Canteras there is a promenade with cafes and shops. At the northern end of the beach there is a place called Confital, where there is a constant wave, so you can surf here. The waves at Confital are considered to be some of the best in Europe, and qualifying competitions for the World Surfing Championships are held here every year. Nearby are two other famous beaches of the city - Playa Las Alcaravaneras and Playa de San Cristóbal.
In addition, Las Palmas has several interesting diving sites. This is the underwater cave La Catedral, 45 m long; the reef protecting Las Canteras beach (located at a depth of 8 m); and wrecks patrolled by schools of barracudas: Calais, Frigorifica, Arona and Tres Barcos, which can be explored from the inside.
Nature of Las Palmas
For hundreds of years, the Canary flora has been an object of interest for specialists around the world. In the Canary Archipelago there are a huge number of plants that have completely disappeared in other places. The urban environs are dominated by laurel forests. A wide variety of flowers also grow everywhere, including the Canary bell, which is one of the symbols of the archipelago. In addition, the legendary Dragon tree (dracaena), the height of which can reach 20 meters, has been preserved here.
Attractions
Almost all the main attractions of the city are located in the old part of the city in the Vegueta and Triana districts. It is in Vegueta that the famous Columbus House (Casa Colombo) is located - the former residence of the Governor of the island. In August 1492, Christopher Columbus stopped here for several days while one of his ships was being repaired during his voyage to the shores of the New World. Nowadays, the Museum of Great Geographical Discoveries is located here. In the same area is the Plaza de Santa Ana, the religious center of the city, where the eponymous Catedral de Santa Ana is located. South of Las Canteras beach begins the Ciudad Jardín (“Garden City”) area, in which the Doramas Park is located, on the territory of which the typical flora of the archipelago is planted, beautiful alleys with waterfalls and special lighting are laid out, a typical Canarian village is recreated with a museum of the artist Nestor de La Torre, there are numerous galleries, studios and shops.
A detailed article about the main attractions of Las Palmas can be found
Cathedral of Santa Ana in Las Palmas. Photo: Instagram @oleeksii Restaurants and cafes
The city has more than 300 establishments and restaurants to suit all tastes, where you can try almost any cuisine in the world. The reason is that it is one multicultural city that offers something interesting for everyone, regardless of taste or financial means. Establishments in the culinary traditions of the Guanches and continental Spain deserve special attention. The most popular traditional treat is papas arrugadas - jacket potatoes boiled in salt water. It is served both as a side dish for meat dishes and separately with spicy mojo sauce. Other seafood is no less popular. It is recommended to try them in the fishing village of San Cristobal, which is located in the south of the city. That's where the most
Shopping in Las Palmas
Shopping Center Las Arenas (C.C.Las Arenas) In addition to a wide choice of establishments, Las Palmas is also a great place for shopping. Entire streets with shops, large supermarkets and markets allow shopping lovers to purchase a lot of quality goods. Triana is considered the city's busiest shopping area; Calle Cano and Plaza de Hurtado Mendoza are full of colorful signs and invite guests to their fashion boutiques. No less popular are Avenida Mesa y López in the center of the capital and the Santa Catalina Park area. In addition to markets and commercial areas, the city has many large shopping centers, including shops, restaurants and entertainment areas. You can visit the El Corte Inglés mall with a large selection of household utensils and clothes, visit the La Ballena complex, famous for its sculptures of new wonders of the world, and do shopping in the 7 Palmas center, where, in addition to boutiques, there is a cinema, more than 10 restaurants and a hall for fitness.
Accommodation. Hotels and inns in Las Palmas
How to get to Las Palmas from Gran Canaria Airport?
You can get to Las Palmas from the airport by bus, which runs 24 hours a day. The stop is located near the exit from the international terminal. Once you leave the baggage collection area, you will need to go up to the floor above and follow the information signs. You can buy a ticket from the bus driver or purchase it in advance from the ticket machine, which is located at the same stop.
You can get to the capital by using bus number 60
or 91.
