Las Palmas, Canary Islands
Quick Facts
Language: SpanishCurrency: Euro
Area Codes: 928
Other Cities in this Region
Located on the circular island of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas is one of three distinct areas that exist in this region. Las Palmas is the capital, and is home to 370,000 inhabitants. It is a shipping port and a thriving, fast-paced business center. The south coast is completely different, with glorious white-sand beaches that stretch for miles. Next is the interior of the island, which is rural and fairly plain.
Las Palmas is the largest and most active city in all of the Canary Islands. A multicultural and diverse region, tourists, sailors, shoppers, and heavy traffic make it an incredibly bustling port city. The city is lined on one side with docks that house huge container ships. On the other side, four-and-a-half mile long Canteras Beach stretches down the shore. Las Palmas connects two waterfronts of the Gran Canaria Peninsula that stretches for six miles. The northern end of the peninsula is the portion that sees the most action. However, the southern end is where the majority of noteworthy and interesting sights are located. The Plaza Santa Ana is a great place to start your tour of Las Palmas. The bronze dog statues in the plaza are intriguing and have an interesting history. Ancient explorers found a rare breed of dog on the Grand Canaria Island, and they named the island after these dogs, not after the yellow songbird, as one might presume. This particular breed of mutt is named Canum in Latin, hence the name Canary. Years later, however, the aforementioned birds were, in fact, named after the island.
There is a surprising amount of fantastic nightlife and dining facilities on the island, mostly located in Las Palmas, and you will not be disappointed with the great selection of restaurants, discos, and hot night spots. The fabulous sights and nature areas on Las Palmas are complemented by the wide array of activities available once the sun sets.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Las Palmas (928/300-400), located at Calle Tomas Quevedo Ramirez
Las Palmas has a limited bus system that many locals and tourists take around the island. You can rent a car on the island of Las Palmas by contacting Hertz (928/579-577). If you'd like to take a taxi around the island, call 928/460-000
Local Interests
The Catedral Santa Ana is directly in line with the Plaza Santa Ana, and this spectacular edifice took over four centuries to build. Its architectural styles, therefore, span decade upon decade, evidenced by the neoclassical Roman columns of the cathedral that contrast greatly with the Gothic ceiling. The exterior was built in the 19th century, and as fascinating as it remains, it is now smog stained and slightly tarnished. Baroque figures are on display in the cathedral's museum, the Museo de Arte Sacro. It is arranged nicely and is an interesting historical site to visit. Of special note is the Valencian tile floor from the 16th-century. Located at Calle Obispo Codina 13, the Catedral Santa Ana (928/331-430) is a must for all visitors to the Gran Canaria Island.
The Casa Museo Colón, otherwise known as the Columbus Museum, is located in a palace where Christopher Columbus stayed while he stopped to repair the Pinta's rudder. Features of this incredibly interesting landmark include scale models of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, as well as copies of navigational maps of the day, and nautical instruments. The Casa Museo Colón (928/312-373) is located at C. Colón 1 in the middle of Las Palmas.
The Castillo de la Luz is a scenic fortress built in 1494. The site looms over the port district of Parque Santa Catalina and is quite fascinating. The fortress saw many battles in its time, which you can really sense when you walk inside.
Activities
Beaches
The eastern and southern coasts of Gran Canaria are home to the best beaches on the island. The premier attraction, from a beach standpoint, is Las Canteras in Las Palmas. Thanks to an artificial reef, the water is made safe for swimming. Without it, snorkeling and playing in the water would be virtually impossible because of the tides and general ocean conditions of the area. The next closest beach to Las Palmas is Playa de Tarajalillo
.Dining and Nightlife
Casa Montesdeoca is a romantic restaurant built in the 14th century. The hallways of this great establishment are labyrinths made of stone. The Montesdeoca family used these secret tunnels and hidden passageways to escape while being pursued during the Inquisition. Thankfully, you will be treated much better, and offered scrumptious fresh fish dinners and the most extensive wine list in greater Spain. Located on Montesdeoca 10, (922/333-466) Casa Montesdeoca is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Julio is located at La Naval 132 (928/460-139) and is a tiny, polished wood room that serves terrific shellfish and sea bass. Each day a different Canarian stew or soup is prepared.
The Orquestra Filarmónica de Gran Canaria is located on Paseo Príncipe de Asturias (928/472-570) and is one of the most established orchestras in Spain. Between the months of October and May, the orchestra is in town, and the music programs are magnificent. Be sure to call ahead and get tickets to see a show. The Gran Casino de Las Palmas on León y Castillo 227 (928/233-908) is the place for some late night gambling action.
Shopping
The shopping on Gran Canaria is the best in the Canary Islands. Las Arenas is located at Carretera Rincón (928/494-990) and is a state-of-the-art chrome and glass shopping facility. Boutiques and intriguing stores can be found throughout Las Arenas. Cinemas and restaurants are scattered in the mall, as well.