A short history
Castile founded the city in 1478. Columbus stopped here in 1492. It became a key Atlantic port. Tourism boomed in the 1960s.
City beach, old quarter and dunes nearby
Las Palmas is the lively capital of Gran Canaria with Las Canteras beach and the old Vegueta quarter. Dunes, mountains and villages are across the island. The guide covers the whole island.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
Las Canteras is a city beach protected by a reef. It has a promenade.
Free.
Vegueta is the old town where the city was founded. It has colonial houses.
Free.
Casa de Colon is a museum about Columbus. It is in a palace.
Entry.
Maspalomas is a dune field by the sea in the south. It is protected.
Free.
Roque Nublo is a rock pinnacle in the mountains. It is a hike.
Free.
Santa Ana Cathedral is in Vegueta. Its tower has views.
Tower fee.
Puerto de Mogan is a fishing port with canals. It is in the south.
Free.
Poema del Mar is an aquarium. It is at the port.
Entry.
The Vegueta Market is a food market. It is local.
Free.
Bandama is a volcanic crater with a viewpoint. It is near the city.
Free.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Add the dunes and mountains.
Port and natural pools.
22 mi · Car about 40 minutes
Balconied town.
12 mi · Car about 30 minutes
Best: All year; best March to June and September to November. Mild climate.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
February or March
Drag queen gala and parades.
The US State Department rates Spain at Level 2 (increased caution) for terrorism and unrest; Las Palmas is safe.
Flat and walkable along the beach.
Guaguas buses cover the city and island.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first-timers
Beachfront.
Best for: history lovers
Old town.
Best for: families
Dunes and resorts.
| Main airport | Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), 12 mi from the center |
| To the center | Bus 60 takes about 30 minutes. |
| Around town | Use buses or a rental car. |
| Ride apps | Uber, Cabify, Bolt |
With mojo.
Chickpea and meat stew.
Almond dessert.
| Plugs | Type C and F, 230 V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping | Tipping is optional; round up or leave 5 to 10 percent for good service. |
| Payments | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. |
| Etiquette | Canarians are relaxed and friendly; greet with buenos dias. Lunch is late, around 2 pm, and cover up when leaving the beach. |
Castile founded the city in 1478. Columbus stopped here in 1492. It became a key Atlantic port. Tourism boomed in the 1960s.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.