About
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital and largest city of the Canary Islands, an archipelago in the Atlantic that belongs to Spain and lies off the coast of Africa. It is a busy port city and the cultural centre of the islands, so a visit here combines city life with the sea.
What to see
The historic Vegueta district is the heart of the old city, with its older streets and buildings reflecting the long history of the place. Walking through it is the most natural way to get a sense of the city's character and its role as the islands' main centre.
Las Canteras beach is the city's best-known stretch of sand. It runs along the urban seafront, so you can move easily between the beach, the promenade and the streets behind it.
What kind of visit it makes
- A city break built around old streets, cafés and the seafront.
- A beach stop at Las Canteras, reachable from the centre on foot.
- A port visit, given the city's importance as a major harbour.
- A cultural outing, as the islands' main centre for the arts and everyday cultural life.
Because the city is both a port and the capital, it works well as a base for exploring the wider archipelago as well as a destination in its own right. If you want a mix of history, sea and urban life in one place, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers all three.
