Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

City · Gran Canaria, 🇪🇸 Spain

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city in the Canary Islands. It has a colonial old quarter, a long city beach and a busy port. The city is warm in all seasons.

It suits a city break with beach time. Many visitors also use it as a base for the island's mountains and villages.

Printable tourist map

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When to visit

The weather is mild all year, so any season works. Summer is warmest, and winter is a popular escape from colder countries. A dusty haze called calima can arrive from the Sahara on some days.

The biggest event is the Carnival in February or March, one of the largest in Spain, with parades, music and costume contests.

Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Great

19° (feels like 17°) · extremes 13°–23°
15° at night
7 rainy days
13 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
19°C · cool for a dip
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in February

Great

20° (feels like 17°) · extremes 13°–23°
15° at night
7 rainy days
14 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
18°C · cool for a dip
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in March

Great

20° (feels like 18°) · extremes 13°–24°
16° at night
7 rainy days
18 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
18°C · cool for a dip
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in April

Great

21° (feels like 19°) · extremes 15°–25°
16° at night
6 rainy days
18 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Light breeze
19°C · cool for a dip
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in May

Great

22° (feels like 20°) · extremes 16°–26°
17° at night
4 rainy days
18 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Light breeze
19°C · cool for a dip
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in June

Great

24° (feels like 23°) · extremes 17°–27°
19° at night
3 rainy days
15 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Light breeze
21°C · cool for a dip
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in July

Great

25° (feels like 24°) · extremes 19°–29°
20° at night
4 rainy days
10 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Light breeze
21°C · cool for a dip
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in August

Great

26° · extremes 20°–30°
21° at night
2 rainy days
14 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Light breeze
22°C · cool for a dip
UV index 9 · very high

Typical weather in September

Great

26° · extremes 20°–28°
21° at night
3 rainy days
19 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Muggy, humid air
Light breeze
23°C · cool for a dip
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in October

Great

25° · extremes 18°–29°
20° at night
6 rainy days
17 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Humid air
Light breeze
23°C · cool for a dip
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in November

Great

23° (feels like 21°) · extremes 16°–26°
18° at night
7 rainy days
11 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Light breeze
22°C · cool for a dip
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in December

Great

21° (feels like 19°) · extremes 14°–23°
17° at night
7 rainy days
11 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Light breeze
20°C · cool for a dip
UV index 3 · moderate

Climate data: NASA POWER + Copernicus ERA5-Land and ERA5 · 1996–2025

Top sights

St. Ann CathedralThe oldest church on the island built in a mixed yet impressive style.

VeguetaHistoric founding district established in 1478, featuring a well-preserved medieval urban structure and colonial architecture. It serves as a cultural hub containing a cathedral and several museums.

Columbus HouseHistoric museum and cultural institution housed in a colonial-style architectural complex, including the former Governor's House. It focuses on the history of the Canary Islands and their relationship with the Americas through collections on cartography, art, and transoceanic voyages.

Las Canteras BeachBeautiful sandy beach running right along the centre of Las Palmas. It is protected by a natural reef, therefore the waves are mild.

Museo CanarioArchaeological museum and scientific institution specializing in the prehistory and history of the Canary Islands. The permanent collection focuses on the archipelago's indigenous population and features extensive archaeological and anthropological remains.

Castillo de La LuzThe name of the Castillo de la Luz means the Castle of Light. It was built in the 15th century to protect the city.

Calle Mayor de TrianaThe main shopping avenue in Gran Canaria where you can find the most exclusive shops. Showcase of the city with several architectural gems.

Vegueta is the old colonial quarter, with narrow streets, squares and colorful houses.
Catedral de Santa Ana is the cathedral of the Canary Islands, with a neoclassical front.
Columbus House is a museum in a historic house, about the early links between the Canaries and the Americas.
The Canarian Museum shows the island's pre-Hispanic culture.
Calle Mayor de Triana is a long pedestrian shopping street in the Triana district.
Playa de Las Canteras is a long city beach, sheltered by a natural reef. It is good for swimming and walking.
Castillo de la Luz is a fortress from the late 15th century at the port end of the peninsula.

Featured Lists

Alejandroclemente / CC BY-SA 3.0

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Essentials

This collection highlights the cultural and natural landmarks of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, from the 15th-century foundations of the Vegueta district to the modern coastline. It features architectural milestones like the St. Ann Cathedral and the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, alongside essential cultural hubs such as the Museo Canario and Casa de Colón. Natural highlights include the reef-protected Las Canteras Beach and the Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, Spain's largest botanical garden, which preserves the unique flora of the Macaronesian region.

12 places

Cesar Gonzalez / cc-by-sa-2.0

Editor's Choice

This selection highlights the architectural and cultural heritage of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Explore the historic Vegueta district, home to the 15th-century St. Ann Cathedral and the Casa de Colón, where Christopher Columbus stayed. The list includes defensive structures like the Castillo de la Luz and cultural hubs such as the Museo Canario and CAAM. Beyond history, discover the urban Playa de Las Canteras and the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Bandama Caldera, offering panoramic views of the island's northeast coast.

13 places

Joseignaciolp / CC BY-SA 4.0

Culture & Museums

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria preserves its history through a network of cultural sites spanning the Vegueta and Puerto districts. Key highlights include the 15th-century Castillo de la Luz, the city's oldest fortification, and the Casa de Colón, which documents Christopher Columbus’s voyages. Visitors can explore pre-Hispanic history at El Museo Canario, contemporary art at CAAM, and the legacy of local artists at the Nestor Museum. The city's performing arts are centered in the landmark Alfredo Kraus Auditorium and the historic Teatro Pérez Galdós.

12 places

Jvhertum / cc-by-sa-3.0

Churches & Monuments

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria houses a significant collection of religious and defensive architecture concentrated in the historic Vegueta and Triana districts. This selection features the 15th-century Catedral de Santa Ana, the remains of the 16th-century city walls, and the Ermita de San Antonio Abad, where Christopher Columbus reportedly prayed. The list also includes the birthplace of writer Benito Pérez Galdós and the Museo Canario, which preserves the island's pre-Hispanic archaeological heritage.

9 places

Tipar / CC0

Parks & Gardens

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers a diverse collection of green spaces, from the expansive Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, Spain’s largest botanical garden, to historic urban squares like Plaza de Santa Ana and Plaza de Cairasco. Visitors can explore rare Macaronesian flora in Doramas Park, enjoy panoramic harbor views from Mirador Cuatro Cañones, or experience the city's social hub at Parque Santa Catalina. These spaces showcase architectural landmarks, including the Catedral de Canarias and the Art Nouveau Gabinete Literario, alongside recreational areas and subtropical landscapes.

10 places

What to experience

Swim or surf at Las Canteras. Surf schools offer lessons all year.
Walk the long beach promenade at sunset, from the south end to the lighthouse area.

Tours & Activities

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — Map

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — Printable Tourist Map Open the interactive map

Day trips

Teror (about 20 km, 30 minutes by bus or car): a hill town with wooden balconies and a large church.
Agaete (about 35 km, 40 minutes by car): a coastal town with a small port and ferries to Tenerife.
Maspalomas dunes (about 50 km, 45 minutes by bus or car): a large area of sand dunes on the south coast.
Tejeda and Roque Nublo (about 50 km, 1 hour 15 minutes by car): mountain villages and a famous rock peak.

Where to explore

Other places on Gran Canaria:

Island: Gran Canaria has the full guide to the island.
West coast: Agaete.
South coast: San Bartolomé de Tirajana includes the big beach resorts.

Getting there

By air: Gran Canaria airport (LPA) is about 20 km south of the city. Buses and taxis take about 30 to 40 minutes.
By ferry and air: Ferries and short flights link Las Palmas with the other Canary Islands.
There is no train service.

Getting around

On foot: Vegueta and Triana are close together and easy to walk. Las Canteras beach is a short bus ride or a long walk from them.
Bus: City buses, called guaguas, cover the whole city.
Cycling: A flat promenade runs along the beach, and cycling is practical there.

Driving

Is a car worth it?: Not for the city. A car is useful for the mountains and the south of the island.
Parking: Parking in the center is hard. Use an underground car park.
Restrictions: Few. Some streets in Vegueta are pedestrian only.

Food & drink

Canarian food is simple and local. Papas arrugadas are small boiled potatoes served with red and green mojo sauces. Gofio is toasted grain flour used in many dishes. Fresh fish is common.

For local food, go to the Vegueta and Triana districts. Beach restaurants line the Las Canteras promenade.

Breakfast

Churros Churros con ChocolateFried dough sticks served with a thick, dark hot chocolate for dipping — a classic Spanish breakfast or late-night snack.

Lunch

Paella ValencianaA saffron-scented rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan. The traditional Valencian version uses chicken, rabbit, and green beans — best eaten at midday.

GazpachoA cold, blended soup of raw tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, originally from Andalusia. Served as a drink or a starter, especially in summer.

Dinner

Pulpo a la GallegaBoiled octopus sliced onto a wooden board and dressed with olive oil, coarse salt, and smoked paprika — a signature dish of Galicia.

Snacks & street food

Jamón IbéricoDry-cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs, sliced paper-thin and eaten on its own or with bread. The finest grade, jamón ibérico de bellota, is one of Spain's most prized products.

Tortilla EspañolaA thick potato and egg omelette, served warm or at room temperature, found in virtually every bar in Spain. Often eaten as a tapa or a quick meal.

Patatas BravasFried potato chunks served with a spicy tomato sauce or aioli — one of the most common tapas across the country.

PintxosSmall snacks anchored to slices of bread with a toothpick, the Basque Country's answer to tapas. Found in bar counters across San Sebastián and Bilbao, often with elaborate toppings.

CroquetasCrispy breaded cylinders with a creamy béchamel filling, typically made with jamón, bacalà (salt cod), or mushrooms.

Drinks

Rioja Wine Vino de RiojaSpain's best-known wine region produces full-bodied reds from Tempranillo grapes, aged in oak. The crianza, reserva, and gran reserva labels indicate increasing age and complexity.

Safety & health

Las Palmas is safe for visitors. Watch your bag in the port area and on the beach. The sun is strong all year, so use sun protection. On Las Canteras, swim inside the reef and follow the flags.

History

Spain founded the city in 1478 in the area now called Vegueta. Catedral de Santa Ana was begun around 1500.

Christopher Columbus stopped in the city on his voyages to the Americas, and Columbus House remembers this link. The port later grew into one of the busiest in the Atlantic.