Las Palmas: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

Historical charm in the old town, bustling shopping streets, green oases, excellent maritime cuisine, and a warm climate year-round make Las Palmas on Gran Canaria a sought-after holiday destination. The beaches offer relaxed sunbathing and a variety of water sports. Comfortable accommodations line the long beach promenade with its restaurants, cafés, and bars.

Table of contents

Las Palmas - Must-see attractions
Las Palmas - Climate

Las Palmas - Must-see attractions

Las Canteras Beach

Bounded by La Isleta to the north and Santa Calina to the east, Playa de Las Canteras is one of Spain's most famous city beaches. At the southern end, the promenade leads to the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, the modern philharmonic of Las Palmas. Bathing enthusiasts especially enjoy the northern part of the Playa. In the middle, local organizers offer snorkeling and diving tours. At the southern beach, surfers gather. Cafés and restaurants cater to the culinary needs of beachgoers.

Roque Nublo

Located in the nature reserve Parque Rural del Nublo, the approximately 1,800-meter-high basalt rock is only a few kilometers away from the two highest peaks of Gran Canaria, Pico de las Nieves and Morro de la Agujereada. A roughly two-hour hiking trail through pine forest, meadows, and broom leads to the summit of Roque Nublo. From here, visitors are offered a spectacular panorama. In clear weather, the view extends to Pico de las Nieves.

Sea Poem Aquarium

Right at the harbor of Las Palmas and just a few steps from the city beach, Poema del Mar invites you to an underwater discovery journey. The marine diversity and maritime ecosystems are vividly presented in different thematic areas. The highlight is the huge saltwater tank, whose inhabitants like sharks, manta rays, and colorful schools of fish can be admired by visitors through a 6-meter-high wall. A gigantic glass cylinder that can be walked around brings guests closer to the biodiversity of a coral reef.

Vegueta

The pulse of the old town of Vegueta beats on the palm-lined Plaza Santa Ana with the 15th-century cathedral. Marvel at its rich, artistic furnishings. The magnificent Casa Cólon is said to have housed Columbus in 1492. Today, it is home to the Columbus Museum. Opposite the cathedral, the charming neoclassical building of the town hall catches the eye. On its south side stretches the Plaza del Espíritu Santo with the chapel of the same name and remarkable buildings from various stylistic periods. Delicious tapas can be found in the local district of Calle Pelota.

Columbus House

With its artful lattice balconies, ornate wooden ceilings, and spacious courtyards, the Columbus House represents many aspects of Canary Island architecture. Christopher Columbus is said to have resided here in 1492 when one of his ships was being repaired. Later, the Casa de Colón housed the first governors. Inside the building today is a museum about Columbus. In 13 rooms, the permanent exhibition presents, among other things, models of the Spanish explorer's fleet, including a replica of a ship's cabin. Sea charts, paintings, and artifacts vividly illustrate his voyages.

Viera & Clavijo Botanical Garden

The Swedish botanist Erik Ragnar Svensson opened the natural highlight in 1959 on an area with waterfalls and rock caves. Allow plenty of time and stroll through the extensive grounds with its approximately 500 plant species endemic to the Canary Islands. Many interesting themed gardens, such as the Garden of Cacti and Succulents with 200 species or the Macaronesian Ornamental Plant Garden, fascinate not only amateur botanists. Read the names of European botanists who have explored the fascinating plant world of the Canary Islands on the "Fountain of the Wise."

Las Palmas - Climate

Atlantic maritime climate shapes the weather of Las Palmas in the north of Gran Canaria. Summers are warm but not hot, and winters are exceptionally mild. The average temperatures do not vary much. In August, the warmest month, the thermometer shows an average of 25°C, and in January, a still pleasant 18°C. The summer months are low in precipitation, while in winter there are 5 to 6 rainy days per month. The best travel time is considered to be the largely dry months from May to September. Since the water of the Atlantic is warm between 18 and 23°C year-round, you can book your holiday apartment on Gran Canaria regardless of the season.