Discover Las Palmas, the Capital of Gran Canaria
Las Palmas, the bustling capital of Gran Canaria, is also the name of the province of the same name. This fascinating city was founded in 1478 after a battle with the Guanches, the original inhabitants of the island. In 1492 Christopher Columbus made a stopover here on his way to America, which is commemorated today in the Columbus House. Las Palmas is a city you should definitely not miss during your visit to Gran Canaria.
Historic Victory over Las Palmas
Juan Rejón conquered and founded the city in 1478, without knowing that Las Palmas would come to play such an important role in Gran Canaria. The city was established on the slopes of the Barranco de Guiniguada ravine. The conquest of the Canary Islands was ordered by the Catholic rulers of Spain. The Spanish conquistadors landed on Las Isletas, which is still part of the city. In 1599, Las Palmas was largely destroyed by the Dutch led by Pieter van der Does. Although they failed to reconquer the city, their presence left a bronze bell in the beautiful St. Anne’s Cathedral.
Modern City with Versatility
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is located in the northeast of the island, near the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to its strategic location, the city has an important port and several beaches such as Playa de las Canteras and Playa de las Alcaravaneras. Although the climate here is slightly more humid and cloudy than in the south of the island, Las Palmas is still an attractive destination for an urban trip.
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One of the main shopping streets is Mesa y López, a wide and long boulevard where shopping becomes an experience.
Nightlife in Las Palmas
Of course, I can also recommend an evening in this prosperous capital. As in any major city, Las Palmas has nightlife day and night. Bars, restaurants, museums, nightclubs and casino.
Nightlife in Las Palmas is lively and varied. The Gran Casino Las Palmas, located at Calle Simón Bolívar 3, is the perfect place to start the night. The casino, open from 12pm to 4am, also has a bar and restaurant for a romantic dinner.
After the casino, enjoy the wide range of trendy bars and nightclubs. Visit Neón Dancing S.L., a 30 year old discotheque that offers special nights and live DJs. For a nostalgic night out, we highly recommend Discoteca Los 40 Y Que, where music from the 70s, 80s and 90s is the star.
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For a more cultural evening, visit the Auditorio/Teatro Alfredo Kraus, where classical music, ballet and theatre are performed. Here you can also enjoy international and Canarian dishes in the accompanying restaurant. Another unique venue is Café Central, at Numanciastraat 85. This café offers a combination of food, music and exhibitions, with a special focus on Canarian cuisine and art.
Painting and photography exhibitions by various artists are organized periodically. In the small but authentic and cozy restaurant you can taste the delicious cuisine of Café Central. In particular, the Canarian specialties are very well prepared. Of course, the menu also includes numerous snacks and tapas.
Going out in Las Palmas is an experience in itself, you can’t do it in a day or a night. A stay of several days is definitely recommended to discover everything in this beautiful capital of the Canary Islands.
Practical Travel Information
Las Palmas is a modern city that continues to grow every day. The city can be accessed by boat through two main ports, which provide connections between the different Canary Islands. There is also a weekly ferry service between Cádiz and Las Palmas. During the winter season, the Las Palmas marinas are popular with snow lovers, thanks to the mild climate and many hours of sunshine.
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You will be able to periodically visit the majestic cruise ships that dock in the port of Las Palmas. Starting in October, the marinas of Las Palmas are completely reserved for pleasure yachts. Due to the moderate temperatures and the number of hours of sunshine in winter, the Canary Islands are a popular destination for people who come to spend the winter.
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Most tourists arrive by plane at the airport of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is a busy hub for international flights. For a day trip to Las Palmas, you can use public transport. The bus company Global offers several services to the city. Once in Las Palmas, you can transfer to a Guaguas Municipales city bus or take an affordable taxi.
Your Experiences
Have you visited Las Palmas? Please share your experiences, comments and suggestions to improve this page. Send your comments to verschueren.eddy@gmail.com. Don’t forget to read also the other in-depth pages about Las Palmas.