Mesa y López in Las Palmas

Discover the Mesa y López Shopping Paradise in Las Palmas

Mesa y López is undoubtedly the most famous shopping area in the capital of Gran Canaria. This area is very important economically, socially and culturally for Las Palmas. Residents and tourists alike will find everything they want here.

Mesa y López is the commercial area of ​​the capital Las Palmas
Mesa y López is the commercial area of ​​the capital Las Palmas

History of Mesa y López

The history of Mesa y López parallels the growth of Las Palmas in the 20th century. The original city centre gradually expanded towards Las Canteras and La Isleta, stimulated by the construction of the port of La Luz in 1883. This created new neighbourhoods such as Ciudad Jardín and Arenales.

Mesa y López has a rich history
Mesa y López has a rich history
The Church of Santa María del Pino in Las Palmas
The Church of Santa María del Pino in Las Palmas

In 1921 the Church of Santa María del Pino was built and in 1923 the brick factory of Eufemiano Fuentes Cabrera. The creation of the Naval Base in 1948 and the Real Club Náutico de Las Palmas in the 60s strengthened the area. The Insular Stadium opened its doors in 1944 and became an important center of urban activity.

The historic Central Market was built in 1958 and the Fataga Hotel in 1962. These developments contributed to the growth and prosperity of Mesa y López.

The Central Market is located in the commercial area of ​​Mesa and López. It is the largest of the four markets in the city, with an area of ​​6,036,031 m², distributed over two floors and a shopping gallery.

The Central Market invites us to enjoy delicious food, that special flavor and unforgettable moments shared with the family. The essence of this market is inside: the stalls, the people, the products, the variety, the quality, the freshness, the colors, the order and the love and care with which everyone who works there starts early every morning. . Read more below the photos.

Mercado Central is the largest covered market in Las Palmas.
Mercado Central is the largest covered market in Las Palmas.
Mesa y López shopping area in the city of Las Palmas
Mesa y López shopping area in the city of Las Palmas
Foto Zona Mesa y López
Mesa y López shopping area in the city of Las Palmas
Foto Zona Mesa y López
Mesa y López shopping area in the city of Las Palmas
Foto Zona Mesa y López

The Rise of Mesa y López Avenue

The construction of José Mesa y López Avenue began in the mid-20th century. This wide avenue with green areas quickly became an important traffic junction. In the 1970s, El Corte Inglés, one of the largest retail chains in Europe, opened, turning the area into an important shopping center.

Mesa y López Avenue in the Canary Islands city of Las Palmas
Mesa y López Avenue in the Canary Islands city of Las Palmas
Plaza de America in capital Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
Plaza de America in capital Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)

The Future of Mesa y López

The future of this shopping area looks bright. New urban centers around Plaza América and Guanarteme and the growing popularity of cycling and public transport will continue to change the atmosphere of the area. It remains an attraction for both locals and tourists.

Shopping in Mesa y López

The shopping area offers a wide range of shops, from big brands to cosy neighbourhood shops. The most famous shop is El Corte Inglés, which offers everything you could want. Other well-known shops include Zara, Guess, Marks & Spencer, and The Body Shop. For art lovers, there are Galeria Eduardo Santana and Bricola, which offer a wide range of art supplies and paintings.
Continue reading below the photos

Shopping is an experience on this shopping boulevard in Las Palmas
Shopping is an experience on this shopping boulevard in Las Palmas
Make shopping at Mesa y López an experience in Las Palmas
Make shopping at Mesa y López an experience in Las Palmas
Les mostramos algunos momentos de la exposición y entrega de los premios en  la XXVIII edición del Concurso de Pintura Rápida. que se realizó en la Zona Comercial Mesa y López. Here are some moments of the exhibition and prize-giving at the XXVIII edition of the Speed Painting Competition
Here are some moments of the exhibition and prize-giving at the XXVIII edition of the Speed Painting Competition
Foto Zona Mesa y López

Events and Recreation

Events are regularly held on José Mesa y López Avenue, such as sports competitions, artist presentations and children’s entertainment. Green areas and impressive trees provide shade on hot days, perfect for a relaxing day.

Food and Drink

This shopping area is full of restaurants, from cosy cafés in the Plaza de España to a restaurant on the top floor of El Corte Inglés. Here you can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink after a day’s shopping.

Enjoying a terrace in the Plaza de España in Las Palmas
Enjoying a terrace in the Plaza de España in Las Palmas

Accessibility and Parking

Mesa y López is easily accessible by public transport, taxis and rental cars. There are several underground car parks, such as Parking Arriaga and Parking Mesa y López. There are also several bus stops nearby, making it easy to get anywhere.

Parking in the port of Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
Parking in the port of Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
Park your car when you visit the city of Las Palmas
Park your car when you visit the city of Las Palmas

MetroGuagua: Innovative and Sustainable

The MetroGuagua project in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers more than just a high-quality bus line. This system combines flexibility, speed and sustainability, forming an extensive public transport network for the entire city. In addition, it ensures a first-rate urban transformation.

MetroGuagua in the city of Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
MetroGuagua in the city of Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)

What is MetroGuagua?

MetroGuagua uses the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, where buses circulate without catenaries or rails. This system offers accessibility, high quality and adaptability, in addition to having important environmental benefits.

Benefits of MetroGuagua

Advantages of MetroGuagua

  • Flexibility: buses follow different routes without tracks.
  • Speed: Fast connections via dedicated bus lanes.
  • Sustainability: Reduces CO2 emissions through ecológic technologies.
  • Accessibility: Suitable for all, including persons with reduced mobility.
  • Quality: Comfortable and reliable travel.

Urban Transformation

MetroGuagua is a catalyst for urban renewal, redesigning streets, expanding pedestrian zones and improving the urban environment, contributing to a higher quality of life in Las Palmas.

Future Vision of MetroGuagua
Future Vision of MetroGuagua

The MetroGuagua project places Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on the map as a city that invests in modern, sustainable and efficient mobility solutions. Whether you are a local or a visitor, MetroGuagua offers a comfortable and ecological way to explore the city.

Discover the versatility for yourself and experience why this shopping area is so popular. Whether you come for the history, the shops, or just to enjoy the atmosphere, Mesa y López has something for everyone.

Share your Experiences and Suggestions about Mesa y López!

Have you recently been to Mesa y Lopez and we’d love to hear about your adventures and recommendations! Your comments help us keep our tourism page up to date and improve it. Whether you’ve discovered a hidden gem, found a fantastic restaurant or have tips for other travellers, your comments are invaluable. Share your experiences and suggestions with us at verschueren.eddy@gmail.com and help others make the most of their visit to this beautiful island. Together we will create the ultimate guide to Gran Canaria.