Las Palmas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Gay Gran Canaria · City Guide

Discover the Charm of Las Palmas

Discover Gran Canaria’s vibrant capital: historic streets, Las Canteras Beach, culture, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and a welcoming LGBTQ+ atmosphere.

A vibrant Atlantic capital

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria combines the atmosphere of a lively Spanish city with beaches, historic districts, culture and year-round outdoor life.

It is ideal for visitors looking for a city break that can easily be combined with a beach holiday.

Welcoming & diverse

Las Palmas has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with visitors and residents from many different countries.

LGBTQ+ travellers can enjoy the city’s beaches, restaurants, bars, culture and events in a relaxed urban environment.

See LGBTQ+ events →

🏛️ Historic Vegueta

Las Palmas was founded in 1478 and its historic centre, Vegueta, remains one of the most fascinating parts of the city.

Walk through narrow streets, old squares and historic buildings, and visit landmarks such as the Catedral de Santa Ana and the Casa de Colón.

Climbing the cathedral towers rewards visitors with panoramic views over the old city and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Playa de Las Canteras Las Palmas Gran Canaria

Playa de Las Canteras

Las Canteras is the city’s famous urban beach, stretching for more than three kilometres along the Atlantic coastline.

The golden sand and sheltered water make it popular for swimming, relaxing, snorkelling and paddleboarding.

A lively promenade runs beside the beach, lined with cafés, restaurants and bars.

Discover more Gran Canaria beaches →

🌋 Bandama Caldera

Just outside the city lies the impressive Bandama volcanic crater. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views or explore the surrounding volcanic landscape on foot.

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🥾 Outdoor adventures

Las Palmas is also a convenient starting point for discovering Gran Canaria’s mountains, natural parks and dramatic inland scenery.

Explore Gran Canaria →

Culture, food & city life

Las Palmas combines Canarian traditions with a modern, international city atmosphere.

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Culture

The city’s theatres, galleries and cultural centres host exhibitions, concerts and performances throughout the year. Auditorio Alfredo Kraus is one of the city’s best-known venues.

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Canarian food

Try papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, fresh local fish, gofio and other Canarian favourites alongside international cuisine.

Discover restaurants →
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Mercado de Vegueta

Explore colourful market stalls filled with fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats and local products, or shop for edible souvenirs from the Canary Islands.

Las Palmas Nightlife & LGBTQ+ Scene

After sunset, the city offers everything from quiet cocktails and terrace bars to late-night clubs and entertainment.

LGBTQ+ visitors can also find bars, entertainment and events throughout the year.

Shopping in Las Palmas

Las Palmas offers everything from major Spanish and international brands to independent boutiques and markets.

Calle Triana is one of the city’s best-known pedestrian shopping streets, with fashion, jewellery, cafés and historic architecture.

Near Las Canteras, Mercado del Puerto combines market atmosphere, food and local products.

Shopping in Las Palmas Gran Canaria

🌴 Gateway to Gran Canaria

Las Palmas is also a convenient starting point for discovering the rest of the island.

Travel south towards Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, explore mountain villages or discover Gran Canaria’s dramatic interior and coastline.

🎟️ Las Palmas Tours & Excursions

Discover sightseeing tours, city experiences, attractions and activities in and around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

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🚌 Explore Las Palmas by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is an easy way to explore Las Palmas at your own pace.

You can leave the bus at major attractions, explore the area and then continue your journey on a later bus.

The route connects many of the city’s major landmarks, beaches, shopping districts and cultural attractions.

🏛️ Vegueta Historic centre with Catedral de Santa Ana, Casa de Colón and traditional streets.
🌴 Parque Santa Catalina Lively city square close to shops, cafés and the port area.
🏖️ Playa de Las Canteras Stop for the beach, promenade, restaurants and Atlantic views.
🎵 Auditorio Alfredo Kraus Landmark concert hall overlooking the ocean.
🛍️ Shopping Convenient access to major shopping streets and department stores.
🏰 Castillo de la Luz Historic fortress and exhibition venue near the port district.

Book your Las Palmas sightseeing tour

Check tickets and available sightseeing options for exploring Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Explore more of Gran Canaria

Continue planning your holiday with our guides to beaches, gay nightlife, events, excursions, Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas.

Discover Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Historic streets, Las Canteras Beach, markets, culture, nightlife and a cosmopolitan atmosphere make Las Palmas a completely different Gran Canaria experience from the resorts in the south.

Find your Gran Canaria vacation →