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Europe

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Experience the vibrant capital of the Canaries, a bustling Spanish city with stunning urban beaches. Start at the center, then follow the vibe.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

63-77F (17-25C)

Currency

EUR

Language

Spanish

Time Zone

WET (UTC+0) / WEST (UTC+1)

Overview

Las Palmas is a surprisingly large and cosmopolitan city, the biggest in the Canaries. It's a city of two distinct halves. You have Vegueta, the 500-year-old historic quarter, a charming, colonial-style neighborhood of cobblestone streets and shady plazas where Columbus once stayed. Then, you have the modern side of the city, connected by a long, buzzing promenade. It all culminates at Playa de las Canteras, one of the world's best urban beaches—a 3-km stretch of golden sand protected by a natural reef, making it a perfect, calm, city-center swimming pool.

Top Sights

  • Playa de las Canteras
This is one of the world's great urban beaches. It's a 3-km-long, golden-sand beach protected by a natural. offshore lava reef, creating a giant, calm, turquoise lagoon perfect for swimming.
  • Caldera de Bandama (Nearby)
For a taste of the islands volcanic nature, head to this stunning, perfectly circular, 1,000-meter-wide volcanic crater. You can. drive to the peak for a staggering view of the entire northeast coast.
  • Vegueta (Old Town)
This is the 500-year-old, colonial-era neighborhood where the city was founded. Get lost in its narrow, cobblestone streets to. see the grand Santa Ana Cathedral, the Casa de Colon, and beautiful, hidden courtyards.
  • Casa de Colon (Columbus House)
A beautiful, 15th-century governors palace (and one of the oldest in the Canaries) where Christopher Columbus allegedly stayed. It's. now a fascinating museum dedicated to his voyages and the Canaries role in them.
  • Jardin Botanico Viera y Clavijo (Nearby)
One of the world's most beautiful botanical gardens, this massive, 27-acre park is built into the side of a ravine. It's a stunning showcase of the unique and diverse flora of the Canary Islands.
  • Triana
This is the city's main, historic, pedestrian-only shopping street. It's a beautiful, bustling area lined. with colorful, modernist buildings and high-street brands. It's worth your time.

Neighborhoods

Vegueta

Local eats and photo spots

Triana

Local eats and photo spots

Las Canteras

Local eats and photo spots

La Isleta

Local eats and photo spots

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

Native Caves & Archaeological Finds

4.5 Hours

Moderate

Explore the geological wonders of the island by visiting native settlements and examining cave art.
View Details
From

$80 USD

Rock the Crater to the Vine

4.5 Hours

Very Active

Descend Bandama, Gran Canaria's highest summit, into a volcanic crater - and be rewarded with well-earned wine.
View Details
From

$125 USD

Maspalomas Beach Transfer

5.0 Hours

Easy

Spend a day surrounded by golden sand dunes and perfect waters on Gran Canaria's southern shores.
View Details
From

$60 USD

Buggies, Bends & Ridges

4.5 Hours

Moderate

Be a part of the impressive mountain panoramas on an action-filled day behind the wheel of a buggy.
View Details
From

$235 USD

Explore all Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

Native Caves & Archaeological Finds

4.5 Hours

Moderate

Explore the geological wonders of the island by visiting native settlements and examining cave art.
View Details
From

$80 USD

Rock the Crater to the Vine

4.5 Hours

Very Active

Descend Bandama, Gran Canaria's highest summit, into a volcanic crater - and be rewarded with well-earned wine.
View Details
From

$125 USD

Maspalomas Beach Transfer

5.0 Hours

Easy

Spend a day surrounded by golden sand dunes and perfect waters on Gran Canaria's southern shores.
View Details
From

$60 USD

Buggies, Bends & Ridges

4.5 Hours

Moderate

Be a part of the impressive mountain panoramas on an action-filled day behind the wheel of a buggy.
View Details
From

$235 USD

Explore all Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

63-77F (17-25C)

Currency

EUR

Language

Spanish

Time Zone

WET (UTC+0) / WEST (UTC+1)

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