10 sites you have to see in Las Palmas of Gran Canaria

When we talk about Gran Canaria possibly our mind moves to its beautiful beaches and wonderful walks along the coast, however, on this island there is a great treasure hidden in the middle of the capital that leaves aside for a moment the beaches of the place and leads us to enjoy an unparalleled colonial atmosphere.

Today we've put together a list of 10 sites you have to look at Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, so let's get started.

The neighborhoods of Vegueta and Triana, the historic center of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria

These two neighborhoods represent the beginning of the city of Las Palmas Canary Islands, but curiously, they also became the reference of the colonizers in America to found the colonial cities.

In the Barrio de Vegueta you will find the structures that will speak without words about the history of the island. The name is due to the meadow that is located in the vicinity of the Cathedral of Las Palmas, Basilica Santa Ana, one of the places you should visit in this neighborhood.

On the way you will see the Plza de Santa Ana and its beautiful sculptures that are called the "Guards of Santa Ana".

The Casa Cosistoriales, the Canarian Museum and the Casa de Colón are another place you will find in this neighborhood.

On the other side, there is the Barrio Triana, named after the Andalusian origin of its founders. This was the place where the fishermen of the time when the city was founded settled.

Here you can visit the Pérez Galdós Theater, the Mata Castle and the San Telmo Park with a beautiful landscape of green areas that contrast with the boats that decorate the place.  

The second thing to see in Las Palmas of Gran Canaria: las Canteras beach

Another place to visit in Las Palmas Canary Islands is undoubtedly this beach that represents one of the reference places of the island, which contrasts to the extreme with the two neighborhoods described above.

And it is that the beach of Las Canteras is a more than modern place where you will see surfers, fishermen and tourists enjoying one of the natural wonders of the place.

The best thing you can do is prepare a good walk four blocks from the cruise port by the bay, without worrying about the high waves, since "La Barra", an extensive line of rocks protects the coast from high tide.

You can also practice kayaking or snorkeling, as this beach has a large reserve of maritime life.

The visit to the Alfredo Kraus auditorium: art with sea view

If you are looking for places to visit in Las Palmas Gran Canaria and art is your thing, you can not miss the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, as you will find various expressions of art both modern and historical that will allow you to take a nice memory of the island.

Characterized by being one of the most structurally particular buildings on the island, this auditorium has in itself spaces such as the Chamber Hall or the Symphonic Salt, which witness multiple presentations, congresses, symposia, conferences and concerts that fill the island with art. As for example the International Film Festival of las palmas Gran Canaria which is held every year in this place.

The path to The Isleta and the beach of El Confital

This walk is very popular for both tourists and natives, and it connects the Confital beach with what is now known as the La Isleta neighborhood, a fishing district of Gran Canaria in the Port of Light.  

On the route, surrounded by poles throughout the route, you will be able to observe evidence of the military history of the island, such as the bunkers and vestiges of armaments used in the Second World War.

You will also find paleontological remains and stone structures that contrast with cyclists, the view of the coast and those who decide to use the trail to jog.

The Castle of Light: history and modernity

Before leaving the La Isleta neighborhood to start your walk along the path to the Confital, you can not miss the Castillo de la Luz, a small structure with great meaning for the island of gran canaria.

This is the oldest fortification on the island, which was built when Gran Canaria became part of the Crown of Castile. This structure was erected with the intention of protecting the island from military attacks, pirates and invasions.

It was remodeled in 1998 and declared a historical monument in '41. Today you can enjoy its courtyard and even an exhibition of more than 20 sculptures by Martin Chirinos. This is certainly one of the places you visit in Las Palmas Gran Canaria.

By the way, if you want to take something typical Canarian, you can stop by our online store of Canarian products and choose from the diverse variety of artisanal and gastronomic products.

Views of the cliffs and other viewpoints of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria

Continuing through our tour in the best places in Las Palmas Gran Canaria, we can not fail to mention the characteristic cliffs that are part of the island, and that will give you an unforgettably colorful experience.

It is said that fishermen used certain colors to identify their boats and, what was left over, they used to color the front of their houses. Currently, you can take very good photos from any angle visiting the most famous cliffs in Las Palmas Gran Canaria, such as San Juan, San Roque or San Francisco.   

The Bandama boiler

Hiking is not something that is left out when it comes to places to visit in Las Palmas Gran Canaria,  the climb to the Caldera de Bandama on the island is an experience that you can not miss.

It is a large volcanic caldera, formed with a perimeter of a thousand meters in diameter and a depth of more than 200 meters, you can climb in a group, but be sure to bring hydration, because the climb is a bit difficult.

The Canarian garden: the largest botanical garden in Spain

The Viera y Clavijo Canarian Botanical Garden is also known to locals as the Jardín Canario. It is the largest botanical garden of all the Canary Islands and has a total of 27 hectares of green spaces that you can visit.

In the garden you can find several spaces such as the path of the dragon trees, the square of the palm trees or the hidden garden, where you will also come across the typical Canarian flora.

Canarian traditions: Canarian wrestling and Canarian Latin sailing

Something that is not secret in La Gran Canaria is the passion for traditional sports, so as a recommendation of what to see in Las Palmas Gran Canaria, we can not leave out the Canarian fight.

This sport is of great importance in the archipelago and on the island, only in this there are 18 teams and in Las Palmas 3 official teams that practice it. In Gallera de López Socas you can enjoy this sport.

On the other hand, the Canarian Latin sail takes you out to sea to live a moment of great adrenaline, accompanied by teams trained for navigation in these special boats.

You can book a regatta on the official website of the Canarian Latin sailing federation.

Canarian folklore: dances and music in the capital

Finally, if you want to take a very exciting memory of Las Palmas Canary Islands, nothing like living and feeling the essence of the Canarian culture to bring from its folklore attending a good Canarian dance or a presentation of folk music of the island.

The mazurkas, the polkas majoreras and the folias palmeras will allow you to identify with the joy of the island and want to return once again.