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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the energetic capital of the island of Gran Canaria, offers a vibrant blend of cosmopolitan city life and stunning natural surroundings. This port city is uniquely defined by Playa de Las Canteras, widely regarded as one of the best city beaches in the world, with its long stretch of golden sand and a natural reef, La Barra, which protects a section of the shore, creating a calm natural swimming pool.
Beyond the beach, you can immerse yourself in the city's rich history in the southern district of Vegueta, the historic heart where Christopher Columbus once walked. The city is home to architectural landmarks like the Catedral de Santa Ana and the Casa de Colón, alongside a lively cultural scene and a thriving food market. With year-round mild weather and a distinctly Canarian charm, Las Palmas provides an ideal base for exploring both the city's historical layers and the island's unique volcanic landscapes.
Choosing the right area for your hotel in Las Palmas depends entirely on whether you want a beach-centric holiday, a dive into history, or a mix of both.
For sun and surf lovers, the area around Playa de Las Canteras is unbeatable. This northern district is the most lively part of the city, offering a long promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and a wide array of hotels, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly apartments. Staying here gives you immediate access to the beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or surfing at the La Cícer end.
For culture and history enthusiasts, the southern districts of Vegueta and Triana are ideal. Vegueta, the city’s oldest quarter, is a charming maze of colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, home to the Cathedral and the historic Casa de Colón. Triana, adjacent to Vegueta, offers a more modern, yet still historic, shopping experience with its pedestrianised street, Calle Triana, featuring stylish boutiques and eateries. This area provides an authentic Canarian experience with boutique hotels and guesthouses.
If you prefer a quieter base close to the marina and with excellent city connections, the Alcaravaneras area is a good option. Located between the two main beaches, it's known for its small, sheltered beach, popular for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. This area is close to the Port of Las Palmas and the Mesa y López shopping district, offering a convenient, functional base.
Las Palmas is served by Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), which is easily connected to the city centre via a frequent public bus service (Bus Line 60), terminating at the Santa Catalina Park area near Las Canteras. The city’s yellow bus network is highly efficient for moving between the historic south and the bustling north, ensuring easy access to all the main sights from your hotel.
To secure a great hotel price in Las Palmas, you should be flexible with your travel dates, as the city and island have a year-round mild climate, but prices still fluctuate with demand. The peak season for the Canary Islands is typically the winter sun period, particularly December and the beginning of January, when demand for warm weather escapes is highest.
A key tip for saving money is to consider travelling during the low season months of May and June, which often see the lowest average hotel rates, while the weather remains warm and sunny. A unique surge in prices in the capital is triggered by the famous Las Palmas Carnival, a major, vibrant festival that takes place annually, usually in February or March. Avoiding the specific dates of this large-scale event will help you find better value for your hotel stay in the city.