Golden hour view over Santa Cruz de Tenerife with the Auditorio, harbour and Atlantic coastline in the Canary Islands

Arrecife

Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, is a historic port city with a charming seafront, lively markets and easy access to the island's volcanic landscapes.

Country
Spain
Population
380,000
Area
100.6 km²
Time zone
WET (UTC+0)
Language
Spanish
Nearby airport
Gran Canaria Airport

Passengers

Luggage

About Canary Islands

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city and one of the two capitals of Spain's Canary Islands, located on the northeastern coast of Gran Canaria. The city combines a lively urban waterfront with a well-preserved historic centre, making it a distinctive Atlantic destination that blends beach life, history and port-city energy.

Its colonial past is most visible in Vegueta, the oldest quarter, where narrow cobbled streets lead to the Cathedral of Santa Ana, the Casa de Colón museum and elegant Canarian balconies. Nearby Triana adds a refined shopping and café atmosphere, while the modern city spreads outward around the busy Puerto de la Luz port.

Las Canteras beach is one of Europe's best-known urban beaches, protected by a natural reef and lined with seafront promenades, cafés and ocean-facing restaurants. The Santa Catalina area and the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium anchor the city's cultural life, complemented by attractions such as the Poema del Mar aquarium and the Pueblo Canario complex.

Las Palmas is also a major Atlantic business and logistics hub thanks to its port, while its famous February Carnival, conference venues and year-round events draw both leisure and business travellers. Local cuisine centres on Canarian staples such as papas arrugadas with mojo, fresh fish and gofio, served in markets, traditional restaurants and tapas bars across the city.

For visitors, Las Palmas offers a compact urban experience with a real working-city feel: historic streets, an urban beach, a strong food scene and practical transport links that make it an easy base for exploring the rest of Gran Canaria.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife waterfront at golden hour with its curved white concert hall, palms and the Atlantic Ocean, Canary Islands

Canary Islands Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

Las Palmas has a mild subtropical climate, making it a year-round destination. Spring and early autumn offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, February brings the famous Carnival, and summer is ideal for beach days at Las Canteras.

How to Get Around

The urban bus network, Guaguas Municipales, covers most neighbourhoods, while Global buses connect Las Palmas with the airport and the rest of Gran Canaria. Taxis, rental cars and walking along the seafront and central areas are also practical options.

Where to Stay

Las Canteras is the top choice for beach access and ocean views, while Vegueta and Triana offer historic streets, cafés and cultural sights. Santa Catalina and the port area suit visitors attending events, cruises and business meetings.

Food & Drink

Canarian dishes such as papas arrugadas with mojo, fresh Atlantic fish and gofio-based recipes are staples, best tried in La Puntilla, Mercado del Puerto and Triana restaurants. The city also has lively cafés, wine bars and tapas spots.

Ground Transportation Services in Canary Islands

Airport Transfers

Travel between Gran Canaria Airport and hotels, the port, business venues and other locations across Las Palmas.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, sightseeing, events and flexible travel around Las Palmas.

Car Rental

Rent a car in Las Palmas for independent exploration of Gran Canaria, from the city to the island's southern resorts and mountain routes.

Bus & Group Transfers

Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, cruise transfers, events and island tours.