WHERE TO STAY IN LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA
Located in the Canary Islands, Las Palmas is Gran Canaria’s capital and Spain’s ninth-largest city.
Usually neglected by holidaymakers that flock to the resorts of Maspalomas in the south, Las Palmas is becoming increasingly popular within the digital nomad community and it isn’t hard to see why. It’s not only an affordable city but there are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to work from and, with temperatures ranging between 18-25C, it’s the perfect all-year-round destination that combines the best of beach and city living!
For this guide’s sake, I divided Las Palmas into 5 mains areas: Old Town, Las Canteras, La Isleta, La Cícer and Alcaravaneras so it’s easier for you to pick which area to book where to stay in Las Palmas Gran Canaria that matches your interests and your budget.
Top 3 hotels to stay in Las Palmas:
AC Iberia: A modern Marriott property in the heart of the Old Town
Wavia Hotel: Adults-only accommodation with beach-themed decoration
Hotel Silken Saaj: Boutique hotel near the beach and the shopping district
Top 3 things to do in Las Palmas:
Peak Tour: Journey to the summit of the island and view volcanic landscapes
Wine Tasting: Savour local wine and cheese at a picturesque family-run winery
Full-Day Highlights: Explore Gran Canaria and learn about its culture and history
Old Town
Perfect for the culture lovers
There’s no better place to wander around than on the charming cobblestone streets of Las Palmas Old Town which is spread across the neighbourhoods of Triana and Vegueta.
There are a lot of adorable colonial buildings and cool eateries in almost every corner and the historic quarter all can be easily covered on foot.
What to see
Mercado de Vegueta
Custom-built in the mid-19th century, Mercado de Vegueta is a foodie’s haven. On the outside, the building is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and shops while on the inside, the fresh produce displays are an explosion of colours and smells, guaranteed to inspire you to have your 5-a-day more often.
Don’t forget to book a tapas and drinks tour too!
Street Market Triana
A great addition to the food scene in Las Palmas, the recently opened Street Market Triana is another fantastic indoor market where you can treat your tastebuds to an excellent gastronomic experience.
Casa de Colón
Casa de Colón, or Cristopher Columbus’s house, is set in an emblematic 500-year-old building and it’s named after the explorer because it’s believed he had stayed there house during one of his voyages. The museum is dedicated to the research and diffusion of Canarian history.
Catedral de Santa Ana
A building of great architectural significance, the twin-towered Santa Ana’s Cathedral conceals a sumptuous interior within its seemingly-modest facade and those who get up to the bell tower will be rewarded with amazing views across the city.
Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno
The Atlantic Centre of Modern Arts is a museum located in an 18th-century hotel building that was completely restored while its traditional exterior was maintained. The admission is free and even if you’re not really a museum fan, a visit to their rooftop is something not to be missed while you’re in town.
You can also discover the best spots to take your travel shots on a photographic walk tour.
How to get there
The Old Town is a 15-minute journey on bus 60 from the airport or a short-ride on buses 1, 12, 13 or 17 to Las Canteras, La Isleta, Alcaravaneras and La Cícer.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Suites 1478’s contemporary interior contrasts harmoniously with the beautiful traditional Canarian building in which the suites are set.
MID-RANGE
AC Iberia Las Palmas provides the quality and comfort expected from a Marriott-branded hotel right in the middle of the Old Town.
BUDGET
Highly reviewed, The Stay apartment has all the necessary facilities for those looking to have a comfortable and homely stay.
Las Canteras
Perfect for the beach lovers and sun worshippers
Distance to the Old Town: 2.8 miles
Rated one of the top city beaches in Spain, Las Canteras is the beating seaside heart of Las Palmas. The atmosphere in Las Canteras is vibrant and, as in any popular spot, there are always people everywhere you look.
There are dog walkers, joggers and strollers going up and down the promenade, beach goers dragging their paddleboard to the water or playing sports like bat and ball, and diners enjoying an alfresco meal at the many beachfront restaurants
What to see
Museo Elder
Museo Elder is a science and technology museum housed in a 19th-century shipping warehouse at Santa Catalina Park between Las Canteras Beach and the cruise port. The museum exhibition halls are packed with modern interactive activities guaranteed to marvel adults and children alike.
Santa Catalina Park
Surrounded by a museum and lots of restaurant terazzas, Santa Catalina Park is the gateway for city travellers arriving onshore from the port and where many cultural events take place throughout the year.
Other things you can do in Las Canteras are scuba diving or a private walking tour.
How to get there
Las Canteras is a 25-minute journey on bus 60 from the airport to Santa Catalina bus terminal or a short-ride on buses 1, 12, 13 or 17 from the Old Town.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Possibly the biggest beachfront hotel in Las Canteras, it has an outdoor pool, steam baths and a gym. Most rooms have a balcony and sea views.
MID-RANGE
Cantur City is a modern hotel that boasts great ocean views from their roof terrace and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the beach.
BUDGET
Maresia Canteras’s modern design exudes simplicity and character. This is a budget hotel that doesn’t compromise on comfort or taste.
La Isleta
Perfect for artsy types that love the outdoors
Distance to the Old Town: 0.4 miles
La Isleta is the working-class residential area of Las Palmas near Las Canteras and the lesser-known Confital beach. The small peninsula of La Isleta is separated from Las Canteras by a small inlet so its narrow streets and graffitied walls feel a bit more urban than the other parts of Las Palmas. Most of the accommodation here is modern private apartments which, in its majority, are also likely to have awesome ocean views.
What to see
El Confital Beach
Take a walk on the wild side on the low-key El Confital beach. This is the northernmost beach in Gran Canaria and one of the most important beaches on the island for watersports, having hosted several surfing championships. El Confital’s rocky shores are wrapped by barren mountains in the background that, combined with the long wooden boardwalk that leads up to the beach, create a moon-like landscape that contrasts with its neighbour Las Canteras.
Mercado del Puerto
An indoor food market where locals congregate to celebrate the arrival of the weekend with some well-deserved tapas, cañas (half a pint) and live music. The market is open from 7:30 am to 12 am every day, except on Sundays when the opening hours are a bit shorter. But it’s usually over Friday and Saturday nights that Mercado del Puerto comes alive.
How to get there
From the airport, La Isleta is a 25-minute journey on bus 60 to Santa Catalina bus terminal or a short-ride on buses 1, 12, 13 or 17 from the Old Town.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
Las Palmas Lighthouse is a stylish and functional one-bedroom apartment close to Las Canteras beach and all the main shops.
MID-RANGE
Featuring bright marine-themed rooms, Wavia Hotel is an adults-only exclusive urban hotel located right at Las Canteras’s doorstep.
BUDGET
Just a short walk from the beach, all 15 rooms at the Hotel Ciudad del Mar are bright, spacious and clean, perfect for a enjoyable stay.
La Cícer
Perfect for the surfing fanatics
Distance to the Old Town: 3 miles
You know you reached La Cícer when you see the surf school flags tucked in the sand and the surfboards dotted in the water. Located on the south end of Las Canteras beach, the sand at this surf spot might be darker but the waves are definitely better, especially for those
What to see
Auditorio Alfredo Kraus
Sitting majestically on the south end of La Cícer, the striking Auditorio Alfredo Kraus is a fortress-like structure that looks like something off a sci-fi film and it’s where all of the main cultural events take place in Las Palmas.
Las Arenas Shopping Centre
If you hate the sand and the heat and are here only because you were dragged on holiday, get yourself to Las Arenas Shopping Centre ASAP. There, you’ll find most of the high street shops and, most importantly, a cooler climate.
How to get there
From the airport, La Cicer is a 25-minute journey on bus 60 to Santa Catalina bus terminal or a short-ride on buses 1, 12, 13 or 17 from the Old Town.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
This chic 3-bedroom apartment is beautifully decorated and offers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
MID-RANGE
By Las Canteras California 104
Perfectly located, this IKEA show room-like apartment boasts incredible views of La Cicer from their roof terrace loungers.
BUDGET
Lightbooking Peach Beach is a highly rated and well-equipped apartment just steps away from La Cícer beach and its attractions.
Alcaravaneras
Perfect for the sports aficionados
Distance to the Old Town: 1.7 miles
With Las Palmas port in the background, Alcaravaneras might not be postcard-perfect but that’s where you can find more affordable accommodation than at the popular Las Canteras. Near the Mesa y López shopping district, Alcaravaneras beach is a sheltered bay which makes it the perfect spot for beach volleyball as well as stand up paddlboarding or kayaking in its calm waters.
What to see
Estadio Insular Park
If you need a change of scenery, then the Estadio Insular Park can be a good choice. This used to be a sports stadium that was partially demolished and turned into a park and cultural space for the community.
Mercado Central de Las Palmas
Mercado Central might not be as picturesque as Mercado Vegueta but it’s Las Palmas’s biggest indoor market. With over 120 stalls distributed over two floors, bustling Mercado Central is the locals’s first choice when shopping for fresh local produce. Even though there aren’t any food stalls, you can get delicious churros at the cafe around the back while catching a glimpse of local life.
Doramas Park
A small peaceful oasis in the heart of the city that feaures well-manicured gardens including native plants, waterfalls and fountains as well as some resident wildlife.
Mirador Paseo la Cornisa
This observation deck is technically in barrio Altavista but still in the Alcaravaneras surroundings and it’s a great place for those wanting to get stunning panoramic views of Las Palmas.
How to get there
From the airport, Alcaravaneras is a 20-minute journey on bus 60 or a short-ride on buses 1, 12, 13 or 17 from the Old Town.
Where to stay
HIGH-END
A newly-built and luxury designed 8-floor boutique hotel, Silken Saaj is well-situated near the beach and Las Palmas main shopping area.
MID-RANGE
While, this is a business hotel, it can also suit holidaymakers that need a comfortable bed to rest their head after a long day of sightseeing.
BUDGET
Hotel Casa Mozart is set in a Canarian house from the beginning of the 20th-century that has a clean but sophisticated décor.
That’s a wrap! We hope that our guide on the best area to book your accommodation in Las Palmas can help you find the best spot for your stay in this laid-back and friendly city.
We know that choosing the perfect accommodation can be tricky but we hope to have helped you with it. We also hope that you enjoy Las Palmas as much we did and we’d be super happy to hear how was your stay in Las Palmas.
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