Map Las Palmas

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a Spanish city (and municipality) on the island, Gran Canaria, which is one of the Canary Islands located just 130 miles off the northwestern coast of the African continent within the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the capital city of the province of Las Palmas and the co-capital of the autonomous community of the Canary Islands, sharing this status with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The city was founded on June 24, 1478, with the name “Real de Las Palmas” by Juan Rejón, head of the invading Castilian army, before engaging in war with the local Guanches (aboriginal people of the Canary Islands). In 1492, Christopher Columbus anchored in the Port of Las Palmas (and spent some time on the island) on his first trip to the Americas. He also stopped on the way back to Spain. Today, a museum is named after him - Casa Colón - in the Vegueta area of the city.

Weather is beautiful year round and these optimal natural conditions make Gran Canaria the ideal place for sailing and other water sports. With 236 kilometers of coastline, you can practice all types of water sports! The exquisite sea bottom is also a must-see. On land, one can also enjoy a variety of other activities: soaking up the sun, shopping, dining, and partying. While the rest of Europe is at a standstill during winter, Gran Canaria is a non-stop sporting and vacationing destination.

Shopping or lazing on its Las Canteras beach is not uncommon day on vaction to Las Palmas.

Things to do in LasPalmas:

On the island of La Palma, delcared a Biosphere Reserve in 2002, you can find volcanic cones, idyllic little bays and magical spots such as the woodland of ‘El Canal y Los Tiles’. Take a trip along the network of footpaths either on foot, by bike or on horseback and have a different and unforgettable experience. Delight your eyes with the spectacular views offered at the Caldera de Taburiente, a breathtaking sight that you can only see from the heights of the beautiful crests surrounding it, which are as often as not, above the clouds.

On this island, you can also visit theme parks, such as the Garden of the Birds or the Maroparque, where you will enjoy learning all about the world’s flora and fauna.