Things to Do in Las Palmas Gran Canaria: Sights and Beaches
City · Canary Islands · Gran Canaria · Spain
Most British visitors know Gran Canaria for its southern resorts, but the island's capital rewards anyone who gives it a few days. The best things to do in Las Palmas Gran Canaria sit in three easy clusters: the old quarter of Vegueta, with its cathedral and museums; the city beaches around Playa de Las Canteras, about 3 miles north; and the green hills inland, where Bandama Caldera and the Canarian botanical garden make a half-day outing. Days peak at around 20°C in winter and 26°C in August, so sightseeing works all year. Below, I have grouped the sights by area, flagged the ones that suit children, and noted where you can compare tours and tickets on this page.
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- Vegueta's Cathedral Basilica of St. Ann and the House museum of Christopher Columbus sit within the old town.
- Playa de Las Canteras, El Confital and Alcavaneras give the capital three beaches within about 4 miles.
- Bandama Caldera, a volcanic crater around 6 miles inland, makes an easy half-day trip from the city.
Top sights in Las Palmas
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See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)The sights worth your time
If you only have a day, start in Vegueta, the protected historic district where the Cathedral Basilica of St. Ann stands. It is the city's best-known landmark, and the House museum of Christopher Columbus and the Canarian Museum are both close by, so the morning takes care of itself on foot. The Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno adds contemporary art to the same walk.
In the afternoon, head north to Playa de Las Canteras, the long city beach roughly 3 miles from the old town. Nearby, Castillo de la Luz is one of the fortifications that once guarded the port. For anyone wondering what to do in Las Palmas beyond the city streets, Bandama Caldera, a mountain and crater about 6 miles out, is the landscape most visitors remember.
What to see, area by area
Vegueta is where the things to do in Las Palmas old town are concentrated: the cathedral, the Columbus house museum, the Canarian Museum and the modern art centre all lie within the historic quarter. The Castle of San Francisco is about half a mile away and the Castle of San Cristóbal around a mile, both listed cultural properties if you enjoy old defences.
The north of the city is beach territory. Alcavaneras is about 2.5 miles from Vegueta, Playa de Las Canteras about 3 miles, and El Confital around 4 miles, out towards the La Isleta peninsula. The same stretch holds the Poema del Mar Aquarium, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology and Castillo de la Luz, with Faro de La Isleta, the lighthouse, about 5 miles out.
For day trips from Las Palmas Gran Canaria, look inland to Santa Brígida. The Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo in Tafira Alta is around 4 miles from the centre, and Bandama Caldera roughly 6 miles, close enough to combine in one outing with car hire or a guided tour.
Days out with children
Families have an easy base around Playa de Las Canteras, because the Poema del Mar Aquarium and the Elder Museum of Science and Technology are both in that part of the city, about 3 miles from the old town. A morning indoors and an afternoon on the sand is a reliable plan, and handy on one of the wetter days of October to March.
Older children tend to enjoy the castles, especially Castillo de la Luz by the port, and the open space of the botanical garden in Tafira Alta. Bandama Caldera suits families who like a walk with a view; the crater itself is the attraction.
Planning and booking ahead
The weather barely gets in the way. July and August are the driest months, with around three rain days each and highs of 25°C to 26°C, while January to March stay at about 20°C with more frequent showers. April to September and December are the most settled times for beach days.
You can compare tours and tickets for Las Palmas tourist attractions directly on this page, alongside car hire for the inland trips and hotel prices if you want to stay in the city. If you are travelling from the UK as part of a wider Gran Canaria holiday, package deals from several providers are shown here too, so you can see flights, hotel and transfers together before you decide.
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Questions people ask
What are the best beaches in Las Palmas Gran Canaria?
The city has three main beaches. Playa de Las Canteras is the best known, about 3 miles from the old town. Alcavaneras is a little closer, around 2.5 miles, and El Confital lies about 4 miles out towards the La Isleta peninsula.
What is there to do in Las Palmas old town?
Vegueta, the historic district, holds the Cathedral Basilica of St. Ann, the House museum of Christopher Columbus, the Canarian Museum and the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno. The Castle of San Francisco is about half a mile away, so it is easily walked in a morning.
What are the best day trips from Las Palmas?
The closest outing is inland to Santa Brígida: the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, about 4 miles away, and Bandama Caldera, a volcanic crater around 6 miles from the centre. Both fit into a half day with car hire or a tour.
Are there things to do in Las Palmas with children?
Yes. The Poema del Mar Aquarium and the Elder Museum of Science and Technology are both near Playa de Las Canteras, so families can mix indoor visits with beach time. The castles and the botanical garden also work well for children.
When is the best time to visit Las Palmas?
April to September and December are the most settled months. July and August are the driest, with about three rain days and highs near 26°C. January to March are milder at around 20°C, with more showers, but still good for sightseeing.