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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Las Palmas Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Spain – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in Spain, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. Credit and debit cards are commonly used, and mobile payment options are available in many establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Spain but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary. Taxi drivers and hotel staff may also be tipped, though it is less common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is restricted in some regions, particularly in tourist-heavy cities. Local laws may vary. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| La Tomatina (August) |
A famous tomato-throwing festival, expect large crowds in Buñol. |
|---|---|
| Semana Santa (March/April) |
Religious parades and events make this a busy time in major cities. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets and festive celebrations, with tourist areas becoming busier. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Cabify, Bolt, Uber |
| Other: | Spain is known for its diverse culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant festivals. Public transport is reliable and efficient, making it easy to explore. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Las Palmas, Spain
Carnival runs late February to mid March, with parades and street parties across the city
June to September: low cloud often covers the city while the south of the island stays sunny
Calima (hot, dusty Saharan air) can strike at any time, most often autumn to spring
Don't miss
- 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Las Canteras Beach
- 🏛️ Stroll through the historic Vegueta district’s colonial streets
- 🥾 Hike to the top of Bandama Caldera for panoramic views
- 🚢 Visit Casa de Colón and learn about Columbus’ voyages
- 🍤 Savor fresh seafood with ocean views at the port
- 🌅 Watch the vibrant sunset from Alcaravaneras Beach
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Las Palmas?
Las Palmas is a dream for travelers who love a blend of city buzz, beach life and history. Relax on Playa de las Canteras, stroll the historic lanes of Vegueta and snack your way down Triana’s pedestrian boulevard. The city’s carnival is legendary and the food scene is a vibrant mix of Spanish, African and Latin American flavors. Downsides? Pickpocketing and petty theft can happen in busy areas, especially on beaches and during festivals, so keep an eye on your belongings. Traffic can be busy at peak times and while the city is safe overall, it’s wise to avoid poorly lit streets at night. Still, Las Palmas’ easy-going vibe and endless things to do make it a Canary Islands favorite.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Maspalomas
This western Canary Island features dunes bordering Las Palmas and volcanic peaks rising from the Atlantic. The landscape feels more arid than tropical, yet visitors should head inland to escape the coastal crowds and discover quieter fishing villages.
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Las Palmas Carnival (February)
-
Fiestas de San Juan (June)
-
International Film Festival
-
WOMAD World Music Festival
-
Christmas markets
-
Opera Festival
-
Fiesta de la Naval
-
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
-
Jazz Festival
-
Triana en Vivo (music nights)
Knowledge before you go
- Start in Vegueta; most historic sights cluster there.
- Choose your beach zone at Las Canteras: calmer “La Barra” area, surfier near Alfredo Kraus.
- Walk Triana for shops and Art Nouveau façades, then stop for tapas on terraces.
- Go early to Mercado de Vegueta for local cheeses and snacks, before midday crowds peak.
How to travel to Las Palmas
Las Palmas is served by Gran Canaria Airport, about 25 minutes from the city by bus or taxi. Ferries connect the city to other Canary Islands and mainland Spain. Intercity buses link Las Palmas to resorts and towns across Gran Canaria. The port and bus stations are central and easy to reach.
Access summary
- From Gran Canaria Airport (LPA): direct bus or taxi about 20–30 min.
- From Madrid: direct flight to Gran Canaria usually about 2.5–3 hours.
- From Tenerife: inter-island ferry about 1.5–3 hours or short flight.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Las Palmas
Las Palmas offers everything from beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to budget hostels and city apartments. Most accommodations are near Las Canteras Beach, Vegueta or Triana, making it easy to explore on foot. Book early for carnival season or major festivals, as rooms fill quickly.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Las Palmas
The city is easy to explore by bus, taxi or on foot. The old town, Triana and Las Canteras Beach are all walkable. Local buses (guaguas) connect neighborhoods and beaches and taxis are plentiful and metered. Car rentals are handy for exploring the island, but parking in the center can be tricky. Cycling is possible along the beachfront promenades.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Las Palmas are around 28% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Las Palmas is very safe, with low violent crime. Pickpocketing and car break-ins can happen in crowded or touristy areas, especially at beaches and festivals. Stay alert, don’t leave valuables unattended and avoid poorly lit streets at night.
Health & Medical
Medical care is excellent, with clinics and pharmacies throughout the city. Tap water is safe to drink. Sunburn and dehydration are the main risks — bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. Bring any needed medications, especially for allergies or chronic conditions.
Accessibility
Most main attractions, hotels and public transport are accessible, but some old town streets are cobbled or uneven. The city is flat and easy to navigate overall, but check ahead for specific needs.
Tap water
Tap water is safe, clean and widely available. Public fountains are found in parks and along promenades — refill your bottle as you explore.
Packing recommendations for Las Palmas
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
winter
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🩱
Swimwear
👛
Cash in small denominations
for markets
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
EU type
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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