Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a city of trade winds and timeless light. Founded in 1478 during the Castilian conquest, it blossomed as an Atlantic crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. You’ll feel that layered history in Vegueta’s cobbled lanes and in a cuisine rich with North African, Spanish, and island influences.

Fun fact: Las Palmas is one of the few European capitals with a world-class urban beach. Las Canteras’ 3 km crescent is guarded by a natural reef, “La Barra,” which calms the water at low tide and creates superb snorkeling. Inland, volcanic cones like Bandama hint at Gran Canaria’s geologic drama—ridges, ravines, and cloud forests a short drive away.

Expect a near-perfect climate—“eternal spring”—where winter averages hover around 20–22°C (68–72°F). City buses are frequent, walking is delightful along the beachfront paseo, and day trips are easy by bus or rental car. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light windbreaker for evenings, and an appetite for papas arrugadas with mojo, local cheeses, rum, and fresh Atlantic fish.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Between surfers carving at La Cícer and families paddling in the calm waters near Peña La Vieja, Las Canteras is the city’s living room. When you want culture, head to Vegueta’s Cathedral of Santa Ana, the Museum of the Canary Islands, and Casa de Colón. After dark, cocktails in Triana or sunset on the Las Canteras promenade set an easy island rhythm.

• Top highlights: Las Canteras Beach, Vegueta & Triana, Casa de Colón, Catedral de Santa Ana, CAAM (Contemporary Art Center), Bandama Caldera, Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo, La Isleta & El Confital, Alfredo Kraus Auditorium.
• Where to stay: For beachy mornings, base near Las Canteras/Santa Catalina. For history and boutiques, choose Vegueta/Triana. Browse stays on VRBO and compare hotels on Hotels.com. Notable options include beach-facing classics near Las Canteras and refined heritage stays near Triana.
• Getting there: Fly into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA). From mainland Europe, check fares on Omio (flights); typical nonstops: Madrid (2h50, ~$50–120 one-way), Barcelona (3h15, ~$70–150), London (4h20, ~$90–200). For global routes outside Europe, compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Ferries run from Huelva/Cádiz and nearby islands; browse options on Omio (ferries).
• Airport to city: Bus 60 or 91 to San Telmo or Santa Catalina (~30–40 min; ~€3–4). Taxi is ~25–30 min; ~€30–40.

Day 1: Arrival, First Sunset on Las Canteras

Afternoon: Check in near Las Canteras to soak up the ocean air. Stretch your legs along the promenade from La Cícer to La Puntilla. Grab a cortado and an almond pastry at Café Regina (Las Canteras) to shake off the flight. Swim if daylight allows—the natural reef makes for gentle conditions at low tide.

Evening: Watch the sky blush from the promenade benches by Peña La Vieja. Dinner at La Marinera (La Puntilla end) for grilled cherne (wreckfish) or vieja (parrotfish), wrinkled potatoes, and mojo. Nightcap at La Azotea de Benito (Triana), a beloved cocktail den where the bartenders riff on classics with Canarian spirits.

Day 2: Vegueta & Triana—History, Art, and Tapas

Morning: Coffee and “tosta” at Dara Feeling Food (Triana). Wander Vegueta’s stone lanes: step into the cool nave of Catedral de Santa Ana and, if open, climb the tower for Atlantic views. Pop into Casa de Colón to learn how the city connected Spain to the New World; then browse CAAM’s sleek galleries for contemporary art.

Afternoon: Lunch at Deliciosa Marta (reservations advised) for refined Canarian-Mediterranean plates; or opt for a casual tapas graze along Calle Mendizábal (think jamón, grilled octopus, croquetas). Hop over to the leafy Plaza de Cairasco for coffee by the Art Nouveau Gabinete Literario. If you’re up for greenery, taxi 15 minutes to the Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo—Spain’s largest botanical garden clinging to a ravine.

Evening: Dinner at Qué Leche! in Triana for creative small plates (the tasting-style menu changes with market finds). Post-dinner, stroll the Guiniguada ravine promenade; if it’s a weekend, check for live music at The Paper Club.

Day 3: Beach Day—Swim, Snorkel, and Surf at La Cícer

Morning: Sunrise walk on the damp, mirror-smooth sand. Grab açai bowls or eggs at Dara Las Canteras, then rent masks for a low-tide snorkel over La Barra (look for bream and ornate wrasse). Bring water shoes for the rocky bits.

Afternoon: Take a surf lesson at La Cícer—the western stretch known for its consistent waves. Local schools will kit you out with warm-water suits and soft boards. Lunch afterward at La Bikina Cantina (Las Canteras) for Asian-Latino beach fare—try the tuna tataki and bao with a passionfruit lemonade.

Evening: Sunset near the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium. For dinner, book Poemas by Hermanos Padrón (at Santa Catalina hotel) for an elegant island-to-table tasting, or keep it lively with a tapas crawl at Allende Triana (modern Spanish staples, good wines by the glass).

Day 4: Volcano Heart—Bandama, Tasting & Sunset (Full-Day Tour)

Trade the beach for volcanic drama on this small-group experience that strings together viewpoints, geology, and local flavors.

The Volcano Heart Tour: Hiking, Tasting and Sunset Experience pairs Pico de Bandama’s panoramic crater views with scenic drives through Gran Canaria’s rugged interior, short hikes, and a tasting of artisanal products. Timed sunset moments showcase the island’s sculpted peaks and ravines.

Bring a light jacket, grippy shoes, and water; the microclimates shift quickly. Back in town, celebrate with grilled squid and local tomatoes at La Oliva (Las Canteras side street), or a late, simple supper of tortilla and padrón peppers at a neighborhood tasca.

Day 5: North Gran Canaria—Arucas, Rum, and Natural Pools

Morning: Bus or drive 20–25 minutes to Arucas. Gaze up at the neo-Gothic Church of San Juan Bautista carved from dark volcanic stone. Book a guided visit at the historic rum distillery to learn how sugarcane shaped the island and to sample aged rums (driver skips the tasting).

Afternoon: Continue to Firgas to see the stepped watercourse and mosaics of Canarian towns, then head to El Puertillo’s natural rock pools for a saltwater dip (lifeguards seasonally; check tides). Lunch at Casa Brito (Arucas)—order the slow-cooked Iberian pork or grilled local fish and a Canarian cheese board with fig jam.

Evening: Return to Las Palmas. Choose Amigo Camilo (La Puntilla) for unfussy, ultra-fresh fish, or El Arrosar for paella (book ahead for the socarrat lovers). Gelato at Heladería Peña La Vieja right on the sand seals the day.

Day 6: South Coast—Dunes, Puerto de Mogán, and a Small-Group Catamaran

Morning: Aim early for Maspalomas to walk the golden dunes while the sand is cool. Bring a scarf for the breeze and follow the marked paths to protect the fragile habitat. Brunch at La Palmera Sur (Playa del Inglés) for silky croquetas, avocado-topped toasts, and excellent coffee.

Afternoon: Continue to Puerto de Mogán—whitewashed lanes, bougainvillea, and canals nicknamed “Little Venice.” Swap land for sea on a relaxed, small-group sailing catamaran that hugs the island’s wild southwest coves, with time to swim and snorkel and a tasty onboard meal.

Gran Canaria Virgin Beaches Boat Tour with Food keeps groups small and seeks out the quietest corners of coastline—think volcanic cliffs, turquoise inlets, and sun on the trampolines.

Evening: Sunset stroll the Puerto de Mogán marina. Dine at Que Tal by Stena (intimate fine dining; multi-course) or keep it simple at a harborside grill with the catch of the day and papas arrugadas. Drive or bus back to Las Palmas (~45–60 min).

Day 7: Sky, Shops, and a Last Swim

Morning: Take your farewell in the air with a tandem glide above the coast—launch and landing zones are broad, and operators fly only in ideal conditions. It’s a calm, scenic float with Atlantic panoramas and the city spread below.

Paragliding flights Las Palmas de Gran Canaria emphasize safety and relaxed, laminar winds—expect a photo-worthy, bucket-list finale.

Afternoon: Brunch or light lunch at Llévame al Huerto (Triana) for vibrant, veg-forward bowls and fresh juices. Last-minute shopping on Calle Mayor de Triana—local aloe products, volcanic salt, and artisan ceramics make packable souvenirs. If time allows, squeeze in one last dip at Las Canteras.

Evening (departure day): Head to the airport for your afternoon flight. If you have a final hour, toast the week with a barraquito (Canarian layered coffee with citrus zest and cinnamon) on the promenade.

Where to Eat & Drink (Bookmark-Worthy)

• Seafood on the sand: La Marinera (grills, stews), Amigo Camilo (catch of the day), and El Arrosar (paellas to share).
• Creative kitchens: Deliciosa Marta (market-driven), Qué Leche! (inventive small plates), Poemas by Hermanos Padrón (refined tasting menus).
• Cafés & brunch: Café Regina (multiple locations), Dara Feeling Food (Triana/Las Canteras), and Llévame al Huerto (Triana).
• Cocktails & wine: La Azotea de Benito (signature cocktails), wine bars along Triana and Vegueta for Canarian list highlights like Listán Negro and Malvasía Volcánica.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: Guaguas Municipales (yellow city buses) are frequent; Global buses (blue) connect the island. Taxis are metered and reasonable; rideshare is limited.
• Best time: Year-round. Winter is mellow; summer afternoons can be breezier on the north coast. Pack layers for interior mountain day trips.
• Day trip logistics: The south (Maspalomas/Mogán) is 45–60 minutes by car/bus. The island interior has curvy roads—allow extra time.
• Book ahead: Popular restaurants (Deliciosa Marta, Poemas) and small-group tours fill up—reserve early.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Extend)

• Roque Nublo hike at golden hour with views to Tenerife’s Teide.
• La Isleta & El Confital coastal walk—wild cliffs and tidal pools at the city’s edge.
• Sioux City Park for a kitschy, Western-themed afternoon with kids.

For a final flourish, you can swap Day 3’s surf for an adrenaline spike on a via ferrata in the island’s basalt cliffs, or tuck in another volcanic hike if clouds lift. However you compose it, this week blends city, sea, and summits in memorable balance.

In seven days, you’ll have lived Las Palmas like a local—lingering on Las Canteras at sunset, getting happily lost in Vegueta’s history, and feeling the island’s volcanic backbone under your boots and beneath a catamaran’s bow. The Canary Islands’ easy rhythm lingers; you’ll leave already plotting a return.