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Las Palmas Holidays

A sun-drenched city with golden beaches and vibrant culture, Las Palmas offers the perfect blend of relaxation and urban excitement.

Holidays in Las Palmas Gran Canaria

Las Palmas, the vibrant and picturesque capital of Gran Canaria, is a destination that perfectly combines rich history, beautiful beaches, and a lively cosmopolitan vibe. This bustling Spanish city is known for its stunning Las Canteras Beach, quaint old town of Vegueta, and an array of cultural attractions. A city break to Las Palmas caters to all tastes and interests, making it the perfect holiday for all types of travellers, from couples looking for a romantic adventure, parents with little ones to entertain and solo travellers raring to explore.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Las Palmas is from October to May, when the weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Summers are also enjoyable, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, but the city offers a more relaxed and less crowded experience during the winter months. Prices are also generally lower during the winter months when there is less demand, so that period is the best time for a cheaper trip to Las Palmas.

Where is the best place to stay?

The area around Las Canteras Beach is a favourite for its beachfront hotels, lively promenade, and easy access to the city’s attractions. For those seeking charm and history, the Vegueta district offers boutique accommodations surrounded by cobbled streets and colonial architecture. For a quieter stay, consider the Ciudad Jardín area, known for its tranquil atmosphere, serene views, and elegant hotels.

Why Visit Las Palmas?

  • Enjoy exceptional urban beaches with Las Canteras well-known for being one of Europe’s most enchanting city beaches. This is the ideal place for relaxing, swimmingand even snorkelling
  • Year-round sunshine and warm climate make this one of the best destinations to travel to all year-round if you’re looking to top up your tan in any seaso
  • Experience local culture and partake in the famous annual carnival. There are also numerous smaller festivals on throughout the year where guests can enjoy music, dancing and art
  • Wine and dine to your hearts content with a range of fresh local seafood restaurants and traditional tapas bars dotted around the city. If you’re wanting to make a night of it visit the Paseo de las Canteras promenade or the lively Mercado del Puerto
  • Shop until you drop and experience the charming streets lined with boutique local shops and internationally recognised brands

Book Your Las Palmas Holiday Today

Las Palmas has a range of hotel and resort options with prices that cater to any budget. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive city break or searching for a last-minute deal, explore through the best deals from some of the most popular hotels and resorts.

Things to See & Do in Las Palmas

Relax at Las Canteras Beach

Relax at Las Canteras Beach

This iconic urban beach is the heart of Las Palmas and offers something for everyone. Its golden sands stretch for over 3 kilometres, making it a perfect spot for long, leisurely walks or finding a quiet corner to unwind. Thanks to its natural reef, the waters at Canteras Beach are calm and ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. The lively promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, where you can enjoy local specialties like fresh seafood or simply sip on a coffee while taking in stunning ocean views. Las Canteras Beach is not just a daytime destination; the vibrant atmosphere continues into the evening with live music and entertainment.

Explore Vegueta

Explore Vegueta

This picturesque district brims with character, featuring cobblestone streets and colonial-style buildings that tell the story of the city’s rich past. Start your journey at the iconic Santa Ana Cathedral, a stunning landmark that dominates the main plaza and offers panoramic views from its towers. General admission for adults is typically between €2.40 - €3.00 with free admission for children, making this an affordable and fun filled attraction to visit. Take your time to explore the district’s charming plazas, such as Plaza de Santo Domingo, surrounded by quaint cafes and colourful facades. Vegueta comes alive in the evenings, with its tapas bars and traditional restaurants offering a taste of Canarian cuisine with cultural entertainment.

 Visit Casa de Colon

Visit Casa de Colon

Discover the city’s history at this museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus, featuring fascinating artefacts and exhibits. General admission to the museum is typically around €4.00 with some concessions available, making this another family and budget friendly activity to explore. Once Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection of maps, ship models, and artifacts that shed light on the Age of Discovery. The museum also explores the history of the Canary Islands, including their pre-Columbian heritage, with displays of Guanche artifacts and insights into the islands' evolution over centuries. Interactive exhibits make the experience engaging for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to step into the beautiful courtyards, where you can admire traditional Canarian architecture and imagine life in the 15th century.

Experience the Poema del Mar

Experience the Poema del Mar

Another must-see, especially for families travelling to Las Palmas, this aquarium is well regarded for its unique exhibits and relaxed atmosphere. Boasting some impressive marine displays and modern design, Poema del Mar is a guaranteed fun day out for all ages. General admission to the aquarium for adults is typically around €27.00 €30.00 with lower prices for children and some other concessions available. For the best experience, book online to skip the queues and make sure you can get straight in and enjoy your visit hassle free.

Visit Spain’s Largest Botanical Garden

Visit Spain’s Largest Botanical Garden

Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo is just a short distance outside of Las Palmas, and as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world and the largest in Spain is must-see. The 27 hectares garden showcases a stunning range of diverse Macaronesian flora. Admission is free, making this an even more tourist friendly activity. Note that during the winter season opening times vary, so be sure to check in advance before you visit.

Indulge in Local Food & Drink

Indulge in Local Food & Drink

Las Palmas is a culinary paradise, blending traditional Canarian flavours with international influences. The city’s markets, like Mercado de Vegueta and Mercado del Puerto, are perfect for sampling local delicacies and fresh produce, giving those that dine there a true taste of Las Palmas. Start with the island’s iconic papas arrugadas, delicious small, salt-crusted potatoes served with zesty red and green mojo sauces. For meat dishes, ropa vieja (a savoury stew of shredded meat and chickpeas) and Canarian-style pork chops are must-tries. Pair your meal with a glass of locally produced wine, particularly from the volcanic vineyards of Gran Canaria. You can even take a bottle or two back home to share with your friends and family. 

Travel guide

With its sunny weather, cultural richness, and relaxed atmosphere, Las Palmas is a versatile destination for both city breaks and beach holidays.

  • Best time to visit: October–May
  • Average flight time: 4.5 hours from UK
  • Most suited for: Beach lovers, culture seekers, families
  • Currency: Euro (current exchange rate with the pound is €1.15)
  • Time Difference: 0 hours to UK
  • Average meal cost: Between €12-€15 per person for inexpensive options ranging up to around €65 for more expensive multi-course meals
  • Average beer prices: €2-€5 depending on location

Las Palmas Weather

Average monthly temperature in Las Palmas (°C)

  • Jan 18°C
  • Feb 18°C
  • Mar 19°C
  • Apr 20°C
  • May 21°C
  • Jun 23°C
  • Jul 24°C
  • Aug 25°C
  • Sep 24°C
  • Oct 23°C
  • Nov 21°C
  • Dec 19°C
What currency is used here?

Las Palmas is part of Spain’s Gran Canaria and uses the Euro as its currency. As of May 2026, the exchange rate between the Euro and the pound is 1.15. This is subject to fluctuation so be sure to check before you travel. Visit the Hays Travel Money page for more information.

What is the best way to get around Las Palmas?

Most attractions, including sights in Vegueta and Triana are within a walkable distance wherever you’re staying in Las Palmas. However, other trips such as between the Old Town and the main beach area require a bus ride. Buses are available fairly regularly throughout the day and can take visitors to places up and down Las Palmas.

Can you visit the rest of Gran Canaria from Las Palmas?

Yes! Las Palmas is the well-connected capital of Gran Canaria, meaning you can travel from there to other tourist hotspots within Spain’s Gran Canaria. The best way of travelling to other places is by the blue bus (global) network. This route offers a reliable and affordable service to popular tourist areas and some scenic villages. You will be able to make contactless payments, so won’t need to worry about withdrawing money for your bus trip. Another option is to hire a rental car; this provides the most flexibility for exploring all of Gran Canaria but make sure to research into the costs of rental cars before you travel. 

When is the best time of year to visit?

The best time of year to visit Las Palmas is during the summer. This is the peak season where beach cafes and bars will all be bustling and the weather is at its warmest. If you’re looking for more of a cheaper holiday or quieter experience, then the winter season offers cheaper accommodation and flights, and tourist attractions will be less populated. A winter holiday does not mean missing out on the sun, with Las Palmas enjoying sun all yearround.

Can a Las Palmas holiday be cheap?

It is possible to enjoy a cheap Las Palmas holiday. All inclusive packages can be found at a range of hotels and resorts that will keep the costs of food and even entertainment low during your trip. Most popular tourist attractions can be accessed at reasonable prices, meaning you won’t need to worry about your budget whilst enjoying what Las Palmas has to offer. Las Palmas is considered to be a much cheaper option than visiting most other major European cities.

Can you book a last-minute trip?

Yes! Las Palmas has lots of accommodation available and flights from airports up and down the UK. This means even if you’ve left it to the last minute to book, there will still be many options available

Visit our last minute holidays page for more information. 

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