The island of Gran Canaria is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world, so it’s no wonder why it attracts millions of tourists every year. From the glorious beaches and amazing food, to the vast number of historical sites and the hospitality of the local people, there’s so much to see and do here!
Especially if you’re holidaying with the family, the kids are going to love Gran Canaria, not lease because of the water parks, funfairs and wealth of entertainment in Las Palmas. If you’re thinking about taking a holiday to Gran Canaria this year, but don’t know where to stay, let’s take a look at the best things about Las Palmas, the island’s capital city.
The History of Las Palmas
Las Palmas was founded in 1478 by a man called Juan Rejon. Rejon was one of the many captains serving in the Castilian navy, and he was given a key role in the conquest of the Canary Islands. Once Gran Canaria has been invaded, Rejon founded and named Las Palmas as the capital city of the island. One of the 600 servicemen he was given to use at his disposal to capture the Canaries was Alonso Fernandez de Lugo, the man who would eventually found Tenerife and La Palma.
Culture
Las Palmas is famous for its culture, and from food and music to museums and theatres, there’s more than enough to keep a family entertained here. No matter where you go on the island, there’s always a vibrant atmosphere, whether the event is traditional or tweaked a little to appeal to the modern tourist audience. When it comes to theatre, there are many wonderful shows that have been adapted to be performed on the beaches, and if you buy your ticket for the evening show, watching the sun come down over the performance is a sight well worth seeing.
Las Palmas is also a popular arts destination, and from the International Film Festival to the Canary Islands Music Festival, exciting culture can be found all over the island! The main festival of Las Palmas is held every June, right when tourist numbers are at their highest, and it also backs onto a carnival that is also well known all over the Canaries. Combined with the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be found on Gran Canaria, the island’s capital city really is a cultural hotspot.
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Nightlife and Beaches
If you’re looking for amazing nightlife, then Las Palmas is the city for you. Not only does it offer a number of places to party until the early hours, but there is also a vast array of great restaurants from which to begin your night. There’s nothing better than some traditional Canarian food to line your stomach before a night of cocktails and dancing!
Las Palmas also has four main beaches, and there’s no shortage of space to get yourself a tan. From Confital and La Laja to Las Alcaravaneras and Las Canteras, each leave their own special mark on the city, and nearly all have great water sports activities to take advantage of.
