Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Hotels and City Guide

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - Going Out

When to Go – Las Palmas’ Seasons

Las Palmas is a rare city in that it lacks a definite tourist season. Rather, it is busy year around – in Summer the weather is especially good however in Winter it is still extremely mild, with temperature often not dropping below 20deg Celsius. The island is busy year-round with tourists seeking to escape the harsh winter in the home country.

If you are flexible on your travel date, try arrange it around a local event, such as the Fiestas de San Juan, to partake in a traditional Spanish celebration.

Las Palmas Visual Art, Music and Dance

Possibly the most iconic performing arts venue in Las Palmas is the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, named after the famous Canarian tenor. The auditorium boasts incredible ocean views and was constructed partly of local volcanic rock. The venue hosts a various concerts, operas and classical performances and is also used as a conference venue.

The city has several museums and art galleries. The Centro Atlantico de Arte Moderno is the main modern art museum with a collection of Canarian and International modern art. The Museo Nestor is dedicated to the life and artworks of local artist Nestor Martin Fernandez de la Torre, and also has other local antiques and artefacts on display.

If you are interested in Canarian and world history, the Casa Colón and Museo Canario would both be of interest. This Casa Colón is a fabulous old home which been turned into a museum celebrating the life of Christopher Colombus. The famous explorer is rumoured to have stayed in this house whilst waiting for his ship to be repaired in Las Palmas’ harbour. The Museo Canario has a vast collection of artefacts including skulls, pottery and implements, dating from the Canary islands’ pre-conquest times.

Las Palmas’ Annual Events

February

February to March (dates vary year to year): Las Palmas Carnival – Parque de Santa Catalina – a world-renown celebration lasting almost a month, the Las Palmas Carnival is a vibrant and noisy affair with plenty of parades, floats, music and dancing.

March

During March or April (dates vary year to year): Holy Week or Easter – a range of processions and religious events mark the Spanish celebration of Holy Week, known in Spanish has Semana Santa.

April

Early April: Las Palmas International Film Festival – various venues – a celebration of short and feature film, with many Spanish and international directors being featured. The festival has also been known to attract some big-name film stars.

June

June: Fiestas de San Juan (St John’s Festival) – across the city and on Playa de las Canteras – The Fiestas de San Juan is a celebration of Summer and the city itself, with huge bonfires and a family beach party late into the night.

July

July: Festival Internacional Canarias Jazz & Mas Heineken – various venues – A ten-day long event featuring intimate as well as grand-scale jazz concerts, as well as workshops for experienced and aspiring musicians alike.

August

July to August: Las Palmas Festival of Theatre and Dance - Parque de Santa Catalina as well as indoor venues – Various performance arts are celebrated at this festival including ballet, street theatre, and musicals.

October

Early October – Fiesta de la Naval (Festival of the Sea) – This annual event consists of several processions from the harbours, a fireworks show and the election of a ‘Fiesta de la Naval Queen’. The event serves to commemorate the Spanish victory over a 16th century British invasion, but of course in good spirits.

November

WOMAD Music Festival – Parque de Santa Catalina – Part of the many international music festivals organised by WOMAD, the Las Palmas event features a variety of music genres with many different cultures and countries being represented.

December

31st December: New Year's Eve Celebrations – city wide – on New Year’s Eve the city of Las Palmas pulses with music and excitement, and there are a range of parties and events from public beach and street parties to private events in bars and clubs, to choose from.

Las Palmas After Dark: Bars and Nightclubs in Las Palmas

Las Palmas offers a variety of options for those seeking some after-hours entertainment. The city has plenty of quaint tapas bars which are excellent for some traditional eats and a cold caña (or beer). As the night doesn’t get started until after midnight, it is a good idea to grab a good spot at a tapas bar, relax, and enjoy some people-watching before you venture into one of the livelier bars or clubs.

A stroll along the Paseo de Las Canteras, which runs along Las Palmas’ main beach, will pass by many bars and clubs, as will a walk around the Parque Santa Catalina. Pacha, part of the global nightclub group of the same name, is a busy nightclub located in the the Parque Santa Catalina and is open until the early hours. The Plaza de España is also a good place to head if you are looking for late-night dancing, and is usually very busy late into the night.

Hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain