Major city · Spain
Las PalmasLas Palmas de Gran Canaria
Give Las Palmas 3 nights: base in Puerto-Canteras for the beach and nightlife, or Vegueta for the old town; skip it as a day trip from the south coast.
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the island's only real city: five urban beaches, a 15th-century old town and a working port, with year-round warmth and no closed season. It is not the resort south coast — the weather is windier and the sea cooler — but it has the history, the food and the local life the resorts lack. Three nights covers the beaches, Vegueta and a day out; two is enough if you only want sun.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (busiest and windiest for beach days); Carnaval week if you want quiet
- Airport
- LPA
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Las Palmas112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Las Palmas, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyLas Palmas is a normal European city and generally safe by day; the real issues are pickpockets around Santa Catalina and the port…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergency services · 091 National police · 092 Local police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLPA Gran Canaria Airport (About 20 km (12 mi) south of the city; Global express buses 60 and 91 run to San Telmo and Santa Catalina, roughly every 30 min…LPA Gran Canaria Airport (About 12 mi (20 km) south of the city; Global express buses 60 and 91 run to San Telmo and Santa Catalina, roughly every 30 min…
- Getting aroundGuaguas Municipales yellow city buses cover the centre; a rechargeable card brings the fare to about €0.80 (≈ under US$1) a ride…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.20–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña at a bar / supermarket€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)€0.60–1.20 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiMetered; night rates apply.€8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride with card€0.80 (≈ under US$1) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LPA Gran Canaria Airport (About 20 km (12 mi) south of the city; Global express buses 60 and 91 run to San Telmo and Santa Catalina, roughly every 30 min, €2.80–4.00 one way (check).)LPA Gran Canaria Airport (About 12 mi (20 km) south of the city; Global express buses 60 and 91 run to San Telmo and Santa Catalina, roughly every 30 min, €2.80–4.00 one way (check).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest Dec (6 rain days), driest Jun (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Las Palmas: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
0 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
0 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Guaguas Municipales yellow city buses cover the centre; a rechargeable card brings the fare to about €0.80 a ride, cash fares are higher and cards are the practical option. Global blue buses link the two bus stations (San Telmo and Santa Catalina) with the airport and the rest of the island. Taxis are metered and easy to flag; the city is walkable between Vegueta, Triana and the port but the beach strip is a long walk from the old town.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Vegueta and Triana old town
goDoor to door: Half a day
Walk or city bus to San Telmo
Cathedral, Casa de Colón and the pedestrian Calle Mayor de Triana; go in the morning before the heat.
Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Global bus from San Telmo, about 1 h
Northwest coast village and the Fred Olsen ferry dock; a half-day if you are not sailing.
Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Global bus south, about 1 h
Dunes and resort beaches; a full day and a different trip from the city.
Teide and Tenerife
overnightDoor to door: 3 h+
Ferry from the port or Agaete, then bus
Too far for a day return; sleep on Tenerife.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Puerto-Canteras
Hotels, nightlife and Playa de las Canteras on the doorstep; the default for beach-first trips.
Vegueta and Triana
Old town, cathedral and Calle Mayor de Triana; quieter, better for history and food, 10–15 min by bus to the beach.
Ciudad Jardín
Leafy 1930s district with the Santa Catalina hotel, Doramas Park and Pueblo Canario; calm, mid-to-high budget.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €50–80 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 3 nights × €110 | €330 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × €110 | €660 |
| Global express bus from LPA, both ways2 × €8 · check | €16 |
| Guagua city bus card, 10 rides plus card fee2 × €10 · check | €20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €106 |
| Trip total≈ €194 per person per day, bed included | €1,162≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and ferries excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.20–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día at lunch | €10–16 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Beer: caña at a bar / supermarket | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) / €0.60–1.20 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxiMetered; night rates apply. | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
| City bus ride with card | €0.80 (≈ under US$1) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The sea at Las Canteras is cooler and the city windier than the south coast resorts — pack a layer even in summer.
- Cash is not accepted on city buses; buy or top up a Guagua card at Santa Catalina, San Telmo or a kiosk.
- Rental-car desks and third-party booking sites are a known source of extra fees in Spain: book direct with the company.
- Carnaval fills the city and pushes hotel prices up; book weeks ahead if you want to be there.
Emergency numbers
- All emergency services
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Local police
- 092
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Las PalmasLas Palmas de Gran Canaria
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergency services112
- National police091
- Local police092
Embassy
The UK, Ireland and most EU states: consulates or embassies in Madrid; the US has a consular agency in Las Palmas (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- LPA airport → San Telmo or Santa Catalina, Global express: €2.80–4.00 (≈ US$4–5), about 30–40 min (check)
- Taxi airport → Las Palmas centre: about €30 (≈ US$35) (check)
- Ferry Las Palmas → Tenerife: from about €40 (≈ US$50) one way, 1 h 40 min–2 h 40 min (check)
Say or show
- Hola / Buenos días — Hello / Good day (OH-lah / BWEH-nos DEE-as)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-de es-TA la PLA-ya)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-do pa-GAR kon tar-HEH-ta)
- No entiendo — I don't understand (no en-TYEN-do)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Las Palmas. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (busiest and windiest for beach days); Carnaval week if you want quiet · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LPA: last Global express departures, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Vegueta, Triana, Puerto and Santa Catalina, Canteras.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Casa de Colón, cathedral, Museo Canario, auditorium) and eat pages with last orders.
- Carnaval and cruise-ship day fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialLas Palmas de Gran Canaria official site
- officialGran Canaria tourism board
- officialGuaguas Municipales
- officialGlobal interurban buses
- secondaryWikivoyage: Las Palmas, revision 5247770 (CC BY-SA 4.0)