Things to do

The Town
The cosmopolitan capital of Gran Canaria is a lively and vibrant city, with a distinctly Spanish character, situated between two bays. Home to many excellent restaurants and tapas bars as well as great shopping (including the giant department store, El Ingles), a wealth of elegant architecture and a charming and historic Old Town to explore, Las Palmas is the cultural centre of the island and a popular spot for day-trippers.

Beaches
An alternative to the popular beaches along the south coast, the 3km sandy stretch at Las Canteras boasts a protected lagoon and is an ideal spot for sunbathing. This urban beach is backed by a long promenade lined with pavement cafes, and offers great views of the north coast of the island. Las Alcaravaneras beach, to the west of town, is home to a sailing club and offers great conditions for surfing.

Culture
Explore the regions' history and culture in one of the towns' museums. The Museo Canario is the citys' main museum, a must-see for avid enthusiasts of the Canary Islands' history, boasting an extensive array of of archaeological items, including a collection of pre-historic skulls. Other popular attractions include The House of Christopher Columbus, now a museum celebrating the life of the explorer and displaying the relics of his discoveries, the Musuem of Modern Art and the stunning gothic Santa Ana Cathedral.

Walking and hiking
The dramatic landscapes of Northern Gran Canaria offer a network of paths and trails for walkers and hikers to follow, giving visitors the chance to discover the spectacular natural beauty of the area. Cycling is also a great way to get out and explore the surrounding areas of Las Palmas.   

Festivals
Las Palmas sees plenty of lively events throughout the year, with vibrant Carnivals taking place in February and March, a Theatre and Dance Festival in July and an annual international Film Festival.The citys' main festival - Fiestas de San Juan - is in June and celebrates the foundation of Las Palmas, attracting many locals and tourists alike.  

Day trips
Popular day trips from Las Palmas include the lovely little town of Arucas, sitting at the foot of a dormant volcano and most famous for its gothic church and prolific sugar and rum production. Other places to visit include Agaete, a bohemian town filled with great seafood restaurant and art galleries, the historic and attractive Teror, and Galdar, home to many interesting Guanche archaeological sites.