Discovering Las Palmas: Cool Nature Spots Without Leaving The City!

If you want to explore a city, you’ll probably type its name on Google and search for a while trying to discover a bunch of cool places. In the case of Las Palmas, apart from the 4-5 same touristic places, there are not so many other recommendations. Until now. Let me show you some of my favourite ones! 

Las Palmas (de Gran Canaria) is a relatively young city when compared with others. Officially founded by the Spanish Crown in June 1478, you won’t find ancient buildings, big history museums or classic monuments. However, due to its maritime character and its special orography conditions, there are different places to enjoy! 

I tried to gather all of them into one single post but it seemed an endless task that I’ve been crafting for weeks and the result would probably be a bit boring so I decided to split them into “sections”. The first one is going to cover nature places in Las Palmas without leaving the city! 

Guiniguada Path: A 11Km Hike Without Leaving The City

Hiking, trail running, mountain biking… These are just three of the many interesting activities you can practice in the Guiniguada path. It’s one of the most popular routes among locals and a cool one if you are looking for some nature without leaving the city.

Barranco Guiniguada Path. Credit: José Antonio Llompart.

It is divided into two parts: from Vegueta to Maipez (7,5km) and Maipez to Puente La Calzada (3km). The Guiniguada Path was conditioned by local authorities recently (2017 to 2019) so everybody can enjoy the visit. 

Extra Info: https://lpavisit.com/en/activities/urban-routes/2223-sendero-del-guiniguada 

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/n2T8BN773si1V3he9 

Botanic Garden (Jardín Canario): Macaronesian Flora As Its Finest

If you’ve chosen to hike or ride the Guiniguada Path, it can be a good idea to combine it with a visit to the Las Palmas Botanic Garden (officially called Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo but commonly known as Jardín Canario).

Jardin Canario – Botanic Garden. Credit: Flickr.

It is said to be one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, it covers 23 hectares and it shows a great part of the Macaronesian flora.  

Official Website: http://www.jardincanario.org/  (includes English info)

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/FCKTJNrYfWoykZZNA 

La Laja Natural Swimming Pools (Made Of Rocks)

If you have reached Las Palmas from the southern access which goes in parallel to the sea (what we call the Avenida Marítima), you’ll probably have seen a beach at your right side when arriving in the city. That beach is called La Laja.

La Laja is probably the least visited in the city: due to its currents and the fact that it is a bit far from the city centre. However, there is a treasure hidden in La Laja: a series of natural swimming pools made of rocks. 

La Laja Natural Swimming Pools. Credit: LPAVisit

It is worth visiting if you are looking for something different. You will rarely find tourists or foreigners: it is a place which seems only reserved for those who live around. However, if you want to visit them, you can go by bicycle or even by bus. 

More info: https://localguidegrancanaria.com/en/la-laja-beach/ 

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/EUQyTfbHNNuTdtwu8 

Muelle de San Cristóbal Beach: Many Locals Don’t Even Know This Exist! 


Not even Google Maps is capable to spot this place exactly. It’s a piece of sand -I would say no longer than 50 or 100m- by the tiny harbour of San Cristobal. This can be undoubtedly called a “secret spot”. If you want something different, this is your place. Usually visited by people from nearby.

It is located in the San Cristobal district, on the southern end of Las Palmas, before La Laja if you come from the city centre. You can reach it by foot (yet it’s a long way) or bike if you go through the Avenida Marítima or by bus. If you manage to get a car, take into account there are not many places to park.  

You can combine this visit with a good fish meal in any of the restaurants in San Cristobal (Restaurante Miramar is my favourite!).

Playa del Muelle de San Cristóbal. Credit: Teldeactualidad.com

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/uAFVaTXpabQKGZGC7 

Caldera de Bandama Path: Walking Inside & Around Volcanos

Well, it’s not properly in the city but it’s not far from it (you can get there by public bus or car). But as far as it’s part of the municipality of Las Palmas, I decided to include Caldera de Bandama’s path in this post.

There are two ways to enjoy the Caldera: a circular hike around the 1,000-metre rim of the crater or a 200-meter descent to the deepest part of La Caldera. 

Caldera de Bandama Paths. Credit: Flickr.com.

Both hikes are usually recommended for starters but I am not quite sure about this. Well, it’s not a tough hike to the end of the Caldera and it is certainly a short one, but you need a certain fit level to come back to the top.

More info: https://localguidegrancanaria.com/en/caldera-de-bandama-en/ 

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/rRaRzgqkLSDcoDyP8 

And that’s all for now, folks! Hope you decide to visit any of these soon. If so, please let me know with a comment if you liked them or not… or how can this blog be improved. You may either contact me via WhatsApp (+34722155156) or via email (hello@thelofito.com).

Looking forward to your replies!

Surf in Gran Canaria: A Guide For All Levels (From Starters To Experts)

When it comes to surfing, one of the most important things you have to take into account is your level. This is no different in Gran Canaria. That’s why I crafted this blog, helped by some friends who are local experienced surfers: to help you find the best spots in Gran Canaria according to your experience!

One of the most important things about this blog is that you won’t read any information copied and pasted from other blogs. Maybe I can use some as a resource, but I definitely wanted something authentic and I’m going to stick to that idea.

Surfing at El Altillo. Credit: Octavio Rua.

Whatever you will find here it’s genuine stuff… Maybe not always my own experience, but in case I need some help, I will contact local experts before start writing.

This is the case. I haven’t surfed in my life. Not a single wave. But after some time around digital nomad circles, I have found out this is one of the activities most demand. So I contacted a couple of friends and asked them to help me with this blog… and in the process, help you with the search.

First Rule: Stick To Your Level

I already talked about this in the first paragraph, but I think it’s worth repeating it! Before choosing any spot to surf, I would recommend you to find out what’s your real level.

La Cícer. Las Palmas Surf City. Credit: El Coleccionista de Imágenes / Flickr.com

If you are going to surf a wave that’s it’s too much for you, you’ll probably not enjoy the ride it and you’ll probably put yourself in danger. And that’s not all: you will probably spoil other’s surfing time. So… so that’s why I would tell you to be sure the place is for you.

Imagine you have recently got a driving licence. Would you start with a Ferrari in Monaco GP? Don’t think so. This is something similar!

Surf in Gran Canaria For Starters

You will find a lot of information about every single spot that I’m going to mention here, so I will just focus on the names and divide them into levels. We (my surfer friends and me) will select 3 spots on every level. Of course, there are many others, but I just wanted you to have some info to start.

La Cicer/Muellitos

These are probably the best spot to start with. They are both in Las Palmas so you won’t need any media transport to reach them (in fact, if you’re staying by The Lofito, you can reach both spots by walking).

La Cícer. Best Surf Spot in Gran Canaria for Starters. Credit: 3RJ Surf Time School.

Also, there are plenty of rental shops and surf schools if you need some help. Take a look at 3RJ Surf Time or University Surf School, just to mention a couple (I don’t have any benefits, it’s just an honest recommendation from my surfer friends).

La Laja

Another recommended spot in Las Palmas if you are a starter. It’s by the other side of the side (in the southern exit) so you’ll have to take a bus if you want to reach there if you live in Las Canteras area.

The advantage of surfing in La Laja is, in fact, its distance from the city centre, which makes it more genuine: as a general rule, you will find fewer surfers and the great majority will be locals.

If you consider yourself a starter but you want to avoid overcrowding in the sea with students from schools, then go to La Laja and avoid La Cicer.

Surfing in Maspalomas. Credit: Maspalomas News.

Maspalomas

If you are staying in the south of Gran Canaria, you’ll probably want to stay there. Then, you should try Maspalomas! I would not even be considering it a surfing spot, but the beach has some good waves to start with.

Intermediate Level: Where To Surf in Gran Canaria?

All guides are focused either on starters or experts, but what if you are not a novice but you won’t consider yourself an advanced surfer? Well, we try to solve this question for you.

Los Enanos

This spot is located in the North of Gran Canaria. Not far from Las Palmas (there are plenty of buses during the day and it won’t take you longer than half an hour to reach there). There are other alternative spots around Los Enanos you might want to try: El Puertillo, San Andrés or Quintanilla. Up to you!

Some of the Best Beaches To Surf are in Northern Gran Canaria. Credit: Arucas Blogspot.

Boquines

Another spot in the North of Gran Canaria for intermediate level. It’s in the same area than the other spots we’ve mentioned above. Best in mid tide, can be a crowded place sometime with local surfers.

Spots Whose Level Depend On The Conditions

There are some other spots in the North of Gran Canaria whose level depends on the day: well, they might be for starters (not usual to be honest), intermediate or experts depending on the sea conditions.

As far as you’ve got to trip into them around half an hour, maybe it’s better to check before driving. Which are these spots? Boquines can be included into this option, but I’d rather put it into the intermediate level, but also El Altillo, La Caleta, El Picahcho, El Alto (right wave) or El Roque.

El Roque. Right Wave. / Credit: Octavio Rua.

Surf in Gran Canaria For Pros

If you are an experienced surfer, you will be probably looking for the best spots to surf in Gran Canaria. And I want to be clear about this: this section has been specifically designed for those surfers with top level. If you don’t reach it, you’d better try other sections.

El Confital. One of the Best Surfing Beaches in Gran Canaria. Credit: Wikipedia.com.

El Confital

It’s one of the gems in the city of Las Palmas. Located at the end of Playa de Las Canteras (eastern end), it’s linked to the city via a non-asphalted path. You can reach it on foot or by car if you’ve got transport.

It was once considered one of the top waves in Europe and hold surfing contests, but in the last few years has lost part of its fame. A long right break which makes it really palatable for local surfers who don’t want to go far from the city.

Best Spot For Surfing % Bodyboard in Gran Canaria: El Frontón. Credit: El Coleccionista de Imágenes / Flickr.com.

La Guancha

La Guancha, Bocabarranco, El Agujero, El Frontón… These fours spots are close from each other and all of them are excellent options for surfers (and bodyboarders). El Frontón is a world class wave, especially among bodyboarders, so that’s why I decided to talk about La Guancha.

El Agujero does not need any publicity (well, maybe this is not he goal of this post), but La Guancha can be considered more a hidden gem as it’s rarely crowded. It’s more difficult to reach this area with public transport, but you can.

Gran Canaria Best Surf Spots Map. Credit: TravelSurf.com

El Lloret

If El Confital was the northern end of Las Canteras, El Lloret is located on the western end. The fact that is near to areas for beginners like La Cícer may lead to confusion: don’t get tricked by the ubication as El Lloret is only for proficient surfers.

In fact, El Lloret is and exposed reef break and the waves are really near to the rocks. Any little mistake and you can have a terrible accident. And no one here wants that!