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.
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).
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.
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!).
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.
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!