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| Situation: |
North-east of
Gran Canaria |
| Area: |
100,55
kms² |
| Height: |
8 m |
| Population: |
358.518
(INE 2000) |
| Distance
to Las Palmas: |
27km |
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , the capital of the island and of the Province, is located in the municipal borough of the same name. The city was founded in 1478 and had jurisdiction over the whole of the island until 1837 when Gran Canaria was divided into the 21 municipal boroughs which remain in force in the present day.
Las Palmas is a European city with colonial roots but with the overtones and colours of the Tropics. Throughout the length and breadth of its eight districts the city offers its visitors the chance to see an extensive range of matters of cultural interest, as well as covering the whole spectrum of sporting and leisure activities.
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 El Castillo de La Luz
The "Castle of Light" -declared a Monument of Historical Interest- is found to the north of the city in the port area. It is a military fortress from the end of the 15th century which was a decisive stronghold in the defence of the islanders against the marauding attacks of English and Dutch pirates. When originally built it bordered on the sea, though in later years as land was won back from the Atlantic it found itself at some distance from the coast. A short distance away is the parish church of the same name, one of the oldest architectural works on the island and a place well worth a visit.
El Parque Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina Park is a truly emblematic location in the city. Tourists and travellers from all around the world gather here to relax at the pavement bars and read all manner of international newspapers and magazines available from the kiosks or to stroll through the attractive shopping area nearby. It is also the scene of activities as diverse as the popular open-air chess tournaments or -in recent years- the spectacular Carnival Gala Performance .
El Pueblo Canario
The Canarian Village is a splendid exhibition of traditional Canarian architecture, with fine examples of the much lauded "Canarian balcony". A large terrace area, the scene of Canarian folklore music concerts, is surrounded by a variety of buildings which house the museum of the modernist painter Néstor de la Torre (an obligatory visit), the Santa Catalina Chapel which dates back to the 14th century, the Tourist Enterprise Centre and the Bodegón Canario , where a selection of the island's gastronomical delights are on offer.
La playa de Las Canteras ,
For those who wish to take advantage of the excellent climate in the island capital there are two magnificent beaches. "Las Canteras Beach", regarded as one of the best in the world for its natural conditions, has been repeatedly awarded prizes by the European Union. Its three kilometres of the finest golden sand and a natural reef which, 200 metres from the shoreline, protects it from strong waves, make it one of the island's favourite beaches both for the local inhabitants and tourists. Alcaravaneras beach also enjoys excellent sand, though there is a problem with contamination of the water because of the proximity of the Port area
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