What is it like to live in Las palmas de Gran Canaria?
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria lies in the Atlantic Ocean, about 62 miles away from Africa’s coast. It covers 31 square miles. The island’s maximum height is 6,417 feet, thanks to two magnificent mountains: Pico de las Nieves and Morro de las Agujereada. Las Palmas is the largest city and home to 381,223. Gran Canaria is a mountainous area of volcanic rock and lush forest. There are many stunning beaches along the island’s coastlines, like Playa de Maspalomas and Playa de Amadores.
You will also find many stunning rock formations and protected areas on the island. The municipality of Tejeda is home to Roque Nublo. It has historical significance for the locals. It was created by a volcano at 262 feet above sea level. Roque Nublo, a sacred spot for the island’s Indigenous communities, is accessible via a 1.9-mile hike.
Historical Background
The Spanish conquered the Canary Islands in 1483 as part of Spain’s expansion into the new world. The capitals of the Canary Islands are now Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the port city on Tenerife. The Canary Islands are politically considered independent communities. However, residents recognize Spain’s constitution and laws. This system of governance was established to ensure limited autonomy for specific nationalities and regions of the country.
Gran Canaria’s economy was heavily dependent on agriculture in the past. It primarily focused on sugarcane production and grain on colonial plantations. Today, however, the island is heavily reliant on the tourism industry. 80% of its income comes from national and international visitors.
Lifestyle in Las palmas de Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a protected biosphere reserve with stunning landscapes, beaches, dunes, and greenery. UNESCO has granted Gran Canaria its protected status. More than 3.6 million tourists visit the island each year. Many of the towns along the coast are bustling with activity.
Puerto de la Luz, the main port in Las Palma for commercial and fishing vessels, receives many passenger and sports boats. Despite being hilly, the city is very walkable. You can find many incredible hiking trails that lead to stunning views of beaches or bays.
Beaches in Las palmas de Gran Canaria
Playa Tiritana, a tiny beach located in Mogan, is approximately 58 miles from Las Palmas. The beach measures only 328 feet in width and offers a beautiful ocean view. Playa de Amadores is a more extensive, more popular beach. You will find nearby restaurants, a lifeguard, and clean, white sand. Playa de Las Canteras, the largest beach in Las Palmas, is a popular choice for locals and tourists. The boardwalk runs parallel to the coast.
The beaches of Maspalomas, Meloneras, and the southern part of Gran Canaria are some of the most visited areas. These areas are well-known for their touristy beaches and resorts. These areas also have a Centro Comercial Playa Meloneras shopping center. Many hotels in these towns feature 20th-century Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. This style is based on the colonial architecture of the Americas.
Cultural events
Gran Canaria’s most important cultural events are held in Las Palmas. There are many festivals, celebrations, and concerts held here each year. It hosts the International Film Festival and the Canary Islands Music Festival yearly. Las Palmas, as well as its surrounding municipalities, have many museums. The Museo Canario has an extensive collection of historical objects and is open to the public.
A lovely theater, Teatro Perez Galdos (named after Benito Perez Galdos, Canarian author), and a museum dedicated to Canarian artist Nestor Martin Fernandez de la Torre are also available. Residents also celebrate the annual Carnaval, one of Spain’s most popular events. Live music, a street parade, and a gala of drag queens are some of the highlights.
Sports in Las palmas de Gran Canaria
Las Palmas has all the amenities you would expect from a big city regarding the sport. The town has an ACB basketball team called CB Gran Canaria and an arena that can hold 11,000 people. There is also a second-division soccer team called UD Las Palmas and a stadium that can hold over 32,000 people. You will also find an auditorium that hosts international conferences and events. There are also several public libraries, such as La Biblioteca Simon Benitez Padilla, which specializes in the earth sciences.
Healthcare in Las palmas de Gran Canaria
Two general hospitals are the only primary healthcare facilities in Las Palmas. There are also several private hospitals and clinics around Gran Canaria. Although the system can accommodate private and public patients, it is not ideal for island residents, where there might be a lengthy wait for public services. Las Palmas is generally considered safe. However, it would help if you avoided Santa Catalina Park at night.
Weather in Las palmas de Gran Canaria
It is known for its year-round warmth, and the Canaries generally have one of the best climates. While the weather usually is mild, some locals might wear jackets in winter. Las Palmas’ balmy climate is very pleasant. It is ideal for relaxing weekend getaways or a more extended, soporific stay.
Expenses of Residing in Las palmas de Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria’s cost of living is much lower than you might think. Although Las Palmas and the resort towns have higher rent prices, they are still affordable. There will also be other locations on the island that offer cheaper options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around £750 monthly. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost about £1,275 monthly.
Utility costs average £76 per month. This includes heating, cooling, electricity, and water fees. On average, internet services cost £54 per month. Transport is very affordable. It costs £1.58 per bus ride and £40 for a month’s pass. Taxi rides cost around £17, and a liter of gas costs around £1.14.
Each region manages the national Spanish health system. It includes hospitals, specialists, and primary care. Some areas and municipalities offer free health care to residents and citizens. Most people pay for their prescriptions and their dental care. You may be required to have private insurance for your healthcare, depending on where you are from. Personal health insurance costs for a couple in Spain can range from £100 to £140 monthly.
You can expect to spend around £40 per month on a membership to a gym, £8.50 per visit to the cinema, and £37 per person for a meal at a nice restaurant. Groceries will average £300 per month.
The Best Things to Do in Las palmas de Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has so many stunning landscapes and beaches that it is sure to keep its residents busy. Las Palmas, the cultural and business center of Gran Canaria, boasts many modern facilities, museums, and sports venues. If you are a nature lover or enjoy the seaside lifestyle, you will feel at home quickly.
The best memory of Gran Canaria was when I ate paella with my friends in a beachside restaurant by the ocean and listened to a street musician playing the Spanish guitar while we ate. Las Palmas is a place where magic can be found.
These are just a few of the many activities you can do in Las Palmas or nearby towns:
Visit Barranco de Guayadeque
Barranco de Guayadeque can be found near Aguimes. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Las Palmas. It is a large and impressive ravine that houses many species of local fauna and flora and several medieval cave houses. The Guayadeque museum is open to visitors who want to learn more about the many mummies found in the caves. Cave dwellings were used to store food, celebrate fertility rituals, or as family homes. The Spanish government has designated the valley as a protected site of national heritage to preserve its past.
The Maspalomas Sand Dunes are worth a visit.
The Maspalomas dunes can be found south of the island, near San Bartolome de Tirajana. These sands, protected by nature, were formed in the last ice age. They were formed when the wind blew them towards Tirajana after the water receded. Tourists love to walk through the sands. It is approximately 45 minutes from Las Palmas to reach the entrance. The trail runs five miles.
Explore the Caves of Valeron
Cenobio de Valeron, an Indigenous settlement built on the cliffs in Montana del Gallero, is known as Cenobio de Valeron. This geological site was constructed more than 800 years ago. It was used to store grain. From top to bottom, more than 350 cavities line the escarpment. Cenobio is Latin for the monastery. However, it’s falsely believed that the cavities were once used to house young noble women. Visitors can take guided tours.
Visit Las palmas de Gran Canaria Botanical Gardens
The Jardin Botanico Canario, located approximately four miles from Las Palmas, is the region’s most important area for flora conservation. Many plant species are native to the Canary Islands, Macaronesia, and surrounding regions. You can access the property without paying entrance and visit the Camino de Los Dragos, the Path of the Dragons, and the Jardin de las Islas, the Garden of the Islands.
Visit the Mirador del Pico de Las Nieves
Technically, Gran Canaria’s highest point is the Morro de La Agujereada. This majestic mountain measures 6,417 feet in height. However, many locals believe the Pico de Los Nieves is the tallest island. You can view both mountains from the Mirador del Pico de Los Pozos de Las Nieves. Visitors have access to both official and unofficial trails. Because the temperature drops as you ascend in elevation, having a sweater or light jacket and comfortable shoes is a good idea. Walking on trails will allow amateur photographers to discover many local rock formations.
FAQ
Where do ex-pats live in Gran Canaria?
Puerto Rico and Playa del Ingles are bilingual enough that you can communicate with Spanish people without any difficulties. Many ex-pats speak Spanish well. However, you will find more local communities like San Fernando or Tablero and southern villages like Fataga or Pueblo de Mogan.
Is Gran Canaria or Tenerife better?
If you are looking for popular tourist destinations that offer great food and great nightlife, then Tenerife is the place to go. Gran Canaria, on the other hand, is the best choice if you wish to see the stunning landscapes and amazing beaches.
Which is the best Canary Island to live on?
Nomad’s 2022 list of best places in Spain is topped with Gran Canaria. This island knocks Barcelona off the top spot and makes it the best Canary Island to reside on. Fuerteventura and Tenerife are next.
Which is the cheapest Canary island to live on?
If you are looking for affordable homes in Spain, and want to live by the ocean on a paradisia island, then check out these two Canary Islands where you can find the best deals – Gran Canaria or Tenerife.