Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Once you have discovered the beautiful island of Gran Canaria, the capital
city of Las Palmas located on the most northern point is a "must" on your list
of places to visit. The city is easily accessible by the extremely clean and
efficient bus service from all parts of the island. From the Parque Santa
Catalina in Las Palmas, take the yellow open-topped Tourist Tour Bus to see the
many attractions the city has to offer. There is something for everyone , but
first a little background history ....
On 24th June, 1478 the city was founded by Juan Rejon, who was the head of the
Castilian Army. The Army invaded the aboriginal people of the Canaries, a simple
tribe known as Guanches, and impelled them to change their names to Spanish and
convert to Catholicism. The people who were captured and would not conform to
the new requirements were sold off as slaves in Valencia and Seville. Others
fled to the mountains and made homes in the caves, many of whom still choose to
live in the caves today, although they do not live quite such basic lives,
having all the mod cons of plasma screen televisions and microwaves! The latest
recorded population of Las Palmas is approximately 377,000 which is just under
half of the total population of Gran Canaria.
Historic Quarter - Museums and Monuments
In 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed into the port during his first trip to
the Americas and then again on his way back to mainland Spain and the city
boasts a museum named after the place where he spent the night, the Casa
Columbus, located in the Vegueta district. Vegueta is still thriving as the
city's historic area and is the home to many museums and monuments such as the
Chapel of San Antonio Abad, the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art, the Cathedral,
the Episcopal Palace and the Canary Museum to name but a few.
Shopping in Las Palmas
If shopping is what you do best, the neighbouring area of Triana should
definitely be on the list of places to go. With it's pedestrianised maze of
streets full of boutique style shops you can 'shop 'til you drop', but when you
need refreshments make sure you stop at one of the street cafes for drinks and
tapas before setting off again. If you prefer to do all your shopping under one
roof, then visit Las Arenas Shopping Centre which is full of famous brand name
shops. Head for Avenida Mesa y Lopez in the Santa Catalina district where you
will find Spain's leading department store, El Corte Ingles, along with some
familiar UK stores such as Marks and Spencer. Many of the local tour operators
run air-conditioned coach services, dropping you off and picking you up within
these three main areas.
Las Palmas Beaches
There are several beach areas in Las Palmas, the main one being Las Canteras.
The beachfront has a newly constructed promenade housing many bars and
restaurants all with spectacular sea views and offering a multitude of
mouthwatering Spanish and international food-fare. The sand is of the fine
variety and the waters are shallow making for perfect sun worshipping and safe
swimming. The second longest beach in Las Palmas is Playa de Las Alcaravaneras
which is flanked at both ends by sailing clubs, sailing being a popular pastime
in Gran Canaria. Las Palmas as a beach resort is used mainly by the locals and
people from mainland Spain. There are several medium sized hotels and apartments
both at the beach and within the city itself. Foreigners tend to concentrate in
the resorts in the south of the island.
Las Palmas Nightlife
There are theatres too many to mention individually in Las Palmas presenting
all kinds of shows including live music concerts, musicals, comedy and dance.
The area around Parque Santa Catalina comes alive with music and street artists
from early evening right through to the early hours where every member of the
family can be found, from sleeping infants to reminiscing grannies!
Carnival in Las Palmas
A highlight of Canary life at the beginning of each year is when Las Palmas
hosts the fabulous Carnival. This is the most amazing exhibition of exuberant
colour and entertainment where nearly everyone dons fancy dress costumes. The
main events start in the pedestrianised area of Parque Santa Catalina set up
with a massive stage for the dancers and various acts. The Drag Queen final is
held during the carnival taking us back a few years with platform soles anything
from ten to thirty inches high. Its only at Las Palmas Carnival you will see a
mermaid dancing on stilts! Following on from the show the street parties start
where the revellers continue throughout the next two or three days. The
atmosphere is electric so if you are lucky enough to visit Gran Canaria early in
the year, get out your glittery wig and join in with the fun. |
