Take a ferry to Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, a bustling city and a cultural hub within Spain brimming with Spanish atmosphere and rich history.
Las Palmas is located in the northeastern part of Gran Canaria, about 150 km west of Morocco and is the most populous city in the Canary Islands and the 9th largest city in Spain. It is an important city, officially known as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, also the capital of Gran Canaria and one of the two capitals of the Canary Islands, along with Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The city was founded in 1478 and has a rich cultural heritage and history, part of which can be found in the Vegueta district, the oldest district of the city, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural wealth, rich history, vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches and excellent gastronomy that make it an attractive tourist destination.
Ferry connections to Las Palmas
The ferry connections to Las Palmas are with the other Canary Islands and mainland Spain. It is an important ferry hub for both locals and tourists wanting to travel between the Canary Islands and Spain.
Lets have a look below at the main ferry connections from Spain and the other Canary Islands to Las Palmas:
Ferry routes from mainland Spain to Gran Canaria
The routes from Spain to Las Palmas are mainly operated from two ports in mainland Spain: the ports of Huelva and Cadiz. These are vital transits for those who want to travel to Las Palmas Canarias from the mainland.
- Huelva to Las Palmas: It is a satisfactory option with multiple departures per day, 3 days a week. The duration is around 40 hours
- Cádiz to Las Palmas: Routes are not as frequent as from Huelva. It operates 3 days per week, once a day. The duration is about 35 hours
Ferry routes between the Canary Islands
These ferry connections allow passengers to visit many of the Canary Islands. Some of the main routes are:
- Tenerife to Las Palmas: The duration of the trip is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Lanzarote to Las Palmas: Usually the journey time is approximately 6 hours but may vary depending on the route and the carrier
- La Palma to Las Palmas: This trip may take approximately 8 hours depending on the route
It is important to highlight that the frequency of services may vary depending on the season and there may be more options during peak tourist periods.
Port of Las Palmas
The port of Las Palmas is one of the busiest ports in Spain and an important shipping hub in Gran Canaria, as it facilitates services between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. Its location is of strategic importance as it serves as a gateway for both passenger and freight traffic in the region. It has modern facilities and several piers with most services departing from the Muelle de Transbordadores pier. Access to the port of Las Palmas is easy, both by public transport and by hiring a taxi! There are public buses that run to the port.
The historic center, Vegueta is located about 8 kilometers south of the cruise port, which is about 10 minutes' drive and if the visitor prefers to walk to the port it will take about 30 to 40 minutes. Finally, if you choose the bus you can reach the port in about 20 minutes.
For information about bus schedules in Las Palmas, please click here.
There are also taxi transfers available. Grab a taxi from the port or book one online.
Why select Las Palmas as a tourist destination?
The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for many reasons! Its beautiful beaches, its interesting history, its vibrant nightlife and its excellent food are some of them!
Sun-soaked beaches
Las Palmas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Canary Islands, such as:
- Las Canteras: Is the most famous and stretches for 3.5 kilometers and is famous for its golden sand and clear waters. This beach is not just a place for sunbathing, as it offers various activities such as snorkeling, surfing and paddleboarding
- Playa de las Alcaravaneras: Known for its calm waters, which makes it ideal for children learning water sports
- Playa El Confital: Ideal for those seeking tranquility as it offers a more natural environment with rock pools and less crowded
Intriguing history
The city has a rich historical background dating back to its foundation in 1478 during the conquest of Gran Canaria by Spanish forces. In the historic district of Vegueta the visitor will experience important attractions such as the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Plaza de Santa Ana, which reflect the city's colonial past.
Buzzing nightlife
Nightlife in Las Palmas is very lively especially in the Vegueta and Triana neighborhoods which are popular for their lively bars with live music and handcrafted cocktails. Visitors can join the Ruta de los Pinchos, a route of tapas bars that highlights local flavors.
Exquisite food & wine tasting
Las Palmas has excellent gastronomy and is heavily influenced by both Spanish and African cuisine. There are unique traditional Canarian dishes such as papas arrugadas (crinkled potatoes) served with mojo sauce and pulpo a la Canaria (octopus with potatoes) that showcase the island's fresh seafood and local ingredients. It also boasts a growing wine industry thanks to its diverse microclimates and volcanic soils. Visitors can visit local wineries such as Bodegas Bentayga and Bodega Los Berrazales, where they can taste unique wines made from indigenous grape varieties such as Listán and Moscatel. Wine tasting tours not only offer enjoyable experiences but also stunning views of the island's landscapes.
Exploring the nearby areas
Las Palmas serves as an excellent base for exploring Gran Canaria beyond its beaches. It has a very good public transport network, making it easy for tourists to visit other parts of the island, such as mountainous areas, charming villages and natural parks.
Must see attractions in Las Palmas
The city of Las Palmas offers truly unique attractions as it is a historical and cultural center both locally and regionally within Spain.In recent years, Las Palmas has developed in terms of tourism, boasting an impressive infrastructure of hotels and apartments.
- Vegueta and Triana Neighborhoods: The historic neighborhoods that reflect the cultural heritage of Las Palmas. Vegueta is the oldest part of the city, with cobbled streets and important landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Casa de Colón (House of Christopher Columbus). Triana complements Vegueta with its lively atmosphere full of shops, cafes and beautiful Art Nouveau architecture
- Dunes of Maspalomas: Located just outside Las Palmas on the south coast, it is a stunning natural reserve that is well worth a visit. This unique landscape features huge sand dunes stretching over 1,000 acres next to a picturesque beach and palm trees. In addition, visitors will explore hiking trails or can opt for a camel ride through the dunes for an unforgettable experience
- Caldera de Bandama: This volcanic crater offers stunning panoramic views of the island. The area is home to a diverse flora and fauna, while hiking trails leading to the caldera allow visitors to explore its unique geological features
- Teatro Pérez Galdós: A historic theater, a true architectural gem located in the Triana neighborhood. Built in the late 19th century, it hosts opera performances and classical music concerts today. The beautifully restored interior features intricate designs that reflect its cultural importance
- Casa de Colón (Columbus House): Also known as Columbus House, is a historical museum located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. This building, dating back five centuries, was originally the residence of the governors of the Canary Islands and is now dedicated to exploring the connections between the Canary Islands and the Americas, particularly during the Age of Exploration
- Mercado de Vegueta: A historic market located in the Vegueta neighborhood, which is known for its rich history and cultural importance, where travelers can try traditional Canary Island cuisine
