This is a city that is open to the Atlantic Ocean and where spring seems to be a year round season. The city is principally a port that developed as part of the Spanish push for global domination. The wise ones stopped here on the shores of an island that could be described as the definition of Paradise.

Here is the house in which Christopher Columbus stayed before starting on his fateful journey of discovery. The admiral that was credited with discovering America stayed in the Puerto de La Luz on three of the four voyages that he made to the New World. His longest stay was during 1492 when he stopped here to repair damage to the rudder of the Pinta, one of the three small ships that made up the original fleet of discovery.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a monumental town that still preserves a compact city centre full of buildings that were built during the height of the Spanish Renaissance, a time of splendour for the Spanish court and a time that was the foundation of the modern day character of the whole island chain.

More information: http://www.spain-grancanaria.com/

Place Worth Visiting

The Barrio de la Vegueta is built on the original encampment of the first settlers of the island. Now filled with magisterial streets and regal squares, the area is also home to many baronial houses dating from the XVI and XVII centuries that belonged to those whose wealth was based on trading between the Old and New Worlds. The rarefied colonial atmosphere centres on the ancient Plaza de Santa Ana, one of the most beautiful parts of the city.

The city is built alongside a wonderful golden beach, the Playa de las Canteras. This beach is over four kilometres in length and is protected from the high Atlantic seas by a natural rocky barrier. The wonderful year-round climate permits year-round bathing and excellent conditions for enjoying a day at the seaside.

Building of the imposing Cathedral of Santa Ana was initiated in 1497. However, because of its complex design and intricate manner of construction, the building wasn’t finished until that middle of the XIX century. The interior of the building is not only a work of art itself but is filled too with many other works of art by noted artisans of the day. The interior architecture has many influences ranging from from gothic to plateresque through to baroque and neoclassic.

Important Dates and Fiestas

From the 18th of January through to the 9th February is the grand Carnival of Gran Canaria. This is a party not to be missed for those who enjoy colour and good living.

The foundation of the city is celebrated on the day of San Juan – 24th June.

The festival of the Romeria of Rosario is held during October.