Playa de las Canteras, Las Palmas

The capital of Gran Canaria and bustling holiday resort, Las Palmas is situated at the northeast tip of the island, between two long stretches of beach. The city was founded in 1478 and was the spot where Christopher Columbus began each of his voyages to the Americas. Much of the original Vegueta district remains behind the modern apartment blocks, which line the seafront, and there are many interesting sights and museums to visit. The ambience is lively, evident of a population of southern temperament not always taking life at its most serious. Las Palmas' great cultural offerings, attractive festivities and highly recommendable cuisine attract thousand of holidaymakers every year and make for a memorable stay.

There are numerous shopping centres for holidaymakers to enjoy in Las Palmas such as El Corte Ingles in Mesa y Lopez, which is Spain's largest national department store. It is 13 floors of shops, in total, housed in two buildings. Las Arenas in Las Canteras is another great shopping mall, a favourite with tourists as is Centro Comercial Las Arenas. A street market is well worth a visit where most gift and souvenir shopping can be done.

Las Palmas' top-rate restaurants catering to holidaymakers include La Buena Vida, El Novillo Precoz, Buenos Aires Grill and Tobarne Macabeo. There are plenty of seaside restaurants to choose from, as well as numerous tapas bars where travellers can eat and mingle with the locals, experiencing true Canarian cuisine. Since Las Palmas is not completely dominated by tourists, prices are up to 50 percent less than on other parts of the island. Plaza Santa Catalina is a must; diners can enjoy the warm evenings in one of the many open-air restaurants.

Holidaymakers looking for a fun night out in Las Palmas should head to Plaza de España, in the Mesa y Lopez district, which is usually packed until the early hours of the morning. The Heineken is where most locals start their evening and the Rum Museum is a good place to sample rum cocktails. Hip-swaying salsa music, live bands, cover bands, jazz, or anything else can be found in Las Palmas. There is even has a casino where a spot of gambling can be done and visitors can take in a few shows.

The warm waters surrounding Las Palmas provide perfect conditions for all kinds of water sports for holidaymakers to enjoy, including sailing and boating. Many of the resorts have their own tennis courts and golf courses, or have contracts with others so that holidaymakers can play when they so desire. Whale watching is another popular activity and tickets can be bought from companies taking tourists out on boats for the day.

Las Palmas is very developed and is not the best place for holiday makers looking for a picturesque holiday resort.