The capital of the Gran Canaria, the main island in the Canary Islands, is Las Palmas. Las Palmas is a sprawling city, with nearly half a million residents. It acts as the islands’ center of administration, and is found about 200 kilometers off the coast of Africa.

Las Palmas was established in 1478. This was when the local guanche aborigines, which had lived in the islands for thousands of years, were defeated by the military forces sent from Spain.

The Spanish conquerors started building their own community, starting in the area of La Vegueta. This place is now considered to be the historical district of Las Palmas. All visitors of the city should take the time to explore this place, which has picturesque medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, and gives an idea of life as it was centuries ago.

Las Palmas played a large role in world history. It was the last outpost of Spain before the stretch of undiscovered ocean and land, and in fact, Christopher Columbus visited this place many many times n the course of his exploring. He was so charmed by the scenery and the friendliness of the community that he even built a house there, which has since been converted into a museum of the American Conquest (Casa Colon).

But most visitors of Las Palmas are there for the sunny weather. Experts from the Syracuse University in the United States say that it has the best climate in the world. In fact, many people believe that it is the land of Eternal Spring.

Las Palmas also offers visitors a wide array of shopping choices. The biggest brands can be found in the streets of Mesa y López and Triana. There are also very large shopping malls, such as Las Arenas (which is located at the Canteras beach), La Ballena, El Muelle (located at the port area), and Siete Palmas.

Beaches

One of the landmarks of Las Palmas is of course the famous Las Canteras beach, a 3 km long beach in the middle of the city, offering year-round relax. You´ll also have the option to visit the Alcaravanera beach on the port side of Las Palmas. The people of Las Palmas is very proud of its beach, and this is an area where you can not only relax at the beach, but also enjoy good food, take a walk with your friends or just sit down to have a ‘cana de Tropical’ (a small glass of the local beer).

Events

The most important fiesta of the year is the Las Palmas Carnival. This yearly mega-event starts the 2nd of February (2007), see their carnival program here. The carnival has a long tradition in Las Palmas as well as all over the Canary Islands. Well worth a visit!