Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island capital, is about 18 km north of the airport.

About Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a cosmopolitan Atlantic port city with a year-round spring-like climate, blending Spanish colonial heritage with a laid-back island atmosphere. The historic Vegueta quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, features the Cathedral of Santa Ana (begun in 1497), the Columbus House (Casa de Colón) where Christopher Columbus reportedly stayed, and cobblestoned streets lined with ornate Canarian balconied houses.

Las Canteras Beach, one of the finest urban beaches in Europe, stretches for over 3 km along the city's northern edge with golden sand protected by a natural reef (La Barra) that creates calm swimming conditions. The beachfront promenade is lined with terrace restaurants, surf shops, and ice cream parlors, and the beach itself is a favorite of surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers year-round.

The city's Triana district offers the main shopping boulevard (Calle Mayor de Triana), the Pérez Galdós Theatre, and the bustling Mercado de Vegueta. The port area includes the modern El Muelle shopping center, and the city serves as a gateway to the island's dramatic interior, including Roque Nublo, the Caldera de Bandama, and the mountainous terrain that earned Gran Canaria its nickname as a 'miniature continent.'

Nearby Landmarks

Las Canteras Beach Cathedral of Santa Ana Casa de Colón Vegueta Historic Quarter

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $30-40
Time 20-30 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Global Bus Line 60 from outside the arrivals area to San Telmo bus station in Las Palmas center. Buses run every 20-30 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $30-40 20-30 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Global bus route 60 runs until approximately midnight from the airport. After that, taxis from the airport to Las Palmas cost €25-35 (metered, fixed supplement at night). Ride-hailing apps have limited presence in the Canary Islands; regular taxis are the norm. Las Canteras beach area has active nightlife, particularly around Plaza de España and the La Puntilla end of the beach.

Luggage Tips

Global buses have luggage compartments underneath for suitcases. The bus stops at Parque Santa Catalina, near Las Canteras, which is flat and easy to walk with luggage. Vegueta's cobblestone streets are trickier with rolling bags. Taxis are abundant at the airport and can drop you directly at your hotel. Luggage lockers are not widely available in the city, but hotels store bags willingly.

Accessibility

Gran Canaria Airport is modern and fully accessible. Global buses serving the airport route are low-floor with wheelchair ramps. Las Canteras beach has accessible wooden walkways and beach wheelchair services at several points during summer. The Vegueta historic quarter has some cobblestoned streets but is mostly flat. Major hotels along Las Canteras are accessible.