Gran CanariaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Conquest to Colonial Outpost

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was founded on June 24, 1478, by Juan Rejón, leader of the Castilian army. The initial settlement, named "Real de Las Palmas," was established at the mouth of the Guiniguada ravine, now the Vegueta district. This marked the start of a five-year conflict with the indigenous Guanche people, who lacked the resources to defend against Castilian forces.

After the conquest, Las Palmas became a key outpost of the Spanish Empire. Its location on Atlantic trade routes made it a supply port for ships traveling to Spanish America. Christopher Columbus anchored in the Port of Las Palmas in 1492 during his first voyage to the Americas, spending time on the island. The city's narrow stone streets and colonial architecture, visible in Vegueta, reflect this period of expansion and its role as a Spanish colony.

Architectural Development and Cultural Institutions

The Plaza de Santa Ana, established in the early 16th century, became the city's main civic and religious center. The construction of the Catedral de Santa Ana, the first church built in the Canary Islands, began around 1500 under the Catholic Monarchs. Its twin towers were not completed until the 20th century. This extended construction period resulted in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical architectural styles.

Over the centuries, institutions such as the Gabinete Literario, founded in 1844, contributed to the city's literary, cultural, and scientific development. Originally planned as the island's first theater in 1845, the Gabinete Literario's current modernist and neoclassical building on Plaza de Cairasco shows the city's evolving artistic heritage.

• —Plaza de Santa Ana — This square, dating from the early 16th century, is surrounded by buildings that reflect its past as a religious and administrative center. You will find the Catedral de Santa Ana, the historic Casas Consistoriales (Town Hall), the Palacio Episcopal (Bishop's Palace), and the Casa Regental. Eight cast-iron dog sculptures have been in the square since the late 19th century.
• —Catedral de Santa Ana — The first church built in the Canary Islands. Construction started around 1500 and continued for nearly four centuries, resulting in a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles. Inside, there are Baroque sculptures by Gran Canarian artist Luján Pérez.
• —Casa de Colón — This museum is believed to be where Christopher Columbus stayed when he anchored in Las Palmas in 1492. It provides information on his voyages and the Canary Islands' connection with the Americas.
• —Mercado de Vegueta — A market where you can find fresh produce and Canarian specialties. It is located in the Vegueta district.
• —Ermita de San Antonio Abad — This small hermitage is where Christopher Columbus is said to have prayed before continuing his journey to the Americas.
• —Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) — This modern art center in Vegueta displays contemporary art, focusing on artists from the Canary Islands, Africa, and Latin America. It is in a building that combines traditional Canarian architecture with modern design.
• —Museo Canario — Founded in 1879, this archaeological museum is dedicated to the pre-colonial history of the Canary Islands and the indigenous Guanche people. It holds a collection of Guanche artifacts, including ceramics, tools, idols, and mummies.
• —Gabinete Literario — A cultural institution established in 1844, on Plaza de Cairasco. Its modernist and neoclassical architecture is notable, and it has contributed to the literary and cultural development of the Canary Islands.
• —Calle Mayor de Triana — This pedestrian street is a commercial area with modernist and colonial buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round. For outdoor activities, the period from early May to early September is suitable, with temperatures between 18°C and 27°C. Late June is the warmest.

For fewer crowds and cooler, but still warm, conditions, consider October and early November, or March and April. During these periods, temperatures range from 22-25°C, and the sea is suitable for swimming.

December and January are the rainiest months, with occasional brief showers. Winter months (December to February) are popular, especially around Christmas, due to mild weather with daytime highs around 20-22°C. Avoid the peak summer months if you prefer to avoid the largest crowds.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is served by Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the city center. You can reach the city by bus, with fares from €2.95 to €6.80. Taxis cost around €25-€40 for the journey.

Within the city, walking is suitable for exploring central areas and seafront promenades. The public bus system, "guaguas" (yellow buses), covers the municipal area; a single trip costs €1.40. Contactless travel passes are available, including a tourist card for unlimited travel over 1 or 3 days. For longer distances across the island, blue Global buses operate.

Las Palmas has nearly 50 kilometers of bicycle lanes and a public bike and scooter rental service called Sítycleta and Sítyneta. Parking in historic areas like Vegueta can be difficult; consider public transport or parking garages outside pedestrian zones.