Gran Canaria - Las Palmas

Las Palmas is the largest city on the island, and also the capital. From swimming on the beautiful beaches, shopping in one of the many busy shopping centres, visiting the multitude of museums, relaxing in the sun, surfing on Las Canteras, enjoying the architecture of Vegueta, or just sauntering along soaking up the atmosphere. February/March is Carnival time, so if you are going to visit the island over that period, then you must check that out too. Architecture is extremely varied here... with influences from all 5 continents.

Las Palmas has many beaches. Las Canteras is the biggest, and generally the most popular, and is often described as one of the finest of all Spanish beaches. It is a sheltered cove - 3km long - which makes it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. Running alongside it you will see the Paseo de Las Canteras, which is populated with lots of shops, bars and restaurants. Mesa y Lopez is the main shopping part of the city. El Corte Ingles, can be found here, which is 13 floors worth of shopping spead across two buildings. This is Spain's largest department store - and a haven for bargain hunters.

Head to Plaza de España in this district as the sun sets, as it is always lively until the early hours. With bars playing purely 60s music, to modern clubs, right through to many traditional Spanish bars & restaurants - there's a scene to fit any agenda. Sit back and people-watch... or dance the night away with a few cocktails.