DESTINATIONS GRAN CANARIA | SPAIN & PORTUGAL


the city i


n the famous words of Games of Thrones’ Ned Stark, winter is coming. And we all know what that means. Not, hopefully, murderous


ice-eyed White Walkers, but rather ice-filled streets under steely-grey skies and a deepening sense of gloom as the months progress. OK, maybe it’s not that bad, but British winters can feel never-ending, so getting away from the cold for a spell of sun has undeniable appeal. For those who want sightseeing as well as sunbathing, city life paired with sun and sand, one destination that combines those laid-back vibes with a slice of urban life is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.


CAPITAL LANES As one of the two capitals of the Canary Islands archipelago, Las Palmas is so cosmopolitan that


travelweekly.co.uk


Gran Canaria capital Las Palmas combines winter warmth with a wealth of culture, history and even a cheese made with flowers, writes Yolanda Zappaterra


you could easily mistake it for a mainland city – similar to Seville or Málaga, but with warmer winter temperatures and a beach to rival any on the Iberian Peninsula. At just under two miles long, Las Canteras is a glorious city beach, with gentle waves and clear waters, that is frequently awarded Blue Flag status. Buzzy and filled with restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and bars, the promenade is bookended at one end by the magnificent Alfredo Kraus Auditorium music venue designed by Catalan architect Óscar Tusquets, and at the other by the headland that separates this part of town from the more workaday area of La Isleta. As it lacks big attractions, few tourists venture here, though the two miles from Las Canteras to the Mirador de la Cruz are an enjoyable hike, and the hilly peninsula’s streets are lined with independent shops and bars filled with locals. ²


23 OCTOBER 2025


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PICTURE: Shutterstock/Valery Bareta


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