The beach of Las Canteras, by some called the Coca Cabana of Europe, is mainly used by the tourist in the winter season. There is then plenty of space. The draw back is that the weather tend to be more cloudy and rainy here than on the South side of Gran Canaria. Apart from the beach, there is a lot more to look at in Las Palmas. Near the ferry terminal there is a large shopping centre "El Muelle" (map) with great views over the town and the harbour. That you on top can get a "menu del dia" for 6 Euro (2003), makes the whole thing more pleasant. On the Rambla you find the "Corte Ingles" shopping centre. Las Arenas is an other large shopping centre worth visiting.  (map)
Getting to Las Palmas from South is swift, on the high way. Parking is not easy, it is best to use a underground. There are bus excursions from the beaches in the south, with a price of 10 Euro (2003) for a return ticket, it is a bargain.

• Places of interest in Las Palmas:

• The house of Columbus, Calle Colón, 1. Open daily from 9 to 19 hours, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 15 hours. 16th century house with permanent exhibition related to  Columbus and his voyages, the Americas and Canary Islands.

• Cathedral of Santa Ana, Plz de Santa Ana. Construction started in 15th century, but took many years to finish. In the 16th century it was burned down by Dutch invaders, to be rebuilt again. Today one of the main attractions is the view from the tower, over the old town of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Visiting  hours 9 to 13.30 hours and 16 to 18.30 hours, Monday to Friday. (map) 

• Calle de los Balcones is a street just next to the Cathedral, also worth a visit. Here you find an other interisting place to visit as well. Atlantic Centre of modern Art (closed on Mondays).

• Castillo de la luz. Castle dating back to the 15th century (map). 

• Pueblo Canario, is a popular meeting place for the tourist. Designed by Canarian artist Nestor Martin-Fernandez de la Torre . Also here you find the Museo Nestor ( closed  on Mondays )  (map) 

• Entertainment in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:

• La Floridita, is a Cuba / Hemingway style bar and small restaurant. Situated in the old town near Hotel Madrid. Calle Remedios, 10  (map)

• Cuasquias, live music, a lot jazz and blues.  Calle San Pedro, 2. Triana area, south part.

• Sheenan Irish Pub, with live music. Calle Los Martínez de Escobar, 8  (map). Wilson Discoteque, has existed more than 20 years, and is still popular. Fernando Guanarteme, 5  (map).

• Palacio Latino, open Thursday to Sunday. The place for those who like to practise Merengi, Salsa and Bolero. Calle Louis Morote  (map)

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