Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, effortlessly charms with its lively yet laid-back island vibe. Unlike the bustling capitals we’re used to, it exudes a serene atmosphere even along the main roads. The cityscape is dotted with bright, light-colored houses, radiating cheerful energy. Palm trees sway everywhere, just as the city’s name suggests (“Las Palmas” means “The Palm Trees” in Spanish), enriching the tropical ambiance. A touch of South American flair brims through its streets. It’s a place where relaxed island life meets a spirited urban pulse, making it a truly unique destination.
Vegueta is a district you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Las Palmas. It’s famous for its winding roads and historic charm. As we ventured in, one particularly interesting sight caught our attention: a bright yellow building with a shield bearing the name “Doctor Chil”. It fits the spirit of the city so well that we couldn’t help but wonder if it signified on authority on relaxation, for the name sounds amusingly similar to “chill”.
The streets are lined with colorful colonial buildings, cozy cafes, and boutique shops that exude a nostalgic ambiance and make us feel as if we have stepped into a different era.
Amidst the picturesque streets stands a pavilion with a quaint fountain, where the soothing sound of flowing water brings a refreshing coolness to the air.
In addition to its architectural treasures, Vegueta has a wealth of museums, art galleries, and theaters. If interested, you can check out the Museo Canario to learn about the indigenous Guanche culture or enjoy contemporary art exhibitions at the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM).
The Cathedral of Santa Ana and the Casa de Colón (Columbus House) are two iconic, well-preserved historic buildings that date back to the Spanish colonial era.
The Cathedral of Santa Ana drew our gaze from afar, with its imposing façade decorated with intricate Gothic and Neoclassical details. The Cathedral’s origins trace back to the late 15th century, when construction began under the guidance of Spanish architect Juan de Palomar. Over the years, various architects and artisans have contributed to its construction, resulting in a stunning blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque.
The plaza in front is very spacious and offers a tranquil retreat from the busy streets.
Past the Cathedral, the streets begin to pulsate with a modern vibe, interwoven with the district’s old-world charm – trendy restaurants, hip bars and cafes, creating a unique fusion of past and present.
Casa de Colón, also known as the Columbus House, has a distinguished look, with its traditional Canarian architecture and elegant courtyard. Originally constructed in the late 15th century, it was the residence of the island’s governors and hosted illustrious guests such as Columbus himself during his voyages to the New World. Today, it’s a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the island’s maritime heritage and its significant role in shaping world history.
Inside, you’ll find artifacts that bear witness to centuries of maritime history and exhibits that tell the fascinating story of Columbus and his voyages. Highlights include intricately detailed maps charting the explorer’s routes and authentic navigational instruments from the Age of Discovery.
Casa de Colón is often considered the highlight of a trip to Las Palmas, especially for those interested in history. It testifies to the importance of the Canary Islands during the Age of Discovery, when they were a crucial waypoint for Christopher Columbus and other explorers who dared to sail into the unknown, forever changing the course of human history.
Casa de Colón is located in the heart of Vegueta. After exploring the House of Columbus, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby old town. Wander along narrow, cobblestone streets lined with traditional Canarian houses, quaint squares, and historic buildings. Let your eyes guide you through this beautiful setting, where the colorful, storied colonial houses come alive against the backdrop of the distant sea, immersing you in the island’s rich history and culture.
Tips for your visit:
- Sightseeing: discover the city center with its iconic sights: Casa de Colón (free on Sundays, tickets online otherwise), the Vegueta district, and the Cathedral of Santa Ana. If you’re up for a short drive (10-20 min) from the city center, find a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery at Parque Doramas or indulge in culture at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium. Don’t miss out on the close-by Las Canteras Beach, often said to be one of Europe’s best urban beaches.
- Allocate your time: depending on your interests, with a half a day (4-6 hours), you can visit one or two key attractions such as Casa de Colón, Vegueta (the old town), or Cathedral of Santa Ana, have a leisurely exploration and perhaps enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. A full day will give you more time to explore several sites at a more relaxed pace. If time allows, consider spending a weekend in Las Palmas. This timeframe allows you to see all major attractions, and perhaps venture beyond the city center to discover nearby attractions such as Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, Las Canteras Beach, and the Parque Doramas.
Attention, grill lovers! Today we’ll bring you a grill/steak restaurant that just might be one of the best we’ve ever come across – 56º Restaurant & Grill. With our passion for grilling, we have scoured countless grill restaurants, and this one really stands out.
They have it all —pork loin, beef filets, lamb shoulder— with their specialties listed right on their website’s front page (menu embedded). You can also try the premium Iberico Ham there. But enough talk—let’s dive into the mouthwatering experience!
Start with the appetizer: Duck Liver Pâté with Muscat Gelatin and Apple Chutney. Paired with salted biscuits and rucola, this dish offers a supreme blend of rich, velvety flavors complemented by contrasting textures.
The duck liver pâté has a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel and a robust, savory taste that melts in the mouth, while the muscat gelatin adds a subtle sweetness and a delicate, gelatinous touch. Paired with the tangy and slightly sweet apple chutney, each bite is a balance of flavors—richness from the pâté, sweetness from the gelatin and chutney, and a hint of acidity. Spread it on the cookies for a crunch and a touch of saltiness, then top it with some rucola leaves for a refreshing bitterness that cuts through the richness, you’ll have a lingering, complex flavor experience that’s both exquisite and indulgent.
Now time for a grill sensation: Poussin Chicken with Tender Wheat, Honey, and Truffle, served alongside grilled vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, and carrots.
Poussin chicken has a very tender, juicy and delicate texture due to its youth. Its clean, mild, and slightly sweet flavor is elevated by cooking with bones intact. It intensifies the flavor and retain moisture, resulting in exceptional flavor and succulence. Grilled quickly for its small size, and glazed with honey, it develops a glossy, crispy skin and is packed with juicy savoriness.
Pair it with peppery rucola and soft grains for a hearty texture that complements the chicken nicely. The highlight is the complex truffle aroma in the sauce – earthy, musky, slightly nutty, and with a hint of garlic, it really takes the flavor to new heights.
Grilled veggies offer a balance of charred notes and tender freshness, rounding out this deep, luscious dish perfectly.
Steak is a savory, smoky, juicy goodness you shouldn’t miss out at this place. We opted for a classic Beef Filet Steak, paired with grilled veggies and a homemade blue-cheese sauce. Cooked to medium-well, it still has a little pinkness in the center, enhancing the steak’s richness.
Masterfully grilled, it has a caramelized, deliciously charred crust on the outside, while remaining buttery and succulent on the inside. The flavor of the beef itself is robust and beefy, with a subtle smokiness from the grill and a hint of sweetness from caramelization of its natural juices. This imparts depth to the overall flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Dip it fully into the creamy, tangy blue-cheese sauce for a luxurious mouthful that’s intensely satisfying.
You can also choose from pepper, BBQ, and mojo sauces. But we found the blue-cheese sauce to be an absolute kicker. Its bold, sharp flavor just goes so well with the savory beef.
Mousse de Caramelo Salado, or Salted Caramel Mousse, is a rich and creamy dessert that offers a delightful multi-sensory experience. The silky, airy mousse, made with salted caramel, is topped with meringue pieces and drizzled with chocolate sauce and edible flower petals.
The mousse tastes very light and fluffy, with a deep caramel flavor perfectly balanced by a hint of salt. The meringue provides a slight crunch and additional sweetness that is nicely complemented by the dark chocolate sauce. The delicate floral note from the petals adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, making the dessert look as good as it tastes.
Although we didn’t make it to Las Canteras Beach this time, it’s definitely on our itinerary for our next excursion. With its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for a day of relaxation. We’re also excited to explore the historic Cuatro Puertas, a captivating archaeological site that offers a window into ancient civilizations. We can’t wait to share these experiences with you. Stay tuned for more!
