The vibrant capital of the island of Gran Canaria, with vistas straight out of paradise, is a place where rural tourism has a position in its popular culture.
It is a large municipality in the north of the island, in the Bay of Confital, with natural regions of outstanding beauty such as the Natural Monument of the Caldera de Bandama and the Protected Landscapes of Pino Santo, La Isleta, and Tarifa.
The beaches, as expected, enjoy a favourable position in the town, with such magnificent and exceptional spaces as one of the most popular, Las Canteras Beach, Confital Beach, Las Alcaravaneras, San Cristóbal, or La Laja.
Do you know about its rich history? If you don't, we will tell you. The city was founded in the 15th century and became the first town of the Kingdom of Castile in Atlantic waters when it entered into the hands of the Crown of Castile.
It began as a military camp which led to the acquisition and subsequent distribution of land. Thus it evolved into a town divided into neighbourhoods.
The area of Vegueta, in the heart of Las Palmas, is the oldest, as it is the city's origin, and it is here that San Telmo Park, the city's green lung, stands out.
The Plaza de San Antonio Abad is where you can visit the hermitage of the same name. It is said that Columbus prayed here before embarking on his adventure, as evidenced by the plaque at the entrance. You will also find the Casa de Colón which houses a museum dedicated to the famous navigator rather than where he lived, as some people believe.
If we travel to the Plaza de Santa Ana, we will see the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Ana. It is an imposing structure composed of dark-coloured stone regarded as Canarian architecture's most important religious landmark.
Another important neighbourhood is Triana. This locality was developed at the same time as Vegueta, primarily by people from Seville - hence the name's similarity to the Seville area - and features modernist architecture such as the Pérez Galdós Theatre (1888).
After a sightseeing tour, a day at the beach or exploring the natural surroundings, you might work up an appetite.
Do you want to know what delicacies you can enjoy on the Canary Islands? As it is located on an island, seafood is one of the key delights. But there is also a place for other flavours, as it is home to a diverse range of cultures like a predominant Arab influence with specialities like Queso de Flor or sweet potato sweets.
To have a thorough picture of the city's origins, consider its economy, which, like anywhere else, is responsible for the rise of towns and cities.
Until the 19th century, the cochineal industry (from which red is derived for food, textiles, and cosmetics) provided a significant boost, along with the construction of the port.
The tourist industry began to thrive in the twentieth century, and is now the city's economic backbone, with vacation flats, spas, and rural tourism being the most popular tourist sites, particularly in the areas nearest to the ocean.
