The capital of Gran Canaria in Spain's Canary Islands, Las Palmas is famous for its beaches and duty-free shopping and is also a major cruise ship port. A trip to the Muelle Deportivo marina allows visitors to gaze at private yachts and attend regular regattas. As for beaches, the Playa de Las Canteras in the centre has a three-kilometre promenade offering several restaurants and bars. For popular water sports, La Playa de Las Alcaravaneras is also close to the centre. Surfers will enjoy La Playa de El Confital, while Playa de La Laja is a black sand beach that's also popular for surfing.
The historic quarter, Vegueta is home to buildings spanning five centuries, including the Santa Ana Cathedral, the San Antonio Chapel and the Casa Regental. Among the museums and art galleries in Vegueta, possibly the most important is the Christopher Columbus Museum, "Casa Museo de Colón". History is on display in the Museo Canario, while the modern Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderna exhibits the work of avant garde Spanish artists. Green areas include San Telmo Park, where a chapel and a modernist pavilion can be visited with its café and bandstand. Many festivities in Las Palmas include the Canary Islands Music Festival in January followed in February by the colourful Carnival. In June, Corpus Christi sees the streets strewn with flowers and a colourful procession.
The duty-free shopping in Las Palmas is a big pull, but culture and history lovers will see that there is much more to the city than just this.
The city offers duty-free shopping in its commercial centres as well as the Mesa y López and Triana shopping areas with a range of products on offer. Cigarettes and alcohol can be purchased at affordable prices not only at the airport but also in the city.
The attractive Casa Museo de Colón is a former governor's house. In 1492, Christopher Columbus stayed here and today the building exhibits various nautical artefacts including a replica of the cabin of one of Columbus' ships La Niña as well as artefacts relating to his journey to the Americas.
Located in Vegueta, close to the Plaza Mayor of Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Cathedral dates back to 1478 and took four centuries to complete. The beautiful, twin-towered Gothic building contains sculptures and religious art including the Sacred Art Museum, which exhibits work by the Dutch masters.
Las Palmas is host to many annual events including religious celebrations, film and music festivals.
Canary Islands Music Festival. Starting after the New Year, this festival sees a full concert program with major international figures of the classical music scene. Held at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, the event hosts orchestras of the world playing the music of both international and local composers.
Carnival in Las Palmas. One of Spain's most famous carnivals, this event runs from 26th January to 18th February and sees a colourful and spectacular parade with some amazing costumes on display. Various events include the Queen Gala and the only Drag Queen Gala in Spain.
Corpus Christi. Held in June each year as part of the religious tradition of the city, this festival sees the streets decorated with carpets of beautiful flowers while a colourful, flower-strewn procession heads through the streets surrounding the Santa Ana Cathedral.
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