🇪🇸 Las Palmas, Spain (Canary Islands) — Cruise Port Guide
A volcanic island capital with a golden city beach — colonial old-town streets, a laid-back surf culture, and year-round spring weather off the coast of Africa.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Las Palmas
Mild subtropical climate year-round (64-75°F); spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are best with fewer crowds and less rain; winter brings Carnival crowds in January-February.
Getting back to the ship on time
Independent trips inland to spots like Roque Nublo or Teror can take 1.5-2 hours each way on winding mountain roads, so budget generous return time since there's no ship-affiliated support if you're running late.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Las Palmas
Playa de Las Canteras
A 3km golden urban beach protected by a natural reef.
Vegueta old town walk
Colonial squares and the Santa Ana Cathedral.
Casa de Colón museum
Museum on Columbus's stopover before crossing the Atlantic.
Mercado del Puerto tapas
Fresh seafood tapas at the portside market.
Jardín Botánico Viera y Clavijo
One of Spain's largest botanical gardens, west of the city.
Twin Peaks & city viewpoint
Hilltop park overlooking the city and Atlantic coast.
Popular excursions
Maspalomas Dunes & Island South
Sahara-like dunes, lighthouse and beach time on Gran Canaria's sunny south.
Tejeda & Roque Nublo Highlands
Volcanic crater views and the island's sacred monolith on a mountain drive.
What to eat
- Papas arrugadas with mojo sauce
- Fresh grilled fish
- Gofio (toasted grain)
- Canarian goat cheese
- Bienmesabe dessert
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Year-round (peak Oct–Apr)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 70° | 59° | 1" |
| Feb | 71° | 59° | 0.9" |
| Mar | 72° | 60° | 0.5" |
| Apr | 73° | 61° | 0.2" |
| May | 75° | 63° | 0.1" |
| Jun | 77° | 66° | 0" |
| Jul | 79° | 69° | 0" |
| Aug | 81° | 70° | 0" |
| Sep | 81° | 70° | 0.4" |
| Oct | 79° | 68° | 0.6" |
| Nov | 76° | 65° | 0.9" |
| Dec | 72° | 61° | 1.2" |
Local phrases
A little history
Playa de Las Canteras is one of Europe's best urban beaches, protected by a natural reef that keeps waters calm.
Columbus stopped in the Canary Islands before his 1492 voyage; Las Palmas' cathedral quarter predates that visit.
Mojo sauces — spicy red or herby green — are the islands' signature condiment, served with nearly everything.
The Canary Islands sit closer to Africa than mainland Spain, giving them a mild, spring-like climate year-round.