Las Palmas

Atlantic Crossroads of Three Continents

The province of Las Palmas encompasses the eastern Canary Islands—Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura—a trio of volcanic landscapes where sand dunes rival the Sahara, lava fields stretch to the horizon, and the indigenous Guanche civilization left pyramids and cave paintings that predate European contact.

History

Guanche Legacy and Atlantic Gateway

Pre-Hispanic to Colonial Port

Before European conquest in the 15th century, the Guanche people inhabited these islands for over 2,000 years, building a sophisticated culture with mummification practices, astronomical knowledge, and a unique whistling language. After conquest, Las Palmas became a crucial stopover for ships bound for the Americas.

Guanche Civilization

The aboriginal Guanches, possibly of North African Berber origin, developed unique cultures on each island with mummification, cave dwelling, and astronomical calendars.

Spanish Conquest (15th C.)

The Canary Islands were the first territory conquered by the Spanish Crown beyond Iberia, serving as a rehearsal for the colonization of the Americas.

Atlantic Crossroads (16th–19th C.)

Las Palmas became a vital port for ships crossing the Atlantic. Columbus stopped here on his way to the New World, and the city grew wealthy from trade.

Legends

The legends of Las Palmas blend Guanche mythology with tales of pirates, volcanic fury, and the mysterious islands that appeared and vanished on the Atlantic horizon.

The Island of San Borondón

For centuries, sailors reported a phantom eighth island appearing and disappearing in the mist west of El Hierro. Maps included it until the 18th century.

The Fire Mountains of Lanzarote

When Timanfaya erupted for six years (1730–1736), destroying villages and farms, survivors believed it was divine punishment. The volcanic landscape remains otherworldly.

Culture

Las Palmas blends Canarian, African, and Latin American influences into a unique Atlantic culture of music, carnival, and volcanic cuisine.

Carnival of Las Palmas

One of Spain's largest carnivals and a rival to Rio de Janeiro. The Drag Queen Gala has become an internationally renowned spectacle of creativity and inclusion.

Silbo Gomero Influence

Though native to La Gomera (the other province), the ancient whistled language of the Guanches has influenced communication traditions across all the islands.

Natural wonders

Timanfaya National Park

A volcanic wasteland of over 100 craters, where the ground temperature reaches 600°C just meters below the surface. Restaurants cook using geothermal heat.

300+ volcanic cones • Last eruption: 1824 • Geothermal cooking

Maspalomas Dunes

A miniature Sahara on the southern tip of Gran Canaria—400 hectares of golden sand dunes shaped by Atlantic winds.

Protected Natural Reserve • 400 hectares • Unique ecosystem

Hidden villages in Las Palmas