Something is happening in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
WHERE TO SLEEP
Suites 1478 _(Dr. Chil Street, 22. Tel. 928 84 77 72. From €200) _
In this boutique hotel located in the heart of the neighborhood of Vegeta it all started. And no, it is not a nod to the founding date of the city that baptizes this establishment. It is an example that the new city is being refounded thanks to entrepreneurs who have done the “why not here?” the engine of everything.
And it is that Aida Saavedra, the director of it, evolved the germinal idea of opening a small hotel with charm until creating a whole pioneering institution of the most current luxury and good taste. Rooms that are pure contemporary canariety, good gastronomy and an art collection where the works of Marina Vargas or Lita Cabellut shine and they make him an essential hedonist… and revolutionary.
Design Plus Bex Hotel _(Calle León y Castillo, 330. Tel. 928 97 10 71. From €110) _
Located in the former headquarters of the Banco Exterior de Las Palmas, this brand new establishment is everything that can be asked of an urban hotel. That is to say, cute interior design, spacious and comfortable rooms and a breakfast full of little whims. However, it also has that little canary dot that is not only detected when observing the varied footwear of its guests (or cholas or Oxford shoes) and that is enjoyed on its terrace with views of the port.
However, its most identifying feature is that its ancient use has inspired a theming without falling into kitsch. Or what is the same, the corridors, common areas and rooms are full of nods to his financial past, with doors that seem armored, floors dedicated to mythical gangsters and a breakfast room where the old safe stands out and in which the butrons serve as windows.
Suites 1478, in the neighborhood of Vegueta
Sercotel Cristina Las Palmas _(Calle Gomera, 6. Tel. 928 26 80 50. From €160) _
More than a hotel, this portentous building is an institution in the Las Canteras beach. Not surprisingly, it is the only five-star hotel in the city, a title that it carries with pride and that combines very well with affordable rates.
And it is that it is an establishment without edges or buts, where everything works well and where there is no greater pleasure than going out to the wide terraces of its comfortable rooms to see how the sun hides on the other side of the sand, outlining neighboring Teide as if it were Mount Fuji. Or taking a dip in its pool, probably the most envied and photogenic of the entire promenade. Perfect to enjoy that summer side of Las Palmas but without giving up the urban rhythm.
Twenty-one _(Espiritu Santo Street, 21. Tel. 683 36 97 23. From €170) _
Alexandra Adeler and Paco Monzón returned from their work experience in Norway with clear ideas focused on a dream: to have their own establishment to be able to show everyone the charms of the Vegueta neighborhood. A chimera that not only came true, but even exceeded his expectations.
And it is that, in less than a year, this charming hotel has become a phenomenon for its careful aesthetics, with Nordic lines and Canarian essence, its charismatic and unique eleven rooms and, above all, your roof. In it is found the most iconic pool in the entire city, as well as a small bar whose Sunday brunch has become a must for taste, atmosphere and cosmopolitanism.
The views from the Veintiuno pool are well worth a swim
Hotel Bed&Chic _(Calle del General Vives, 76. Tel. 928 90 42 89. From €85) _
A fun, young and Instagram meat decoration defines this daring place. Its rooms, beyond this carefree air, have great detail and with incomparable views over the Santa Catalina park.
And then there is its good atmosphere, generated by the street concerts that fill its cafeteria and its balconies with joy in the afternoons and, at night, with DJ sessions that have made its terrace, Catherine's Clothesline, the liveliest open-air cocktail bar in the port.
WHERE TO EAT
The Saint _(Writer Street Benito Pérez Galdós, 23. Tel. 928 28 33 66. Between €45 and €120) _
for the chef Abraham Ortega youth is not only synonymous with freshness. Also of daring, something that he demonstrates in each change of menu of this restaurant. It synthesizes the breath of fresh air that is, in all senses, Pérez Galdós street, an artery of creativity and daring in the Triana neighbourhood.
Hence, in his creations there are references to traditional recipes, such as his essential black potatoes with snow mojo or its seasonal croquettes, but also signature dishes such as candied pompano or the Saharan squid bao.
Neodymium 60 _(Calle Alfredo L Jones, 28. Tel. 674 74 66 95. From €25) _
The binomial they form Nayra Suarez and Daniel D'Angelo It not only has a lot of chemistry (the name of the place came from the search for an element that had its initials), but also a lot of creativity.
In the four bare tables of this restaurant they show that the market kitchen is also avant-garde, and that the cocktails they have as much gastronomic potential as a Château Latour.
Neodymium 60 cocktails, a work of art to savor in small sips
The bikina _(Paseo las Canteras, 63. Tel. 828 06 53 57 From €12) _
In a way, Las Palmas did not believe that it was a modern surfing city until this place opened. And it is that this project of Angel Luis Esteban that started five years ago, what he has achieved is to revolutionize the walk of the quarries, breaking with the old tradition of restaurants for foreigners with multilingual menus and betting on offering a tropical cuisine, simple and tasty. Its tamales, its hamburgers and its Thai dishes show that the only limit is set by the waves.
Tasca Seven Old _(Ball Street, 6. Tel. 928 31 62 61 From €8) _
Tapas in Vegueta has ceased to be a cheap liturgy for Erasmus students to become one of the most appealing gastronomic plans. Part of the blame for this change of direction lies with this tavern where the best wines from the islands and the Peninsula are mixed with creative snacks and tasty portions. Perfect for a lively and well-watered dinner.
Good weather _(Calle Sagunto, 1. Tel. 928 43 52 32 From €18) _
The area of the Cicer It has ceased to be a neglected neighborhood unbecoming of Las Canteras to become the epicenter of the city's surf life. A gentrification with neoprene that has resulted in the proliferation of restaurants and bars that pamper the environment and take care of the kitchen.
The most outstanding is this small place that becomes immense in its dishes, with a Canarian and Moroccan recipe book where marvels such as their veal cheek cupcake stand out.
La Bikina: tropical cuisine, simple and tasty
the tightrope walker _(Calle Ingeniero Salinas, 23. Tel. 928 23 43 26 From €25) _
Flowery Carmel He is a world chef, self-taught and very enthusiastic. And in this place he tries to bring order to his gastronomic influences and his desire to innovate. The result is creative dishes, perfectly executed and full of flavor, among which its essential Tuna and gofio maki or your canary ramen.
WHERE TO BUY
Workshops Palermo (Dominican Republic Street, 18. Tel. 609 05 65 49)
What was once a mythical carpentry shop in the Guanarteme neighborhood has today been transformed into the most inspiring and indescribable space on the entire island. However, we will try to define it. First of all, it is a showroom of Refurbished Polonium 209 furniture.
But, in turn, it has a plant destined to be a coworking and, in their main nave, they also organize private events. For a few weeks they have been betting on expanding the leisure offer with a bar that offers drinks and tapas between cabinets and tables vintage and that has already become a mandatory stop at vermouth time.
Talleres Palermo, the most inspiring space on the entire island
deranged _(Writer Pérez Galdós Street, 13. Tel. 928 433 053) _
If you ask why most of the new establishments in the city are so well decorated, most of the answers lead to this showroom. And if you visit his store, what you find is a bipolar space: half fashion boutique, half decoration store.
Both parties stand out for bringing together renowned firms and designers from the old continent, but, above all, they shine for the exercise of selection and good taste of the owners of this establishment.
Minilla Concept _(Constantine Street, 20) _
local designers Goretti Gutierrez and Diana Montanes they came together a few years ago to create a canonical concept store that would serve as a showcase for what was happening on global catwalks and streets.
The result is an eclectic store , very well curated, where International firms share space with Canarian creators and with the pieces of jewelry and costume jewelry that this duo has devised.
back to green _(Calle Cano, 23. Tel. 928 23 86 75) _
There is no better way to raise awareness than doing it from the good vibes. This is the mantra that has driven this fun fashion and accessories store where designers and buyers who are committed to sustainable and recycled fabrics.
An idea that, at first glance, may seem outsider, but that in this cheerful space blends in with the rest of the vibrant and rogue shop windows that come together in Cano street.
Gluttony Deco _(Viera y Clavijo Street, 23. Tel. 928 91 81 87) _
Even this elegant establishment is reached for its sober furniture and its fine taste for decoration. Of course, as soon as its doors are crossed, the stimuli multiply in the form of contemporary art collection and sophisticated bar counter.
And it is that, although it is not its main reason for being, in this place the sales of furniture and interior design projects are signed with a toast in its gastronomic space, where gourmet preserves and wines with character are surprising.
COFFEE, ICE CREAM AND COCKTAIL
Zoe Food Las Palmas _(Sunday J Navarro Street, 35. Tel. 650 16 17 18. From €2) _
The breakfasts that lengthen and the snacks that lick they have a common home in Triana: Zoe Food. Its success lies in knowing how to offer healthy and delicious alternatives to the city's classic snacks, with a sample of cakes, sweets, vegetarian and vegan daily specials, organic juices and alternative drinks (such as Fritz Cola in Hamburg) that are a magnet for 2.0 patrons.
But, above all, it is a parallel and conscientious universe, a magical and photogenic space where to invoke the muses or, simply, turn coffee into a mindfulness exercise.
Cafe The Modernist _(San Telmo Park. From €3) _
Just over a century ago, Las Palmas experienced one of its golden ages due to the strategic role of its port in world trade. A prosperity that, aesthetically, coincided with the rise of architectural Modernism, which caused the great fortunes who lived and set up their businesses here to seek to stand out through sumptuous facades.
Although throughout the Triana neighborhood there are buildings from those decades, the most emblematic building of all is this café that has aged gracefully in the shade of palm trees and offers a tasty pairing of espressos with tiles.
Healthy and delicious: Zoe Food
Sunset Islet _(Paseo de los Nidillos. Free admission) _
Every Sunday sunsets have a genuine and special meeting point: Isleta Sunset. This initiative brings together two of the most outstanding blessed follies of the city in recent years: Live Beach Route, a series of outdoor concerts by Las Canteras, and La Isleta Factory, a place born to promote music in a very particular neighborhood that once hosted Bebo Valdés. Through a varied program, this appointment ensures that the week always ends between dances.
Mumbai Sunset Bar _(Calle Sagunto, 7. Tel. 669 65 90 23. From €5) _
The Cícer area has slipped back into this travelogue due to its courageous restlessness. And it is that this bar is not satisfied with just being the meeting point for surfers when they take off their wetsuit and seek to calm their adrenaline by losing their sight at sunset. It is also one of the ideal places to sip a creative and exotic cocktail on its relaxed terrace as the sun sets on the other side of the Instagram camera.
Ice Cream Shop Peña La Vieja _(Paseo las Canteras, 50. Tel. 928 27 72 58. From €2) _
Of all the liturgies that Las Canteras has, stopping to have an ice cream in this unexpected place is the most emblematic. Why? Well, because its huge counter has seen several generations pass without falling into the madness of extravagant flavors, entrusting everything to a maxim: the quality of your product. No more. Does anyone expect anything else from a cone or a tub?
Cone or tub?
DO NOT MISS
** CAAM ** _(Calle los Balcones, 11. Tel. 928 31 18 00. Free admission) _
On December 4, 1989, a new era began for Las Palmas. That day the ribbon was cut. Atlantic Center for Contemporary Art and the first stone of a dream was laid: to turn the city into a cultural metropolis where Africa, Europe and Latin America converge.
A grandiloquent purpose that, for thirty years, has materialized based on exhibitions and meetings where the most outstanding talents from these three continents show their way of reinterpreting their native imaginary and current influences.
Martín Chirino Foundation - Castle of Light _(Juan Rejón Street. Tel. 928 46 31 62. General admission: €4) _
In recent years, Las Palmas has proposed revitalize its historic buildings and fill them with culture. The most outstanding example of is this bastion that once protected the port and that, after a thorough restoration, has become a monographic space dedicated to the work of the main contemporary Canarian sculptor.
The mix of his abstract creations , of the masonry walls and of the museography and the spaces projected by the studio Grandson Sobejano make it an original, eclectic and inspiring experience.
Poem of the Sea Aquarium _(Sanapú Pier, 22. Tel. 928 010 350. General admission: €25) _
The city port has a new inhabitant. This is **this aquarium that is divided into two zones (freshwater and saltwater) ** and which organizes your visit starting from the descent through the basins of the higher altitude rivers until ending up in the depths of the ocean.
Other milestones are added, such as having one of the pools dedicated to the largest coral ecosystem in the world or show the ins and outs of the sea through the longest curved methacrylate on the planet.
Viera y Clavijo Canary Botanical Garden _(Camino del Palmeral 15. Tafira Alta; Tel. 928 219 580. Free admission) _
This green space located on the outskirts of the city is a clear demonstration that the different Canarian ecosystems are a botanical and landscape wealth Spectacular that deserves to be seen.
In just one walk you can walk among dragon trees, get lost among laurel bushes or discover the sculpting spirit that different types of cacti have. Essential.
Canarian nature in its purest state