My Experience in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain - by Irene

What´s it like living in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Would you recommend the city?

It´s quite a cosmopolitan city, even though it´s viewed as ´small´ in comparison to big cities. I write small in inverted commas because it´s precisely this characteristic which is one of its biggest plus points: you have all the best advantages of a city in the best location possible. You can travel around the whole place by car or by bus, but to be honest you can also walk it. Attention architects, designers, walkers and travellers, because Las Palmas has an infrastructure you will discover and be surprised by time and time again. I myself have to admit that until I went wandering through the city, I wasn´t aware of how lucky I was to be living there.

It´s not just a luxury, it´s a supreme luxury having a kilometre-long beach and sunshine all year round - in the city centre, Las Canteras, you´ll find surfers and beach lovers. I recommend this area no end. Top it off with one of the most important international ports in the world, el Puerto de la Luz, which has a rather romantic air at night so you can enjoy walking down the Avenida. Of course, shopping addicts are spoilt for choice: there is an abundance of shopping centres and small shops which are well worth discovering.

Do I recommend living here? Definitely. Travelling here? It´s a unique experience.

What´s the student life like in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

The Humanities and Health Sciences campus of ULPGC is situated in Las Palmas, as are some private universities and FC´s School of Art and Design. Wherever you go, you´re sure to find a solid student vibe: Erasmus students, home students...it´s quite a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

How expensive is everyday life in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

In terms of buying necessities there are certain things which are more expensive or cheaper in comparison with Peninsular Spain due to the fact you are living on an island. This being so, the total cost continues to be lower than in Peninsular Spain since taxes cancel out the insularity.

With going out and partying, costs range from 10 euros up to whatever you are prepared to spend: generally the entrance fee for clubs are usually quite cheap, anything between 3-10 euros depending on the location and day of the week.

I found the local transport expensive and found it was more worthwhile to rent a car if you were going to leave the city. Within the city, a one-way trip costs 1. 30 euros on the yellow buses, although there is always a discount with your student ID card.

Did you find it difficult to find somewhere to live in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? Do you have any advice for flat-hunting?

Las Palmas is a city in which it´s not usually hard to find accommodation, but the sooner you look the better if you want somewhere in a good location. I recommend these areas to live in (in order of preference):

• Las Canteras, the perfect place for anyone who loves sports. The beach is nearby, as are clubs, shopping centres and supermarkets.
• Mesa y López, surrounded by leisure facilities, clubs, bars and restaurants. Next to Las Canteras and the city bus station.
• Ciudad Jardín, one of the more expensive areas but for that, a quieter one. You have to walk a fair way from here to get to a supermarket.
• Vegueta, the historical city centre, charming and good for wandering through, very artistic and has many places of interest. Excellent place for bars and tapas, Thursday is student night.
• Triana, next to Vegueta, a similar area to Mesa y López and near to the main bus station.

Where I don´t recommend living: La Isleta, it has a bad reputation in comparison to the other neighbourhoods and there isn´t a student atmosphere. It´s also a bit dangerous.

What´s the food like in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? What are your favourite dishes?

International and traditional Canarian food, not forgetting the traditional dish Canarian potatoes with spicy pepper sauce, squid, with tortilla skewers, cheese and meats.

What places would you recommend visiting in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

Playa de Las Canteras, el Puerto de La Luz, Calle Triana, and Calle Mesa y López, Teatro Pérez Galdós, Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Vegueta...

You´ll find the best places just by walking around!

What about eating out in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria? What are your favourite places?

There´s everything! I recommend the international restaurants just as much as the traditional Canarian ones. There are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Here are some of my favourites, and there are many more:

• La Bikina (Las Canteras area)
• Thai Malakka (Mesa y López area)
• Woks y Sakuras (throughout the whole city)
• Natural Burguer
• Shintori (Triana area)
• Ca ñoño (traditional Canarian food, Las Canteras area)
• Café Central (Las Canteras area)
• Perritos del mundo (Las Canteras area)
• Pinomar, ca`jonas, la garrida (sandwiches to take away)
• Centro Hindostánico (Hindu food, Mesa y López area)
• Hermanos García (mixed dishes and traditional Canarian food)

Which places are best for partying in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

The majority are concentrated in the Las Canteras area and around the port. There are plenty of student clubs and places to go for a drink. If you´re looking for something more relaxed, I´d recommend Vegueta.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

Enjoy this city which is charming in all aspects... you´ll want to go back!