My Experience in Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, Spain - by Laura

What's it like living in Las Palmas? Would you recommend it?

Definitely. Las Palmas was first in the 2013 ranking of cities with the best climate in the world. It's an urban city, with sunshine and warm temperatures all year round, beaches everywhere, shopping centres, parks and avenues to wander down whilst gazing at the sea, streets of shops... Las Palmas is a magnificent place which never sleeps.

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

Very good, the Ulpgc has two campuses: the Tafira campus and the Obelisco campus. The Tafira campus is a bit further away and you have to get a bus or drive there from the city... on the other hand, the Obelisco campus is in the city centre. Every month the Fiesta del Vaso is held, which has been celebrated just next to the Alfredo Kraus auditorium, next to the Las Canteras beach. Nearby are all the popular student clubs, which close at 6am.

How expensive is living in Las Palmas in Gran Canaria?

Flats usually cost between 200 and 500 euros a month...depending on how lucky you are with what you find. Food shopping is expensive, especially in these financial times... your weekly shop could cost you 100 euros, depending on what you're buying.

You can get around the city on your bike, since the city council has introduced a bike rental system. Public transport is also very good and not too expensive.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Las Palmas in Gran Canaria? Do you have any flat-hunting tips?

In terms of a place to live, it's very easy to find somewhere through the university and they usually give you the option of choosing where you'd like to stay (halls of residences in Las Palmas, or apartments and residences on Tafira campus).

Las Palmas is also full of people renting flats to students, though these adverts are usually found online or on the noticeboards in the individual faculties.

What's the food like in Las Palmas?

Food in Las Palmas is very varied and traditional. There are always garlic potatoes, sadines and gofio on offer...

Traditional Canarian food is very tasty and easy to elaborate. It's not hard to find an affordable bar to eat at, which will serve any of the dishes I mentioned. I'd recommend doing this!

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

Within the city, there's Saint Catalina Park, Las Canteras beach, and Vegueta and Triana form part of the historic old town...

On the outskirts of Las Palmas you'll find lovely towns such as Teror, which is home to the virgin of the pine tree, the island's patron saint. If you're looking to explore nature, visit the Caldera de Bandama or the Roque Nublo.

If you're looking for more beaches and tourism, you can go to Mogán, the Canarian Venice, the English beach, Maspalomas (bear in mind that this is a nudist beach)....

What are the best places for partying in Las Palmas in Gran Canaria?

Music Square, 2x1, Frency Rocas Street is full of clubs and bars. All the bars in Vegueta are open until the early hours of the morning and serve cheap and tasty tapas. The atmosphere is great there, and the street sin the old town are always full of people.

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

Enjoy the island, the food, the weather, the ocean and the good nature of the Canarians. :)