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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Las Palmas is the capital city of the Canary Islands, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural scene. |
👥 Population | Approximate population is around 400,000. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is 90 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD). Major banks include CaixaBank and Banco Santander. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable but bottled water is recommended due to mineral content. |
🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C/F sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and N26 widely accepted; local banks for standard services. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and housing sites like Fotocasa. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted in most establishments. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and HomeAway are popular choices. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Albergue Gran Canaria has affordable rates starting from €20 per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The neighborhood of Las Canteras is ideal for tourists due to its proximity to the beach. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Triana is recommended for digital nomads with coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Las Palmas Coworking is highly rated for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Paris provides a great ambiance and Wi-Fi for working. |
💼 Networking Events | Events are often organized through local meetups; check platforms like Meetup.com. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Las Palmas Facebook group hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify and Uber operate in the area. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Zitt and Ecobike provide bike rental services. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Las Canteras Beach is the best and closest beach. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Binter Canarias connects to other islands. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Iberia and Vueling offer international flights. |
🛣️ Highway Access | GC-1 highway connects the city to the rest of Gran Canaria. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Las Palmas does not have a train service; buses are the primary transit. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes can be purchased at station kiosks for discounts. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Las Palmas to other parts of Gran Canaria. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Dr. Negrín is the main healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers various classes and wellness services. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit has multiple locations offering affordable memberships. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Palace provides wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | JustEat and Deliveroo are popular for food delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Papas Arrugadas' with mojo sauce. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurant El Huerto serves excellent plant-based meals. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet & Coffee is known for its delicious pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado del Puerto offers great deals on local produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.es serves the area for online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Glovo also offers grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vegueta is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery La Ascensión offers tastings and tours. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca La Taberna has an extensive wine selection. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Calle de la Feria features various street food options. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Turkish restaurant Aysel is a must-try. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic Las Palmas Cathedral. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Canario showcases the island's history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the old town of Vegueta for historical charm. |
🕍 Religious Sites | San Juan Bautista Church is a notable site. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Las Palmas Carnival is celebrated every February. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Triana offers a mix of shops, galleries, and eateries. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Pérez Galdós hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Vegueta is a vibrant food market. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host live music, especially in the Vegueta area. |
🎨 Street Art | Graffiti near the Las Canteras area showcases local talent. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking school Canarian Kitchen offers classes in traditional cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM) features local art. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de Colón is a notable historic building. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its unique blend of Spanish and Canarian cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Natural de Tamadaba offers stunning hiking trails. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Roque Nublo National Park is a must-visit. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Promenade along Las Canteras Beach is perfect for walking or cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de las Dunas de Maspalomas offers breathtaking views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands at El Cabron are great for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at mountain parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and MRW provide reliable shipping services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix and local tech shops offer repair services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have table tennis tables available. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Escuela Oficial de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública del Estado in Las Palmas has study areas. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Iniciativas de La Caja offers various community activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer Cafe Las Palmas features gaming PCs and consoles. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Gran Canaria provides gambling entertainment. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | Spain taxes residents based on worldwide income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 47%. |
🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 21%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Spain has strict rules governing foreign companies. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxation based on property assessment value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6-10% tax applied during property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can take advantage of non-resident tax rates if living temporarily here. |