A guide to moving to

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Browse properties in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Why move to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

If you want the benefits of spring-like weather all year round in a big, vibrant city where you can visit beautiful beaches everyday, then Las Palmas de Gran Canaria might be for you.

Although closer to the African coast, Las Palmas has the distinct feel of the Spanish mainland with its colonial architecture, café society lifestyle, music and culture. The most urban of all the Canary islands’ cities, you are just as likely to be brushing shoulders with sailors as you are holiday makers and expats. This clash of cultures brings with it a special energy to the famously relaxed feel of this special part of Spain.

With several major beaches, a UNESCO world heritage site, al fresco dining amid a maze of streets and palm lined squares, this is far removed from many tourists idea of the Canary Islands. Spend much time here and you will discover the true spirit of Gran Canaria, whether it’s at one the many cultural festivals or unique sporting spectacles such as Lucha Canaria (wrestling) or Vela Latina (sailing). Then of course there is the food, the weather and the sea. City life rarely looked so appealing

Community

This is very much a Spanish city, with roughly 90% of its 380,000 strong population either Canarian or from the mainland. That said its position as a popular holiday destination and working port brings with it visitors and permanent expatriates from as far afield as India, South America and China, creating a cosmopolitan city with a contemporary feel.

Property

It pays to do your research when buying here, as the city is made up of many neighbourhoods with their own distinct characters and attractions. The good news is prices are generally quite reasonable and you can pick up a bargain, particularly if you’re happy to do without niceties such as a garden or parking space.

Amenities

Being Spain’s 9th biggest city, Las Palmas comes with any and every amenity you could need: shops, daily markets, theatres, concert halls and libraries are just a few of the things that will make your move to Gran Canaria that bit easier.

Transport

Once you’ve found your way from the nearby airport it’s perfectly possible to live here without your own transport, using the frequent bus services and inexpensive taxis. Unusually for a major city walking is also an attractive option, thanks to coastal walkways with stunning views.

Employment

 There are many jobs to be found in the tourism and service industries, but competition can be hot, particularly in summer. It’s an advantage to have good Spanish, particularly as many people here do not speak English.

Health

Most neighbourhoods have their own public health centres and the city is served by two major hospitals serving the east and west sides of the city.

Schools

Las Palmas has a good range of Spanish state and private schools for all ages, plus a large university with around 25,000 students. If you want to explore the international schools you can choose from education in languages including English, German and French.

Cost of Living

Because of its distance from mainland Spain, much of the food needs to be imported so it does tend to cost a bit more. For home owners there are other advantages, with no taxes for rubbish collection and low property taxes.