Las Palmas Ferries

The port of Las Palmas plays a key role in the ferry network of Spain, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 6 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry companies, Las Palmas serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Las Palmas, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Arrecife - Las Palmas, Huelva - Las Palmas connecting Las Palmas with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Naviera Armas, Balearia, Fred. Olsen Express run regular services from Las Palmas, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Las Palmas offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Las Palmas is well-connected to mainland Spain and international destinations via Gran Canaria Airport, located about 25 minutes south of the city center. Regular bus services run between the airport and the city, with taxis offering a quicker but pricier alternative. If arriving from other Canary Islands, the ferry terminal sits conveniently in the Puerto de la Luz area, easily accessible from downtown. Travelers arriving by car will find several parking options near the port, though spaces can be limited during peak tourist seasons. For budget-conscious visitors, the efficient local bus network connects all major parts of the city, including the ferry terminal.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria blends cosmopolitan energy with laid-back island charm along the northeastern coast of Gran Canaria. This sun-drenched city offers visitors a perfect mix of stunning beaches, historic architecture, and bustling commercial districts. As a key ferry hub in the Canary archipelago, Las Palmas serves as both an enticing destination and a gateway to explore neighboring islands. Visitors can wander through colorful old quarters, relax on golden sands, and savor the unique Canarian culture that reflects both Spanish and African influences.

Las Palmas enjoys a remarkably mild climate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 18-26°C (64-79°F), making it a true eternal spring destination. The peak tourist season runs from December through March when northern Europeans flock to escape winter, though the city remains pleasantly uncrowded compared to southern Gran Canaria resorts. February brings the vibrant Las Palmas Carnival, one of Spain's most spectacular celebrations with colorful parades and festivities. The summer months offer perfect beach weather and increased ferry connections to other islands. Consider visiting in May or October for ideal weather, fewer tourists, and excellent ferry availability.

Las Palmas serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring other gems in the Canary archipelago. Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, can be reached in about 2-3 hours by ferry and offers impressive volcanic landscapes dominated by Mount Teide. Fuerteventura, with its spectacular beaches and windswept dunes, makes for a perfect day or overnight trip approximately 2 hours away by fast ferry. The unspoiled island of La Graciosa, just north of Lanzarote, presents a tranquil escape with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, accessible via connecting ferries. The routes from Las Palmas often provide stunning views of the dramatic volcanic coastlines and deep blue Atlantic waters that define this unique island chain.

Las Palmas dazzles visitors with its signature Las Canteras Beach, a 3km golden stretch protected by a natural reef, perfect for swimming and snorkeling right in the city center. History enthusiasts should explore Vegueta, the atmospheric old quarter, where cobblestone streets lead to the Casa de Colón museum, commemorating Columbus' voyages through the Canaries. For an authentic taste of local life, wander through Mercado de Vegueta, where vendors sell tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and local cheeses ideal for sampling Canarian specialties like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce) and fresh fish dishes. The trendy Triana district offers excellent shopping along pedestrianized streets lined with colonial architecture and inviting cafés, while art lovers shouldn't miss the striking modern collections at the Atlantic Centre of Modern Art (CAAM).

Las Palmas boasts one of the world's best urban climates according to Syracuse University, with an average temperature variation of just 6°C between winter and summer months. The city's Las Canteras Beach features a unique natural phenomenon called 'La Barra', a volcanic reef that creates a natural swimming lagoon visible at low tide and completely submerged during high tide. Christopher Columbus made a stop in Las Palmas on three of his four voyages to the Americas, provisioning his ships and making repairs at what is now Puerto de La Luz. The city hosts the oldest carnival celebrations in the Canary Islands, dating back to the 16th century, with traditions that blend Spanish, Portuguese, and African influences into a distinctive cultural showcase.