Vegueta in Gran Canaria is one of the best places to visit if you are on holiday in Las Palmas. Walk through the cobbled streets of this magical old town, where several emblematic sights of the island are located.
Known as the founding nucleus of the capital, Vegueta old town in Gran Canaria is one of the most visited destinations for tourists due to its picturesque atmosphere. Would you like to know it?
Vegueta old town in Gran Canaria
On June 24th, 1478, a ship sent by the Crown of Castile landed in what is now known as Puerto de la Luz, led by Captain Juan Rejón, who set up camp in Barranco de Guiniguada.
That camp was called La Real de Las Palmas, and it gradually spread through what is now known as The Triana and Vegueta old towns to reach the current location called San Telmo Park.
A great part of the population was concentrated in both emblematic old towns in the 16th and 17th centuries, but the most important and institutional buildings were in Vegueta.
What to do and see in Vegueta, Gran Canaria?
The historic old town of Vegueta in Gran Canaria hides in its cobbled streets different historical and modern spots you must visit.
As the foundational centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Vegueta is the convergence of several historical traces of different moments or cultures that marked the history of the island. We will now introduce you to the most interesting places in this historical old town:
⊕ Vegueta Market
Vegueta Market dates to 1787. It is a place where most of the transactional commercial activities took place. Located opposite Pérez Galdós Theatre, the Vegueta Market in Gran Canaria is on the avenue dividing it from Triana old town.
Nowadays, you can find all types of food products, such as meat, fish, seafood, but it stands out for having a great variety of exotic fruits. If you like visiting this kind of markets, the Vegueta Market is open from Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 2 pm.
⊕ Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM)
Are you a contemporary art lover? In Vegueta, Gran Canaria, you will find the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno (CAAM), where you can enjoy original and well-maintained exhibitions, which aim to be a representative sample of current modern art, as well as special events and concerts.
It is open from 10 am to 9 pm, from Tuesday to Saturday. The entry is free, but if you go to a concert, the entry may have a cost you can check at the ticket office or on the website.
⊕ Plaza de Santo Domingo
Plaza de Santo Domingo is one of the most beautiful spots in the historic old town of Vegueta. Here you can find a magnificent parish church with the same name. This building from the 16th century was a Dominican convent.
One of the most important local festivities in Gran Canaria takes place in October, the pilgrimage of El Rosario, where people visit several emblematic spots of the old town.
⊕ Gran Canaria Museum
If you are interested in learning more about the history of the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands, you should visit the Gran Canaria Museum, located in Vegueta, Las Palmas.
It is a scientific institution where you can find interesting archaeological and ethnographic remains found in emblematic places such as El Charco de la Paloma or El Barranco de Guayadeque.
If you want to visit the Gran Canaria Museum in Vegueta you can do it from 10 am to 8 pm, on Saturdays and Sundays it closes at 2 pm.
⊕ Plaza y ermita del Espíritu Santo in Las Palmas
You will find the square and hermitage of Espíritu Santo next to the local main offices, where different stately buildings are erected.
In this tourist spot stands out its fountain covered in Hispanic heritage. There is an araucaria and a dragon tree next to the fountain, which represents the relationship between the Canary Islands and America.
⊕ Casa de Colón (Columbus´house)
This magnificent architectural work over five hundred years old is a study centre and a museum in which we can see the history of the capital and its relationship with America through representative art exhibitions.
Furthermore, it has a special exhibition from the expeditions of Cristopher Columbus and his visit through the Canary Islands. This museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
⊕ Catedral y Plaza de Santa Ana
The impressive Cathedral of Santa Ana was built in 1497, but it was not finished until the end of the 20th century. It combines Neoclassical, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles, which reflect the different construction periods.
Nowadays, the Cathedral and the Square of Santa Ana are two of the best buildings in Gran Canaria.
During your visit to Vegueta old town in Gran Canaria, we recommend you visit the top of the Cathedral of Santa Ana to have an outstanding panoramic view of the city.
⊕ Restaurants in Vegueta, Gran Canaria
After spending a long time through Vegueta cobbled streets, you need to have a rest in a bar or restaurant before continuing to explore the best spots of the old town.
If you want to taste local food from Gran Canaria, you will find a lot of restaurants in Calle La Pelota and Calle Mendizábal.
Where to stay in Gran Canaria?
If you want to know some magical places in Vegueta, Gran Canaria, you need a place to stay. In Lopesan Group we have excellent hotels so that you can see and visit all spots on the island.
To discover more amazing destinations, we invite you to visit other articles from our blog where you will find tips and information about different places and activities to visit during your holidays.
Do you want to know more about Gran Canaria? You should read the following posts:
- 6 of the best restaurants in Gran Canaria
- Charco de La Paloma, the perfect place to disconnect in Gran Canaria
- The 6 best cliffs in Gran Canaria for the lovers of heights
