Founder of repeople and NomadCity Gran Canaria.
You’ll find everything you need in Las Palmas. It’s a year-round destination. Expect mild summers and winters, with occasional heat waves that are easy to handle thanks to the ocean breeze.
The winter months are especially popular on the island. Europeans like to escape the cold. If you’re renting through Airbnb, make sure to book in advance because the demand is high. At Repeople, we have 5 coliving locations nomads can choose from, mainly around Ciudad Jardín, the Garden City. This is within walking distance of the town center, Triana, and the beach.
The island’s tech and digital nomad community are rapidly growing. Thanks to low tax incentives, European startups set up their headquarters here. The audio/visual industry paved the way and software has followed. There are new coworking spaces opening, and local coffee shops are getting accustomed to digital nomads working on their laptops while drinking their morning coffee.
In August, the entire island turns into a big festival. One of my favorite towns, Agaete, hosts the Fiesta de la Rama - a dancing celebration that gathers people from all corners of the island. This is an imitation of a rain-summoning ceremony traditionally performed by the canarii, the inhabitants of the island before the Spanish invasion during the 15th century. It’s a grandiose celebration you shouldn’t miss out on!
Venture out of the city to explore the island’s nature and surrounding villages. The locals are welcoming, and you can observe their day-to-day routines and traditions. This might come as a surprise, but Gran Canaria's coffee plantations are the only places that grow coffee in Europe. The cuisine is incredible with bold flavors and locally sourced, fresh ingredients. We eat our catch of the day with papas arrugadas, boiled baby potatoes with sea salt. If you’re visiting Agaete, have a meal at Casa Romántica. The tasting menu offers a creative take on classic Canarian cuisine, with ingredients grown on their estate.
"The island’s tech and digital nomad community are rapidly growing."
My favorite neighborhood in Las Palmas is Ciudad Jardín. It’s a peaceful, green oasis. It’s a great area if you’re searching for a property to rent, or buy. If you’re a digital nomad and work remotely, it’s the spot for you. I have a home office and a garden I get to enjoy every day, which makes me even more productive.
It’s easy to get around the city. I’d recommend walking, biking or using public transportation rather than renting a car. While it’s the best way to explore the rest of the island, it’s an inconvenient way to get around the city. You can easily walk everywhere, and parking is hard to find. Since the weather is beautiful most of the year, walking and biking are always possible!
Check out the Volunteers Network in Gran Canaria group!