They call it the city with the best climate in the world, but for me, Las Palmas was simply home. After spending months living, working, and truly immersing myself in the Canarian lifestyle, I've created the ultimate guide to thriving in this digital nomad paradise. This isn't just a list of tourist spots; this is a blueprint for living your best life in the capital of Gran Canaria.
Best Time to Visit:
Year-round.
Average Cost:
€1,100 - €1,700 / month
Wi-Fi Speed:
Excellent
Visa Situation:
Schengen Zone
Pros
World-class weather, low cost of living, a massive and welcoming nomad community, the incredible Las Canteras urban beach.
Cons:
Island life can feel small after a while, Canarian bureaucracy (especially the NIE process) can be slow, finding long-term housing is competitive.
Table of contents
- Why Las Palmas? My Personal Take
- Best Neighborhoods for Nomads & Backpackers
- Cost of Living: My Actual Budget in Las Palmas
- Co-working Spaces & Best Cafes with Wi-Fi
- Getting Around Las Palmas
- Top Things to See & Do in Gran Canaria
- Visas, SIM Cards & The Dreaded NIE
- The Verdict: Is Las Palmas Worth It for You?
- What's Your Las Palmas Story?
Why Las Palmas? My Personal Take
Best Neighborhoods for Nomads & Backpackers
Las Canteras / Santa Catalina
Best For: First-timers, surfers, and those who want to be in the center of the social scene.
Vegueta / Triana
The Vibe: The historic soul of the city. Think beautiful colonial architecture, quiet cobblestone streets, museums, and traditional tapas bars. It's calmer, more authentic, and feels a world away from the beach.
Best For: Culture lovers and those seeking a more local, Canarian experience.
Alcaravaneras
The Vibe: A practical, local's neighborhood sandwiched between the port and the shopping district of Triana. It's generally more affordable for rentals and gives you a feel for everyday life in the city.
Best For: Budget-conscious nomads who don't mind a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk to Las Canteras.
Cost of Living: My Actual Budget in Las Palmas
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (Private Room/Studio) | 600€ - 900€ |
| Groceries | 250€ |
| Eating Out & Coffee | 250€ |
| Public Transport (T-casual card) | 20€ |
| Co-working (Hot Desk) | 150€ |
| Activities & Fun | 150€ |
| SAMPLE TOTAL | 1,420€ - 1,720€ |
Co-working Spaces & Best Cafes with Wi-Fi
Soppa de Azul: A beautiful, bright co-working space with a focus on wellness and a great vegetarian cafe attached.
Café Regina: A classic cafe with multiple locations, reliable Wi-Fi, and great coffee. A solid choice for a few hours of work.
Un Lugar: A charming, smaller cafe near Las Canteras perfect for focused work sessions.
Getting Around Las Palmas
Top Things to See & Do in Gran Canaria
Don't just stay in the city! The island is a "continent in miniature."
Hike to Roque Nublo: The iconic "Cloud Rock" is a must-do hike with breathtaking views of the island's volcanic interior.
Explore the Maspalomas Dunes: A stunning desert landscape of massive sand dunes that meet the ocean.
Visit Teror or Tejeda: Discover the charm of the island's mountain villages with their traditional Canarian architecture.
Learn to Surf: The waves at the La Cícer end of Las Canteras beach are perfect for beginners.
Visas, SIM Cards & The Dreaded NIE
Visas: The standard Schengen Zone rule applies. For a longer stay, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is your best bet.
SIM Cards: Easy to get from Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar shops.
The NIE: If you plan to stay for more than three months, you'll need an NIE (Foreigner's Identity Number). It's a notoriously bureaucratic process involving online appointments and paperwork, but it's essential for things like signing a long-term apartment lease or getting a gym membership. Start the process early!
