A guide to nightlife in Gran Canaria
From big club nights to quiet, friendly bars, Gran Canaria has a varied and exciting nightlife. Like most of Spain, the night normally starts late and finishes later – so make the most of that siesta, take your time with dinner and don’t expect to be home before 2am. Nightlife is buzzing in the tourist areas of the south, including the popular Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, and of course in Las Palmas. With a lot to choose from, here are some of the places that we think might just take your fancy.
Everyone's welcome at Yumbo Centre
As well as having the best name we’ve possibly ever heard, the Yumbo Centre is famous across the world for its gay-friendly clubbing scene. Shopping centre by day, entertainment mecca by night, you should expect to find dozens of venues varying from traditional clubs to drag queen shows. Located in the heart of Playa del Ingles, a night out at the Yumbo Centre is likely to be a big one, but don’t let this put you off – everyone’s welcome, and its atmosphere is known for being fun and inclusive.
Rock the Kasbah
Another shopping centre/entertainment complex, the famous Kasbah in Playa del Ingles is one of the favourite spots for young people in the area. It boasts a lively, friendly atmosphere similar to the Yumbo Centre – and with a wide selection of venues, you’re bound to find somewhere you’ll fit in. If you’re looking to find some new friends to party with, Kasbah is one of the best places to go.
A range of venues at Plaza de Espana
Located in the Mesa y Lopez district of Las Palmas, this area of Gran Canaria’s capital is where to head if you want to stay out late. Always busy until the early hours (don’t forget that discos on the island don’t get going until midnight and are usually open until 6am), here you’ll find the famous Old Heineken bar, which is where the night usually begins. There’s a variety of clubs and discos in the area where you’re bound to have a good time with friends – old or new.
Alternative antics at The Paper Club
It’s not all about glow sticks and dance tunes – although these do occasionally feature at The Paper Club. With its motto ‘only good news’, this eclectic venue in Las Palmas features a wide variety of music, from up and coming local DJs to Nirvana tribute bands – and lots in between. It’s something a little bit different, and definitely lots of fun.
Try your hand at Casino Las Palmas and Gran Canaria Casino
If you want to avoid big crowds and loud music, why not try one of Gran Canaria’s two casinos, the Casino Las Palmas in the Hotel Santa Catalina in the capital, and the Gran Canaria Casino in the Hotel Melia Tamarindos, San Agustin? Offering poker, roulette and other traditional games, you can expect a thrilling casino experience, with luxury cocktails, excellent food and an atmosphere that’s very different to the bustle of the island’s other entertainment hubs.