A guide to the municipalities of Las Palmas

The province of Las Palmas, one of the two provinces that form the Canary Islands, Spain, is a vibrant archipelago known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture. It comprises the islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, along with a few smaller islets. The province is not just a top tourist destination but also a collection of unique communities, each with its own distinct character and governance.

Administratively, the province is divided into 34 municipalities. Each municipality functions as a local government entity, responsible for managing public services and local affairs for its residents. These range from bustling, densely populated cities like Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the provincial capital, to tranquil, sparsely populated rural areas that showcase the natural beauty of the islands.

Understanding this structure offers a fascinating insight into how the islands are organized and how life varies from one part of the archipelago to another. Whether you are a resident, a visitor, or simply curious, exploring the different municipalities reveals the true diversity of the Canary Islands.

Municipalities of Las Palmas

The table below provides a detailed overview of the 34 municipalities within the province of Las Palmas, based on data from the 2011 census. It includes the official ID for each municipality, its total area, population, and population density.

ID	Name	Area (km²)	Population (2011 Census)	Density (inhabitants/km²)
35.001	Agaete	45.50	5,735	126.04
35.002	Agüimes	79.28	29,641	373.88
35.003	Antigua	250.56	10,391	41.47
35.004	Arrecife	22.72	55,381	2437.54
35.005	Artenara	66.70	1,252	18.77
35.006	Arucas	33.01	36,771	1113.94
35.007	Betancuria	103.64	770	7.43
35.008	Firgas	15.77	7,607	482.37
35.009	Gáldar	61.59	24,358	395.49
35.010	Haría	106.59	5,054	47.42
35.011	Ingenio	38.15	30,022	786.95
35.012	Mogán	172.44	22,847	132.49
35.013	Moya	31.87	8,043	252.37
35.014	La Oliva	356.13	22,827	64.10
35.015	Pájara	383.52	19,773	51.56
35.016	Las Palmas de Gran Canaria	100.55	381,271	3791.85
35.017	Puerto del Rosario	289.95	35,878	123.74
35.018	San Bartolomé	40.90	18,118	442.98
35.019	San Bartolomé de Tirajana	333.13	53,440	160.42
35.020	La Aldea de San Nicolás	123.58	8,522	68.96
35.021	Santa Brígida	23.81	18,878	792.86
35.022	Santa Lucía de Tirajana	61.56	66,725	1083.90
35.023	Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria	42.59	14,149	332.21
35.024	Teguise	263.98	20,294	76.88
35.025	Tejeda	103.30	2,136	20.68
35.026	Telde	102.43	101,080	986.82
35.027	Teror	25.70	12,857	500.27
35.028	Tías	64.61	19,148	296.36
35.029	Tinajo	135.28	5,738	42.42
35.030	Tuineje	275.94	13,302	48.21
35.031	Valsequillo de Gran Canaria	39.15	9,118	232.90
35.032	Valleseco	22.11	3,896	176.21
35.033	Vega de San Mateo	37.89	7,737	204.20
35.034	Yaiza	211.85	14,468	68.29

From the high-density urban center of Arrecife on Lanzarote to the expansive and tranquil municipality of Betancuria on Fuerteventura, the data highlights the incredible variety across the province. This list serves as a foundational guide to the administrative landscape of Las Palmas, inviting further exploration into the unique charm of each locality.

6x More tips about Gran Canaria

Welcome to the Canary Islands! But before you think of Las Palmas as just a bustling city, let’s zoom out. Las Palmas is one of the two provinces that make up the Canary Islands, a sun-drenched archipelago of incredible diversity. This province consists of three main islands: Gran Canaria, a “continent in miniature”; Fuerteventura, a paradise of endless beaches; and Lanzarote, a surreal wonderland of volcanoes and art.

Most travel guides focus on resorts, but the real soul of these islands lies within their municipalities (municipios). Each one has a unique character, a distinct landscape, and its own hidden secrets. This guide will take you beyond the tourist trail, municipality by municipality.

Ready to explore? Let’s dive in.

1. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

• The Vibe: A vibrant, historic, and truly Spanish capital city where beach life and culture collide.
• Don’t Miss: Strolling through the cobbled streets of the 500-year-old Vegueta district, sunbathing or surfing at the world-class urban beach Playa de Las Canteras, and shopping along the bustling Calle Triana.
• Best for: Culture lovers, city dwellers, foodies, and digital nomads.
• A Hidden Gem: The colourful hillside neighbourhood of San Juan, offering a spectacular and authentic view over the city, away from the main tourist areas.
• Top Photo Spot: The iconic view of the Cathedral of Santa Ana from the Plaza de Santa Ana, or the vibrant, multi-coloured houses of the Risco de San Juan.

2. Mogán

• The Vibe: Picturesque fishing villages turned into sun-drenched, sophisticated resorts, nestled in the island’s sunniest corner.
• Don’t Miss: The impossibly charming canals and flower-draped balconies of Puerto de Mogán (often called “Little Venice”), and the perfect golden sands of Playa de Amadores.
• Best for: Families, couples, sun-seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts.
• A Hidden Gem: Take a drive inland through the Valley of Mogán (Barranco de Mogán). It’s a beautiful, winding road through a landscape dotted with fruit plantations and traditional white villages.
• Top Photo Spot: The bridges over the small canals in Puerto de Mogán, framed by bougainvillea flowers in every colour imaginable.

3. Tejeda

• The Vibe: Breathtaking, dramatic, and rural. This is the heart of Gran Canaria’s mountainous interior, offering spectacular views and a sense of profound peace.
• Don’t Miss: The iconic rock formations of Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga. The view from the Cruz de Tejeda viewpoint is a must-see.
• Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to escape the coastal crowds.
• A Hidden Gem: The local almond-based pastries (dulces de almendra). Visit a local bakery in Tejeda village to try these delicious, traditional sweets.
• Top Photo Spot: The viewpoint Mirador de Unamuno, which perfectly frames both Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga, especially during sunset or when a “sea of clouds” rolls in below.

4. Teror

• The Vibe: Traditional, charming, and deeply religious, with beautifully preserved colonial architecture.
• Don’t Miss: Le Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino, the patron saint of the island. Admire the iconic, ornate wooden balconies that line the main square. The bustling Sunday morning market is a weekly highlight.
• Best for: History buffs, architecture admirers, and those seeking an authentic Canarian town experience.
• A Hidden Gem: The nearby Finca de Osorio, a beautiful nature reserve with walking trails through a lush, green forest—a surprising contrast to the rest of the island.
• Top Photo Spot: A straight-on shot of the Plaza del Pino, capturing the Basilica at one end and the rows of historic houses with their distinctive balconies on the sides.

5. San Bartolomé de Tirajana (The Tourist Powerhouse)

• The Vibe: An area of two halves: the world-famous, bustling tourist hub on the coast and a quiet, traditional mountain town inland.
• Don’t Miss: The spectacular Dunes of Maspalomas, the lively beachfront of Playa del Inglés, and the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse (Faro de Maspalomas).
• Best for: Everyone. Sun-seekers, party-goers, families, and LGBTQ+ travelers will find their home on the coast, while hikers will love the mountain trails around the inland town of Tunte.
• A Hidden Gem: Le Mirador de las Dunas, a small viewpoint along the GC-500 road, offers a stunning panoramic view over the entire dune system, especially at sunset.
• Top Photo Spot: Sunrise over the Maspalomas Dunes. The low light creates incredible shapes and shadows on the sand, with the ocean in the background.

6. Agaete (The Coastal Charm of the North)

• The Vibe: Relaxed coastal charm with a bohemian, artistic touch, set against dramatic cliffs.
• Don’t Miss: The whitewashed fishing village of Puerto de las Nieves, taking a dip in the natural lava rock swimming pools of Las Salinas, and enjoying fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
• Best for: Seafood lovers, swimmers, and those seeking tranquility away from the southern crowds.
• A Hidden Gem: Le Vallée d'Agaete is home to the only coffee plantations in Europe. You can visit a finca (like Finca La Laja) to tour the plantation and taste the local coffee.
• Top Photo Spot: The classic view of the white and blue houses of Puerto de las Nieves set against the rugged dark cliffs of the Tamadaba Natural Park.

Enjoy your trip! And don´t forget: If you need a photographer to capture your memories, contact Gran Canaria Photoshoot.