Ciudad Jardin

Created in the early 20^th century by English residents, who dominated the economic life of the town at that time, this residential district is a true oasis in the bustling city of Las Palmas. In this part of town, which has a very regular layout, you will find today many embassies and elegant residential houses set in small gardens, displaying various architectural styles.

The main feature of this district is the large Parque Doramas, a beautifully- landscaped park with water cascades, interesting statues, a municipal swimming pool and numerous examples of endemic flowers and plants. A monument depicting aboriginal people tumbling over a precipice to escape capture symbolizes the resistance of the Guanche chief Doramas, after whom this park was named, against the Spanish invaders. On Sundays, it’s a popular destination for families as there’s a free show, typically clowns or puppets.

Amid the lush sub-tropical greenery of this park stands the grand Hotel Santa Catalina, which was originally built in 1890 and renovated in 1998 and, more recently, in 2005. Many celebrities and members of royalty, the likes of Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and Prince Charles, have stayed in this outstanding hotel but non-residents can enjoy the beautiful views of the park from the bar area of this hotel.

Also enclosed in the Parque Doramas are the Pueblo Canario (Canarian Village) and the Museo Néstor.

Opposite the Parque Doramas area you’ll find some of the city’s important water sports centres including the Club Natación Metropole, a swimming and sports club. An underpass leads below the Avenida Marítima to the Muelle Deportivo, the yacht harbour, which has a new seaside promenade, plus bars, restaurant and nightclub, making this a pleasant area protected from the traffic from the road above.

Adjoining the harbour area is the Playa de las Alcaravaneras, a 550m stretch of golden sand frequented mainly by locals, flanked in the south by the Varadero Sailing Club and to the north by the chic Real Club Náutico (Royal Sailing Club), where you’re always guaranteed to spot some glamorous ocean-going yachts.

Our tip:
Ciudad Jardín is a curious relic of the late 19^th century, when the British dominated the economic life of the islands, and is an odd mixture of architectural styles.