La Isleta

From the northern end of the district of Playa de las Canteras you follow the road until you reach the old fishermen’s quarter of La Isleta, situated on a small peninsula.

Built on steep terrain, the La Isleta quarter features narrow streets with many street vendors, old small shops, bars, an important Spanish naval base – as well as some areas where you rather should not set your feet. The centre of this district forms the Plaza Manuel Becerra, a lively square, which is bordered by a lighthouse on one side and by the harbour gate on the other.

On the south shore of the peninsula, near the harbour, you will find the Castillo de la Luz, the oldest fortress on the island of Gran Canaria.

The peninsula of La Isleta is separated from the modern part of Las Palmas by a narrow inlet. It is bordered in the south by the harbour Puerto de la Luz, one of Europe’s most important harbours.
Built originally to provide jobs for the locals, this harbour has become the main container transhipment harbour of the North African region. It also played a vital role in the prosperity of the island of Gran Canaria. Today about 1000 ships a month use this harbour.

Adjoining the harbour in the south, there is a yacht marina from where annual international Atlantic crossing regattas set out.

Continuing the exploring of La Isleta to the north you will reach Las Coloradas, with 239 meters the city’s highest peak, from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of the sea, the mountains and the city.