Welcome to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island of Gran Canaria, one of the islands of the heavenly Canary archipelago. It is the most cosmopolitan city of the Canary Islands and its privileged geographical location also makes it the European capital of the mid-Atlantic and a cultural and economic bridge between Europe, Africa and America. A city with a population ca. 380,000 inhabitants, and also home of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC).
The city of Las Palmas is where most cultural events take place in Gran Canaria. It is host to a number of festivals, celebrations, and concerts annually. Every year, it organizes the Canary Islands Music Festival and the International Film Festival. Las Palmas and its surrounding municipalities also have several museums to offer, including the Museo Canario which has a large collection of historical objects available to the public. There is also a lovely theater (Teatro Pérez Galdós), and a museum dedicated to Canarian artist Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre. In addition, residents celebrate their annual Carnaval, one of the most popular events in Spain. The festivities include the gala of drag queens, a street parade, and live music.
University Campus
The Faculty of Marine Sciences, in which the courses take place, is located in the campus in Tafira, an area in the surroundings of the city (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). This campus has several faculties, leisure areas, breathtaking views of the city and the east coast of the island. Transportation is cheap and well connected with several bus lines. Numerous bars, restaurants and canteen are in the campus of Tafira with affordable menus.
Budget
Living on Gran Canaria as a student is not very expensive, groceries as well as restaurants and bars are affordable. If you have a moderate lifestyle, living costs can be approximately 350-450€ per month in food. Accommodation is relatively affordable if you avoid touristic areas of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, such as the La Minilla or the Siete Palmas neighbourhoods that are adjacent and well-connected to Tafira campus. For accommodation we encourage the students to check out the web sites below to get the most updated overview of the rent range.
Accommodation
The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria does not provide accommodation for its incoming students. However, there are various sites that can help you find accommodation.
Leisure Activities
There are countless ways of exploring the Island! A wide selection of activities are available for students, see below some examples that might be of your interest if you are up for exploring the attractions of this magnificent island.
Follow the link for examples of things to do in Gran Canaria:
Public Transport
There are several buses to get to Tafira campus. Public transport is affordable, and several options (bonos) are available for students, including special offers if you show your student ID.
Language Courses
If you want to learn Spanish to help you with everyday communication situations, you have a 3-week intensive course during a Summer school, check out this link!
