Canarians love a good time and they’re a fun bunch to party with. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with locals for their friendly and open demeanour. When the sun sets and you venture out for a night on the town, you never know where it will lead you – in a good way! The two partying hotbeds are located in the Las Palmas and in the south of the island.
Both Gran Canaria and Tenerife offer the perfect combination of beach, entertainment and fun. The day is for languid lounging by the sea, sipping on a fabulously-prepared cocktail or maybe an excursion to a remote corner of the island. Party animals can even start early on one of the boat parties. Gran Canaria simply never sleeps. This vibrant island is a top destination among Europeans, especially among young people. The capital, Las Palmas, is a vibrant student centre thanks to its university and attracts Erasmus students from across Europe, giving the city a bustling, energising feel.
Where to go out in Las Palmas
Head to the historic, century-old neighbourhoods of Vegueta and Triana to grab drinks with friends. The infinite supply of bars to choose from makes bar hopping so much fun on a sultry night. Calle Mendizábal is a popular destination and the destination on Thursday nights. Meet up with your friends and take part in the Ruta de los Pinchos (a tapas bar hop) or kick back under the stars on one of the many terraces as you savour local wines and beers.
Younger crowds are usually found in the venues flanking Calle Canaleja and the surrounding area. The party moves to the more cosmopolitan part of town on Saturday nights: the Port. Start the night easy at one of the terraces and tapas bars. Then, head to one of the many clubs to dance the night away to all types of beats. Plazoleta Farray features live music concerts on Friday nights as of 9 p.m., while Calle José Franchy Roca houses what is probably the venue that promises the most fun, La Pequeña Habana, where you can show off your moves to the hottest Latin music.
If Latin music isn’t your thing, there are plenty of rock bars where you can listen to ACDC, Led Zeppelin and the Stones. There are also many other establishments, all serving excellently priced drinks. The port is also the part of the city that brims with the most nightclubs, open until the early hours of the morning, such as Discoteca Tao. It has a rooftop terrace, a pool, a chill-out lounge and a large garden to host events. There is also the trendy Terraza Kopa, located in El Muelle Shopping Centre. This open-air club has several bars set up throughout the venue so you never have to wait for a drink.
The hottest beachside terraces are located by the beach of Las Canteras. Be sure to swing by on the weekends when live concerts are offered. The neighbourhood around Alfredo Kraus Auditorium and Plaza España bustles with excellent restaurants where you can kick start you evening out on the town.
The wild parties of southern Gran Canaria: clubbing in Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas
Partying in Gran Canaria starts at the toll of midnight and ends when your dancing feet can’t take it anymore. Bars are open until 2 a.m., while clubs stay open till 6 a.m. The southern end of the island is the best area for nightlife shenanigans. There atmosphere is just electrifying with the melting pot of tourists ready to take on the night.
The top party destinations in the southern end of the island are Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. Many of the clubs in the south are located in shopping centres, such as Yumbo. This mini gay village buzzes with vibrant cabarets, drag queen shows and thematic events. Kasbah and Plaza are two other lively party destinations, open till dawn. Serious clubbers must check out the super clubs of Pachá, Ozono and Aqua, where a roster of DJs play international hits and the terraces are filled with sun-kissed partygoers.
There are several great pubs and bars dotted along the promenade in Meloneras, right by the Maspalomas lighthouse. If you are looking for a slicker venue, visit the tiny, heart-shaped Anfi Island, where the largest leisure terrace of the entire Canary Islands – Club Maroa – is located. The chill out area is lined with beachside beds where you can enjoy music and delicious cocktails.
The beach clubs of Puerto Rico (Gran Canaria)
If you are looking for something between the super clubs of Playa del Inglés and the chill out vibe of Anfi Island, Puerto Rico is for you. Though popular with families during the daytime, there are several amazing beach clubs which organise the best pool parties on the island. Plan an evening out at Puerto Rico Shopping Centre where you can enjoy drinks and music at the lively pubs and clubs.
The best thing about Gran Canaria is that you can party any time of the year – it doesn’t matter when you visit.
