Why Las Palmas is an Ideal Destination for Runners
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers something few destinations can match: perfect training weather all year round. With temperatures between 18 and 26 degrees, barely any rain, and terrain ranging from flat seafront promenades to volcanic mountain trails, the city has become a favourite destination for runners, athletes and fitness lovers from all over Europe.
From Casita Palmera you can head out for a run straight from the front door. In less than a minute you are on the Las Canteras Promenade, one of the most beautiful seafront walkways in Spain, with 3.2 km of flat running alongside the ocean.
Running Routes in Las Palmas
Las Canteras Promenade (3.2 km)
The most popular and accessible route in the city. The promenade runs the full length of Las Canteras beach from La Puntilla to the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus.
- Distance: 3.2 km (one way), 6.4 km (out and back)
- Elevation: Virtually flat
- Surface: Smooth pavement, well lit
- Best time: Sunrise (7:00-8:00) or sunset (18:00-20:00)
- Water: Public fountains along the promenade
- From Casita Palmera: Walk out the door and turn right
El Confital - Coastal Route (5 km)
A natural extension of the Las Canteras promenade that takes you along the wild coastline to El Confital.
- Distance: 5 km (one way), 10 km (out and back)
- Elevation: Moderate, with ups and downs
- Surface: Dirt path and volcanic rock
- Level: Intermediate
- Views: Cliffs, breaking waves, La Isleta
Mesa y Lopez - Parque Doramas Circuit (4 km)
An urban circuit that combines the main commercial avenue with the most attractive park in Las Palmas.
- Distance: 4 km loop
- Elevation: Gentle hills
- Surface: Wide pavements and park paths
- Ideal for: Runners who want to combine training with an urban setting
Parque Santa Catalina - Port Area (3 km)
A short but interesting route that skirts the harbour area.
- Distance: 3 km loop
- Elevation: Flat
- Surface: Pavement
- Ideal for: Warm-up, active recovery or short sessions
Trail Running in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is known as a "miniature continent" and its mountain trails are among the best in Europe for trail running. All of these locations are less than an hour by car from Las Palmas.
Caldera de Bandama
- Distance: 3 km (crater rim loop), 6 km (including descent into the caldera)
- Elevation: 200-300 m
- Level: Easy to intermediate
- Access: 20 minutes by car from Las Palmas
- Highlight: Running along the rim of a volcanic crater with panoramic views across the entire island
Roque Nublo
- Distance: 3.5 km (one way from car park), 7 km (out and back)
- Elevation: 300 m
- Level: Intermediate
- Access: 50 minutes by car from Las Palmas
- Highlight: Arrive at one of the most iconic landmarks of Gran Canaria, at 1,813 m altitude
Tamadaba Natural Park
- Distance: Multiple routes from 5 to 20 km
- Elevation: Variable, up to 800 m
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Access: 1 hour by car from Las Palmas
- Highlight: Canarian pine forest, technical trails with views of Teide on clear days
Barranco de Guayadeque
- Distance: 8-12 km depending on variant
- Elevation: 400-600 m
- Level: Intermediate
- Access: 30 minutes by car from Las Palmas
- Highlight: Spectacular ravine with inhabited cave dwellings and cave restaurants at the end of the route
Gyms in Las Palmas
If you prefer training indoors, Las Palmas has a solid selection of gyms near Las Canteras.
Monthly Membership Gyms
- McFit Las Palmas: From EUR25/month. Open 24h, full equipment, large free weights area
- Altafit Las Palmas: EUR30-35/month. Group classes included, pool at some locations
- Club Metropole: EUR35-40/month. Traditional gym with pool, sauna and group classes
- Body Factory: EUR30/month. Modern, good functional training area
Short-Stay Passes
Most gyms offer options for visitors:
- Day pass: EUR8-12
- Weekly pass: EUR25-35
- Two-week pass: EUR35-50
Outdoor Fitness Areas
Las Palmas has several calisthenics and outdoor training areas that are completely free to use.
Las Canteras Calisthenics Park
Right by the beach, near the La Cicer area. Pull-up bars, parallel bars, benches and a stretching zone.
- Location: Southern end of the promenade, opposite La Cicer
- Equipment: Pull-up bars, parallel bars, low bars, wall bars
- Surface: Rubber flooring
- Cost: Free
Parque Romano - Fitness Zone
In the upper part of Mesa y Lopez, this park has a complete outdoor exercise area.
- Equipment: Outdoor fitness machines, bars
- Ideal for: Older adults and lighter training
Beach Training
Las Canteras beach is a natural gym. Many runners and training groups use the sand for:
- Sand sprints (higher intensity than hard surfaces)
- Sunrise functional circuits
- Yoga and post-run stretching
Yoga and Pilates
Las Palmas has a thriving yoga scene, fuelled by the digital nomad community and international residents.
- Beach yoga: Various sunrise classes on Las Canteras, EUR8-12/session
- The Yoga Room Las Palmas: Specialist studio, Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin classes. EUR12/class, bundles available
- Kalma Studio: Yoga and reformer Pilates. EUR15/individual class
- Community classes: Informal groups in Parque Santa Catalina, check social media
CrossFit and Functional Training
The island has an active CrossFit community with several well-equipped boxes.
- CrossFit Tamaran: The most established box in Las Palmas. Drop-in for visitors EUR15/session. WOD, Olympic lifting and Gymnastics classes
- CrossFit Canarias: Good equipment, certified coaches. Drop-in EUR12-15/session
- Functional training zones: Several gyms such as McFit and Body Factory have dedicated areas
Running Events and Competitions
Gran Canaria hosts several international-level sporting events throughout the year.
Gran Canaria Marathon (November/December)
The flagship running event on the island. The course runs through the streets of Las Palmas with the start and finish near the port.
- Distances: Marathon (42 km), Half marathon (21 km), 10 km
- Entry fee: From EUR25 (10 km) to EUR50 (marathon)
- Level: All levels
- Course: Mostly flat, along the coast
Transgrancanaria (February/March)
One of the most prestigious ultra-trail races in the world. It crosses the island from south to north along mountain trails.
- Distances: 128 km (ultra), 64 km, 42 km, marathon, starter (30 km)
- Level: Intermediate to elite
- Entry fee: From EUR40 to EUR180 depending on distance
- Highlight: The 128 km ultra has a cumulative elevation gain of more than 7,000 metres
Other Competitions
- San Silvestre Las Palmas (31 December): Popular New Year's Eve race, 5 km
- Monthly popular races: Various municipalities organise 5-10 km races almost every weekend
- Swimrun Gran Canaria: Combined swimming and running along the coast
- Anfi del Mar Triathlon: Triathlon in the south of the island
Sports Nutrition
Las Palmas offers excellent options to fuel your training.
- Mercado del Puerto: Fresh tropical fruit, natural juices and fresh fish
- Smoothie bars: Several spots along the Las Canteras promenade serve protein smoothies and acai bowls
- Supermarkets: HiperDino and Mercadona have good sports nutrition sections
- Healthy restaurants: Bowl Market, Mahatma Showfood and several venues around the Mesa y Lopez area
Accommodation for Athletes
Casita Palmera
Our apartment beside Las Canteras is the perfect base for your training in Las Palmas.
- 30 metres from the beach: Walk out the door and in one minute you are running along the promenade
- Fully equipped kitchen: Prepare your pre- and post-workout meals
- Terrace: Stretch with ocean views
- Washing machine: Wash your sports kit with no fuss
- Fast WiFi: Check your routes, training apps and results
The location is unbeatable: you are at the midpoint of the Las Canteras promenade, with immediate access towards the Auditorio and towards La Puntilla and El Confital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to run in Las Palmas?
Yes, Las Palmas is a very safe city for running. The Las Canteras promenade is well lit and busy at all hours. Many local runners go out at sunrise and sunset without any issues.
What clothing do I need for running?
Lightweight running gear all year round. In winter (December-February) you might need a long-sleeve top for early mornings. Sun protection is always recommended, even in winter.
Are there running groups?
Yes, several clubs organise free weekly group runs. Running Canarias Club and Las Palmas Runners are the most active. Check their social media for training schedules.
Can I do trail running without a car?
Bandama is accessible by guagua (local bus) from Las Palmas. For Roque Nublo and Tamadaba you will need a rental car or an organised excursion. Several companies offer trail running packages with transport included.
What is the best time of year to run in Las Palmas?
Every season works well. October to May has milder temperatures (18-22 degrees), ideal for long runs. In summer (June-September) it is warmer (24-28 degrees), so running early in the morning is best.
Where can I refill my water bottle?
There are public fountains along the Las Canteras promenade and in the main parks. Tap water in Las Palmas is safe to drink but has a mineral taste, so many people prefer bottled water.
Are there public showers near the routes?
Yes, there are free public showers at several points along the Las Canteras promenade. Perfect for cooling off after a run.