Precious architectural details like Andalusia inspired wooden balconies and elaborate stonework are plenty in the Old Town of Las Palmas – Vegueta. While we were feeling displeased about choosing the (warmer) southern part of Gran Canaria for accommodation, discovering Vegueta was a breath of fresh air!
The historic neighborhood of Vegueta is stuck in time.
Once you find yourself in Vegueta, it’s really not hard to imagine how this historic neighborhood looked like when it was founded by the Spanish in 1478.
One of the must-see buildings in Gran Canaria is, of course, the below pictured Casa de Colón.
Columbus House – Casa de Colón.
Nowadays this singular building is a history research center and museum. But in the 15th century only a part of the building was standing – the Governor’s office. Apparently Columbus visited the governor here to request help with the repair of La Pinta vessel, during one of his voyages to the Americas.
Museo Canario
A huge collection of indigenous people’s skulls on display at the Canary Islands Museum.
Apart from Casa de Colón other 3 must-see places in Vegueta are the Canary Islands Museum, the Cathedral and the local market.
The museum, among other artefacts of history, displays hundreds upon hundreds of aborigins’ skulls. Yes – there is a single hall dedicated to the subject.
A building in the tiny neighborhood of Vegueta.
Mercado de Vegueta
The beautiful market serving Vegueta neighborhood is filled to the brim with choice of tropical fruit, cheeses and other local produce.
We were very excited to try some of the tropical fruits that we had never even seen before. The stall holders cut up the fruit in half and display it to the visitors.
We couldn’t resist buying one of each to take home. I must admit, we were kind of disappointed with the bland taste of some of the tropical fruits. I guess I will stick to the tropical Chirimoya, that is widely available in continental Spain and tastes delicious!
Artisan Perfume Shop
An ancient Canarian water filtering system – the water slowly seeps through the rock.
In this perfume shop perched on a corner not far from Casa Colón, perfume is made largely the old way. The owners are the family’s 3rd generation. They offer a handful of fragrances based on natural ingredients.
Perfume Shop in Vegueta.
After 2 rounds of smelling all of their products, I bought a small bottle of banana spice perfume to take home as a souvenir.
Where To Eat In Vegueta
Lacón (boiled pork) with potatoes and crispy pork skin.
The most delicious lunch we had in Gran Canaria was at this super casual and simple tapas bar in Vegueta – El Herreño.
We finally found the ubiquitous Canarian dish papas arrugás made the traditional way, which were amazing!
Papas arrugás at El Herreño – finger lickin good.
And since the place was the real deal, we ordered local fried cheese with blueberry jam… It was to die for! I can only recommend this non-fancy, unpretentious El Herreño. They take their food seriously!
The moreish local fried cheese with blueberry jam at El Herreño.
Have you had a delicious meal in Las Palmas, and if so, where was it?
