Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
To get a glimpse of sunshine in the grey, dull winter days, thousands of Europeans travel to the Canary Islands. The archipelago with its eight main islands is part of Spain but much more southern in the Atlantic Ocean with pleasant temperatures all over the year, interesting landscapes because of their volcanic origin and marvellous beaches. The most populous city of the Canary Islands is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the northeastern part of the Gran Canary Island and its decent climate makes it perfect for a sunny city trip in European winter.
The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria can be divided into three areas: the historic center in the south, the touristic areas in the north and the harbour. If you enjoy watching huge cruise liners, sailing ships and warships, go to the harbour, sit down at the pier and have a look at them. If shipspotting isn’t your thing, better go to the other areas.
The famous city beach “Las Canteras” isn’t far from the harbour but on the other side of a little isthmus. Las Canteras is a more than 3km long sandy beach, protected from waves by a natural barrier and therefore perfect for swimming, tanning, relaxing and surfing all over the year. It’s popular among tourists as well as for residents and therefore very crowded. The neighbourhoods behind the beach aren’t nice. Strolling through the streets is much more pleasant in the historic center.
The historic center is actually two historic centers – Vegueta and Triana – which are right next to each other. The history of Vegueta goes back to the 15th century, when the Spanish Kings occupied the Canary Islands. In 1478, a Spanish captain founded “el Real de Las Palmas” which is now Vegueta. In 1492, Christopher came with his three famous ships and made a stopover in Las Palmas before heading to America.
Where to eat
Breakfast at Mr. Kale’s
Tapas at La Taberna de El Monje’s
Canarian Cuisine at Triciclo’s
Vegueta remained true to its colonial roots, with its cobblestone streets, the colorful buildings, historic landmarks like the cathedral de Santa Ana or the Casa de Colón (the house Christopher Columbus lived in) and the beautiful squares. The dwellers seem to like this area much more than the tourists do as you can hear way more Spanish voices on the streets than non-Spanish voices.
Triana, the neighbourhood right next to Vegueta, is much more bourgeoise. Triana was inhabited by Andalusian, English, Danish, Maltese and local merchant families who built their houses in the styles that were popular in the 18th, 19th and 20th century. That’s why you can find so many Art Nouveau elements there.
The Boutique Hotel Cordial Malteses is in the heart of Triana and it is extraordinary, luxurious and “boutique” in every regard. The house has been owned by a wealthy family before it was turned into the hotel in October 2021. The decor is outstanding: Art Nouveau in every little detail: from the lobby to the staircases, from the 27 hotel rooms to the hallways.
Huge colorful windows, stucco on walls and ceiling, wood panellings, marble floors combined with wood, paired with modern bathrooms and a huge rooftop with a bar and an terrific view upon the city.
