Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city in the Canary Islands and a real working city, not just a resort. It has a spring-like climate all year, a long urban beach and a laid-back island rhythm, which in recent years has made it one of Europe’s most popular bases for remote workers. The result is a mix of Canarian locals, long-term international residents and a rotating community of digital nomads, so dating here can be both varied and, at times, transient.
Life centers on Las Canteras, a beach protected by a natural reef that locals use for swimming, snorkeling, running along the promenade and watching the sunset. At its western end, the La Cícer area is known for surfing. The historic district of Vegueta, founded in the fifteenth century, has cobbled streets, colonial architecture and the Casa de Colón museum, and neighboring Triana is a shopping and cafe area. Inland, the island’s mountainous center, with Roque Nublo and Pico de las Nieves, offers some of the best hiking in the Canaries. The island is also known for its LGBTQ+ scene, particularly around Maspalomas in the south, which hosts a large Pride celebration each year.
The surfers tribe and digital nomads tribe are natural fits for Las Palmas. Souldaters is completely free, and nobody can message you until you have both liked each other, so it is easier to find people who are staying rather than passing through. Friends mode helps you find company for surf, hikes and beach runs.
Tribes to join in Las Palmas
Tribes work everywhere. Join a few and filter Discover to people nearby who share them.
First date ideas in Las Palmas
- Walk the promenade of Las Canteras beach at sunset, one of the best-loved city beaches in Spain.
- Snorkel together along the natural reef that shelters Las Canteras at low tide.
- Explore the cobbled streets of Vegueta, the historic old quarter, and visit the Casa de Colón.
- Hike to Roque Nublo, the iconic rock formation in the mountainous center of the island.
- Browse the Mercado de Vegueta, a traditional market with local produce.
- Drive south to walk the Maspalomas Dunes, a protected nature reserve of sand dunes by the sea.
How to make friends in Las Palmas
- Join a surf school or surf group at La Cícer, the surfing end of Las Canteras.
- Take part in coworking and remote-worker community events, which are common in the city.
- Join a hiking group exploring the trails of the island's interior.
- Try a running or open-water swimming group along Las Canteras.
More ideas: how to make friends in a new city.
The vegan & plant-based scene in Las Palmas
Las Palmas has a small but decent vegan scene, with plant-based cafes near Las Canteras and in Triana, helped by the international community; traditional Canarian food uses a lot of fish and meat but also simple vegan staples like papas arrugadas.
Meet plant-based people in Las Palmas through the Vegan and Vegetarian tribes, and switch on the free "Only show vegans" filter.
Dating in Las Palmas: FAQ
Is there a free dating site in Las Palmas?
Yes. Souldaters is free for everyone in Las Palmas, with no premium tier and no paid boosts. Chat opens only after a mutual like, so you will not receive unwanted messages. Tribes like surfers, digital nomads and hikers help you find people with a similar island lifestyle.
Where can I meet digital nomads in Las Palmas?
Coworking spaces and community events around Las Canteras and the city center are where many remote workers meet. On Souldaters, join the digital nomads tribe and set your intent to dating, friends or both to connect with people who work remotely on the island.
How do I make friends in Las Palmas as an expat?
The nomad community makes it easy to meet newcomers, but for lasting friendships also connect with locals by learning Spanish and joining surf groups, hiking clubs or running groups. Souldaters Friends mode and the expats tribe help you meet people nearby, and chat opens once you have both waved.