Where Did All the Free Parking Go in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?
Once upon a time, you could roll into Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, swing by Playa de Las Canteras, and snag a free parking spot with just a bit of luck and good timing. Fast forward to now? That dream has officially joined the archives.
Over the last few years, free street parking in the areas closest to the beach has quietly disappeared, replaced by a mix of paid blue zones, resident-only green lines, and “don’t even think about it” yellow curbs. If you’re new to the city or just visiting, here’s what to know before you find yourself circling for an hour and muttering things under your breath in multiple languages.
🔍 So… What Happened?
Like many growing cities, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has been under pressure to manage traffic, encourage public transport, and give local residents priority access to their own neighbourhoods. The result? That once-reliable white-lined free parking near Playa de Las Canteras has become nearly extinct.
If you do find a white-lined spot nearby, buy a lottery ticket too, because it’s your lucky day.
💶 Your Best Bet: Paid Parking Near the Beach
With free spots fading into legend, the next best move is to ditch the stress and park smart. Just a few steps from Santa Catalina and a short walk from Las Canteras, Aparcamiento del Puerto (UTE API-ANRO) offers secure, all-day parking for just €4. It’s clean, convenient and won’t eat up your beach time with endless laps around the block.
📍 Address: Calle Simón Bolívar, 3, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
🕐 Open: 24/7
💸 Price: €4 for a full day (subject to change, but always affordable)
🧭 Quick Refresher on Road Markings
If you’re wondering what all those painted lines on the curb mean, here’s the cheat sheet:
🟦 Blue = Paid parking. Buy a ticket from the machine.
🟩 Green = Residents only. If you don’t live there, don’t risk it.
⬜ White = Free parking. Rare but still possible further from the coast.
🟨 Yellow = No parking. Like, ever.
Need the full breakdown? Check out our guide to parking markings in Gran Canaria.
☀️ Final Word
In short: free parking near Las Canteras is basically over. It’s not you, it’s urban planning. But don’t let that ruin your day. Know the rules, skip the fines, and grab that €4 parking deal instead. You’ll thank yourself when you’re watching the sunset with sand between your toes and zero stress about where you left your car.
