Imagine closing your laptop at six and being in the sea ten minutes later, in January. For many remote workers that is everyday life in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which over the last decade has become one of Europe's best-known bases for digital nomads and long-stay workers. It combines a mild climate, a real city with everything you need, good connections and a lively international community. Here is what to know before you come.
Why Las Palmas works for remote workers
Unlike many resort towns, Las Palmas is a working city of nearly 400,000 people, with supermarkets, gyms, hospitals, cultural life and public transport that runs all year round. That makes it easy to settle into a normal routine instead of living in permanent holiday mode. At the same time, Las Canteras gives you a city beach where you can swim, surf or simply walk at the end of the day.
The city has attracted remote workers for years, and local institutions have actively promoted it as a destination for them. The result is a large international community, with meetups, language exchanges, surf groups and coworking events that make it easy to meet people even if you arrive on your own.
Climate and time zone
Average daytime highs in the Las Palmas area range from about 21 °C in winter to about 27 °C in summer, with very little rain, so you can work with the windows open for most of the year. It is the classic winter-sun escape: while northern Europe is dark and cold, you can take your calls in a T-shirt and go for a swim afterwards.
The Canary Islands use Western European Time, the same as the UK, Ireland and Portugal, and change to summer time on the same dates. That puts them one hour behind Madrid, Rome, Paris and Berlin. For anyone working with European teams it is ideal, as your working day overlaps almost entirely with your colleagues', and the gap with the US East Coast is usually five hours.
Coworking spaces and cafés
Las Palmas has a well-established coworking scene, with several spaces around Santa Catalina, the port and Las Canteras. They range from larger, community-focused spaces with events and terraces to small, quiet studios. Most offer day passes, weekly or monthly plans, meeting rooms and spaces for calls. Spaces open and close and prices change, so check recent reviews and try a day pass or two before committing to a monthly plan.
Many cafés around Parque Santa Catalina and along the promenade are laptop-friendly at quiet times, but for long video calls a private, quiet setup is always better. That is why our studio has a dedicated workspace with a desk and fast Wi-Fi suitable for video calls: you can do your focused work at home and use coworking spaces for community and a change of scenery.
Connectivity and practicalities
Fibre internet is widely available in the city and mobile coverage is good throughout Las Palmas. If you have a SIM card from another EU country, EU roaming rules apply in the Canary Islands just as in mainland Spain; for longer stays a local prepaid SIM is inexpensive and easy to get with your passport or ID.
One detail worth knowing: the Canary Islands are part of Spain and the EU, but sit outside the EU VAT area and have their own lower indirect tax, called IGIC. Many products are cheaper, but online orders shipped from mainland Spain or other EU countries can take longer and may involve customs paperwork or extra charges. If you need equipment, it is often simpler to buy it locally.
Tips for long stays
Many remote workers stay for one to three months, long enough to find a rhythm. A few practical habits make the difference between an extended holiday and a routine you can sustain.
- Non-EU citizens can usually stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; for longer stays Spain offers a specific visa for remote workers. Check the official requirements for your nationality.
- Shop at local markets and supermarkets and cook at home: it keeps costs down and makes a long stay feel like home.
- Use the city buses: if you travel often, rechargeable travel cards usually work out cheaper than single tickets.
- Keep your weekends for the island: the mountains of the interior, the dunes of Maspalomas and the villages of the north are all within easy reach.
- Pack a light jacket: evenings can be breezy, especially in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Las Palmas good for digital nomads?
Yes. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is one of Europe's best-known remote-work bases thanks to its mild climate all year round, a time zone aligned with the UK and Portugal, a large international community, several coworking spaces and good internet connectivity across the city.
What time zone is Gran Canaria in?
Gran Canaria and the rest of the Canary Islands use Western European Time (UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer), the same as the UK, Ireland and Portugal and one hour behind mainland Spain, Italy and Germany.
Is the internet good enough for video calls in Las Palmas?
Generally yes. Fibre internet is widely available in Las Palmas and mobile coverage is good. Morada Mágica, near Las Canteras, has fast Wi-Fi suitable for video calls and a dedicated workspace with a desk.