The Cunning Canary

The nightlife in Gran Canaria is quite varied and you can choose from quiet harbour bars and restaurants to large nightclubs which are open until the small hours. I used to work as a DJ so I know a few of the clubs (I also like a beer now and then so I know the bars pretty well too!!!!)

Me, attempting some karaoke!

Nightlife in Puerto Rico 

If you are staying in Puerto Rico, there are two main commercial centres which are actually large complexes with shops, bars and restaurants. On the top of the hill you have the Europa Centre and at the bottom of the hill, there is the main “Centro Comerciál”. The Europa Centre is slightly smaller and there are no late night clubs there. The bars close at 2am. There are two nightclubs in the bottom commercial centre. One is called Fibber McGees and the other is Jokers. They are open until 6am.

Photo by Fotofill

A lot of the bars in the commercial centres have shows, such as singers, comedians or hypnotists. And there is plenty of karaoke if you want to embarrass yourself!

Nightlife in Playa del Inglés

Playa del Inglés has a good share of bars and clubs but they are much more spread out than in Puerto Rico. The Irish Centre has about 13 bars, there are more in the Kasbah and pretty much on any street. For clubbing, there are a few nightclubs around the Kasbah, Pacha and Cream being the main ones, and there is Disco Life and The Point near the Irish Centre. The entrance to most nightclubs on the island is free but expect to pay six or seven euros per drink.

Photo by Frederik Olofsson

The is also the Yumbo Centre, which is the largest gay centre in Europe. There are strictly gay bars, gay-friendly bars and family bars here. It’s a friendly place and you can see some funny drag shows there.

There are three casinos, one in San Agustín, one in Meloneras and one in Las Palmas, if you fancy a flutter. There are also a few shows, such as the Black and Red Casino show, where the price (about 45 euros) includes dinner and a variety show. You can read more here: http://www.vegaslegendsgc.com/

Of course, if you aren’t keen on bars and clubs, you might just want a quiet meal and drinks in a small, Canarian restaurant. For some great Canarian cooking and pure relaxation, try any of the small restaurants in the harbours of Puerto de Mogan or Puerto Rico or along the seafront in Maspalomas. There are also lots of bars along Amadores beach.

The nightlife here is whatever you make it and there is plenty to do, depending on whether you fancy a mad night out or a quiet one!