This guide for teleworkers aims to help you travel responsibly to our archipelago.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a city located on the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands archipelago, next to the African continent.

At EcoIsleta, we work towards the sustainable transformation of our neighborhood.

Before arriving, social context…

Why is Las Palmas ideal for remote workers?

It is important that you understand the reasons that have turned Las Palmas de Gran Canaria into a global hub for remote work.

The city has a number of advantages that make it an attractive destination for these remote workers…

• Amazing weather all year round, with an average temperature of around 23 degrees…
• A community of remote workers around Las Canteras Beach
• One of the best urban beaches in the world
• Very good Wi-Fi and coworking spaces
• Affordable prices compared to European capitals
• Close to the European continent and very well connected
• Open and welcoming local population
• Convenient time zone

As you can see, the city meets some of the needs of remote workers, such as:

• Productivity – A variety of workspaces and good Wi-Fi.
• Explore – Opportunities to explore an island full of diversity and authentic landscapes.
• Socialize – Plenty of meet-ups in a safe environment.

What is happening in the city: the impact of tourism.

It is important that before traveling to a destination, you have some information about the social and economic situation of the place.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a multicultural and vibrant city, with extraordinary beaches and incredible weather all year round.

Socially, the economic situation in recent years has not been entirely good, and it has become very difficult for younger generations to access housing.

In addition, food prices have risen significantly, without salaries increasing at the same pace.

The city largely depends on two economic sectors:

• The international port of La Luz and Las Palmas
• Tourism.

As a European traveler, you will find very affordable prices, both for accommodation and food.

But for the islanders, our prices are very high due to the low wages generally earned by a large part of the local population.

Neighborhoods overwhelmed by gentrification

The city has a very touristy area, located around Las Canteras Beach. A 3 km long beach with unbeatable natural conditions.

The area surrounding Las Canteras Beach has experienced a strong process of gentrification in recent decades, with significant urban development investments.

The neighborhoods most affected are:

• Guanarteme neighborhood
• Santa Catalina Park area
• La Isleta neighborhood

This area concentrates most of the city’s tourist accommodation, including hotels and Airbnbs, and is where our Coliving is located.

The reason for its popularity is not only the proximity to the beach but also the abundance of services, restaurants, and cultural and leisure activities in this area.

This is leading to the local population being unable to access housing in the area due to very high demand and constant price increases.

We need the tourism sector for the number of jobs it generates, but at the same time, this sector is pushing us out of our neighborhoods.

It is a complex issue that can also be seen in other cities around the world.

How not to contribute to the gentrification of a neighborhood?

This question becomes necessary, and we at EcoIsleta ask ourselves it often.

Although at EcoIsleta we work to maintain the neighborhood’s identity, we are also part of the problem, both with our store and our sustainable Coliving.

We start from the need to inhabit a place, not to consume it…

• When you consume a place, the destination becomes a product, and you are the center; that means you always make decisions thinking about your own interests.

• When you inhabit a place, the center is the site you visit; even if you are passing through, you behave like a neighbor, and your decisions focus on being part of the place, on integrating.

I believe one should approach the neighborhood not to “consume what the accommodation and the beach offer,” but also to take an interest in its identity, its customs, to experience it closely, engaging with local businesses and trying to connect with the local population…

The neighborhood is not a product; it is the home of a community that has an identity, that has problems…

The question here is…

Are you going to have your coffee at the Starbucks on Las Canteras Beach or at the corner café?

This decision has important consequences for our community.

We don’t have simple answers to this problem that the city faces, but we don’t hide our doubts or try to conceal them.

We believe we should create spaces for dialogue and try to find solutions together, with neighbors, travelers, and public administrations.

Contradictions –

We ourselves are not able to fully understand a situation in which we are also part of the problem, while at the same time experiencing it as neighbors of the neighborhood.

Whenever you can, we recommend…

• Buying from local businesses
• Connecting with neighbors
• Avoiding multinational chains

Take an interest in our identity, history, and basic customs

Before arriving, try to look for information about the history and culture of the place you are visiting. This will help you respect the local identity and culture.

Some research on your part is essential, and once in the city, we recommend visiting some museums so you can better understand the identity of the place.

We appreciate that you are reading remote work guide in Las Palmas; that already shows that you are a conscientious person…

This transforms you from a tourist into a traveler; you stop just observing and start having an empathetic view of the community.

Where to stay as a remote worker in Las Palmas?

Share an apartment, avoid paying inflated prices

Accommodation is currently one of the main problems for the local population in the Canary Islands.

The increase in demand, combined with various structural problems in the Canary Islands’ economy, has made access to housing very difficult.

When faced with the question…

Where should I stay to have the least impact on the local population? You can find different answers depending on who you ask…

Very short-term rentals are being heavily criticized.

Others will tell you to stay in hotels, which at least creates local jobs. They will also suggest looking for shared accommodations to reduce your impact and be more sustainable…

You decide.

In general, you should avoid paying highly inflated prices for accommodations with zero services that do not pay any taxes.

Some will recommend looking for accommodations run by locals, as this ensures the money benefits the local population…

This is relative, since there are accommodations run by foreigners that not only pay taxes but are also very involved in local life.

Here, you need to make a decision based on many factors. There are all kinds of options: Airbnbs, Coliving, hotels, hostels, shared apartments, etc.

In summary:

• Avoid paying inflated prices for accommodations without services
• Prioritize accommodations that pay taxes
• Consider staying in a coliving or a shared apartment

Why is Las Palmas ideal for remote work?

Work in spaces designed to integrate the local community with the remote worker community…

Our remote work guide in Las Palmas would be incomplete if we didn’t talk about collaborative and shared workspaces…

Remote work is here to stay; many travelers who come to the Canary Islands combine work with leisure during their stay.

The need for good Wi-Fi and spaces where you can take calls and be productive is essential to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

In the city of Las Palmas, there is a significant number of coworking spaces where you can work productively.

Most are run by locals and have a strong commitment to the neighborhoods where they are located.

Coworking spaces are undoubtedly one of the most used levers by some travelers to integrate into the local community.

In these coworking spaces, many islanders are working, who are delighted to network with other entrepreneurs and travelers from around the world…

We have written an exclusive post about the city’s coworking spaces, so you can choose them based on the neighborhood where you are staying.

Many of us prefer to work alone in the apartment where we are staying.

But going out and working a few days a week in a coworking space can be a very enriching experience.

How to give back to the place where you live

This is a very difficult question to answer for many reasons.

Sometimes it is not so easy to get involved in the activities of some NGOs or associations in the city.

The language, short stays, or the lack of activities during certain weeks or months in those organizations make it complicated for some travelers.

Some associations periodically organize beach clean-up actions on the island; here is their link for you to get more information. Oceans4Life Gran Canaria

Many travelers are willing to participate in activities that give back during their stay on the island, but the availability is minimal or nonexistent…

How should a remote worker explore the city of Las Palmas?

Buy from local businesses

It is essential that when you visit a city or town, you invest your money in local businesses, shops, restaurants, and services run by locals.

We all know that multinationals do a great job, but in many cases, they invest very little or nothing in the places where their businesses are located.

Moreover, in most cases, the bigger the multinational, the less tax it pays locally.

Are you willing to pay a little more for a product or service in a local business instead of investing in a multinational?

Avoid being a tourist

Many travelers don’t want to feel like tourists.

That’s why they travel to the city of Las Palmas to avoid staying in the south of Gran Canaria, which is completely designed for tourists.

Not being a tourist is achieved by integrating into neighborhood life, consuming locally, and respecting the customs of the city or neighborhood where you are.

What really bothers the neighbors?

This is undoubtedly one of the most delicate topics we want to address in this ethical remote work guide for remote workers in Las Palmas.

In recent years, noise has become a problem in the Canary Islands; many neighbors complain about noise in the streets, terraces, and parties.

To give you an idea, the Las Palmas Carnival is the event that attracts the most people in the city, with large-scale gatherings.

Besides being an important tool for promoting the city externally, it is also a major attraction.

However, the Carnival has been on the verge of being canceled several times due to legal disputes between public authorities and neighbors who have sued over the noise it generates.

Avoid making noise at night in the accommodation where you are staying, and try not to make too much noise with your luggage when arriving or leaving.

Another thing that bothers locals a lot is not respecting traditions and local customs.

How to integrate into the local community?

How to meet local people

As you can see, this ethical remote work guide in Las Palmas addresses very complex topics…

And this is one of them.

It may not be easy to connect with locals in Las Palmas, but the best way to do it is by avoiding tourist bubbles in hotels or only going to meet-ups for remote workers.

We suggest…

• Work from a coworking space, many are full of locals.

• Spend time in local cafés, they are happy to welcome you, and you can meet many neighbors there…

• Do sports in neighborhood gyms or activities like beach volleyball…

And what about local shops? Shopping is almost always accompanied by a small conversation.

People in Las Palmas love to talk…

You’ll notice that many people talk a lot in the neighborhoods, so even if you barely understand or are understood, keep the conversation going…

¿Where do remote workers practice sports?

A very important topic in our remote work guide in Las Palmas.

The range of outdoor sports and gyms is overwhelming; in Las Palmas, you can practice a multitude of sports.

We have written a post with the necessary information to know dónde poder practicar los deportes what you enjoy, both in winter and in summer…

Additionally, in these gyms and yoga studios, you can meet many neighbors and locals who share your passion for the activity you do.

It will be very easy for you to integrate.

How to get around in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

At EcoIsleta, we recommend using public transportation. On the island, the bus system, called Guaguas, runs regularly, and we suggest using it.

Taxis are also a good option, and you’ll notice that many taxi drivers are happy to talk about our customs, and you’ll learn a lot…

From the city, you can also visit different parts of the island using public transportation; it is cheap and very punctual.

Additionally, the city has a public bike rental system, similar to other European cities, allowing you to move around freely and without generating emissions.

Safety

We guarantee that the city is safe; the tourist areas are calm and well-organized.

Being a safe city doesn’t mean you shouldn’t avoid excessive drinking and staying out very drunk too late at night, as that can cause problems…

How to save money while traveling to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as a remote worker?

One of the best ways to save money when traveling to the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is by choosing the right time of year to visit.

• Coming between November and March means paying high prices due to the high demand from travelers who want to visit during those winter months.

But besides the higher accommodation costs, you’ll also find more travelers in certain places and on the beaches.

• Visiting in the low season, from April to October, means saving a lot of money on both flights and accommodation.

The range of accommodations is much greater, the weather is great, it’s not too hot, and the beaches are perfect…

Conclusions of our Ethical Remote Work Guide for Remote Workers in Las Palmas

In summary, Las Palmas is ideal for teleworking for various reasons. Here are the main ideas:

• Consider sustainable accommodation options before coming

• Try to buy local products in the neighborhood where you stay

• If possible, travel in the low season, avoiding winter

• Work in coworking spaces where there are locals

• Try to go to yoga studios and gyms with local people

• Avoid noise and parties

Thank you very much for reading. Our ethical remote work guide for remote workers aims to ensure that your trip has a positive impact on the local population.

Good Local Impact

• Remember to support local businesses and eat local food in locally owned restaurants.

• Be respectful of the natural environment.

• Reduce your waste as much as possible. Use public transportation, rent a bike, or walk…

• The water is desalinated, so make good use of this resource, as the process requires large amounts of energy.

EcoIsleta Sustainable Community, with Remote Workers and Locals…