When you embark on a remote working adventure, one of the frequent questions that arise is whether there is an expat or digital nomad community to connect with. Beyond finding a nice place to do your job, many people are eager to build connections and friendships with like-minded individuals. If you’re heading to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, you'll be delighted to know that there is a vibrant and thriving community waiting for you.
Another common question is about the best place to live in Gran Canaria or the Canary Islands. Based on our experience, we wholeheartedly recommend Las Palmas. It has the largest remote worker community, including expats and digital nomads alike. It also has the most diverse opportunities to meet like-minded people among all the cities in the Canary Islands.
Why is it so? Our hunch is that this is the only place on the archipelago that combines bigger city vibes with a 3-kilometre long urban beach and great weather all year round that’s never too cold or too hot.
Having lived here for years already, we have gathered a wealth of experience and insights to help you find members of this community. In this blog post, we will break down our suggestions into three categories: online sources, offline events, and coworking spaces. Each of these avenues provides unique opportunities to socialise and connect with others.
Online Sources
Live It Up Las Palmas Website and Slack Group
One of the best online resources for digital nomads in Las Palmas is the Live It Up Las Palmas website. This site is a hub of information about living and working in Las Palmas, featuring everything from accommodation tips to local events. Their Slack group is an invaluable resource where you can connect with a more than 10,000 strong community, ask questions, share experiences, and even find meetups and events.
You can browse among meticulously moderated topics, ranging from restaurant recommendations, through the constant organisation of group hikes and sport events, all the way to real estate and helpful discussions about Spanish bureaucracy. One of our favourite channels is the marketplace where you can sell or buy second hand items that are most useful for nomads and expats. This Slack community is vibrant and welcoming, making it an excellent starting point for anyone new to the area.
WhatsApp Groups
Another great way to connect with the community is through WhatsApp groups. There are various groups tailored to different interests, such as social life, coworking buddies, surf & skate, techno movement, queer groups, beach volleyball, tech meetups or board games. These groups are active and constantly buzzing with conversations, event announcements, and meetups. Joining these groups can help you quickly become part of the local social scene and meet people who share your interests.
However, we won’t share the invitation links here, to prevent overcrowding and spamming of the groups. But you can find them quickly enough, for instance through the above Slack group, once you’re on the ground in Las Palmas or by asking us in Sky Coworking.
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are another valuable resource for connecting with the digital nomad and expat community in Las Palmas. Some notable groups include:
- Nomad Vibes - Las Pamas: This group is perfect for younger digital nomads looking to share experiences, ask questions, and find out about local events.
- Gran Canaria Digital Nomads: A group for digital nomads who live or want to live in Gran Canaria.
- Nomad island, Las Palmas: Focused on events and meetups, this group helps you stay informed about what's happening around the city.
- Erasmus Las Palmas: Ideal for students and young professionals, this group connects ERASMUS and SICUE participants with the broader community.
Meetup.com
Meetup.com is a fantastic platform for finding both professional and social events. In Las Palmas, you can find a variety of groups that cater to digital nomads, expats, and remote workers. Some popular groups include:
Of course you can find more groups that might cater more to your interests on the platform. By participating in these communities, you can quickly build a network of friends and professional contacts in Las Palmas.
Offline Events
While online sources are fantastic for initial connections, nothing beats meeting people face-to-face. Here are some of the best offline events to attend.
Community Get-Together on Tuesdays
Almost every Tuesday, digital nomads gather at Bar San Remo (a street up from Sky Coworking) for a weekly meetup organised by the lovely host of Live It Up Las Palmas. This event is specifically geared towards digital nomads and is an excellent opportunity to meet others who share your lifestyle. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to strike up conversations and make new friends.
Bilingual Aperitivo on Thursdays
If you're an expat looking to meet others, the Bilingual Aperitivo on Thursdays at Somos Costeros is perfect for you. This event attracts a diverse group of expats and is more focused on socialising. The setting is casual, with plenty of opportunities to mingle and connect over drinks and appetisers.
Sunday Volleyball Party
For those who enjoy being active and meeting people in a fun, relaxed environment, the Sunday Volleyball Party is a fantastic option. Held every Sunday from 6 pm to 9 pm on the surf beach near Gofit Gym (Playa de la Cicer), this event is open to all skill levels—whether you're a beginner or an advanced player. It's always free and provides a great way to unwind after a busy week while making new friends. The vibe is all about having fun, so grab a volleyball and join in!
Language Exchages
Language exchanges are a fun and productive way to meet people while improving your language skills. These events are often organised in local cafes and bars, where you can practise Spanish with native speakers and help them with their English. It's a great way to meet remote workers and expats who share your interest in improving their language skills and learn more about the local culture. You'll find these event on Slack, WhatsApp and Facebook groups.
Language Courses
Enrolling in a language course or school is another excellent way to meet like-minded individuals. Many language schools in Las Palmas offer courses specifically for expats and digital nomads. These classes provide a structured environment to learn Spanish and offer plenty of social activities to help you connect with your classmates.
One outstanding example is La Casita de Laura, whose teacher pays as much attention on making her sessions into an opportunity to make new friends as on helping you with advancing your Spanish abilities. For those expats who have decided to stay long-term on the island, would prefer a low-cost solution and don’t mind taking it easy with their progress, we can recommend the Official Language School of Las Palmas. You can enrol throughout the whole year after taking a level exam and they even provide you with the free opportunity of sitting an official language exam.
Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are not only great for productivity but also for connecting with the local remote work community. These spaces often host events, workshops, and networking sessions that provide ample opportunities to meet other remote workers.
We have written a comprehensive blog post about the List of Coworking Spaces in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and we highly recommend checking it out. However, let us mention here why we think Sky Coworking stands out among them.
Why Sky Coworking is Different
Sky Coworking is a rooftop coworking space in the new centre of Las Palmas, near Las Canteras Beach and Santa Catalina Park, offering a unique vibe where you can work and socialise with the sky always in sight. It's perfect for digital nomads and freelancers looking for a well-equipped, modern, and comfortable workspace. Sky Coworking is one of the few coworking offices in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where you can step out on a terrace directly by your workstation.
Key Features:
- A rooftop terrace with a barbecue
- High quality office chairs and electric standing desks
- Free screens and high-speed internet
- Meeting room, phone booth and a fully equipped kitchen
- Unlimited coffee (hot and cold brew with steamed milk)
- Sound system, microphone and a 65-inch TV for presentations
- Regular networking events and workshops
Sky Coworking is more than just a workspace in Las Palmas; it’s a community hub where digital nomads and remote workers can thrive. So if we’ve captured your imagination and you’re interested in having a look, book your tour that includes coffee and/or tea. After your 30-minute tour you can stay the rest of the day for free!
Finding a remote work community in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is easier than you might think. Whether you prefer online resources, offline events, or coworking spaces, there are numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Las Palmas is truly the best place to live in Gran Canaria for digital nomads and remote workers, offering a rich and diverse community.
By leveraging online sources like the Live It Las Palmas Slack group, WhatsApp groups, and Meetup.com, you can quickly build a network of contacts. Attending offline events such as the weekly digital nomad meetups and language courses will help you form deeper connections. Finally, joining a coworking space like Sky Coworking will provide a productive environment and further opportunities to meet other remote workers.
So, pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant digital nomad community in Las Palmas. With the right resources and an open mindset, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by a supportive and engaging network, making your remote working experience in Gran Canaria truly unforgettable.