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Vecindario: Discover the Vibrant Shopping City

Located in the southeast of Gran Canaria next to the GC-1 highway, Vecindario is a dynamic city in the province of Las Palmas. It is an important center within the municipality of Santa Lucia de Tirajana and is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse attractions. Vecindario Gran Canaria Shopping town

Notable shops include two indoor shopping centres (CC La Ciel and CC Avda. de Canarias), as well as Mercacentro and the Centro Comercial Atlántico, located in the southern part of the shopping area. The Hotel Avenida de Canarias offers accommodation right on the shopping street.

Vecindario: History

Vecindario arose from a conflict between the inhabitants of Agüimes and the Count of Vega Grande over ownership of the Llanos lands. The count claimed to be the rightful owner, while the inhabitants, represented by Dr. Mendoza, claimed that they were the rightful owners. During this trial, the name Vecindario (“the land of the neighborhood”) was used for the first time, referring to the inhabitants of Agüimes.

Dr. Mendoza proved that the count had acquired the lands illegally and in 1735 a portion of the land known as El Doctoral was allocated as payment for his defense. In 1815, Vecindario and Sardina were united with San Bartolomé de Tirajana to form the new municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana.

This modern-classical style church has a wooden ceiling, stone walls and 13 stained glass windows on the inside. It was built between 1949 and 1955, but it was not established as a parish until March 19, 1943. The bishop who founded this church, Antonio Pildaiza Play, gave it the name San Rafael, the Archangel, because there was no parish on the island that had San Rafael as its patron.

Location and Beaches

Although Vecindario is not directly on the coast, it offers easy access to some of Gran Canaria’s best beaches, including those of Santa Lucia de Tirajana, Aguimes and Ingenio. The quiet beach of Cruce de Arinaga, with its pleasant promenade and lively bars, is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.

Those wishing to stay in Vecindario include Gran Hotel Vecindario Aeropuerto at your disposal. The hotel is located on the outskirts of the city centre. The hotel has its own access road from the southern motorway, at exit 28 km. It is also conveniently located near the island’s largest shopping centre and a new entertainment zone with more than 80 shops and 10 restaurants. This excellent location makes the hotel ideal for both business travellers and tourists.

Vecindario Gran Canaria Shopping city

Traditionally known for its agricultural activities, Vecindario is now Gran Canaria’s largest open-air shopping centre. Besides the popular Shoppingcenter Atlántico, the town offers numerous other shopping options ranging from trendy boutiques to major international brands, as well as a wide range of dining options from local tapas bars to international restaurants.

Atlántico Vecindario Shopping Center

The Shopping Centre Atlántico Vecindario is a must-visit in Gran Canaria. With more than 127,000 m² of total area and 52,000 m² of retail space, this center offers a great shopping experience. On two floors you will find a large Carrefour, 11 modern 3D cinemas, and more than 100 shops and dining options.

I found the architecture pleasant and functional, with bright, open spaces thanks to the impressive gallery and natural light. The shopping center has 1,800 free parking spaces, including special spaces for the disabled and pregnant women, free WiFi, air conditioning, security, a children’s club and an extensive events programme.

The location is ideal: just 15 minutes from the main beaches and hotels in the south, 10 minutes from the airport and 25 minutes from Las Palmas. My visit was comfortable and enjoyable, and I understand why millions of people come to this center every year. It was a fantastic experience and I recommend it to everyone.

Open Air Shopping area Avenida de Canarias

The Avenida de Canarias, which stretches for 4 kilometers, is the heart of Vecindario’s shopping area. Once a busy thoroughfare, it has now been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard with green areas, benches and terraces where visitors can relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Vecindario, in Santa Lucía, is a commercial hotspot in Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands, thanks to its population growth and proximity to tourist areas in the south.

The Avenida de Canarias is the largest open-air shopping center in the Canary Islands, with wide sidewalks and a pedestrian area that invites you to stroll and shop. It has numerous shops and businesses along the main street and adjacent streets, from Balos to Doctoral.

Shopping in Vecindario means enjoying a great variety and quality of shops, easy access and parking, and inviting spaces for relaxation on Avenida de Canarias.

Thanks to its easy access from the highway that connects the south to the capital, Avenida de Canarias is an easily accessible meeting point. The pedestrian area, completely renovated, has lighting with piped music, playgrounds and gardens, offering an attractive space for walks and cultural and recreational activities.

Other commercial areas in the municipality include Los Llanos, Casa Pastores, La Unión, Sardina, Santa Lucía Casco, La Orilla and Pozo Izquierdo.

Weekly Market in Vecindario: A Local Experience

The weekly market in Vecindario on Wednesdays has been a permanent fixture for more than 40 years. Started in the 1980s on the Plaza de San Rafael, the market has now found its permanent place on the esplanade at the fairgrounds after several locations. This location offers more comfort for visitors and solves parking nuisance for local residents.

With more than a hundred stalls, you can find a wide range of products. Textiles dominate the offering, including clothing, bags, towels, underwear, jewelry, blankets, electronic devices, shoes, …. In addition, there is a special section for fresh vegetables, fruits and other agri-food products. It is a lively market where market vendors sell their wares while shouting and singing.

Visit Vecindario Market for a unique shopping experience and discover the diverse offerings of this vibrant marketplace. On Wednesdays the traditional market takes place on the Neighborhood Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Museum de la Zafra: Discover the Agricultural History of Santa Lucía

For those interested in local history, the Museo de La Zafra is a must-visit. Located in the southeast of Gran Canaria, the Museo de la Zafra in Santa Lucía offers a fascinating insight into the agricultural history of the region. This museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the agricultural past and lifestyle of generations of local farmers, focusing on Santa Lucía’s most important crop: the tomato.

The museum covers more than 4,000 square meters spread over 12 rooms in two buildings. The first building focuses on tomato cultivation, from introduction in Europe to production and export. The second building highlights water use in agriculture, with traditional irrigation methods. The museum has an original well 85 meters deep and an agricultural plot with various crops from pre-Hispanic times to the present.

Plan your visit and discover Santa Lucía’s rich agricultural history at the Museo de La Zafra
Calle Isla de la Graciosa nº 33, Vecindario. Located behind the Ateneo Municipal de Vecindario, Santa Lucía de Tirajana.

Access to the Avenida de Canarias Shopping Area

One of the possible ways to reach Vecindario and Avenida de Canarias is by car, via the main road GC-1 with exit 28, as well as via the roads GC-65 and GC-191.

In addition, the municipality has a good connection by public transport to the center of the shopping area. The main bus lines are 01, 05, 08, 34, 41 and 52 of the Global heading south. In addition, there are lines 04, 10, 19, 25 and 90, which also have stops near the shopping area.

An extensive network of taxis is also available, with major stops at Cruce de Sardina, Zona de la Era Avenida de Canarias, El Doctoral and Avenida del Atlántico.

Click here for Guaguas Global’s timetables and routes.

Share Experiences

Have you visited Vecindario and would like to share your experiences or make suggestions for other travellers? Contact us via email verschueren.eddy@gmail.com and discover for yourself the charms of Vecindario