Essential Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers at La Ventana Azul in Las Palmas
So, you’re a solo traveler about to venture out on your first big adventure to La Ventana Azul, our little slice of paradise right on the beach in sunny Las Palmas! We’ve got you covered with a few insider tips that will help you settle in, make friends, and get the most out of your time with us.
1. Social Life During the Day & Privacy During the Night: We Offer Both!
First things first: pick up a pair of high quality earplugs at your local shop or pharmacy. Hostels are amazing for meeting people, but sometimes those people snore—or maybe they’re just really excited about sunrise surfing. Earplugs will be your sleep-saving heroes when your roommate’s dreams get a little too enthusiastic. But no worries; we’ve got your comfort covered at La Ventana Azul if you forget. Our beds are designed to give you that cozy capsule feel, built with sturdy wood and private curtains, plus all the essentials like a shelf, reading light, and plug socket. It’s your own little sanctuary for a restful night, so you’re ready to take on another day in paradise. In your bed, put in your ear plugs and get that little bubble feeling, but as soon as you open the curtains, you’re free to go out all social around the hostel!
If you really value your privacy, you can also look into our budget private room!
2. Join Our Free Activities – Friends Made Easy
Making friends as a solo traveler can feel like speed dating. But with our free weekly activities, you don’t have to try too hard! From laid-back movie nights to live music events, yoga sessions, and epic hikes, you’ll have plenty of chances to connect with fellow adventurers. There’s something about getting a little lost on a volcanic hike with strangers that brings people together—plus, everyone loves swapping surf stories over a sunset.
We also love to travel, so we know the importance of joining these free activities because it’s expensive to travel and we really love our Ventana Azul community, so you don’t feel like a tourist and you can also connect with all of us!
3. Making Friends on Day One – It’s Easier Than You Think!
Starting solo doesn’t mean staying solo, especially here at La Ventana Azul. On your first day, jump into one of our free activities—yoga, beachside games, group hikes, or movie nights are perfect icebreakers. Nothing brings people together faster than sharing an adventure, a laugh, or a sunset view.
To keep the friendly vibes flowing, a few dorm rules help make everyone’s stay easy and enjoyable. We’re not a party hostel, so respecting our 23h to 7:30h quiet time is key. Got an early flight? Pack your things the night before, and use your phone lamp if you need light, so the whole room can stay peaceful.
And let’s keep things fresh and comfy—store your bags and belongings in the under-bed boxes or lockers so everyone can move around easily. To keep the room breezy and insect-free, use the kitchen storage box provided for food, and please avoid stashing big water bottles in the dorm. We have free, freshly filtered water in the kitchen, so you can skip the plastic waste and keep things uncluttered! Small gestures go a long way, and soon, you’ll feel right at home with your new hostel family at La Ventana Azul.
4. Rent a Co-Working Spot – Meet Cool People While You Work
If you’re a digital nomad or just like having a place to check emails, we recommend grabbing a spot at one of the local coworking spaces. White Forest and Talleres Pallermo are great choices right in our neighbourhood, Guanarteme. These spots are not just offices; they’re buzzing hubs for freelancers, remote workers, and creatives from all around the world. Trust us, the conversations over coffee are worth it. Who knows, you might just meet your next business partner—or surfing buddy!
5. Explore Guanarteme – It’s a Treasure Trove of Local Vibes
Guanarteme is packed with all kinds of gems, from surf shops and cool cafés to authentic Canarian restaurants that serve the best papas arrugadas and mojo sauce. Everything’s within walking distance, and you’ll feel like a local in no time. The neighborhood is a blend of local charm and international energy, making it easy to jump from surfing at La Cicer to grabbing tapas with friends, all in one day.
You can also book surf lessons directly at reception with our partner surf school, in groups of up to 6 people to make more friends and share an active session together! You’ll meet new people who are not staying at the hostel and widen your social circle to potentially join more trips and experiences on the island!
6. Go With the Flow – Beach Life Is All About Chill Vibes
Beach life is our default mode, so leave your worries (and tight schedules) at home. Here, everything moves at a relaxed pace. Want to surf? The waves are waiting. Feel like chilling? Just grab a lounge chair, soak up the sun, and let the island vibe work its magic.
7. Enjoy the Beachfront Location – La Ventana Azul’s Prime Spot
La Ventana Azul is right in front of the beach, making it the perfect place for solo travelers who want both adventure and relaxation at their fingertips. Whether you’re heading out for a dawn patrol surf session, a late-night beach walk, or just people-watching with a coffee, you’ll feel the heartbeat of Gran Canaria right here.
8. Take a Spanish Lesson – Dive Into the Local Vibe
Traveling solo is the perfect time to pick up some new skills, and what better way than learning a bit of Spanish? Las Palmas is an ideal place to start, with tons of options for classes that are friendly and flexible. We strongly recommend checking out La Casita de Laura—it’s more than just a language school. You’ll meet fellow travelers and locals, get insider tips, and receive great recommendations for exploring the area. Plus, a little Spanish goes a long way when you’re out and about in Guanarteme, connecting with the people and the culture on a whole new level. ¡Hasta pronto!
Ready to Book Your Stay?
We can’t wait to meet you! At La Ventana Azul, every solo traveler becomes part of our hostel family. So pack light, bring an open mind, and get ready to make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Cheers to your first solo adventure—see you in Las Palmas!