From vigorous Playa del Inglés to the peaceable allure of Puerto de Mogán, right here’s my private information to the perfect locations to remain in Gran Canaria.
Every time the temperatures begin to drop within the UK, I set my sights on sunnier escapes. The Canary Islands are superb all 12 months spherical. With year-round sunshine, sandy seashores and simple flights, it’s considered one of my favorite winter escapes. What makes it particular is the variability, from its vibrant nightlife scene to its genuine and laid-back fishing villages. I really like visiting within the winter months, while you’re nonetheless assured sunny days and temperatures within the mid-20s.
Gran Canaria is without doubt one of the hottest islands within the Canaries, and rightfully so! From stunning seashores to thrilling water parks and comfy resorts, it’s straightforward to see why it’s top-of-the-line Canary Islands for households. Completely different elements of the island supply contrasting experiences. Some are actually vigorous, with numerous eating places, resorts and actions, whereas others are splendidly quiet.
Should you’re simply beginning to analysis the place to remain in Gran Canaria, my information breaks down the perfect areas and some ideas for travelling on the island.
Greatest areas to remain in Gran Canaria
Maspalomas and Meloneras
Go to for sand dunes, promenades and exquisite sundown views
Maspalomas is without doubt one of the hottest areas to remain in Gran Canaria. It’s well-known for its stunning golden sand dunes. They’re huge, and little strolls throughout them add one thing very magical to a visit to the Canaries. You’ll discover numerous motion right here, with a wide range of eating places, all-inclusive resorts and choices of actions and day journeys. You’ll see numerous households on this a part of the island.
In the meantime, head alongside the coast to Meloneras and the vibe is completely completely different. Wander the palm-lined promenade, cease at a café, e-book a spa day, or benefit from the fairly views over the Atlantic. I’d describe this space as a little bit extra subtle and ideally suited for {couples}, however that’s to not say it’s not suited to households too. There are enormous stretches of seashore, which little ones will love!
Lodging clever, there are some beautiful Lopesan hotels in the Canary Islands, with a number of situated on Gran Canaria.
Playa del Inglés
Go to for nightlife, seashores and buzz
Should you’re after vigorous nights and loads of leisure, Playa del Inglés is the place I’d suggest. It’s vibrant, loud and the place you’ll discover leisure choices in your doorstep. Sure, by that I additionally imply it’s a little bit of a celebration city! You’ll discover numerous the nightlife right here, with choices of bars and golf equipment, and a number of other spots with dwell music.
You would possibly begin your night with a pleasant tapas meal by the seashore, and wind up at 2am dancing round your purse after one too many tequilas! As you possibly can think about, it’s common with youthful {couples} and teams of associates.
One factor that’s actually nice about this space is how straightforward it’s to get round. There’s a variety of public transport choices, so you possibly can discover different elements of the island, then head again to your beachfront resort to take in the final rays of the day and swap into night time mode!
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Visiting for tradition, markets and an city seashore
Las Palmas is Gran Canaria’s capital and has a beautiful really feel. It’s much less touristy than the island’s southern resort cities with a extra genuine, native really feel. Wandering by means of the outdated Vegueta district, you’ll fall in love with the cobbled streets and vibrant colonial buildings. It feels such as you’ve stepped again in time.
Should you’re a foodie, I’d suggest exploring the eating places and meals markets right here. My favorite dishes embody papas arrugadas with mojo (Canarian potatoes with sauces), native seafood, hearty Canarian stews, bienmesabe (a candy virtually dessert) and among the tasty native cheeses. Plus, don’t miss a style of the island’s honey run (ron miel) – it’s nice as a digestif after your meal.
I all the time love a metropolis with a seashore! Right here, you’ll discover Las Canteras. You’ll be able to actually have a swim earlier than breakfast, or come out and watch the surfers within the afternoon.
Puerto de Mogán
Go to for picturesque views and a relaxed allure
Craving a relaxing out vacation in Gran Canaria? Check out Puerto de Mogán, the place the tempo and really feel is slower and extra tranquil. This resort city and fishing village on the southwest of the island oozes allure.
You’ll discover a marina stuffed with fishing boats, fairly whitewashed homes on the hills and vibrant flowers adorning the buildings. It’s even earned the nickname “Little Venice”, for its community of canals and picturesque bridges! Not what you anticipate from one of the crucial common Canary Islands!
If among the bigger resort cities appear a bit intimidating, this can be a nice base for a household or {couples} journey. You’ll be able to spend days having fun with the sheltered sandy seashore, watching the boats within the marina and having fun with quieter eating places with sea views. Should you’re after peace and a extra genuine vibe, it will be my prime suggestion.
When is the perfect time to go to Gran Canaria?
I normally select the Canary Islands for holidays between autumn and spring. The nice and cozy climate is a large draw. Between October and March, it’s reliably heat and sunny, normally with temperatures within the low-mid 20s. In the meantime, at residence within the UK it’s turning chilly and gray. It’s pretty you could jet off in November and December in a winter coat, and be in a t-shirt as quickly as you landing on the island!
The island additionally comes alive with occasions right now of 12 months. There’s WOMAD pageant in Las Palmas, which options music from world wide, meals stalls, and folks dancing within the streets! In November, Playa del Inglés hosts Winter Delight, which is a large celebration, and MASDANZA, the up to date dance pageant, brings performances to completely different elements of the island within the autumn.
Getting round Gran Canaria
Getting from the airport is simple. You’ll discover a taxi rank exterior or you possibly can hop on one of many native buses, which connects numerous the favored resorts.
Should you’re extra adventurous (and don’t like being caught in a single place like me!) I’d suggest hiring a automobile. It’s nice having the liberty to get off the overwhelmed observe, visiting fairly villages, seaside cities or heading up into the mountains. It’s the one approach you’ll really recognize the island’s assorted landscapes.
how to decide on lodging in Gran Canaria
Through the years, I’ve stayed in a mixture of accommodations and flats within the Canary Islands, and I’ve learnt that a couple of issues make all of the distinction. I wouldn’t e-book someplace with no pool as I feel it’s a part of what makes a vacation on this area particular.
Location is tremendous essential too. I all the time have a look at accommodations on the map earlier than reserving, to verify they’re inside a brief stroll of outlets, eating places and the seashore. I’ve stayed in a couple of distant accommodations through the years, and located the trouble of taxis or public transport can actually away from the relief of being away.
Should you’re planning a family-friendly vacation, children’ golf equipment, youngsters’s swimming pools and play areas make life a lot simpler. Or, in the event you’re visiting as a pair, you would possibly need to have a look at adults-only resorts so that you’re left in peace. Accessibility is bettering too, with many trendy properties providing step-free entry and tailored rooms when you have any extra wants.
I hope this information to the place to remain in Gran Canaria helps you propose your vacation. Should you’re in search of any extra ideas or recommendation, don’t miss my different guides to the Canary Islands.
