It’s no secret that I like the Canary Islands for a winter solar vacation from the UK. Winter can really feel so lengthy and bleak, however every week within the sunshine perks everybody up! Throughout the winter months, most of Europe has horrible or unpredictable climate and it’s good to be flying long-haul to get the assured sunshine…until you go to the Canaries!
The Canary Islands are made up of Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro.
I haven’t visited the three smaller islands (but!) however I like the larger 4 islands.
Tenerife is the busiest and most bustling island. Fuerteventura is nice for watersports. Lanzarote has pretty, calm seashores and Gran Canaria has an excellent mixture of every thing.
In the present day I’d like to speak about Gran Canaria and one of the best issues to do in Gran Canaria.
The place to remain in Gran Canaria
At any time when I go to Gran Canaria I like to rent a automotive, so the situation of my lodging is much less necessary.
For most individuals, a vacation to Gran Canaria will revolve round their lodge, resort or villa. That is the right place for a villa vacation the place you possibly can loosen up in your individual non-public house, get pleasure from your individual pool and make it a house from dwelling. If I’m travelling with my kids or in a small group, I normally discover a villa is essentially the most cost-effective choice as we will put together a few of our personal meals and we’ll have house to loosen up. Vacation leases in Gran Canaria might be actually reasonably priced and with Villa Gran Canaria you possibly can pay in instalments with Klarna in order that makes it even simpler!
10 Issues to do in Gran Canaria
Discover Maspalomas Dunes
The Maspalomas Dunes within the south are one of many high issues to see and do in Gran Canaria. These monumental dunes cowl roughly 400 hectares and so they’re distinctive as a result of they’re close to the ocean and encompass rolling golden sand dunes, palm groves, and a tranquil lagoon!
It is a nature reserve however there’s heaps for guests to do with organised excursions and camel rides. The dunes are good for pictures, bird-watching, or just marveling on the distinction between the arid sands and the close by glowing ocean. I’d additionally suggest visiting the enduring Maspalomas Lighthouse.
Go to Roque Nublo
Roque Nublo is one in every of Gran Canaria’s most iconic landmarks so that you’ve bought to go right here! It’s a towering volcanic rock formation standing 80 meters tall, positioned within the island’s rugged central highlands.
From right here you’ll see panoramic views that stretch throughout Gran Canaria and, on clear days, you possibly can see all the best way to Tenerife.
Declared a pure monument, it’s a part of a protected rural park, and it’s a stunning, light hike to achieve it. The path to Roque Nublo is comparatively simple and passes via pine forests and dramatic cliffs. The location holds cultural significance, because it was a sacred place for the island’s indigenous Guanche folks, including historic depth to its pure magnificence.
Calm down at Playa del Inglés
For a extra enjoyable time out, head to Playa del Inglés, positioned on Gran Canaria’s southern coast/
This 3km seaside is one in every of Gran Canaria’s most well-known because of its golden sands and calm waters.
This seaside is adjoining to the Maspalomas Dunes so it’s good to mix this with a day to the dunes.
Uncover Las Palmas Outdated City (Vegueta)
Vegueta, the historic previous city of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, is an enthralling district steeped in historical past and tradition. Its cobblestone streets are lined with colonial-era buildings, colourful facades, and ornate wood balconies. Don’t miss the majestic Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colón, a museum celebrating Christopher Columbus’ visits to the island.
You’ll be able to discover native artwork galleries, boutique outlets, and conventional Canarian eating places. The district’s vibrant squares, like Plaza de Santa Ana, host energetic markets and cultural occasions.
You can also’t miss Mercado del Puerto in Las Palmas for an excellent place to dine and a energetic environment.
Hike to Pico de las Nieves
Pico de las Nieves is the very best level on Gran Canaria at 1,949 meters above sea degree. You’ll be able to take a climbing tour or do it your self and benefit from the unimaginable panoramic views of the island’s numerous landscapes as you stroll via lush pine forests, rugged cliffs, and picturesque valleys. On clear days, guests can see Roque Nublo and even Mount Teide on Tenerife.
Take pleasure in Puerto de Mogán
Puerto de Mogán, usually known as “Little Venice,” is a picturesque fishing village on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria and is my favorite place for a time out. Famend for its charming canals, whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful flowers, and vibrant marina. Asif that wasn’t sufficient, the village additionally has golden sandy seashores with calm waters, good for swimming and leisure.
Journey Hack tip: There’s a bustling Friday market that provides native crafts, meals, and souvenirs so Friday is a superb day to go to!
Puerto de Mogán can also be a hotspot for boat journeys, snorkeling, and diving, with plentiful marine life.
Tour the Bandama Caldera
Bandama Caldera, within the northeast of Gran Canaria, is a formidable volcanic crater fashioned over 4,000 years in the past. With a diameter of about 1,000 meters and a depth of 200 meters, it affords placing views of the encompassing panorama. You’ll be able to hike to the underside of the caldera, the place there’s an previous winery. Sure, a winery! The rim of the crater supplies panoramic views of Las Palmas, the Atlantic Ocean, and the island’s rugged terrain. You’ll be able to take a tour right here to make issues simpler.
Stroll By means of Jardín Botánico Canario
The Jardín Botánico Canario, or Canary Island Botanical Backyard, is close to Tafira in Gran Canaria. Spanning over 27 hectares, you’ll discover a beautiful array of plant species, significantly these native to the Canary Islands.
There are themed areas, together with gardens devoted to endangered species, the island’s native crops, and Mediterranean vegetation. It’s such a calming and delightful place the place you’ll study extra in regards to the island via the crops.
Strive Water Sports activities at Pozo Izquierdo
Gran Canaria is a hotspot for watersports, together with windsurfing, bodyboarding, browsing, kitesurfing SUP, snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. Head to Pozo Izquierdo for all of your windbased watersports!
Calm down at Amadores Seashore
Amadores Seashore is likely one of the most lovely seashores in Gran Canaria with white sand and turquoise sea (it’s a man-made seaside). It might get busy so arrive early to benefit from the light waters and comfortable sand.
For extra concepts on issues to do in Gran Canaria, take a look at the official Gran Canaria tourism web site for extra concepts.
