Off the North-Western coast of Africa sits the Canary Islands, an archipelago of Spanish islands with incredible weather, rich culture and a strong tourism industry. The second most populous island, Gran Canaria, is a volcanic island with a mixture of both black and white sand beaches, a mountainous inland and beautiful, rural villages. The capital of Las Palmas in the North is a major cruise ship port and busy duty-free shopping area whilst other areas of the island offer relaxation and adventure.
Stroll through Dunas Maspalomas
The area of Maspalomas is home to beautiful sand dunes. The dunes stretch between Playa del Ingles and Playa de Meloneras making up a wonderfully scenic walk between the two beaches. It’s a lovely location to head to for a stroll or to pop down to for an Insta-shoot… just be careful where you are taking photos as there is a nudist area in the centre of the dunes. The island of Gran Canaria can get a little windy so the dunes are best visited on a calm day.
Sip some cocktails at Tipsy Hammock
Located on Playa del Ingles beach, Tipsy Hammock offers a menu of 73 delicious cocktails. If you love a mojito then this is the place for you as they have so many tasty varieties. Not only does the bar have a great drinks selection, it is also perfectly located to enjoy a beautiful scenic view of the beach. Tipsy Hammock also provides live entertainment both day and night. With djs and live music, it’s the perfect place to sip a cocktail by the beach.
Drive up to Presa de las Ninas
Presa de las Ninas is a lovely spot of nature right in the centre of the mountains. As the perimeter of Gran Canaria is quite dry, the central spots are refreshingly beautiful with so much greenery and a wide variety of trees and plants. With picnic tables and bbq areas over-looking the reservoir, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy lunch al fresco. You can enjoy a stroll around the water and search for giant pine corns in the woods. The drive up to Presa de las Ninas is a little precarious but incredibly worth it.
Snorkel at Las Canteras
Las Canteras in the North of Gran Canaria is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. With white sand and clear waters, Las Canteras is one of Europe’s most famous beaches and the most popular area on the island for snorkelling. The beach became a no-take marine reserve in 2009 and the smart marine life quickly realised they were safe here and the area has become incredibly populated with sealife in the last ten years. Most of the marine life can be found in the shallow water and it is therefore very easy to enjoy an impressive snorkel session.
Hike Bandama Caldera
In the North East of Gran Canaria is a natural reserve with incredible hiking trails. Caldera de Bandama is a huge volcanic crater between the municipalities of Santa Brigida, Telmo and Las Palma and was formed roughly four thousand years ago. With a trekking route through the crater of approximately three kilometers, the area is a beautiful hiking area with amazing viewpoints over the crater itself and the island. The area is quite demanding to hike with a gradient of up to 18% but is lusciously green and stunning.
Explore Barranco de Azuaje
In the North of the island sits a beautiful ravine named Barranco de Azuaje. The ravine is a beautiful area to explore with incredible viewpoints, an ancient ruin, amazing waterfalls and a wealth of greenery. Once upon a time, the ruin in the raviene was a spa as the waters in the area are said to have healing properties. Whilst the spa is now dry, there is water running through the ravine year-round.
Relax at Costa Meloneras Spa
Photo By: Lopesan Hotel
Whilst there are some incredible spas in the world, one of the best experiences is at Gran Hotel Costa Meloneras in Gran Canaria. An absolutely amazing spa experience taking you through 12 different rooms and experiences. Relaxation areas, steam rooms, a sauna, Turkish hamman, floatation pool, igloo… every type of room you could possibly imagine to have the ultimate relaxing day. You start your experience in the womb room where you relax on waterbeds before making your way through the variety of therapy rooms. A day at the spa can also be complimented with a massage or variety of treatments.
Experience Puerto Mogan
With less tourism that a lot of the coastal areas, Puerto de Mogan is a lovely little village which is more traditionally Canarian. With cute little streets, quaint gift shops, a picturesque harbour and flowers everywhere, it’s a darling little place to visit. Puerto de Mogan is most famous for the Friday market which is the largest on the island with over 600 stalls. The port is also a great launchpad to enjoy a submarine safari or head out in search of whales and dolphins.
Gran Canaria is a great place to enjoy both a holiday atmosphere and the traditional Canarian culture. Whilst a small island to navigate, there is so much of offer to do and explore. Whether you are after adventure or relaxation, you can enjoy it in Gran Canaria.
