Part of Spain’s Canary Islands, Grand Canaria is a beloved holiday destination for countless Brits each year. With promises of all-year-round sunny weather and plenty of things to see and do, it’s no surprise.
Even during the winter, you’ll find tourists flocking to the island to escape the freezing cold English weather. If you’re thinking of organising a holiday to Gran Canaria next year, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive guide, we take a look at the ‘miniature continent’ that is Gran Canaria and why you need to visit next year.
Huge range of activities
One thing is for sure when visiting Gran Canaria: you’ll never be lacking in things to do. While we could go on about everything, it wouldn’t leave much opportunity to talk about other great aspects of the island. Instead, we’ll cover just a small selection of the very best.
With such easy access to the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it only seems reasonable to set out to sea. Whether this be on a private boat or luxury catamaran, keep an eye out for dolphins leaping out of the water. Tours will usually include a meal and drinks, making for a perfect day out with your significant other.
Owing to its unbelievable weather throughout the year, Gran Canaria is also a highly popular golfing destination. Since the winter and spring here are relatively mild, it’s the perfect place to try your hand at the sport. From playing adjacent to the coast or on volcanic soil, there are many different options to choose from.
Those looking to partake in adventure sports needn’t look any further. The island offers numerous activities both on water and on land. Whether it be windsurfing, jet skiing, hiking, or camel riding, you’re sure to get your adrenaline racing and satisfy your nomadic urges.
Delicious food and drinks
Gran Canaria has what you might consider to be a quirky food culture, having been a stopping point for many ships that once travelled to and from the Americas. Because of this, Canarian food has features that are synonymous with other cultures from around the world.
That isn’t to say the food isn’t delicious, however. One dish that is quite popular on the island is papas arrugadas con mojo picón: miniature potatoes cooked in salty water to form a crispy skin. These are then generously coated in a spicy, garlic-rich sauce.
Since the island is surrounded by sea and largely made up of mountains, you’ll find that the meat in dishes often consists of goat, seafood, and fish – more specifically, cherne and vieja. These dishes go perfectly with a glass of local wine or freshly made fruit juice.
Great for families
If you’re planning to travel as a family, you can’t do better than Gran Canaria. The island is specially designed to cater for children of all ages in the various activities it offers. Just to give you a couple of ideas, there’s Palmitos Park, Holiday World Maspalomas, and Aqualand.
Whether you want to see exotic animal species, let the kids splash around in a wave pool, or experience thrilling carnival rides, the choice is yours. If you simply wish to take a walk in nature, you can do this too. Highlights include trekking across the sand dunes in Maspalomas and discovering the beauty of Tamadaba Natural Park in Agaete.
Depending on where you intend to stay in Gran Canaria, you’ll also likely find family-friendly accommodation with access to kids’ clubs. These will more than likely consist of all-inclusive resorts that allow the children to partake in exciting activities and make new friends – and it gives you and your partner some time alone.
Easy-to-reach location
Fortunately, most major airlines in the UK fly to Gran Canaria, meaning there are plenty of options to choose from and secure a last-minute deal. While the flight is slightly longer than those heading to mainland Spain, coming in at around 4h 30m, it’s worth it for the perfect climate and gorgeous landscapes.
You’ll also find that it’s very easy to organise travel for when you get there. By searching online, you will easily find a variety of Gran Canaria airport transfers to get you to your accommodation, and there are plenty of public transport options to help you explore different areas of the island should you decide to venture out.
Great selection of beaches
When it comes to long stretches of golden sands with azure waters, Gran Canaria is unbeatable. There are beaches to suit all preferences, including couples, families, and LGBT communities. The most popular choices comprise Maspalomas, Mogan, and Playa des Ingles.
However, if you’re seeking somewhere a bit more secluded and quiet, head over to Las Maranuelas, Montana de Arena, or Pacito Bea.
