Rent your perfect holiday villa: choose from over 140 villas in Gran Canaria including villas with private pools and cheap villas
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Glorious weather year-round, fine sandy beaches, lovely bars and restaurants and magnificent lava caves to explore make Gran Canaria the full package when it comes to holidays. Located 200 kilometres off the north-western coast of Africa, it is the third largest of the Canary Islands. With its diversity of micro climates, various landscapes and exotic plant life, this stunning island is best described as a miniature continent, offering something to every type of holidaymaker. The mountainous central parts of the island may even surprise with a sudden snowfall in higher locations during winter months.
Gran Canaria Airport accommodates flights from any major city worldwide. Direct flights from the UK are between 4 and 4.5 hours. Island hopping is very popular on the Canaries, and there are regular flights between the islands. Getting to your accommodation is easy - the simplest option is taking a taxi. Taxis are metered and start costs somewhat 2.50 Euros, while every kilometre is approximately 0.50 Euros. Public transport is air conditioned and reliable, it runs non-stop and covers all parts of the island.
A mere glance at the island’s sun-drenched resorts like Maspalomas and La Playa de Mogan reveals why most holidaymakers flock to the south of the island. However, if we look at Las Palmas and Teror we see that northern parts have their own unique charms as well. Basically, for a mellow and easy going holiday, go north. For a little livelier holiday, family friendly activities and wider beaches, try southern parts of the island like Playa del Ingles and Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria's beaches range from exotic Saharan escapes like Las Maspalomas, to secluded white sand coves like Playa de Sardina del Norte. Sandy beaches can be found on all sides of the island. But due to the northern part being a couple of degrees cooler due to more annual rainfall, the finest beaches can usually be found in the southern parts. A big exception here is Playa de Las Canteras, which is one of the best urban beaches on the island, located in north Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
If holidaying in the northern parts of Gran Canaria, go to Las Palmeras Golf which is is located in the island’s capital. It’s a public course for players of all ages and it’s in great shape. Real Club de Golf De Las Palmas offers spectacular views of the eastern coast. The course is 18 holes, par 71 with well-kept fairways and even better greens. Just east from this course is another excellent one - El Cortijo Club De Campo Golf. This 18 hole, par 72 course was opened in 1999, and boasts splendid greens. Meloneras Golf and Maspalomas Golf, on the south coast, are 1.5 kilometres from each other. The two courses are 18 holes and stand as the best courses on the island. Salobre is some 3.5 kilometres north west from Mespalomas. The course is part of a golf resort, tucked away a bit. It’s an 18 hole, par 72 course with gorgeous fields and stunning surroundings. Anfi Tauro Golf on the south western coast is surrounded by hills and hillocks, which are almost like blinders focusing your view toward the ocean. The course is beautifully manicured - 18 holes, par 72 with gorgeous views. There are also several very good restaurants surrounding it.
Many parks and nature preserves offer climbing challenges. The volcanic rock, Roque Nublo, is one of several exhilarating rock climbing locations on the island giving a sense of accomplishment after a challenging climb. But climbers and hikers aren't the only ones treated to a thrilling recreation. Dirt bikers and ATV enthusiasts are expected to thread the rugged terrain. The Maspalomas Sand Dunes, together with the botanical gardens in the north show the diversity of the island's micro-climates. 1000 acres of sand dunes resembling the Sahara Desert touch the Atlantic south of Maspalomas, in case you ever wondered what it's like to walk the desert. Culture-vultures can revisit most of the island's history through ancient buildings, national monuments and the Historic Centre in Las Palmas, as well as through memorial museums of famous and influential people, 15th century buildings and archaeological sites dating from the 5th century and onward. The oldest church on the island - Las Palmas Cathedral - is located in the historical Vegueta quarter.
When kids grow tired of the beach, maybe surprise them by visiting one of the parks. There are numerous parks on the island - theme parks, animal parks, water parks, you name it… Ones that stand out are parks in Mespalomas, Mogan and Las Palmas. Aqualand Maspalomas Water Park is the most prominent among them all, but if you’d like the same thrills but out of water, visit Holiday World Maspalomas. This whimsical park offers over 30 attractions, not including the shows, and there are great places to eat there as well. GrancAventura near Las Palmas is an amusement park open only on weekends, or during the week by reservation.
As mentioned, Gran Canaria boasts a very reliable public transport that covers all corners of the island. Buses are air conditioned and run non-stop. Taxis have taximeters and are reasonably priced. Transfers from the airport to Maspalomas resort by taxi cost between 20 and 25 Euros. Car hire is also an option. If you wish to go green, there are electric cars available for hire.
There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy local and international cuisine that suit every pocket. In Maspalomas, West End Restaurant is a great place to have some quality grub, but reservations are required. Britannia, also in Maspalomas, is a very affordable modest joint with delicious food and great service. There is a plethora of restaurants in Las Palmas, and for fine dining try Restaurante Que leche. It offers dining alfresco, but the interior is gorgeous, and so is the food. For a cheap and easy meal in Las Palmas, try the local cuisine in Tasca Galileo - great food and atmosphere and excellent service.
The southern part of the island is livelier. There are many clubs, cocktail and beach bars, and music venues that really come to life after midnight. And if you'd like to test the sacred geometry of chance, there are also several casinos. Small towns and authentic villages like the historic town of Teror tend to seduce visitors with an old-world atmosphere, and charming cafes and restaurants dotted every here and there. Watching yachts take a break from their Atlantic-Caribbean voyages in low-key fishing towns like Agaete on the western coast can be quite captivating.
Vegueta and the surrounding region is dotted with attractive shopping locations, lots of simple shops and several street markets, like the one in San Telmo park. Upscale boutiques and shops can also be found in Las Palmas. Mercado Municipal San Fernando is a lovely little market in Maspalomas, selling mostly fresh produce, but you can also find clothes, toys and odds and ends there. Almost every resort has a shopping mall, in Las Palmas there are several, with all kinds of stores inside selling clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, food, electronics…
Take a look at our blog posts about where to go in Gran Canaria and what to do on your holiday in Gran Canaria.
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