Gran Canaria is the ultimate tourist attraction with the number of annual visitors approximating 2.2 million. The majority of these tourists visit the southern end of the island, and this is because it is brighter and experiences less rainy seasons. The climate varies as the north of the Island is generally cooler compared to the south, which is warmer and sunnier. The east coast of the island is flat, dotted with beaches while the western coast is rockier and mountainous. The island offers a number of alternative activities for tourists, so let’s take a look at some of the best!
Check Out The Beaches
At 2.8km long, consisting of perfect golden sand, Playa de las Canteras is one of the world’s ultimate modern beaches, and can be found in Las Palmas. Just a short drive along the shore is Playa Chica (Little Beach), where one can swim out to the reefs if the waves are calm. On the other side of the beach, the water is just perfect for snorkeling, and there are a variety of activities available on the beach too, like beach soccer or volleyball!
Aloe Vera Rub Downs
Meloneras hosts an array of the island’s exclusive hotels, perfect for taking some time out to relax. Here you get close with the native Aloe Vera that soothes your sunned skin in one of the fine spas. The Spa Corallium at the Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort offers Aloe Vera peels, and the Spa and Wellness Centre offers a refined spa experience. Aloe Spa in Gran Canaria’s Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort and Spa is set in the mountains above Maspalomas, and is a world away from the hustle and bustle of regular tourist life on the island.
Travel to the Heart of the Earth
This is an experience like no other, and following in the footsteps of Flemish merchant Daniel Van Damme, you’ll be able to journey towards the centre of the earth! In the 16th century, Van Damme descended 200 meters to the bottom of the Caldera de Bandama, a volcanic crater that is only 15 minutes’ drive from Las Palmas. It’s approximately a half hour trek that offers elegant sights of endemic botanic, volcanic ash and a long discarded farm. Permission from the official tourist board in advance is in order, and guided hiking tours are also available.
Be One of the Locals
For the youthful tourists who want to fit in perfectly as locals, the excitement of an all-inclusive break allows you to try out all the local food and drinks available in your hotel. Compare prices at www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Gran-Canaria-Island/ – saving money of flights will let you spend more on a fancy hotel! The wall-to-wall relaxation on the island is a challenging temptation, however you simply must visit some of the local markets that offer the finest traditional dishes.
Hike Gran Canaria’s Camino
Where there is Camino de Santiago, there is also an ancient footpath connecting the churches of Saint James in Tunte in the interior part of the Island, and Galdár in the North West. In 2011, the Gran Canaria tourist board extended the route to over 75km, in order to accommodate an extra day’s hike from Maspalomas on the south coast. The Camino is a must adventure not to be missed, and will certainly be the hike of your life!
