THE CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN. The Canary Islands are a chain of five islands off of Morocco that are Spanish territories. Although the Islands are mainly known for Tenerife and Gran Canaria, there are actually seven in total: El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and La Palma. The Islands are Spanish territory and provide a rich experience for tourists all year round.
Playa de Amadores | El coleccionista de instantes
While there are many different islands you can go to, each with its own character, fauna, animals, etc., I would highly recommend Gran Canaria instead of Tenerife. The more populated Tenerife might be the most heavily condensed with tourism and resorts, but there are a lot of activities to do on Gran Canaria, the se – some that you can do at a resort and others you can do by renting an apartment or condo and exploring by yourself.
If you are traveling from outside of Europe directly to the Canary Islands, you may need to buy your tickets in advance. It is much more advisable to fly from outside of Europe to Madrid, then take another flight to the Canary Islands. If you are already in Madrid or anywhere in Spain, a Ryan Air flight is the cheapest and should take no more than 3 hours. As per usual, it is advisable to fly on weekdays as there will inevitably be more room on the flights and considerably cheaper rates.
Although it may be more daunting, I also highly recommend getting your own apartment, as you can do all of your activities at your own pace. As always, just make sure that you read the description carefully and if there seems to be something off of about it, even if it is listed at the end of the description, investigate and know what you’re getting yourself into. I have had problems with this in the past, and oftentimes, the description itself was the most misleading thing. More often than not, the apartments are located next or at least close to the beach, but do not assume that they are all within walking distance.
The north of Gran Canaria is teeming with resorts and hotels. If you would prefer that, you will probably not travel around the island very much or, if you do, you will most likely be accompanied by the hotel or resort at which you decide to stay. The benefit is that you will not have to stress any of the other issues, such as gas money and other issues. If you are feeling adventurous, though, try renting a house in the south of the island, in an area called Maspalomas, near one of the bigger towns called Playa del Inglés. Attractions abound in Maspalomas, where you can stroll along the other-worldly Maspalomas Dunes and visit the quaint town of “Sonnenland,” a place where many of the vast number of Germans in the area have developed as a German cultural center.
La cueva de los verdes |perlaroques
For those with nature interests, Maspalomas is teeming with many different areas to experience its unique natural habitat. Of all the sites, I would recommend Palmitos Park, an animal/sea life park with daily dolphin and birds of prey shows, an aquarium, and pretty much any animal native to the Canary Islands or to Spain that you would ever want to see. Additionally, consider the many star-gazing opportunities in Maspalomas, near the north of Mogán, another area located close to Maspalomas. The stargazing tour guide will take you through the Canal Cuevas de las Niñas on an incredibly thrilling hairpin turn road.
While you’re in Mógan, check out the Playa de Amadores, my personal favorite beach in all of Gran Canaria. In any given month, the water is refreshing and clear, and there are few rocks along the smooth sand. The Amadores Beach Club, which had an early investment by the famous Spanish soccer player David Silva, is an alternative to the public beach. If you are willing to pay about 20 euros for one person or for a group, this beach club will provide you with towels, separate lounge chairs, a café, and drink service. Otherwise, the public beach, often lively and thriving with visitors, is a beautiful spot in and of itself.
If you do select a hotel or resort, most of your meals will be on-site. If you decide to go for an apartment, the Hiper Dino in the center of Las Palmas will provide you with what you need for cooking at home. However, you should consider eating out when you don’t feel like cooking, and I would suggest a fabulous tapas place in the San Fernando area of Maspalomas called La Tapita – Los José’s, run by two men named José and specializing in lovely tapas, gulas, and deviled eggs. The restaurants in the relatively smaller town of Puerto de Mogán also allow you to sit by the water and enjoy a traditional Spanish meal.
All in all, Gran Canaria has everything to offer its visitors (and a bonus if you know any Spanish because you can practice!) – the first step is just to book a flight!