5-day trip to Gran Canaria

Is there anything more exciting than spending 5 days at the beach during winter? This was a bit the starting point of the reason for my trip to the Canary Islands last January. Indeed, the Canary Islands are characterized by their mild climate all year round and the almost absence of seasons. I had already been to Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura but Gran Canaria was the last large Canary Island that I did not know yet.

 

What to see in Gran Canaria ?

The best way to move around Gran Canaria is to rent a car. Especially if you don’t want to only visit the touristy places, but also the canyons, the deep oases, as well as the charming little villages.

Maspalomas

Maspalomas is not only famous for its huge dune field or its constantly good weather. It is also famous for its old lighthouse, witness to the arrival of the first tourists and the transformation of the region into a holiday resort. Maspalomas remains an ideal place to relax, enjoy the sea or simply bask in the sun. The best known beach is Playa del Inglés which is a 3-kilometer long calm water beach.

 

Roque Nublo

The rock of Roque Nublo represents one of the most emblematic symbols of Gran Canaria. This huge monolith is more than 80 meters high, at more than 1800 meters above sea level. It was a former place of worship for the Aborigines and it is now considered a protected natural area since 1987. At such an altitude, the temperatures are cooler and it is necessary to provide a little wool. There are many hikes in this part of the island. The presence of Roque Nublo is only surpassed by the Pico de Las Nieves which, with its 1949 meters of altitude, is the highest place in Gran Canaria.

 

Tejeda

Tejeda is a beautiful hillside village with breathtaking views of the valley and the interior of the island. The village is surrounded by terraced fields and sits on the slopes of a crater. We also find in the neighborhoods of the village some archaeological vestiges like tombs, caves of the engravings on stone.

 

Teror

In Teror, the landscape is greener than in Tejeda. Teror has a rich heritage and some of the best examples of colonial style architecture. The most famous monument is the Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pino dating from the 18th century. Teror is first and foremost known as the city of balconies. Splendid historic houses line the streets. The finest mansions line the main square, Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pino, and Calle Real de la Plaza.

 

Port of Mogan

The port of Mogan is a picturesque fishing village nicknamed the “Venice of Gran Canaria” that is not to be missed. The white fishermen's houses topped with bougainvillea make it a magical and authentic place. Next door, Mogan beach with clear and calm waters is the perfect place to relax after visiting the port.

 

Las Palmas

It is the capital of the island, in the northeast and between two bays with magnificent beaches: Playa de las Canteras and Playa de las Alcaravaneras. It was here that Christopher Columbus repaired the Pinta boat for a necessary stopover before crossing the Atlantic. The oldest part is the district of Vegueta, traversed by countless alleys and lined with houses with traditional Canarian architecture. This is where the Casa de Colon museum is located, in the former Casa del Gobernador and dedicated to Colon’s life and to his time. The Balcones or Espíritu Santo streets join the Santa Ana square where is the Cathedral of Santa Ana, the first church built in the Canary Islands by the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon in the 16th century. The shopping streets such as Mayor de Triana and its adjacent streets are full of shops of all kinds from craft shops to fashion boutiques.

Where to eat in Gran Canaria?

Due to the variety of local products and their eclectic nature, the traditional dishes of Gran Canaria are characterized by their simplicity, richness of ingredients, but also by their variety. It is the result of the fusion of indigenous heritage, peninsular cuisine and Latin American influence (potatoes, pineapple de millo). Some of the typical dishes are: watercress stew, Canarian Rancho, Canarian Ropa Vieja, Sancocho, wrinkled potatoes and their sauce (mojo verde or mojo picón) or goat meat. Here is a small selection of the best restaurants on the island.

 

Ahul Restaurante

Located in the southwest of the island, just opposite the port of Mogan. The Ahul restaurant offers local and high quality products, including fresh fish and seafood. The presentation is neat and original and the view of the port is unforgettable.

Como Como 15

If you are passing by the village of Teror mentioned above, I strongly advise you to come to the Como Como 15 restaurant which offers typical dishes from Gran Canaria and Spain. The octopus, black rice and banana pie are exceptional.

El Almacen

Surely one of the best restaurants in Argentina where I have eaten in my life. Located in Las Palmas, the typical dishes of Argentina such as the empanadas or the meats “parilladas” are absolutely delicious.

 

Where to sleep in Gran Canaria?

If you are looking for a safe bet for accommodation in Gran Canaria, I highly recommend the MarLenghi apartments which are spread all over the island and which offer accommodation for all tastes and needs: from the cozy apartment in Las Palmas to the family vacation home in Maspalomas. All apartments and houses are very tastefully decorated and make us feel at home.

 

I absolutely loved my trip to Gran Canaria that has become my favourite Canary island. From the white villages in lunar landscapes, to the relaxing Maspalomas seaside resort, passing through the animated Las Palmas capital, Gran Canaria has a lot to offer.