We’ve never been to Gran Canaria, but reading about it in this guest post is making us want to visit!
Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands. The Spanish island is a popular destination for tourists looking for year-round sun and beautiful sandy beaches. It’s also a good destination for tourists on a budget.
Where to hit the beach
The island boasts nearly 60 kilometres of beaches so there’s plenty of space to go around. Pack some drinks and a picnic and it’s the perfect budget day. Some beaches, such as Maspalomas, are busy (it even has separate sections for nudists) but there are quieter options, such as Amadores.
Head to the north of the island for smaller, more secluded beaches. A number of the beaches of Gran Canaria provide excellent conditions for surfers, so bring your gear or hire some locally if you want to catch some waves. It’s usually fairly cheap to hire a board and wetsuit for a couple of hours, but if you need lessons the costs do add up. To reduce the price, try to join group lessons rather than learning one-to-one.
When to go to Gran Canaria
Depending on the time of year, you can look for cheaper holidays to Gran Canaria. This great getaway spot is perfect for people looking to relax and unwind, especially in the winter when prices drop from the high season. The capital, Las Palmas, is one of Spain’s largest cities so there’s plenty to see.
Stroll the streets to the cathedral and have a look around before moving on to the nearby museum dedicated to the voyages of Christopher Columbus – he spent some time on Gran Canaria before his first voyage to the new world – for a cheap afternoon away from the seaside.
Other activities in Gran Canaria
If your budget will stretch to it, other great activities available include a visit to the Aqualand water park and snorkelling boat trips, though obviously these can be pricey, especially if the kids are coming along and are clamouring for an ice cream! A budget alternative would be to buy cheap snorkels in a supermarket and swim out to see what marine life you can find – just be careful and always keep an eye on children.
