There’s plenty to love about the island of Gran Canaria. It’s one part of the sun-baked Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago that’s Spanish by name and nature, but located geographically closer to Africa – meaning it has a temperate year-round climate and a fascinating geology that’s as diverse as they come.
With an interior peppered with mountainous peaks and deep cutting valleys, glorious beaches boasting golden sands and sparkling shores, and its fair share of family-friendly resorts complete with everything from water parks to all-inclusive hotels, Gran Canaria holidays certainly tick plenty of boxes.
If you’re heading off to Gran Canaria this year or looking for a last minute getaway to the Canaries, the chances are you’ll read about one or more of these resorts whilst researching and booking your trip:
- Playa del Ingles: This is where the party animals come to dance the night away. It’s big, bold and brash, so don’t expect any quiet nights here during the summer season! Clubs, pubs, bars, karaoke joints, cocktail bars, you name it, Playa del Ingles has got it. It’s also home to a cracking beach with golden sands that have been shipped in from the Sahara, and stacks of watersports on offer. Talk about fun in the sun.
- Playa del InglesEl coleccionista de instantes / Foter / CC BY-SA
- Maspalomas: A large resort with plenty going on, Maspalomas is the destination of choice for many visitors to Gran Canaria. It’s nowhere near as lively as Playa del Ingles, but it can hold its own in the nightlife stakes, and there’s enough to keep all ages entertained by day too. It’s home to Aqualand, and also the famous sand dunes – a protected nature reserve, which is best explored from the back of a camel. Facebook photo opportunities galore!
- Maspalomasszeke / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
- Puerto de Mogan: Tranquil, laid-back and permanently in bloom, Puerto de Mogan is the ideal place to escape the crowds and enjoy a quieter pace of Gran Canarian life.
- Puerto Rico: This former fishing village on the south-west coast has grown considerably over the years, and now boasts plenty of family-friendly amenities including a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay with a great beach, shopping centres, a cracking sunshine record and even a local water park. A great choice if you’re looking for a pleasant resort with daytime entertainment.
- Puerto Rico, Gran CanariaEl coleccionista de instantes / Foter / CC BY-SA
With so much choice, which Gran Canaria hotspot gets your vote?
