Gran Canaria Getaway: Sun, Sand, and Surprising History

Discover endless family fun on the sunny shores of Gran Canaria, Spain.

14 October 2023

Gran Canaria in Spain offers a wonderful family-friendly trip with a mix of stunning landscapes and attractions. The island boasts beautiful sandy beaches and pleasant weather throughout the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling, dolphin watching, and water sports. Families can also explore the impressive sand dunes of Maspalomas, visit theme parks like Palmitos Park or Aqualand, and immerse themselves in the culture and history at the picturesque town of Puerto de Mogán.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Sun, Sand, and Surprising History

  • Check into the vibrant Hotel Riu Papayas, where the whole family can relax in colorful rooms with pool or garden views.
  • Start the day by exploring the sun-soaked Maspalomas beach, where towering sand dunes are perfect for adventurous sandboarding.
  • Discover the quirky Palmitos Park, where you can see dolphins, parrots, and even a crocodile show that will leave you wide-mouthed.
  • Time travel in the historic district of Vegueta, with its cobbled streets, charming squares, and the iconic Santa Ana Cathedral.
  • For a family-friendly dinner, try the cozy Cafe de Espala, where you can savor traditional Canarian dishes like "papas arrugadas" and "ropa vieja."
Day 2

Volcanoes, Caves, and Ocean Wonders

  • Fuel up with a delightful breakfast at the charming Cafe Regina before embarking on your daily adventure.
  • Trek through the otherworldly landscapes of Caldera de Bandama, a breathtaking volcanic crater where adventurers can get their rocks off.
  • Explore the ancient cave settlement of Cueva Pintada, where strange geometric patterns and ancient murals will transport you back in time.
  • Dive into an underwater paradise at the Poema del Mar Aquarium, where colorful marine life will make you feel like you're swimming with the fishes.
  • Indulge in a seafood feast at Restaurante El Salinero, bursting with flavors of the sea like fresh grilled fish and succulent paella. Bon appétit!
  • (Note: It's important to always check the local COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions before planning and traveling.)

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Gran Canaria by plane is to fly into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) which is the main international airport serving the island. There are direct flights available from various major cities in Europe such as London, Madrid, and Amsterdam. Airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Iberia operate regular flights to Gran Canaria.

Car

To get to Gran Canaria by car, you would need to drive to one of the ports in Spain where ferries operate to the island. One popular route is to drive to the port of Cádiz and take a ferry to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen Express are two companies that offer ferry services to Gran Canaria.

Train

There are no train services available to Gran Canaria as it is an island and trains do not run directly to the island.

Boat

There are ferry services available to Gran Canaria. One option is to take a ferry from the port of Huelva in Spain to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Trasmediterránea is a company that operates this route. Another option is to take a ferry from the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Fred. Olsen Express offers this service.

Bus

To get to Gran Canaria by bus, you would need to take a bus to one of the major Spanish cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, and from there, you can find long-distance buses that operate to Las Palmas, the capital city of Gran Canaria. Companies such as ALSA and Guaguas Municipales provide bus services to Gran Canaria.

Destination

Gran Canaria

Tired of staring at your calendar filled with appointments and obligations? Time to escape to a place where beachside siestas and Iberian time reign supreme, where the stress melts away faster than ice cream under the Canary Islands sun.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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