Gran Canaria Getaway: Sun, Adventure, and Cacti Charming

Discover the sun-soaked paradise of Gran Canaria, where family fun meets Spanish charm.

14 October 2023

Gran Canaria, located in Spain's Canary Islands, offers an exceptional family-friendly vacation experience. With its vibrant beaches, well-preserved nature reserves, and exciting theme parks, there is something to delight family members of all ages. From sandcastle building on the golden dunes of Maspalomas Beach to exploring the exotic flora and fauna of Palmitos Park, Gran Canaria promises an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Sand, Sunsets, and Salivating

  • Check into Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras, a masterpiece of luxury facing the azure Atlantic Ocean.
  • Get some rays at Maspalomas Beach, where golden dunes and crashing waves bring tranquility overload.
  • Stroll along the Paseo Costa Canaria, a promenade of dreamy beachfront bars and restaurants.
  • Indulge your taste buds at Restaurante El Churrasco, where succulent Argentinian steaks melt in your mouth.
  • Witness the stunning sunset from Faro de Maspalomas, a lighthouse that paints the sky with fiery oranges and purples.
Day 2

Island Hopping and Cacti Hugging

  • Embark on a boat trip to Puerto de Mogan, a postcard-perfect fishing village with charming canals and colorful bougainvillea.
  • Explore the idyllic streets of Puerto de Mogan, known as "Little Venice," and discover hidden artisan shops.
  • Visit Palmitos Park, a botanical garden bursting with bizarre cacti, exotic birds, and cheeky monkeys.
  • Dine at Restaurante Grill Costa Alegre, a seafront gem serving fresh seafood paella that will make you belt out a flamenco tune.
  • Enjoy a family-friendly evening at Sioux City Park, where wild-west shows and shootouts bring the Old West to life.
Day 3

Volcanic Thrills and Enchanting Caves

  • Head to Roque Nublo, an awe-inspiring volcanic rock formation offering panoramic views of Gran Canaria's rugged landscape.
  • Satisfy your adventurous spirit with a Jeep tour through Timanfaya National Park, where lunar-like volcanic scenery will blow your mind!
  • Descend into the mysterious Cueva de los Verdes, a labyrinthine cave system filled with fascinating rock formations and hidden surprises.
  • Taste traditional Canarian cuisine at Restaurante Casa Tito, where mojo sauces and wrinkled potatoes will ignite your taste buds.
  • Admire a mesmerizing Flamenco show at Pueblo Canario, where fiery dancers captivate with their passionate moves.
Day 4

Culture, Color, and Culinary Bliss

  • Discover the vibrant art scene of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria at CAAM (Atlantic Center of Modern Art) and indulge in cutting-edge exhibitions.
  • Wander through the colorful streets of Vegueta, the old town, and marvel at its colonial architecture and cozy tapas bars.
  • Visit the Casa-Museo de Colón, a museum in the former home of Christopher Columbus, filled with intriguing artifacts.
  • Savor fusion delicacies at Restaurante La Sal, where creative chefs combine local ingredients with global flavors.
  • Unwind at Hotel Santa Catalina, a colonial-style oasis, with a cocktail by the pool, reflecting on the unforgettable adventures of Gran Canaria.

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.

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Gran Canaria, located in Spain's Canary Islands, offers an exceptional family-friendly vacation experience. With its vibrant beaches, well-preserved nature reserves, and exciting theme parks, there is something to delight family members of all ages. From sandcastle building on the golden dunes of Maspalomas Beach to exploring the exotic flora and fauna of Palmitos Park, Gran Canaria promises an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.