Winter sun in the Canaries

My parents have been jetting off to the Canary islands almost every winter since their retirement, and for good reason. The island is bathed in gentle sunshine for much of the winter, enjoying longer hours of daylight and offers the ideal escape from our icy paths and chilly winds. Luckily for me, my parents had once again booked a spacious villa with extra bedrooms, allowing me to join them for a week of fun in the sun.

We stayed in the south of Gran Canaria in Puerto Pico, which sits in a small valley leading to a golden beach, lined with laid-back cafes. Swimming in the sea is a delight, if a little fresh, due to being in a semi-enclosed bay. From the harbour it’s possible to head out on all manner of boat trips; dolphin watching, canoeing, jet-skiing, glass bottom boats and sailing.

We took the hourly ferry across to the pretty fishing village of Puerto de Mogán. With its small sheltered beach, canals and painted villas, it is affectionately known as ‘little Venice’ and offers a selection of cafes and restaurants around its marina. It’s easy to lose a couple of hours with a glass or two of sangria and tapas of Canarian potatoes, Padron peppers and fried cheese.

For families, you’ll no doubt be drawn to the Angry Birds play park, where the kids can be blasted with foam, splash about, clamber across elaborate climbing frames and generally have a great time.

The restaurants all have the typical offering of tasty food, but some of the standouts for me were along the marina view area; Rhodos Palace featuring a Greek menu (be sure to book ahead) and next door Restaurant Grill J&J, offering pizzas, steak and BBQ. For breakfast or lunch, the Golden Beach offers friendly service, good food and is right on the beach.

So as I head back to Suffolk, as if playing holiday tag, my brother and his family head out from Newcastle for their turn. Right after them groups of my parent’s friends gather, switching golf and spa days in the north east, for cocktails and sunbathing in GC. Gran Canaria would seem to have become a home from home for the Batemans.

Can I help you plan your trip to Gran Canaria? Please get in touch to talk through some of the options available on the island.

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