Winter sun in Gran Canaria

We didn’t plan to have a holiday this year, but given the past 18months or so we’ve had, the plans have gone completely out of the window, haven’t they?! Our last holiday was in 2019 for our honeymoon. Of course, we had other things planned in, a weekend to Dublin, 7 nights to Vegas but these have been put on hold because of the pandemic. So, after a busy few months of house renovations, home schooling, settling back to school and everything else that a pandemic throws at you, we decided we were desperate for a holiday! It didn’t have to be anything big, or a massive itinerary. Just a cheap and cheerful winter sun getaway to enjoy some family time, relaxation, a bit of sunshine and just get away from it all. This was my first time to Gran Canaria. We chose the destination as we wanted a week away in October half term with the kids and wanted good weather, and overall, I absolutely loved it!

The Hotel: We stayed all inclusive in Servatur Waikiki in Playa Del Ingles. The hotel is a 3*+ and I think this rating is spot on. Aimed at families, it was perfect for us with the boys currently being 6 and 3. The facilities within the hotel were excellent. A lovely splash area, not only exciting for the kids but the sunbeds were close by to the pool so that we could relax and see the boys at all times.

The splash pool was right in the middle of the football facilities, playground and kids clubs, so a perfect area for families with children to be. The main pool itself was very big and had more than enough sunbeds. My only criticism of the hotel, and one in which that can’t be helped is that because of the position of the buildings around the main pool, it blocks the sunshine at certain times of the day, so you find yourself following the sun and moving sunbeds!! But that’s me being picky Food was good. It was exactly 3* standard. Plenty of choice everyday and good, decent quality for everyone. The salad bar had lots to choose from, with main meals being cooked freshly in front of you. The dessert bar also had lots of choice and included fresh fruit every day.

Playa Del Ingles: We absolutely loved the resort. We like to talk a walk and to eat out even though we were all inclusive. Playa Del Ingles had lots of shops, bars and restaurants to choose from and there was a fantastic supermarket right next door that sold absolutely everything.

The beach was on a 5-minute walk from the hotel and was lined with lovely, touristy market stalls and more bars and restaurants. The brilliant thing for families is that there was a lift down to the beach, so no contending with steps and ramps if you have anyone with pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Eating out: We had a couple of meals out. We headed to an Irish bar one evening, a tex-mex grill/steakhouse but also had traditional Spanish with calamari for example too. Prices were reasonable. I’d say what you pay for a meal here at home was the same as in Gran Canaria. We would average around £80-£100 for a family of four with the kids sharing a dessert.

Puerto De Morgan: This resort is a must visit. We loved it here so much that next time I would consider staying in this resort. However, if you visit for the day, head there on a Friday as this is when the market is on. The markets sell everything from clothes and handbags to toys for kids and tourist gifts and souvenirs. It stretches all around the resort and the marina and if anything is just a lovely walk.

Puerto De Morgan is itself a beautiful resort. I loved walking around and having lunch on the marina and the back streets have a wonderful Spanish feel about them. Well worth a visit.

I would highly recommend Gran Canaria for families and couples for all ages. There’s something for everyone, but particularly great for a winter sun destination. So, if you’re thinking about a last-minute getaway or planning ahead into 2022, then get in touch as I’d love to tell you more about what the island has to offer and how easy it is to travel post pandemic.