Gran Canaria

I visited Gran Canaria for 5 days in June 2015 as part of a group trip with some fellow travel Counsellors. This was my first visit to Gran Canaria and I was based in Maspalomas on the southern coast of the island which is a 30 minute drive from the airport.

Maspalomas is famous for its abundance of sand dunes and beautiful beach. The whole area of Maspalomas and neighbouring Meloneras have been built in recent years which give the area a modern and upmarket feel with a number of excellent hotels and shopping areas. The southern part of Gran Canaria is most popular with tourists as it is an all round destination and it rains on average no more than 5 days a year and has some beautiful beaches. As a result of the lack of rain outside of the resorts the land in the south of the island is quite arid and barren. There is a 3km promenade which runs from the lighthouse in Maspalomas along past the hotels which is great for a stroll or run if you are feeling energetic.

We took a water boat trip from close to Maspalomas up the coast past Anfi to Puerto Rico a large resort with lots of apartments and a large sandy beach. Further along the coast we docked at the beautiful fishing village of Puerto Mogan which is called Little Venice due to the small arches and canals found around the port area. The fishing village has some lovely building draped with beautiful flowering bougainvillea. We also spent a day exploring the mountainous interior of the Island. Gran Canaria is referred to as being like a miniature continent. This is because of the dramatic changes of scenery you experience travelling from the south through the mountains to the north of the island. The main cause of the differences in scenery are as a result of the trade winds and mild ocean currents. Some of the views are like a mini grand canyon and then you travel through palm tree plantations while at the highest points of the island you will find pine forests and dramatic scenery including Roque Nublo.

One of my favourite experiences of my visit was visiting a farm in Agaete who produce wine, oranges and coffee. The conditions in Agaete mean it is one of very few places where coffee beans can grow and be harvested. I enjoyed wine tasting with cheese and local ham and of course some wonderful coffee.

We also spent a day in the island capital Las Palmas. It has a long pedestrianised shopping area that reminded me of larger Spanish cities of Barcelona and Madrid. We visited the wonderful undercover market with its great displays of fruit, vegetables and spices. In the old town you can visit the Christopher Columbus house museum and discover the pivotal role Gran Canaria had in his voyages to discover the New World. Las Palmas also has a superb 4 km long sand beaches which makes it an ideal city break destination. I would also add there are many golf courses for the keen golfers. I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Gran Canaria and I'm certain it wont be my last.