City and beach appeal for holidays in Gran Canaria

We have tried to avoid some of the busiest parts of this lovely island in favour of Maspalomas and San Agustin in the south, and Las Palmas and Arucas in the north, for a more relaxing holiday. Gran Canaria is an island of dramatic changes of landscape from great beaches and sand dunes to rich agriculture, harsh mountains to tranquil village squares.

Most Gran Canaria hotels are in the south - not surprising as there are some excellent sandy beaches there.  In the north is the capital city Las Palmas, which also has an excellent beach at the heart of it.  The centre of Gran Canaria is mountains, valleys and green countryside, a real contrast to the Sahara style dunes of the south. With such varied terrain, Gran Canaria  is often referred to as a mini continent. Parts of Gran Canaria have been declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco thus recognising its environmental importance and ensuring its protection.

Temperatures in the north of the island are slightly cooler than in the south but are moderate year round thanks to its proximity to the North African coast.

Although tradition and heritage play a large role on this island it is also modern in its approach to art, classical music and opera and film festivals, some of which are noted on our What’s on page.

With the choice of a bustling and interesting city with a great beach or the dunes and beaches of the south, or the more typical rural areas such as Arucas, there is sure to be something to suit everyone.

This not just an island of beaches though, there is interesting history and culture to follow, the Nature park and country side are definitely worth visiting, the locals are friendly and warm as is the climate.

The locations we have selected are:

Las Palmas

Surprisingly for an island, Las Palmas is the 7th largest city in Spain and the largest in the Canary Islands and even though it is a vibrant commercial city and port the long golden sandy beach, Las Canteras, gives it a more relaxed holiday feel too. It is a town full of history to explore and has many festivities and cultural events to entertain visitors.  It also has very good shopping and plenty of restaurants and bars.
Parque Santa Catalina is full of outdoor cafes, popular during the day and the evening, and has on one side of the park, the interesting science and technology museum, Museo Elder, while a pedestrian area leads to the modern and colourful commercial centre El Muelle, which has shops, cinemas and more cafes and restaurants.  Playa de las Canteras, the long sandy beach, is only a few minutes away on the other side.
The most historical area of the city is the Plaza de Santa Ana which is where the Cathedral of the same name is located.  The church is a mix of the Gothic through to the Neoclassic, due to the length of time it took to complete.
The older part of Las Palmas is known as Triana and there is a long pedestrianised street, renown for shopping, called Calle Mayor de Triana, even if you are not interested in the shopping the facades are very attractive art nouveau. Also in Triana is, Puerto de la Luz, this is where the port and the beach of Alcaravanera is and the nightlife in this area is wide ranging and typical of a large city.  We list some of the things to see and do on our What to do and What’s on pages.

Arucas

While in the north we should mention Arucas, which is where our rural hotel La Hacienda del Buen Suceso is located.  Situated between mountains, valleys, farmlands and the coast  Arucas is  west of the capital city about 20 minutes by car. This area if full of history, for example many of the original inhabitants lived in caves in the hills and tended their lands and livestock and today some of these caves are still occupied, though admittedly they have been modernised and have many of the conveniences of a house.  Agriculture is still the main industry of the area and to a lesser extent tourism. The original main crop was and still is, sugar cane and rum was made here long before Cuba or the Carribean, today banana plantations are also much in evidence.  The church in Arucas is very distinctive and well worth a visit, for its architecture and the paintings and sculpture housed here.

On the edge of town, en route to La Hacienda in fact, is the peaceful and attractive Botanical Gardens started by the Marquis of Arucas and contains one of the most complete collections of tropical and sub-tropical flora, over 2,500 species, many of which are now extinct elsewhere and much of their survical is due to the microclimate in this area and of course to the Marquis who collected them in the first place and created these lovely gardens.

A stay here gives you more of an insight into how the locals live and makes for a peaceful and interesting holiday, we include a car for guests staying at La Hacienda as an essential to enable you to really benefit from this area.  Do visit the top of Mount Arucas, the view from here are spectacular and you can even have lunch before returning to the hotel or going to the coast north of the town

Maspalomas and San Agustin

In the south these two resorts are well known for catering to the holiday maker.  Maspalomas is famed for its fabulous sand beach and dunes.  Hotels are mostly along the coast here and shopping centres and restaurants and found between them.  The coastal waters here are clean and in some part nicely shallow offering safe bathing for the young and several of the beaches have blue flag recognition.  These things contribute to making it popular with families and others alike.
Maspalmas is separated from the busier resort of Playa del Ingles by the spectacular sand dunes (about 4 sq kms) and has the islands largest golf course and luxury hotels.  The dunes are a protected area and have some rare plants only found in the Canaries, you can only cross them on foot or by Camel!  At one end of this long stretch of desert dunes and beach is an area known as El Oasis this is where our hotels are and nearby is La Charka, a sea water lagoon surrounded by palms that migrating birds stop off on their way to Africa.
As this area is dependent on tourism there are many attractions for visitors of all ages including the biggest water park on the island, Aquasur and various theme parks.

San Agustin

San Agustín is less known and more residential which makes it a quieter and relaxing experience.  The amenities of the other resorts are nearby but if you don’t feel like making the journey to say Maspalomas beach then there is a dark sand beach in front of the Melia Tamarindos.  There is also a Casino here for those that would like to try their luck! San Agustin is good for those wanting the reliable weather and access to the facilities without them being on the doorstep, giving you an opportunity to unwind.

" The representative in Gran Canaria was excellent and most helpful – enough to make me feel that your company is the only one I would like to travel with again..."

Mr and Mrs Campbell booked by Deva Travel

Getting around in Gran Canaria

For shorter trips in the city or the resorts taxis are probably the easiest, though the bus service is also very efficient too.   But for exploring further afield a hire car is a definite asset, with a good map and plenty of time enjoy some of the stunning scenery this island has too offer.  But if going into the hills take your time as some of the roads are very bendy and the views very distacting.

What to do in Gran Canaria

Nightlife is very varied in the resorts and in the city and the usual clubs and discos can be expected.  Cultural and historical attractions are plentiful, as are water and land sports.  Golf is very popular and we give you more detail on courses and other activities on our What to do page.

Events in Gran Canaria

In addition to the typical fiestas all over the island the city in particular has a good range of music, theatre and film festivals which we mention on our What’s on page.

Local best buys include: Rum from Arucas, leather goods and genuine local arts and crafts.

Prestige Plus in Gran Canaria

Private taxi transfers to your hotel

Welcome fruit and water or wine in your room on arrival with our compliments

Travel Guide to the Canaries

The excellent support and services of our local representatives and handling agent