Tag Archives: Tenerife

Does Gran Canaria hit the spot? By Margaret Graham

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The name, Gran Canaria, means ‘Great Island of Dogs’  – and there are some still there, tiptoeing about at the end of leads, in the smart pedestrian precinct of Las Palmas. It is here one can shop until one drops. Fantastic shoes, lovely leather – deep pockets needed.

So what does Gran Canaria mean now?  Sun, sea and… sangria will do.

Eager to snatch a ‘recharge’ week before I had to set to work on the first of a three book contract for my publishers, Random House, he who must be disobeyed and I dropped our dog with her ‘besties’, (who manage my daughter and her husband rather well) and set off for Riu Club Vistamar.

1. Infinity pool, Riu Club Vistamar

Set high on a slope overlooking Puerto Rico one side, and Puerto Amadores the other, the food, rooms, pools, staff and all inclusive tariff, were excellent.

2. Dining Room at Riu Club Vistamar

On our first evening we were treated to the most amazing sunset.

3. Puerto Amadores by sunset from the hotel

Two pools were available at Club Vistamar but on our first day we thought it a better idea to walk down the 750 steps to the beaches, then a light skip round the headland to admire the marina, and yes, why not sip a cool drink?

We then tackled the 750 steps back up. Rather a long time later, two chubby, sweaty, deeply unappealing beetroots stumbled into the hotel, on the verge of an ugly death.

In spite of being the world’s worst traveller, the next day we took a ferry to Mogan, just 20 minutes along the coast.

4. One of the beetroots en route for Mogan with Riu Club Vistamar in the distance.

oneofthebeetroots

Rattling with seasickness pills, I twanged on my acupuncture bracelets, but it was overkill. The sea was so calm the whole thing was a delight, as was Mogan, called Little Venice. It is festooned with bougainvillea, criss crossed by canals, and bridges

5. Mogan

mogan

Again we staggered up the steps on our return and were the same unappetizing sight. From then on we took the courtesy bus. It was kinder to everyone.

The next day our trip to the capital city, Las Palmas, took in the house of hands, just off the main shopping area.

6. Las Palmas House decorated with Hands.

handshouse

Dick and I then found the cathedral where we were lucky enough to sit in on an organ practice for Sunday Mass. Organs and Cathedrals are made for one another. Glorious.

7.  Las Palmas Cathedral

cathedral

Gran Canaria is not a place of beauty but there is an arid fascination in its desert interior and fissure vents, typical of such a volcanic ‘birth’. Clearly tourism is its main ‘crop’ and what’s more, it delivers on a laid back holiday. If you want a city break and lots of history, it isn’t the place for you.

8. Mount Tiede on Tenerife from the hotel at sunset.

Mount Tiede on Tenerife

We booked through Thompson, High Wycombe.

 

 

Cheap and cheerful sun in Gran Canaria

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When you want to escape the cold and gloom of a northern European winter, you generally have to think about travelling a long distance to get some heat and sunshine. The Caribbean, Thailand, India all offer warmth and great holiday resorts, but it takes a long flight to get there, and though there are deals to be had, they generally aren’t cheap.

An alternative that will save both travel time and money is to head to the Canaries – a group of Spanish islands that are situated off the north-west coast of Africa in the Atlantic. Known for their fantastic climate, they are sometimes nicknamed the Fortunate Isles and their climate is referred to as ‘eternal spring’. In fact, the climate varies little during the year, and while the winters are warm and mild, the summer temperatures don’t ever get unbearable.

The main islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria and they have been dedicated to mass tourism for the last sixty years. Consequently, these places are really ideally set up for holidaymakers looking for beautiful beaches, hotels with great facilities and lots of different things to do. The Canaries make an ideal location to take the family for a ‘fun in the sun’ holiday, but you can also find quieter resorts if you’re after a walking or hiking holiday.

The biggest and most popular resort on Gran Canaria has to be Playa del Ingles, where you’ll find the biggest concentration of tourist attractions like waterparks and hotels such as the IFA Continental which all boast excellent facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts and spas and are designed to make your holiday relaxing but simultaneously full of entertainment possibilities.

Whoever you’re going on holiday with, you’ll find a resort in Gran Canaria that is suitable for your party, and the fact that you can get there so cheaply and easily makes it an ideal place for a sunshine break any time of the year.