if you prefer a relaxing holiday in quiet resorts, some of the places to avoid in Gran Canaria include areas where mass tourism is prevalent, such as the resorts of Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. The island offers so much more than this, with diverse landscapes to explore, and a myriad of activities to enjoy.
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The smallest of the main Canary Islands, El Hierro is also the least touristy. If you want a chilled-out holiday in a small fishing village, with wild empty beaches that harbour some superb diving, then this is the place.
If you're looking for sun and beach, if you're going on a family holiday with children, if you want golden or white sandy beaches and if you want to go out for a drink, then you should stay in the south of Gran Canaria. The south of the island is the ideal destination for those who love sun and sea or swimming pools.
Las CanterasConsidered one of the best urban beaches in Europe, it is also one of the treasures of Gran Canaria. Located in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island's capital, this beach offers great natural beauty and a host of services to make our day as pleasant as possible.
The good news for all is that yes, there is a small population of a very docile, angel sharks in some parts of the Island and also yes, it is perfectly safe to swim in the sea without any fears that these sharks will attack. Angel sharks are among the most placid, docile and non-aggressive sharks anywhere in the world.
La Palma - best for jaw-dropping sceneryIt's no wonder that the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands is known as both La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island) and La Isla Verde (The Green Island). The capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is an attractive history-rich town that's well worth a day (or two) of exploration.
Go for Tenerife if you prefer popular tourist destinations with great restaurants and nightlife. On the other hand, Gran Canaria is your best bet if you want to explore the breathtaking landscapes and outstanding beaches.
Although Santa Cruz de Tenerife is also big, if you are looking for a vacation with lots of events or a cosmopolitan city full of life, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the place for you. However, for people looking for tranquility and small but very authentic towns, Tenerife is the best option.
With average asking prices of just under 4,000 euros/m2, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas are the most expensive areas in the Canary Islands. In the luxurious Abama Resort in Guía de Isora, however, you can expect to pay around 6,500 euro/m2.
The island of Tenerife receives about 5 million tourists each year, making it the most popular island for tourists. Tourist attractions here include nightlife, walking, and whale-and bird-watching. Loro Parque (meaning Parrot Park) on Tenerife has a collection of 3,000 parrots.
The best times to visit the Canary Islands are between March and May and from September to November. Winter and summer bring loads of tourists, which make accommodations more expensive and more difficult to find.
7 days road trip itinerary around Gran Canaria will provide enough time to incorporate in your itinerary a few outdoor activities (including one of the hikes either to a famous rock Roque Nublo or to Caldera de Bandama volcano crater) and time spent on the beach.
Also known as the 'miniature continent', Gran Canaria is renowned for its marked contrasts. On a single day, we can enjoy marvellous beaches surrounded by dunes and climb peaks covered in Canary Island pine forests, with their greenery standing out starkly against the dark volcanic earth.
How long is the ferry ride from Gran Canaria to Tenerife? The average duration of the Gran Canaria - Tenerife ferry route varies between 1 hr 20 min and 2 hr 45 min, depending on the crossing you've chosen.
The route from Gran Canaria to Tenerife is served several times per day, with more than 10 ferry crossings available on most days. The main companies operating on the Gran Canaria to Tenerife ferry route are Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas. Tip: keep in mind that ferry schedules can change from season to season.
Traditional Canarian food can be described in two words: simple and delicious. With the emphasis on freshness, everyday Canarian dishes comprise grilled meats or fish (tuna, parrot fish, vieja, swordfish, sea bass), soups, stews and vegetables - many of which are surprisingly hearty.
Gran Canaria is by far the best island for an adults-only holiday in the Canary Islands. Not only does the island have great nightlife in Playa del Ingles , it also has lots of shopping centres in Las Palmas, upscale dining in Puerto de Mogan , lots of things to do and see and many relaxing spas.
Canary Islands Currency: What you should bringThe currency used in the Canary Islands is Euros, which is what is used in most of Europe. 1 British Pound is equivalent to 1.1 Euros so it shouldn't be too hard to convert. Knowing how much cash you should bring depends on your length of stay and your itinerary.
Credit cardsMasterCard/Cirrus and Visa/Plus are accepted in nearly all ATMs, which are common throughout the country. These credit cards can generally be used outside main towns and cities, although cash is your safest bet.