'Give an islander something or the other, and he will know what to do with it.,
Herman Melville, the author of 'Moby Dick', had this to say about the ability of islanders to make the best out of presented situations and in general, be happy about life, in spite of hardships it seems to continually throw at them. These are the words of an experienced seaman, a man who loved seas, waves and nautical miles more than anything else in the world. Coming from such a man, these words automatically warrant a lot of attention, and quite rightly so. But if you want to test the truth in them, Gran Canaria is the place you should be heading right up next.
As the name might easily give away, Gran Canaria is located in Canary Islands, an administrative outpost of Spain, located off the North Western coast of continental Africa. Canary Islands in themselves are known worldwide for their excellent tourist capital, and Gran Canaria is the shining jewel in their crown of exotica. Almost half of the population of Canary Islands takes shelter in Gran Canaria, making it the largest island “ population wise “ in the whole of Canary Archipelago.
Translated into English, Gran Canaria means a grand canary, a local hallmark of everything that is full of life. Abundance of beaches and water related activities means that there are umpteen reasons for tourists to be quick on their feet and book the next flight to Gran Canaria, in order to experience the finest of tropical and island life, further bettered by a generous dose of sightseeing, food and nightlife.
This short guide to myriads of hotels in Gran Canaria will help potentially interested tourists get a fair deal of idea about what to expect and what not to take for granted, when it comes to staying in Gran Canaria.
Budget Hotels in Gran Canaria
As we have mentioned in other hospitality articles about Spain, it is not much expensive to enjoy a decent vacation in most of Spanish tourism hubs. Canary Islands, in particular, are also known for their generous tax laws, allowing many investors from around the world to use it as an exotic tax haven.
Without getting into the technicalities (or moralities) of it all, let's just put it on record that if cheap hotels are what you are looking for, Gran Canaria is not going to disappoint you, for sure.
Revoli Aparthotel is a leading name in budget hotel segment around Canary Islands. As the name clearly indicates, it is not just a hotel “ it is an aparthotel. This means that it is useful for short stays as well as affordable for long and extended stays.
Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria is our next pick in this heavily contested sector of hospitality. What makes it different than our Gran Canaria hotels is the fact that it provides a great deal of luxury at very manageable and affordable prices.
Many other cheap hotels can be found around the island center, and finding the one that just fits your requirements will not be a tough ask.
Lavish and Posh “ Luxury Hotels in Gran Canaria
Where budget hotels in Gran Canaria vie for the attention of potential guests with cheap fares and simple appearances, luxury resorts go to unprecedented length in order to entice wealthy tourists who do not mind coughing up a few hundreds of dollars per night just to receive the best care they can get.
Even though there are many options in this category, we are going to stick by the most popular one as a safe and sound bet: Gold by Marina.
Proven over a period of time, Gold by Marina is not only popular, it is also very chic. Attractive decor and world class indoor facilities mean that you will never be away from luxury “ even when you are not out enjoying the sun!
Cordial Mogan Playa can also be considered for luxurious stays in Gran Canaria, especially if you wish to extend you halt here, as they have separate suites for long stays.
Alternative Hotels in Gran Canaria
If you are sick of staying at a hotel for longer than you need to, don't be worried. There are quite a few tourists who do not like the idea of not staying in a homely environment for long periods.
For such tourists, boutique and independent Gran Canaria hotels can prove to be a big boon. They are not only convenient and exude the warmth of home, but they also turn out to be very cost effective in the long run.
A win-win situation, if there ever was one!
Sights and Activities in Gran Canaria
Apart from numerous beaches, there is a lot to see and do in Gran Canaria. Palmito Park, for example, is one beautiful place to spend your evenings in Gran Canaria at. Its exotic birds, animals and plantations will surely help you get in a surreal zone of mind-set that you wouldn't want to get out of.
For adventure seekers, Gran Canaria throws a few challenges. Bicycle lovers can hop onto a bike and get cycling around the island, enjoying the views and climate. Experienced surfers can surf in warm Atlantic waters, while newbies can learn a few basic surfing tricks at the Gran Canaria Surf School.
Best Time to Visit Gran Canaria
To be perfectly clear and concise, the best time to visit Gran Canaria is NOW. The island has typical North African sea climate, meaning that it is warm throughout the year, and humid during June-October.
Rains during these months may put some tourists off their guard a little, but that's not an issue you should be overly concerned about. Golden sunshine all year round makes it easier for resorts to operate on a steady tariff basis, as well.
Over all, Gran Canaria is a perfect place to seek some solitude and get closer to the nature to regain your calm, composure and rejuvenate your body and mind!