When it comes to winter sunshine breaks, the Canary Islands are the obvious choice, enjoying warm temperatures even in January and February and plenty of year-round sunshine. Just a short trip away by plane, Gran Canaria – the jewel in the Canary Islands crown – is reachable in just four-and-a-half hours when flying from London, and with its diverse landscapes and breath-taking coastline – plus a host of lavish hotels and opulent dining options to choose from – it’s the perfect place for a last-minute luxury getaway.
From towering golden sand dunes fringed by the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the quaint whitewashed villages, immense rock formations and verdant pine forests, the island certainly isn’t short on natural beauty or attractive architecture, and in the winter, it’s a peaceful destination that is ideal for anyone looking to relax and unwind.
If you’re considering booking some last minute flights for a new year’s getaway, then here are four reasons Gran Canaria ticks all the right boxes and more.
Luxury accommodation options
Gran Canaria is well set up for those seeking luxury, with a selection of opulent five-star hotels scattered across the island and offering spectacular ocean views, a raft of high-end facilities and, of course, the kind of impeccable service you’ve likely come to expect.
If privacy is a priority, then there are also plenty of gorgeous luxury villas and apartments available for private rental, with private pools, sun terraces and a range of other bells and whistles promising to make your stay as decadent as possible. In fact, the number of holiday rentals in Gran Canaria is at an all-time high, and it couldn’t be easier now to find one to suit your needs – whether you’re travelling as a couple, a small family or a large group of friends.
The spectacular sand dunes and beaches
If you’re wondering what to do in Gran Canaria then you’ll be spoilt for choice. When it comes to natural beauty, Gran Canaria has it by the bucketload, but Maspalomas has to be one of the best spots to head to first. A protected nature reserve spread over a sprawling 1,000 acres, its steep sand dunes on the island’s south coast are the star of the show, and are undoubtedly worthy of an Instagram snap or two.
The island’s seemingly endless array of golden, sandy beaches are similarly enticing, with Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Las Canteras some of the first ones to visit. Gran Canaria is also home to some intriguing volcanic rock pools and hidden coves that can only be accessed by boat, so if you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax and enjoy the sunshine, then you’ll have no trouble finding one – just chat to the locals to find out how to reach the best hidden gems.
Pretty coastal towns
Although Las Palmas and Maspalomas are generally the most popular spots on the island, if you’re prepared to go a little further afield then you can discover some picturesque towns a little further off the beaten track. The northern town of Gáldar, which was once the capital of Gran Canaria, is arguably one of the prettiest, and is home to many well-preserved historic buildings including a casino, royal theatre and the Parish of Santiago.
Puerto de Mogan, meanwhile, can’t help but stun with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses adorned with pink bougainvillea, and its proximity to a small but perfectly formed sandy beach, which makes a great spot for taking a dip and cooling off from the warm weather, is a definite added bonus.
A thriving food and drink scene
If you’re a seafood lover, then you’re in luck, because Gran Canaria is home to plenty of excellent seaside fish restaurants serving up the very freshest catches of the day. But there’s also no shortage of fine dining eateries if you’re looking for something a bit more extravagant, particularly in Las Palmas, where Michelin Guide-featured El Santo should be at the top of your list. Enjoying a privileged location in the Triana district, nestled amidst the charming old town, this highly-coveted spot is headed up by talented head chef Alejandro Laureiro, who has created a mouth-watering menu based around the freshest seasonal produce from around the island.
Other unmissable dining spots in the city include Hawaiian-inspired restaurant The Hook, fusion-focused 7 Cielo and Bendito Oporto for Portuguese cuisine.
