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Gran Canaria in pictures

I have come back from my trip with about 500 Gran Canaria pictures, reams of video and a To Do list of posts (and work) as long as my arm. Possibly even my leg. And while I promise not to share all 500 pictures of Gran Canaria with you, this should give you a flavour of our fabulous week away.

My toddler daughter and her friend with sand toys on the beach at Maspalomas - one of my favourite Gran Canaria pictures from our trip
Minnie and her sandcastle builder-in-crime

Of all the Canary Islands, I think Gran Canaria is the one which has struggled most to throw off its high-rise beach resort reputation. You’ll know from past posts how much I love Lanzarote, and after a week in Gran Canaria, there’s no question it’s got as fascinating, unusual and unspoiled a side to discover.

Honestly, I didn’t realise quite how much there was to do. A week really isn’t enough to explore and make the most of the beaches and the gorgeous pool in our villa. But I did my best. And isn’t that a good excuse to go back again?

View from the plane to Gran Canaria at sunset
Hand holding a glass of wine in front of our villa's pool in Gran Canaria

We found camels among the famous wild dunes of Maspalomas… and I rode one. Minnie was less enthusiastic!

Sand dunes of Maspalomas - one of my favourite Gran Canaria pictures
Shadow of people riding camels on the sand of the dunes at Maspalomas - one of the pictures of Gran Canaria from my trip

We headed into the mountains for lunch in a cave restaurant on the world’s most winding roads to scenery so far from the usual idea of sun and coast, you could be in a different destination entirely.

Twisting mountain road in Gran Canaria
View onto roofs and the wooded slopes of the mountain in Gran Canaria
Me standing in front of the mountains of Gran Canaria

We took a boat trip to the gorgeous Puerto de Mogan and chilled out by the marina, before wandering around whitewashed streets and soaking up the sights of the coast.

Boat moored off the south coast of Gran Canaria
Red and white lighthouse at the entrance to the port at Puerto Mogan - one of my favourite Gran Canaria pictures
White houses of Puerto Mogan lined with palm trees in Gran Canaria
White buildings with painted yellow and flowers decorating them in Puerto Mogan, Gran Canaria
Street with white buildings and palm trees in Puerto Mogan, Gran Canaria
Boats moored in the marina at Puerto Mogan, Gran Canaria
View of the beach with hotel and bright buildings behind in Puerto Mogan, Gran Canaria

We hit the beach – several beaches, in fact, making sandcastles, splashing in the waves and generally chilling out.

A view of the beach in Gran Canaria
Turquoise and blue sea at the edge of the beach in Amadores, Gran Canaria
My sandy toddler walks along the beach at Maspalomas in Gran Canaria

We also hit the waterslides at Aqualand water park – bigger ones for the adults, smaller ones for the kids! And everyone was happy…

View of palm umbrellas at Aqualand waterpark in Gran Canaria
Pirate boat in the sand at Aqualand water park in Gran Canaria

We discovered the Arehucas rum distillery along with its best known creation, honey rum, plus some ridiculously picturesque streets in the town of Arucas in the north.

Cafe on a hilly street lined with pastel and white buildings in Arucas, Gran Canaria
Table and chairs outside the brightly coloured buildings of Arucas in Gran Canaria
Chimney with the letters Arehucas at the distillery by Arucas in Gran Canaria
Exterior of the church of San Juan Bautista with its rose window in Arucas, Gran Canaria

We explored the zoo at Palmitos Park, from aquarium to peacock, not to mention the marvellous monkeys…

Cacti at Palmitos Park zoo in Gran Canaria
Peacock with its tail on display at Palmitos Park in Gran Canaria

And, alas, we had to come back home.

View of Gran Canaria at sunset from a plane, with plane wing showing over the clouds

Vlogged: Highlights of Gran Canaria

Or take a look at my first vlog from the trip, live on my YouTube channel with some of our highlights from the holiday. Because there’s far more than just beach (lovely though they are), and very far from the image you might have in your mind…

Check out the rest of my posts, including my guide to Gran Canaria with kids, as well as the videos from the trip on my Gran Canaria playlist on YouTube – if the taster of Gran Canaria above isn’t quite enough travel inspiration alone!

Images and video copyright MummyTravels

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Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

6 Comments

  1. It is years since we have been there, it looks so much fun and yet I don’t remember it being special at all, I think I was in my early 20s and only remember the night clubs and hangovers! Your version of Gran Canaria looks much more appealing now! Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids

    Reply

    1. I think your version is the only one I knew of too until I visited – glad my pix show a bit more of what there is! Lots more outdoorsy posts to come 🙂

      Reply

  3. It look so beautiful! The beaches are amazing, and I love the look of those winding roads, and streets. It sounds like you had an amazing time x (a very late comment from #countrykids!)

    Reply

    1. We had such a great week – and there are some truly gorgeous places to explore on the island. *sigh*

      Reply

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