CANARY ISLANDS: GRAN CANARIA AND TENERIFE
Gran Canaria is promised to take your breath away from the moment you leave the airport. With stunning landscapes, unique cultures, and the most underrated gastronomy in Europe, Gran Canaria is a must-see destination for anyone planning an island escape full of so much more than beautiful beaches.
After spending cherished time on this impressive island, here are my top 5 tips to make indelible memories.
Tip #1: Rent A Car
The best way to experience the real Gran Canaria is by renting a car. Public transportation on the island is limited, and the roads are twisty, but the views are incredible. With a car, you can explore the island's hidden gems and you can easily get around at your own pace and see everything you want to. So, if you're looking for an adventure and want to make the most of your trip to Gran Canaria, renting a car is your best option. You can find car rental agencies at the airport such as Europcar and Sixt, and prices are generally reasonable. However, one thing to keep in mind when driving not just in the Canaries, but in all of Europe, is that most cars available are Manual, so if you are not accustomed to driving a stick shift, then I would highly recommend booking your car ahead of time to ensure you are able to get an Automatic (since the options for Automatic cars are limited)!
In general, driving in Gran Canaria is quite easy and safe, as the roads are well-maintained, and traffic is not too heavy, so sit back, roll the windows down and enjoy the breathtaking views!
Tip #2: Where To Stay
When it comes to accommodation, if you're looking for a quieter vacation, I recommend staying in the northern part of the island, in Agaete. Surrounded by mountains and the ocean, Agaete is a charming town that has preserved its traditional way of life. You will find fewer tourists here than in the south, so it's the perfect place to relax and unwind. The best things to do in Agaete are to stroll through the picturesque streets, visit the natural swimming pools, indulge in the delicious local cuisine, and watch the sunset from the cliff below the Occidental Roca Negra Hotel. This hotel was the perfect stay because of its stunning location and easy access to nature, and the main port on the island. This quaint port town is a perfect base for a perfect view of the Teide Volcano across the water and exploring some of the island's most beautiful natural parks, such as Pinar de Tamadaba. If you are looking to recharge your batteries and experience the real essence of Gran Canaria, Agaete is the perfect place for you.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upbeat and vibrant scene, the south is where you should head. However, it is important to note that it is the most touristy part of the island, and because of this I suggest avoiding the south of Gran Canaria if you're looking for a more authentic and peaceful experience. This area is overrun with resorts, shopping centers, and restaurants catering to tourists. While it does offer plenty of activities such as water parks, beaches, and nightlife, it can be overcrowded and overwhelming, especially during peak season.
Tip #3: Try the Local Cuisine
If you're a foodie, Gran Canaria won't disappoint you. The island's food is as diverse as its landscape. With its Spanish culture and close proximity to Morocco, the local cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, and Latin American influences, resulting in delicious dishes that are both flavorful and healthy. Gran Canaria has an abundance of fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, so take advantage of it by dining at local restaurants and trying local dishes such as papas arrugadas, mojo sauce, fresh fish, and goat cheese.
A must-visit restaurant is Restaurante RAGÙ Agaete, which serves up a creative menu using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. I ate here 3 times during my stay here, because I couldn’t get enough of its tranquil atmosphere, friendly waiters and other-worldly dishes. Some of our favorite dishes on the menu are the Grilled Smoked Goat cheese with blueberry jam, the Canarian Cassolette, the Atlantic Scallop style Spaghetti, and Polvito Uruguay (a MUST TRY local delicacy) for dessert.
One thing to keep in mind while you are visiting Spain and the Canaries is that this country is a beautifully different way of life compared to the rest of the world. The culture here is all about taking your time, releasing your worries and enjoying the people around you. With that being said, while you are dining, your waiters will not come to check on you like they do in the States (they don’t work for tips so you actually don’t need to tip in Spain!), and you will have to get used to grabbing their attention when you are ready for the bill. However, I strongly encourage you to fully enjoy the experience and this new way of living, so my best advice is to go with the flow, embrace the Spanish way of dining, and enjoy a long delicious meal under the sun.
Tip # 4: Best Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in Gran Canaria, whether you're into nature, adventure, or culture. If you love hiking, then you can't miss the chance to climb Roque Nublo, one of the most impressive natural monuments on the island and my favorite thing I did on my trip! It's located in the center of the island and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is considered an easy one, so it's suitable for all levels of fitness. Though, when we arrived, there was very little parking, as it's a popular tourist attraction, so to avoid the crowds, I would recommend going early in the morning (since the Spanish like to sleep in, you might just have the place all to yourself).
If you opt to rent a car, I also highly recommend taking the scenic route through the island and enjoying the views. It is called the “Hawaii of Europe” for good reason, and I promise you won’t be disappointed by the diverse scenery this island has to offer. Lastly, a few honorable mentions are the taking a dip in the natural pools around the island (my favorite is beneath the Occidental Roca Negra hotel), viewing the stunning Bandama Caldera, go whale watching or sit on a terrace on the seaside promenade of Puerto de Mogan or spending an afternoon on the long stretch of beaches around the island.
Tip # 5: When to Visit
Lastly, let's talk about the weather. Gran Canaria enjoys a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures all year round. The best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is sunny and dry, with average temperatures of 68-77°F. The summer months (June to September) can be hot and humid, with occasional heat waves and thunderstorms, but it still offers relatively mild weather compared to the rest of Spain, so there is never a bad time to visit!
No matter what time of year you go, Gran Canaria is a perfect destination for those who want to soak up the sun, enjoy nature, and experience a unique blend of cultures. With its friendly locals, delicious food, and stunning landscapes, you won't regret adding it to your travel bucket list. Remember to avoid the crowded tourist areas, rent a car to explore the island, try the local cuisine, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the year-round mild weather!
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is a popular holiday destination for a good reason. With its beautiful beaches, astonishing landscapes, and sunny climate, I like to call this the “Island of a Thousand Experiences” because Tenerife truly has something for everyone. Among all of the Canary Islands, the best way to get around Tenerife is by renting a car, and experiencing the island on your own agenda.
To make the most of your stay, here are my top 5 MUST DO’S during your time on one of the best islands in the world.
1. Visit Teide National Park and Take the Cable Car to the Top
The Teide National Park is the most visited natural park in Spain and a must-visit destination when in Tenerife. There is a lot to explore there, from volcanic landscapes to beautiful pine forests, but the highlight of the park is undoubtedly the Teide volcano, which is the highest peak in Spain. For the ultimate experience, take the cable car to the top and explore the crater. The views from the top are breathtaking, and you'll get an excellent sense of the vastness of the park.
2. Drive through Masca Valley
If you're looking for a scenic drive, Masca Valley is an excellent option. Located near the northwest coastal town of Garachico, this winding road takes you through beautiful can’t-miss landscapes and towns. The valley is nestled between towering cliffs, and the views are simply stunning. Along the way, you'll see plenty of traditional Canarian architecture and there are plenty of backdrops to stop for some of the best photos you might ever take!
3. Swim in the Natural Pools of Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes is a popular tourist spot on the west coast of Tenerife, and for a good reason. It's known for its spectacular cliffs that drop down to the sea, but it also has some fantastic natural pools. These pools are formed by volcanic rocks and offer a safe place to swim in the ocean. The water is crystal clear, the surrounding landscape is breathtaking, and this is a perfect place to watch the sun dip into the everblue ocean.
4. Beach Hop
If you are looking for a beach vacation with plenty of activities then Tenerife is the place for you. I would argue that Tenerife has some of the best beaches in Europe, and there are endless options to explore that each offer a unique experience! From the famous Playa de Las Americas to the quieter Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz, there is a beach for everyone, so don’t be afraid to beach-hop! For a relaxing afternoon with stunning views, and even better food, spend the day at Playa del Duque. For a more tranquil environment on a black sand beach, bring a picnic to Playa de la Tejita in the South.
Lastly, no trip to Tenerife is complete without surfing some of the best surf spots in Europe. Tenerife is not only blessed year round with sunshine, and warm warm weather but also with epic waves. Whether you’re a newbie or advanced surfer, you can come as you are because there is a wave for you! Surf Life Tenerife is a great place to take lessons, or use rentals, and if you decide to venture on your own, a good place to start would be Las Americas as it is the most popular surf spot in Tenerife and offers a long stretch of coastline for surfers of all levels.
5. Visit the Ritz Carlton for Golden Hour
Finally, for an unforgettable end to your trip, my best kept secret is to sneak into the Ritz Carlton Abama for golden hour. The resort is perched on a cliff, and the views during sunset are simply breathtaking. It sounds boujee, I know, but even if you are not staying on the resort, you can grab a drink from one of the outdoor bars, or even if you can’t afford a drink or dinner at the Ritz, just park outside the property like I did, and pretend like you own the place. It is Spain, after all, and the people are so relaxed, they won’t mind you walking around to take a few instagram pictures or walk down the cliff to catch a glimpse of the sunset to end your stay on the island.
Whether you are in Tenerife for a week or a month, there is always more to see and do on this beautifully unique island, and in my humble opinion, these 5 must-do’s will make your trip unforgettable. From natural landscapes to endless activities, this island of a thousand experiences is warm, sunny and yours to explore all year round!
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:
INSTAGRAM: @chandlerbarber
WEBSITE: travelandcreative.com
Meet Chandler
Hi friends! My name is Chandler Barber and I’m a native of the Peach State who's been traveling around the world for almost a year now! When things didn’t turn out like I thought after college, I took a leap of faith and quit my day job, packed up everything I owned and moved to the sunniest country I could think of in search of a more meaningful life. I’ve had the privilege of calling Spain home for a year now, and having lived in both Hawaii and Spain, I’m here to talk about the best kept secrets of what I like to call the “Hawaii of Europe” – The Canary Islands!
The Canary Islands are a true paradise for travelers. Sunny and warm all year round, this Spanish territory (located near the coast of Africa) offers such an incredible mix of landscapes, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Among the seven Canary Islands, Gran Canaria and Tenerife stand out to me as two of the most popular destinations, boasting a unique mix of culture, nature, and great weather all year round. In this blog post, we'll explore my go-to itineraries and tips to get the most out of your vacation to these beautiful islands!
