The Cunning Canary

No I’m not talking about the dodgy Indian shops along the Passarella Centre (although you might want to be careful with those too!)

If you are taking your holidays in Gran Canaria, be careful with anything you plug in, for the simple reason that nothing is earthed! I can’t touch anything metal which is plugged in because I get a shock.

Photo by Darren Hester

That includes the camera (plugged into the computer), the side of the computer tower and more.

The Colina Mar apartments in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria, are up by the Europa Centre. They are popular apartments and the complex has two heated pools, a bar, shop, restaurant and entertainment.

If you are looking for budget accommodation in Gran Canaria, the Colina Mar aparthotel is a good choice although because it’s so high up you will need to get a taxi back up if you go down to the beach.

You do get some pretty good views from up there though!

If you have done the dolphin trips in Gran Canaria, Mogan market, fishing trips and beaches, what about trying something different?

Photo by BigDani

The Gran Canaria helicopter trip is a great way to see the island as well as have a very enjoyable adventure. You can find out more information on the helicopter trip website and I’ve had nothing but positive reviews of this!

The most popular activity right at the moment though seems to be standing neck deep in the sea. With average daily temperatures of 33ºC it’s probably the best place to be!

Right now is a pretty good time to visit Gran Canaria. If I was a tourist this is the time I would choose anyway!

Why? Well, actually for two reasons. First of all it is very warm (30ºC in the daytimes and about 24ºC at night) without being too hot like in July or August. Secondly, there are so few tourists here!

Haiti Apartments - Strangely Deserted

Whether that is to do with the exchange rate (it’s on the way up though!), the credit crunch or time time of year (probably a combination) it is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.

Unless you are actually staying in San Agustín you might not get to see this part of the island. Most people on holiday in Gran Canaria are in either Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas or Puerto Rico but San Agustín is ideal if you are after somewhere a bit quieter and more relaxed.

Photo by Jonaycp

I used to live there and walk to walk in Playa del Inglés (takes about 20 minutes and you can walk along the coast). There are a few big hotels in San Agustín, sometimes spelled San Augustin, as well as Hotel Tamarindos where the casino is.

The prospect of getting married in Gran Canaria under the warm sun with beautiful scenery is very tempting but there are a few things you need to know before deciding whether a wedding in Gran Canaria is for you.

Weddings can be very stressful and there is so much to think about - flowers, a wedding cake, what type of ceremony you want, the legalities etc - which is why it’s nice there are a few companies specializing in weddings in Gran Canaria who can sort out every last detail for you.

Honey rum has a great flavour and you often get a free shot of it after dinner in Canarian restaurants. Rum has been produced in Gran Canaria for a long time, especially the famous Arehucas, ever since sugar cane was introduced here.

Photo by Dave Nicoll

The rum production in Gran Canaria is now industrialised and new products are becoming popular. These include honey rum, or ron miel as it is called in Spanish, as well as chocolate, hazelnut and coffee flavored liqueurs and honey rum creams.

When you go on holiday to Gran Canaria you might want to go half board or you might want to be all inclusive (if you don’t mind staying in the hotel most of the time). If you are going to be all inclusive, choose somewhere nice like Gloria Palace not somewhere like Puerto Azul (unless you like having burgers, chips and ham sandwiches for lunch every day).

Photo by Gloriashealth

Self Catering Kitchen Appliances

If you plan to cook for yourself, be warned that most apartments here have two hob rings, a kettle and (if you are staying somewhere posh!) a toaster and perhaps a microwave.

If you fancy getting away from the beach or the pool for a day, why not pay a visit to the Roque Nublo? This translates to mean “Cloud Rock” and Roque Nublo is the second highest rock in Gran Canaria at 1809 metres.

Photo by Mossaiq

It is the most famous rock on the island and you can see amazing views from that height, including Tenerife. Sunset is a great time to visit Roque Nublo.

If you want to explore Gran Canaria, there are all kinds of pretty villages and Fataga is easy to get to.

Where is it?

Located in the “Valley of a Thousand Palms” it is surrounded by palm trees, fruit trees and cliffs. You can get there by bus or with a hire car in about 20 minutes from Playa del Inglés.

Photo by Jonaycp

This is an interesting mountain village with a beautiful church and quaint rural houses. It is nearly 2000 feet above sea level.

Things to Do in Fataga