GRAN CANARIA
This was the third visit to Gran Canaria. This is one of our favorite destinations, so it won't be the last time we go there.
We've already talked a lot about the destination, so we won't repeat the tips and places to visit (see HERE for more info when we went to Winter Pride 2018 for the 1st time).
We went in February 2022 and out of the 3 visits we had the best time. We stayed for a week with hot days and nights. It was also the first time we went outside of Winter Pride.
Although we love Winter Pride and intend to return very soon, we really enjoyed going in a "normal" season, despite the fact that there were still some restrictions due to Covid in terms of schedules at the time.
It wasn't the flood of people that a Pride attracts, but there were more people than we expected. The atmosphere was different and we felt the warmest and most attentive people with us. We feel more at "home". Without major fuss we were always very well received.
As we mentioned before, we went for a week, and now we had time! We went as usual to the fantastic Maspalomas Dunes and enjoy the beach. We walked a lot and for the first time we went to the Maspalomas Lighthouse.
It used to be the only building at the end of a long line of sand that started in what is now Playa del Inglés and ended in the vicinity of the Maspalomas Oasis. Now everything has changed around you. It is now located at the beginning of a popular promenade area, with many restaurants and shops. It is a perfect place for shopping, for a walk after the beach, going out for dinner or simply having a drink along the extensive sea line.
Since we went at a time when there were no special parties, we took the opportunity to get to know the fantastic island more. We rented a car and went straight to Las Palmas.
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the ninth largest in Spain.
There is a lot to see and do in Las Palmas thanks to its historical and cultural richness.
- Visit the historic center of Las Palmas, the Triana district, the Vegueta district (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990)
- Colón House-Museum, the house was the temporary residence of Christopher Columbus before he left for America
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Santa Ana de Canaria, this Gothic cathedral is one of the most emblematic churches in Gran Canaria
- Modern Center of Las Palmas
- La Isleta, this peninsula is a very famous neighborhood of Las Palmas and where you can find the oldest shops and some street vendors
From Las Palmas in our rental car, we drove through the hills towards the mountains and headed for the Caldera de Bandama.
Get ready for unique landscapes and to cross paths through nature that is thousands of years old. Caldera de Bandama, about 20 minutes from the center of Las Palmas, is a volcanic crater over 1,000 meters in diameter and with a peak of over 500 meters.
For those who like hiking, there is a trail with about 2klms where you pass through lagoons, several caves and diverse vegetation.
After our visit to Caldera de Bandama, we visited Aguimes. This small but beautiful village has a rustic and very well preserved medieval centre. Narrow streets and houses in terracotta or ocher tones await you. You will notice two imposing towers of the Parroquia de San Sebastián, located in Plaza del Rosario, where the center of the small town is located.
Between trips to the pool we also visited Puerto de Mogan and Puerto Rico.
Puerto de Mogan is a picturesque fishing village, protected between mountains and attracts attention for its good beaches, white houses and colorful streets full of flowers. Here you will find shops and a wide variety of restaurants. There are also some canals that connect the Marina to the sea, which is why Puerto Mogan is known as the "Little Venice of the Canary Islands".
Puerto Rico can be said to be a holiday resort, where the vast majority of visitors are British and are looking mostly just for the beach.
We reserved a full day for a Gay Jeep Safari. It was a memorable and unique experience. We advise you to do so. It's a little tiring but you're going to go through ways you would never do it alone.
As agreed, they picked us up early at our apartment next to Yumbo, we went to a meeting point still in the area and from there we went straight to the tour mounted on an open jeep along trails and hidden corners of the island, away from the usual tourist paths. We were very impressed by the beauty of the island and the courage of the driver to take us through those winding mountain paths, which made us increase our adrenaline.
It is truly an amazing experience and we discover the impressive ravines, pine forests, palm trees and incredible views that the island has to offer.
This experience goes through several places of interest, always accompanied by a guide and includes lunch. I don't know if it was luck or not, but we thought we had the best and funniest guide/driver.
Despite being called Gay jeep Safari, not all participants are gay. Sometimes when there are a lot of reservations, it's just gays, but when there aren't enough, we go together with straight people, but there's no problem. The atmosphere is super gay friendly.
Along the way, we pass several points of interest, such as:
- El Tablero
- Area of Lomos de Pedro Afonso
- Grand Canyon of Gran Canaria and of the Arguineguín Ravine
- Tunte, the highest point of the trip
- Brief visit to the small but charming village of Cercado de Araña
One of the several stops we made was on an Aloe Vera farm.
For us it was like arriving in paradise. We are super fans of Aloe and we know the plant, its products and its benefits well. We had a brief explanation on how to extract Aloe to make different products, then we could visit the farm and whoever wanted to could buy some.
Of course, we brought some and we can guarantee that it was the best Aloe we put on our skin.
If you can, don't miss this experience, you will see the 'other' Gran Canaria.
This time we also took the opportunity to get to know several bars day and night in the famous Yumbo. So check it out here: GRAN CANARIA BY NIGHT.
