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Plan Your Trip to Gran Canaria: Best of Gran Canaria Tourism

Gran Canaria, Spain

Welcoming, tolerant Gran Canaria offers a little something for everyone. Families flock to the water parks and beaches of Puerto Rico. Those seeking peaceful escape scamper to Mogan's quiet fishing villages. Gay visitors crowd the bars, restaurants and beaches of Playa del Ingles. Urban attractions are on offer in Las Palmas. Three highways open up the island for those with a rental car or a bus schedule. Prime sites to visit include Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas and Palmalitos zoo park.
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Essential Gran Canaria

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Gran Canaria travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Traditional Local Cuisine

According to forum posts, for traditional local food in Gran Canaria, Valsequillo is recommended for its guachinche and scenic waterfall walk. The west coast, particularly Agaete, is known for fresh fish and seafood at places like the marisquería Ragú. Las Palmas offers a wide variety of restaurants catering to all budgets.

Vegetarian Options

Some travelers mentioned that most dining spots at Amadores Beach offer vegetarian options, with a variety available from different cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, and Spanish. The area tends to be quieter at night, with many places open only during daytime hours.

Michelin Star Dining

For those seeking high-end culinary experiences, travelers have called out La Aquarela in Patalavaca as the only Michelin Star restaurant in Gran Canaria, known for its exceptional dining experience.

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Bus Services

According to forum posts, Gran Canaria offers a well-connected bus service operated by Guaguas Global, which includes routes like the #91 and #66 for airport transfers and local transport respectively. The bus service is noted to be clean and efficient. However, specific details on direct routes to destinations like Playa del Cura remain uncertain.

Taxi and Private Transfers

Some travelers have recommended using pre-booked taxis such as Canary Transfer Service for direct airport transfers, costing around €50 one way. For those traveling from the cruise port to specific destinations like Paradisus Gran Canaria, alternatives include taking a taxi direct to the hotel or a combination of taxi to a bus terminal followed by a bus journey.

Car Hire

For those looking to explore more freely, car hire is suggested by users, with companies like Autoreisen mentioned for offering reasonable rates and inclusive insurance. This option is favored for its flexibility compared to the fixed routes of public transport.

Shared Transfers

A shared transfer service like Hoppa is mentioned as an economical option for airport to hotel commutes, especially when public bus timings do not align with flight schedules.

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Accessibility and Scenery

Puerto Mogan is described as a flat and compact village, making it accessible for travelers with walking difficulties. It features a beach and a picturesque marina, adding to its scenic appeal.

Activities and Attractions

According to forum posts, Puerto Mogan offers opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to mountain tops and neighboring villages. The village itself is busy with open establishments and a bustling beach, indicating a vibrant local atmosphere.

Dining and Accommodations

Travelers have noted that Puerto Mogan has a variety of great restaurants catering to different budgets. Accommodation options like the Radisson Blu and Cordial Mogan Playa are highly regarded, although they typically offer only half-board.

Atmosphere

Puerto Mogan is characterized as more picturesque and charming compared to other resorts, with a warm microclimate that is particularly appealing in the winter months. This makes it an attractive destination for a tranquil yet engaging holiday experience.

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Heated Pool Availability

According to forum posts, several hotels in Gran Canaria offer heated pools. For example, Cordial Mogan Playa and Radisson in Puerto de Mogan maintain their pool temperatures around 23-24°C. Sunprime Atlantic View and Morasol Suites also provide heated pools, with Sunprime Atlantic View being noted for having the warmest pool.

Variability in Pool Heating

Some travelers mentioned that while many hotels claim to have heated pools, the actual pool temperatures can vary and may feel only lukewarm. The distinction between heated and acclimatized pools is significant, as the latter may not be as warm.

Additional Recommendations

Other properties like Gloria Palace Amadores, Seaside Sunny Beach PDI, and Sunprime hotels also offer heated pools, with temperatures mentioned around 25°C. Bohemia's pool at 29°C and Club Maspalomas Suites and Spa at 28°C were highlighted for their warmer temperatures.

User Preferences and Suggestions

Travelers have called out that preferences for pool temperatures vary, suggesting checking recent reviews for current heating practices, especially in light of rising energy costs which may affect heating levels.

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Weather and Atmosphere

According to forum posts, Gran Canaria enjoys a warm climate during the holiday season, attracting many Northern Europeans seeking sunbathing and other summer-like activities. The island's southern resorts like Puerto de Mogán and Puerto Rico are particularly popular due to their warm weather.

Festive Activities

Some travelers mentioned that while Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are relatively quiet, New Year's Eve is vibrant with gourmet menus, fireworks, live music, and dancing. This festive atmosphere makes it a lively place to celebrate the end of the year.

Family and Entertainment

For families visiting around Christmas, the availability of places offering Christmas dinner and entertainment is a common query. Gran Canaria tends to be busy with plenty of activities during the Yuletide period, making it a suitable destination for holiday celebrations.

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Bus Routes and Pricing

According to forum posts, bus transportation in Maspalomas is extensive and connects to various key locations on the island. Travelers have noted that the bus fare from San Telmo bus station in Las Palmas to Maspalomas is approximately €5.60. For routes to Aqualand or Palmitos Park, return tickets are available, but generally, passengers must purchase two single tickets for other destinations.

Bus Pass and Payment Methods

Some users mentioned a prepaid Trans GC card for bus travel, which offers a bonus on top-ups. However, this card has been criticized for its inconvenient top-up process, which is limited to specific bus stations or online for Android users only. Many travelers prefer using contactless payments directly on the buses or paying with small cash amounts, finding these methods more straightforward and hassle-free.

Specific Recommendations

For specific travels, such as from Puerto Rico to Maspalomas Sand Dunes, bus numbers 33 or 39 are recommended. The official bus service website, guaguasglobal.com, is frequently cited for checking timetables and fares, assisting travelers in planning their journeys effectively.

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Weather Variation

According to forum posts, the weather in Gran Canaria varies notably between the north and south of the island. The north typically experiences more overcast conditions with lower temperatures and more frequent rainfall, particularly noticeable during the mid-November period. In contrast, the south, especially areas like Puerto de Mogan, remains sunny and warm most of the year.

Seasonal Differences

Travelers have pointed out that during the winter months, including late October and Christmas, temperatures can range from 22-26°C, which is comfortable but might require a heated pool for swimming as evenings can get cooler. Around March, the weather is generally warm enough for beach activities, particularly in the southern parts of the island.

Evening Coolness

Forum users suggest that evenings in Gran Canaria can be cooler, recommending light jackets or cardigans, particularly if visiting around Boxing Day when evening temperatures might hover around 17-20°C.

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Card Payments

According to forum posts, card payments are generally accepted in most places across Gran Canaria, including restaurants, shops, and public transport. However, some taxis and small purchases in shops might prefer cash. Travelers have successfully used cards like the Caxton and Revolut for transactions.

Cash Payments

Some travelers noted that cash is still widely accepted, particularly for smaller transactions like tips and coffees. Despite some venues moving towards cashless operations, cash remains a viable option for settling bills in many establishments, and it is often preferred by some vendors.

Travel Cards

Pre-loaded travel cards, such as the Caxton card, are also accepted in many venues across Gran Canaria. These cards are underwritten by major payment networks like MasterCard, ensuring broader acceptance. However, travelers should be cautious as these cards may not be suitable for car rentals.

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