Curious to find out why the splendid island of Gran Canaria and I were not a match made in heaven?
Sometimes, it’s just not meant to be.
When I had the opportunity of going to Gran Canaria, I instantly checked what it looked like and whether it was worth visiting. Tons of people responded affirmatively praising this as well as the other seven Canary Islands.
Even though I am neither the crazy sea diver (well, in our case ocean), nor the sunbather type (most of you probably think I’m missing out on the essence of vacations), I felt enthusiastic to go.
Travel to Gran Canaria, part of the Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, neighbouring Northwest Africa. The island invites visitors all year round with its mild climate, varied and lush vegetation and heavenly beaches.
Taste Gran Canary Island! Thanks to the special climate, here you can nibble papaya, mango, pineapple, avocado and, of course, the popular Canary Islands banana. They are also famous for cheese and wine, but you cannot leave without tasting the traditional papas arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) with mojo.
Feel the breeze of the ocean, the perfect match between abundant green vegetation and clear blue waters, the sunshine, the Spanish siesta, the narrow paths, the sand under your soles, the Guanches’ projection (indigenous inhabitants) in the primitive caves and nature untouched.
Why Gran Canaria is worth it
Why Gran Canaria wasn’t worth it (for me)
Moral of the story
Why Gran Canaria is worth it
Coming from Romania, a country with four seasons, most people I know are longing for summer every day.
Not me.
Summer in my city can be really hot and parching, so I crave a constant spring. And this is what the Canary Islands promise. A constant temperature of 20-28 Celsius degrees (68-82 F) throughout the year.
Ideal!
Nature in Gran Canaria is overwhelming. Volcanoes, ancient forests, paradisiacal beaches, caves, rocks and scenic valleys mingle with the subtropical climate palm trees and cactuses. As well as exotic fruits and flowers. Even sand dunes.
Beaches are an important part of tourism on the island. The biggest, probably. And there are plenty. Equipped or empty, famous or virgin, from long sandy beaches to white, red and black stretches of sand, Gran Canaria has all varieties. As well as tide pools and water sports.
Whether you’re in for a trip crisscrossing the island, you have plenty to do: enjoy the ocean, hike a new trail every day, explore a tiny fishing village, do your favourite sport, immerse in culture or gastronomy, to mention just a few!
Why Gran Canaria wasn’t worth it (for me)
There are times when no matter how hard you try, things just fall apart.
It all started on the plane to Las Palmas. In the morning, I swear to God, I was 100% fit as a fiddle, eager to hit the waves. A few hours later, my enthusiasm vanished when my cough and loss of voice kicked in. It all happened so quickly I could barely process.
To make a long story short, by the time we landed, I was literally voiceless.
Mute as a fish.
Not only was I desperate to have a ruined vacation, but what about all the sentences I’ve been practising in Spanish and the podcasts listened to in easy Spanish to show off? They were all gone with the wind!
Taciturn as I was, I still fought to visit, see, enjoy. It all went worse when my fever jumped half of the day and night sometimes. Thanks to my health insurance (you absolutely need one!!!), I visited a doctor and started the antibiotic, which led to a better mood. Not voice …not yet.
My daughter and I decided to enrol on an organized day trip that seemed spectacular. But before we knew it, it was sold out. Ultimately, we booked another trip which proved the real deal because it took us to some less known spots and it was amazing.
And yes, we didn’t rent a car. The decision came partly as a result of our Airbnb host who insisted on how complicated it was to park in Las Palmas. On the other hand, I felt half zombie, so I kept convincing myself that driving on the narrow winding roads of Gran Canaria wouldn’t make me feel on cloud nine. Eventually, I regret not renting a car for one or two days at least. Buses do exist on the island, and they connect almost all of it, but when we talk about nature or less explored places, the bus won’t help. That’s why we ended up walking 12 km to see the banana plantation at Hacienda La Rekompensa, or hitchhike to Barranco de las Vacas (translates as Cows’ Ravine).
When I felt recovered, I decided it was time to climb Roque Nublo, the huge rock that promises amazing views right in the middle of the island.
The icon of Gran Canaria.
I had taken with me the right equipment and the climbing boots. So did my daughter. I started doing the reservation, (you can’t climb the rock if you don’t book ahead on the site; the ascent is reserved to 60 persons/hour between 10 a.m. -5 p.m. allegedly to protect the environment ) when it hit me. My plan to conquer the clouds was shattered by the World Rally Championship. Which was held on our exact last day, so it was closed to the public.
No comment!
How lucky of me to plan the escalade for that one day when the mountain wasn’t getting any visitors!!!
Should I return to Gran Canaria and see it properly? Do all the things that were on my list and many more? Only time will tell…
Moral of the story
We had an amazing Airbnb, close to everything, which helped. But due to the amazing location, in the proximity of the guagua (the Canarian name for the bus) station, our host suggested not to rent a car because finding a parking spot in Las Palmas can be a very daunting experience. When I started feeling better, I regretted not renting a car for one or two days, as I believe now the best option to explore the island is on your own.
Do you remember the Roxette song, Listen to your heart? The Swedish band must have known something! Nobody lives your life to know what kind of traveler you are or what plans you’ve made, so, if you decided to do something and feel ready, go for it!
Insider tip!: Buses are reliable, clean and very punctual. Tickets are sold on the bus from the driver and payment is either cash or card. Unfortunately, in Gran Canaria, there is no tourist bus card.
Insider tip!: Roads in Gran Canaria are very good, but as you head towards the center, expect narrow winding roads. Locals drive at high speed, buses also.
Choose an organized tour that fulfils you! Eventually, the tour turned out real nice! We went to places that were out of our reach without a car, met nice people, tasted award-winning Flor cheese and visited a coffee plantation! It was affordable and one of the nicest things we did!
Planning is key! But sometimes, you cannot foresee things, such as feeling under the weather during the entire stay! Finding out that Roque Nublo was not eager to meet us, I tried rerouting. But that wasn’t simple either. We ended up by the ocean.
Insider tip!: Nicknamed the “miniature continent”, Gran Canaria can have big temperature differences between the north and the south within just one-hour drive. If the north is cloudy, head south where the amount of sun is more generous!
By now I am chill and pleased that I am fine! Of course, my list comprised Güi Güi beach, considered the most stunning beach due to the wild landscape, adventurous trail and isolation that is part of its special charm. Not far, there’s Cactualdea Park, a thematic park flooded by cactuses. The villages of Teror and Tejeda were also on my list, as well as Barranco de Guayadeque. I think nature outdid itself there!
I did the inventory, and cannot complain! There’s lots of places we visited, new things learned, and experiences lived! But more on that in a future post!
Have you had negative experiences when traveling? How did you manage? Looking forward to sharing your experiences!
