Gran Canaria Las Palmas travel tips
Gran Canaria - Spain's tropical island getaway
Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands in Spain. It is particularly well-known for its stunning white sandy beaches, and breathtaking landscapes.
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When best to go to Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria boasts year round warm, sunny weather. Summers, between May and November, tend to be hot and dry, while winters are slightly cooler. Sometimes the western side of the island is affected by hot, dry winds that have the effect of increasing temperatures, while the northern side of the island is affected by Trade Winds and rainfall. Annual events take place on Gran Canaria throughout the year. During the months of January and February, there is the Festival de Musica de Canarias. During this time live music events are held at various venues across the island. Every year on the 12th October the Dia Nacional de Espana is celebrated with colourful street parades and lively festivities.
Basic facts on arrival: tips and cost of living
The main tourist resorts are on the south side of the island. This includes Puerto Rico, Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. Gran Canaria is popular amongst surfers, and there are surf camps and schools dotted around the island. The north facing coast offers some of the best surfing experiences. Gran Canaria features terrain that is ideal for exploring on a mountain bike, and tours may easily be arranged. Popular Gran Canarian dishes include helado de gofio (gofio ice cream), and papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with spicy sauce). The cost of living in Gran Canaria is generally cheaper than in London. Expect to pay about 8EUR for a cheap meal at an inexpensive restaurant.
Local transport and accommodation options
There are a number of bus services that operate between Gran Canaria Airport and the city. These include bus route 1, which connects the airport to Puerto de Mogan. These buses run every 20 minutes, and cost around EUR 7. Bus route 5 travels to Faro de Maspalomas, and costs around EUR 4. Single fares on a local bus costs about EUR 1.50 for a short journey, while taxis are significantly more expensive. Taxi fares cost at least EUR 5 for a 3 kilometre trip, and incur a charge of about EUR 1 per additional kilometre travelled. Cheap hostel accommodation is available from around EUR 10 upwards, while an inexpensive hotel room costs from around EUR17.
Most frequent connection from Gran Canaria Las Palmas
Alternative routes to Spain
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