Monday, 04 May 2015 07:06

5 Things We'd Do In Gran Canaria This Week

Gran Canaria essentials: Visit a new beach Gran Canaria essentials: Visit a new beach

You don't know Gran Canaria until you've ventured beyond the gates of the resorts. Here's the five things we think you have to do if you're in Gran Canaria this week.

Visit a new beach

Always go to the same bit of Maspalomas beach, or have you got a favourite restaurant at Amadores? There's such a range of beaches along the island's coast that it seems a shame to stick to the same one all the time. So, this week we challenge you to try a new patch of sand somewhere, anywhere, in Gran Canaria. How about Scandie favourite Patalavaca between Arguineguín and Anfi, or nudist Guayedra in the far north-west? 

Need beach inspiration: See our guide to all of Gran Canaria's beaches here

 Go north or up

South Gran Canaria basks in a bubble of sunshine and the warm sand, cool water and sheer convenience of the resorts make it tough to get out and explore. But you never meet anyone who regrets doing a day trip around the island.  

So, rent a car and head up into the highlands, or jump on a bus up to Las Palmas for old town culture and new town shopping. There's an island out there that deserves a visit.

Eat at a location restaurant

When good food and great views combine you get an unforgettable dining experience that's worth travelling to. Gran Canaria's volcanic highlands and rugged valleys mean that there's plenty of spectacular places to choose from. From cave restaurants serving papas con mojo to tree-top Asian fusion, Gran Canaria's got some fantastic places to eat. 

Visit a museum

It may not be why you chose Gran Canaria as a destination, but the island's best museums and galleries, clustered in old town Vegueta, are a bonus. Learn about Columbus' visit to Las Palmas and his journeys to America at the Casa de Colón, see the mummy room at the Museo Canario, or take in the modern art at the CAAM gallery.

For something completely different, visit the La Fortaleza castle museum in Santa Lucia de Tirajana. It's got everything from prehistoric artifacts to vintage farm tools and cannon.  

Take a boat trip

See Gran Canaria as Columbus did as he sailed away on the journey to the Americas by taking a boat trip from Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán harbour. Energetic options include party boat and big game fishing while more relaxing options include dolphin watching and doing nothing on a catamaran as it sails from bay to bay along the southwest coast. See our selection of the best boat trips in Gran Canaria.

 

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Tip of the day

  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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