Family fun in Gran Canaria

[The Patriot]

Family fun in Gran Canaria

05-31-2011 05:15 AM

ShareThis Published:
Tue, 2011-05-31 13:07


Family fun in Gran Canaria


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The Dunes of Maspalomas are a picturesque site but beware there are famed nude beaches nearby. Courtesy Photo






Family fun in Gran Canaria

Heather Joy

The third-largest island of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria offers plenty of fun in the sun for the whole family.
Spanish Fiestas’ travel guide asserts that tourists must visit the city of Las Palmas. Take a ride on the yellow open-top tour bus offering commentary on the many interesting attractions as well as information on the island’s volcanic past.
Visit the cobble street lined neighborhood Vegueta, the historic quarter, to find art galleries, museums and chapels, or visit the nearby neighborhood of Triana to shop trendy boutiques and enjoy tapas and drinks in outdoor cafes.
Although Las Palmas has a fine beach with a busy promenade, most tourists venture to the south and Playa de Ingles to sunbathe.
The largest resort on the island, Playa de Ingles has plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy day and night. Holidaymakers can spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden beach or partaking in a host of water sports. Be aware that the nearby dunes of Maspalomas is famous for their nude beaches. Get your exercise by walking the dunes or complete the journey by camel.
In the evenings, head to the Kasbah and Metro Centre complexes for late-night clubbing and bar-hopping. The Yumba Centre houses a large selection of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues for singles and families. After enjoying dinner, take in a cabaret drag show at La Belle.
Another area on the island to visit is Puerto De Mogan were gleaming yachts are parked while their owners visit one of the plentiful restaurants serving fresh local caught fish. After admiring the watercraft head into the narrow passageways of Playa Mogan to explore the village’s art galleries and shops selling clothes, local souvenirs and jewelry.
The sandy beaches of Playa Mogan offer tourists safe swimming within a protected rocky mole or the more adventurous can venture out to scuba dive, jet ski, have a go at parascending or take a submarine ride around a wreck.
Golf enthusiast can take advantage of the fine local climate that makes year round golfing possible by visiting one, two or all nine of the courses located all within 31 miles of each other.
For a unique sea experience stop by a tourist information office to arrange a boat excursion that takes tourists around the southern side of the island to see bottlenose, striped and spotted dolphins.








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