{"id":2897,"date":"2016-05-09T13:40:29","date_gmt":"2016-05-09T13:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/?p=2897"},"modified":"2019-04-30T10:39:37","modified_gmt":"2019-04-30T10:39:37","slug":"gran-canaria-luxury-versus-budget-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/gran-canaria-luxury-versus-budget-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Gran Canaria \u2013 Luxury versus Budget Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

The third largest of Spain\u2019s Canary Islands<\/a>, Gran Canaria is one of the \u201cislands of eternal spring\u201d and a gem amongst holiday resorts. The enviable climate<\/a> and year-round summer-like weather make it a top destination for vacationers worldwide. It is located on the far south side of Spain, surrounded by the Central Atlantic Ocean and in close proximity of the west coast of Northern Africa. Given that it sits on the same latitude as the Sahara, Gran Canaria<\/a> is much hotter than mainland Spain even in winter, but it is also blessed with a cool Canary current and some northeast trade winds.<\/p>\n

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This mountainous island of volcanic origin has a cluster of high central mountains that are responsible for a diversity of microclimates that compliment Gran Canaria\u2019s generally hot and mild weather. Summer lasts from May<\/a> until November<\/a>, with a high average<\/a> temperature known to reach 26\u00b0C during the second half of the season. Its nights are reasonably warm at 20\u00b0C on average, and the winds maintain excellent and comfortable temperatures \u2013 there are occasional spikes due to the occurrence of the dry sirocco wind, but the coastal breeze tends to compensate for the heat. The ocean temperature<\/a> is always a perfect 23\u00b0C, perfect for swimming.<\/p>\n

Winter is gentle and lasts from December<\/a> until April<\/a>, pleasant with cool nights. The average high temperature holds around 22\u00b0C on average, and rainfall<\/a> is generally very low, but the occasional showers or damp weather can still surprise you, particularly in months like December and January<\/a>. The ocean temperature is still friendly at an average of 19\u00b0C, but snow can be seen up in the mountains, where Pico de la Nieve stands tall and proud. The days are relatively shorter in winter, with up to 6 hours of sunshine<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Overall then, Gran Canaria is a little slice of heaven \u2013 its varied geography and fascinating biodiversity make it a top destination not only because of the stunning beaches but also because of its breath-taking natural beauty, marine parks and exciting range of island activities. There is something for everyone in Gran Canaria, from deserts to tropical forests, lush palm groves and green meadows up on the mountain slopes. You will find ocean-side resorts, a buzzing nightlife, secluded and superb beaches, relaxing spas and golf courses, coral reefs to explore and a myriad of trails for hikers and climbers to enjoy. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria<\/a> is one of the unmissable destinations on the island, with its superb Parque de Santa Catalina<\/a>, as are El Puertito<\/a>, Puerto Rico<\/a>, Puerto de las Nieves<\/a> and Maspalomas<\/a>. People from around the world come to this island for its natural beauty and diversity, and for its ability to provide both thrills and relaxation \u2013 from underwater adventures and hiking trips to laidback beach sessions with cocktails and massages.<\/p>\n

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The question that many people face when looking at this destination is what shall we go for \u2013 a luxury retreat or a budget holiday? Whichever way you go, you will get the best out of the island, and that is a fact \u2013 but there are perks and benefits to both budget scenarios.<\/p>\n

Many vacationers prefer a luxury weekend escape in Gran Canaria, particularly on key dates like anniversaries, honeymoons or Valentine\u2019s Day. There are plenty of 5-star hotels and mega-resorts that are always ready to accommodate those who wish to pamper themselves. The Radisson Blu Resort Gran Canaria<\/a> is always a top choice, boasting splendid rooms with large balconies and stunning ocean views, outdoor swimming pools, a spa with Jacuzzi and saunas, a rooftop restaurant and poolside bar alongside a lounge, gym and tennis courts, as well as excellent golf courses nearby!<\/p>\n

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The Seaside Palm Beach in Maspalomas<\/a> offers a lagoon-style swimming pool, a spa and lush tropical gardens, as well as yoga, tennis and the Maspalomas Golf Course<\/a> just a short drive away. The beautiful H10 Playa Meloneras Palace<\/a> features three swimming pools and a fascinating design by Antonio Gaudi, with tiled floors and a Mediterranean d\u00e9cor to complement the easy access to tennis courts and the popular Playa Del Ingles. Hotel Santa Catalina<\/a> found in Las Palmas is another darling of the luxury chains in Gran Canaria, offering outdoor swimming pools, stylish rooms with ocean views, a wellness centre with Jacuzzi and Turkish baths, as well as paddle tennis courts, pool bar and just a minute\u2019s drive from popular golf courses. If you are looking for a high-end holiday, you can easily plan one in Gran Canaria \u2013 it does not lack luxury resorts and facilities, with prices ranging from \u00a389 to \u00a3198 per night during the peak season.<\/p>\n

There are also several amazing restaurants to try for a romantic dinner for two \u2013 the island has long been a gastronomic haven for talented chefs. Casa Montesdeoca<\/a> will dazzle you with its menu, its intimate terrace and Basque flavours. La Marinera<\/a> sits at the end of Las Canteras Beach and is most likely to serve the best seafood on the entire island. Restaurante Tehran<\/a> is a hidden gem, bringing incredible oriental flavours to the island of Gran Canaria. In addition, for an authentic taste of Japan in an upscale and classy atmosphere in the \u201cBig Apple\u201d of the island, you can always take your significant other to Kuoh 101<\/a> for fresh sushi and other far-eastern treats. A 3-course meal at either of these fine restaurants will take you north of \u00a360 per person on average.<\/p>\n

However, even if you are planning a trip on a tighter budget, there are plenty of excellent accommodation options. Apartamentos Catalina Park<\/a> offers beautiful and comfortable self-serviced apartments for roughly \u00a335 per night during the high season, complete with fully equipped kitchens and lounge areas. Bungalows Cordial Green Golf in Maspalomas<\/a> is also a very popular choice, offering comfortable and stylish bungalows around two swimming pools and an on-site supermarket, for just \u00a376 per night during the summer. Apartamentos Cordial Mogan Valle<\/a> is located in the quaint little fishing area known as Little Venice and sports self-catering apartments from \u00a366 per night, including access to a splendid pool and restaurant.<\/p>\n

Saving money by opting for a self-serviced apartment will obviously get you more in terms of activities and nightlife entertainment if you are on a tight budget. The benefits of cooking your own meals are there if you can live without the luxury of room service and spa pampering sessions. Beaches are all within walking distance from any accommodation option, including the stunning Playa Del Ingles, so whichever you pick, you are in for a cheap but wonderful treat \u2013 spend less by forfeiting the high-end pampering, but enjoy the free access to beautiful beaches and their many little restaurants and seafood terraces. Your money will also be better spent on entrances to nature parks and marine sanctuaries, offering a chance to admire the incredible biodiversity of this island.<\/p>\n

In fact, the island is home to many beaches and fascinating places to see. By far a favourite among both locals and tourists is Arguineguin<\/a>, known for its stunning sandy beaches, bustling markets and shopping amenities, as well as its choppy waters, perfect for spirited surfers. Rogue Nublo is an interesting rock formation as tall as 80m, and a landmark of the island. Pico de las Nieves offers numerous hiking and trekking opportunities, as well as relaxing outdoor activities including walking tours of its slopes and meadows. Whatever it is you are looking for, Gran Canaria has it!<\/p>\n

Ultimately, whether you go for the luxury holiday and pamper yourself with spa treatments and fine dining, or settle for a family hotel and home-cooked meal in favour of roaming the coastal clubs and bars at night, and beaches and nature resorts during the day, Gran Canaria is yours to enjoy. It\u2019s probably its versatility which sets this destination apart from many other resorts around the world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The third largest of Spain\u2019s Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is one of the \u201cislands of eternal spring\u201d and a gem amongst holiday resorts. The enviable climate and year-round summer-like weather make it a top destination for vacationers worldwide. It is located on the far south side of Spain, surrounded by the Central Atlantic Ocean and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":2898,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"post_views_count":2160,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[528,530,529,165],"class_list":["post-2897","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-holidays","tag-gran-canaria","tag-grancanaria","tag-reosrt-gran-canaria","tag-resort-grancanaria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2897","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2897"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2897\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3011,"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2897\/revisions\/3011"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2898"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2897"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2897"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2897"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}