Gran Canaria – Day 8

After a leisurely breakfast we set off back to the airport at Las Palmas. Our flight was delayed slightly and we arrived back to a cold, wet England about 7.30pm. Two hours later we were home.

We enjoyed our stay at the Cordial Mogan Playa in sunny Gran Canaria.

Mosaic of the port in the hotel.

Where will we go next?

Thanks for following our trip,

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 7

On our last full day on the island we drove east along the coast road and visited a few of the smaller resorts.

Playa del Cura

Playa de Puerto Rico

Playa del Perchel, Arguineguin, where we had a light lunch in the seafront cafe in the middle of the photo.

Our room is on the first floor, with an arch over the balcony, to the left of the photo.

We have had a great time and will be sad to leave tomorrow.

Hope you have enjoyed my photos

Carol.

Gran Canaria – Day 6

After a long drive yesterday we left the car in the underground garage and walked today. The Friday Artisan Market was all over the town, on the streets, in the squares, by the port etc. The place was crowded.

After a wander around we stopped in a bar overlooking the boats and had a drink.

After dinner we walked back down to the port to enjoy the night life.

Tonight we are looking forward to some Rock and Roll in the entertainment bar!

Only one day left!

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 5

Today we set off on a long drive over the mountains into the centre of the island, heading for Tajeda, an attractive, sleepy village according to the guide book. The roads were good, if a bit scary at times, with many hair pin bends.

Eventually we could see Tajeda in the distance. When we arrived, the village was rammed with cars and people. We were very lucky to find a space to park. It turns out that the village was the finishing line for one of the Trans Gran Canaria running races. We managed to get a table on the street just before the finish and enjoyed a drink and an almond cake while watching the exhausted runners coming in. Tajeda is famous for growing almonds.

Not quite the sleepy village but a great drive nonetheless with amazing scenery and even more amazing cyclists who we passed on the way up the mountains and passed us on the way down!

After a long day of driving we need a break and plan to stay local tomorrow. There is a Friday Market in Puerto de Mogan which we can walk around.

Bye for now

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 4

Today we visited Maspalomas Dunes, 1000 acres of sand dunes, now a protected nature reserve.

The dunes are constantly moving.

We then moved up the coast to Playa des Ingles and had a beer looking out over the sea.

Not far from there the shore line becomes more rocky and a 19th century working lighthouse keeps ships away.

Tomorrow we plan to travel inland to the middle of the island.

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 3

Last night we had acrobats entertaining us.

We started Day Three with breakfast on the terrace.

Then we drove clockwise round the whole island. (See map from Day One) We drove through the mountains, with hairpin bends and along newer roads with tunnels cut through the rock.

We strayed from the route to visit Firgas, with its waterfall, tiled benches and 3d sculptures and pictures of each of the Canary Islands. It was a nightmare to park!

It was a long day – 9 hours – but great views of bare rock but also green valleys growing tomatoes and bananas.

Time to chill before dinner.

More tomorrow

Carol

Gran Canaria – Day 1

We left foggy Bristol early this morning on our way to Gran Canaria.

We landed at Las Palmas Airport on the east of the island, picked up a car and drove west along the GC – 1 to Mogan Playa (blue dot).

This is a view of Mogan.

Although very warm there is a haze concealing the beautiful blue sky in the previous photo. Due to Saharan dust apparently.

Looks a lovely hotel complex.

Had a great buffet dinner, now relaxing in the bar.

More tomorrow,

Carol

Northern Ireland – Day 7

Today was windy and rainy again. We had decided to visit Dunluce Castle but the wind was so strong on the Atlantic Coast that it would have been dangerous.

If you zoom in you can see the castle clinging to the rocks.

The waves were crashing on the beaches.

So we did what every family does when on holiday at the seaside in the rain – we went to the amusement arcade!

Start ’em young!

We drove back along the coast road.

We hope the sea is calmer tomorrow when we get the ferry back to England.