Surf and sand in Grand Canaria

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

When it comes to the perfect holiday, more often than not, the two key ingredients for success are sun and sand. The holiday market is more crowded and varied than ever before, with an endless list of possible destinations enough to make the eyes water as you wade through advertisements for adventure, relaxation, sports and adrenalin breaks. If you’re looking for some great surf and a great place to relax too few places fit the bill as well as Gran Canaria in Spain. Here’s why…

Surfing at El Confital Beach

For sports fans, a trip to the incredible El Confital beach in Las Palmas, the main city of Gran Canaria, is simply a must. The annual host of the Ocean & Earth Pro WQS international surf championships every October, the bay boasts one of the best right wave breaks in the world and is the perfect destination for thrill seeking surfers. The waves break over a reef of lava rocks and entrance to the surf can be risky so experience and skill, not to mention confidence, are required.

Surfing spots in Gran Canaria

Further surfing hotspots lie nearby in Playa del Hombre and Derecha del alto. Here, the entry to the sea is enough of an adventure in itself.

Furthermore, the paddle out time is significantly shorter than you might be used to, so act fast to enjoy the adrenalin rush catching a big one brings. The drive to Playa del Hombre from Las Palmas is just 30 minutes and well worth the trip.

Get a private Villa instead of a hotel room

After a hard day in the surf, you’ll probably want nothing more than being able to relax in your own space which can be hard to do in a hotel. I’d recommend Villa rentals so you can create your own home from home while you’re away. A private, personal haven that also acts as a convenient and practical vacation base. You get your own pool, lounge and place to chill out after a fun day of surfing and sight seeing.

With Villa holidays you can plan the itinerary of your holiday exactly as you wish, right down to the minute: while a stay in a hotel can prove to be somewhat limiting in terms of restricted meal times and constraints on times when you can both leave and return.

This is particularly prevalent if you choose to go all-inclusive, as you must be up by a certain hour for breakfast and restaurant choice can be limited.

Other things to do in Gran Canaria

Surfing aside, the beaches are the perfect place to relax and get some much needed Vitamin D, while inland, the activities on offer are sure to cater for all tastes. Bustling marketplaces such as those in Vecindario, Arguineguín and San Fernand are worth a visit during the day while the dazzling array of bars and restaurants will entice during the night.

Camel safaris and adventurous treks are two of the best ways to explore Gran Canaria, likewise snorkelling in the crystal clear ocean. Golf, deep sea fishing and horse riding are also on hand for sports fanatics, while classic family attractions such as water parks and zoos never get old.

Villas in Spain can be found for some extremely reasonable prices these days. If you’re looking for some fantastic beaches, surf action and great array of entertainment then a trip to the island of Gran Canaria is well worth a visit.

Check out some of the Surfing action at the Ocean & Earth Pro WQS international surf championships in Gran Canaria