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Las Palmas – Perfect combination of beach vacation and city life
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Known as the capital of Gran Canaria, cozy Las Palmas is the perfect combination of beach vacation and city life, as well as wonderful sights and activities. Las Palmas is located in the northern part of Gran Canaria and its long beach Las Canteras is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Las Palmas’ relaxed beach atmosphere, numerous attractive restaurants and tapas bars, and the sunny local way of life attract tourists year after year, again and again. And I don’t wonder why!We traveled to the Canary Islands at the end of January. We thought for a long time about what would be a nice destination and for a while we also thought about returning to our own home island, Sal, in Cape Verde. However, in the end we wanted to stay inside Europe and in January there are not many options if you want to go somewhere warm. I’ve already been to Tenerife twice myself, so I didn’t want to go back there again (even though it’s a nice destination). At the same time, we wanted to be sure that we could also experience ordinary local life during the trip, and we didn’t want to be in the middle of large hotel areas. We conveniently found a really nice Home exchange -home for our trip in Las Palmas. The capital was the only right choice for us as our base, because even though there are tourists, there is also so much more in Las Palmas.
Our accommodation and views 
Las Canteras beach
WHAT GRAN CANARIA?Gran Canaria is one of the largest islands of the Spanish Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 210 km west of the Moroccan coast. It is known for its wonderful beaches, diverse nature and subtropical climate, which means warmth all year round. Gran Canaria has mountains, valleys, deserts and lush forests, as well as wonderful beaches.
The island’s most famous landmark is certainly Roque Nublo, a huge basalt rock formation that offers spectacular views all around. Another popular destination is the sand dunes of Maspalomas on the south side of the island. During this trip, we didn’t have time for either, because we just focused on enjoying the city life and the sunshine in Las Palmas. Also we weren’t attracted by the news of large numbers of Portuguese manowars along the sand dunes and beaches of Maspalomas at this time, nor by the stomach disease epidemic that was going on on the south side of the island. Next time then.
Las Canteras
Gran Canaria pampers travelers with various activities such as boat trips, hiking in the mountains and sunny beaches. The island has several small local villages to explore, a lively nightlife and plenty of restaurants, shops and cultural events. Since we love the sun and the sea, we mostly stayed at the beach. We ate a lot of tapas and got to know the city center and different neighborhoods. I also have to say that the city atmosphere of Las Palmas reminded me of the times when I lived in Valencia. Spain is a dear country to me and this place also managed to surprise me in a positive way. Luckily we chose Las Palmas.
LAS PALMAS – CULTURE AND BEACHLas Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and at the same time the largest city on the whole island. There are many historical and cultural attractions in Las Palmas, and although the city is very popular with tourists, you can also experience the usual local way of life and atmosphere here. A fun way to get to know Las Palmas is, for example, riding the Hop on Hop off bus while admiring the city scenery.
The old town of Vegueta is a historic and beautiful area to spend the day when you wish to do something different also during your beach vacation. Here, it is worth visiting at least the Plaza Santa Ana square and the cathedral located on its edge, as well as various museums, if you are interested in history. The colorful buildings and narrow streets of the old town created its own wonderful and charming atmosphere.
Plaza Santa Ana 
Cathedral 
Vegueta 
Vegueta
Triana is a lively and cozy place with plenty of restaurants and cafes, as well as shopping opportunities. Calle Maior de Triana, the main pedestrian street, is also located here, which is also the main shopping street. Here you can certainly find amazing clothes and accessories for every taste.
Triana 
Triana 
Playa de las Canteras is Las Palmas’ largest and most beautiful beach, with an atmospheric wide beach promenade next to it. There are numerous different cafes and beach restaurants along the promenade, with different price levels. Near Canteras beach is also the lively Plaza de Espana square, where the city’s second popular shopping street begins with also very good shopping opportunities.
Las Canteras beach promenade 
Las Canteras 
Santa Catalina area and Parque Santa Catalina are also located near Las Canteras beach and are definitely one of the charming and liveliest areas in the city. Here are restaurants and cafes as well as bars and nightclubs for many tastes and good public transport connections around the rest of the city, as well as direct bus connections to the south of the island. Our accommodation was located here, right in the middle of Parque Santa Catalina and Las Canteras beach. From the window of our apartment, you could see the sea diagonally and the swaying palm trees around. Just the perfect place for a vacation!
Santa Catalina 
During the trip, we also visited the white village of Agaete, more about that next time. From Gran Canaria, our journey continued to Fuerteventura, which loosely reminded us of the island of Sal in Cape Verde.
The charming area of Triana and Vegueta 
CHECK OUT THE BEST ACTIVITIES AND GUIDED TOURS IN LAS PALMAS AND GRAN CANARIA:
HAVE YOU BEEN TO GRAN CANARIA? DID YOU STAY IN LAS PALMAS? SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND BEST TIPS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! 🙂<3: Tiina Johanna
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SAL CAPE VERDE – BEST HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION TIPS
*Article contains affiliate linksSal Cape Verde is a popular holiday destination. The best hotels and accommodation tips all consist of wonderful beach hotels and amazing pool accommodations, because there are plenty of these in Cape Verde. Sal is always a sunny destination and there are plenty of turquoise sparkling ocean water and beaches along the entire length of the island. Sal is also full of magnificent hotels and different accommodations for every need and every budget, from luxury hotels and large resorts to affordable hostels, cute bed & breakfasts and private apartments.
Living in Sal for a long time, I have also had time to get to know several of these hotels and places myself and to gain my own experience, good local knowledge and also the experiences of my friends.
HERE ARE THE BEST HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION TIPS IN SAL!
FIVE STAR LUXURY BY THE SEAHilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort offers five-star luxury right by the sea. The Hilton has a beautiful large pool area with red sunbeds and wonderful palm trees and a direct sea view. At Hilton, the quality of services is always quaranteed! The Hilton is also just a short walk from the cozy center of Santa Maria.
BOOK HILTON CABO VERDE SAL RESORT HERE!
Oasis Salinas Sea is a popular five-star hotel with two swimming pools on the same coastline as the Hilton. The services of this hotel are also amazing and the location couldn’t be better: Right on the beach and walking distance to everywhere!
GOOD QUALITY HOTEL FOR A RELAXING TASTEHotel Morabeza is a beautiful and stylish hotel located right next to the center of Santa Maria, which also suits a more quiet taste. There is no entertainment services in Morabeza and entertainment can be found only outside the hotel. The hotel has no less than three swimming pools and is located right next to the beach in the best parade spots. If you want to relax in peace but close to everything. choose this!
Oasis Belorizonte is a nice good quality four-star hotel, where you can get everything you need, from good food to an entertaining program and just relaxing by the pool. Even many famous people have stayed here and loved it!
Halos Casa Resort is a bright and beautiful four-star hotel with a large swimming pool in the center for relaxation. Halos’ evening entertainment is highly praised by customers. The hotel is only a short road crossing to the beach and only a short walk to the services of the city center.
Hotel Dunas de Sal is a modern beautiful hotel close to the city and close to the beach. It has all the priviledges of a wonderful holiday resort combined with a tasteful style. You will not go wrong with this choice and the staff is so amazing.
ADULTS ONLY QUALITY RELAXINGRobinson Club Cabo Verde is a cozy and beautiful adult-only hotel with all amenities, right on the beach and within walking distance to everything. Also this hotel has been the perfect choice for many celebrities and it really is a wonderful hotel to stay in!
BOOK ROBINSON CLUB CABO VERDE HERE!
Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa is a wonderful five-star luxury resort that consists of several beautiful swimming pools and pool restaurants. The nearby Bikini Beach beach area is a great place for swimming even on a windy day thanks to its more sheltered coves, and the Bikini Beach Club found on the beach offers entertainment every day and night for every taste. Melia Llana is for adults only.BOOK MELIA LLANA BEACH RESORT & SPA HERE!
Design Suites Boutique Hotel is quite new in Sal’s accommodations. The modern and cozy boutique hotel is an adult-only accommodation right in the center of Santa Maria. The rooms are stylish and on the roof terrace you can enjoy sea views from the infinity pool!BOOK DESIGN SUITES BOUTIQUE HOTEL HERE!
BEST POOLSHotel Odjo D’Agua is a local, high-quality, beautiful and cozy hotel right by the sea. The food in the hotel’s restaurant is so delicious and the hotel is the only one whose infinity pool is a seawater pool. The hotel has its own small beach coves with beach chairs on both sides of the pool, where you can swim without worries even on windier days. Tip: Locals also prefer Odjo D’Agua’s seawater pool and the restaurant’s delicacies when they want a little pampering, just like us as well!
Hotel LIVVO Budha Beach is located near the beach of Antonio Sousa, a little further from the center of Santa Maria, but still within walking distance. The hotel is bright, relaxed and peaceful, and in its center is an attractive swimming pool, from where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset or go and admire the big seashells of Shell Cemetery Beach in front.BOOK HOTEL LIVVO BUDHA BEACH HERE!
Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa is located in the Melia hotel resort area next to the previously mentioned Llana. Melia Dunas’ swimming pools are large and you can enjoy them even a long day of swimming and chilling. You can get delicious refreshments directly in the pool from the pool bars. There are boutiques and several different restaurants in the hotel resort area. Entertainment can be found both in the hotel area and at the nearby Bikini Beach Club. We spent our wedding weekend at Melia Dunas in a private villa and totally enjoyed ourselves!BOOK MELIA DUNAS BEACH RESORT & SPA HERE!
SMALL HOTELS AND BED & BREAKFASTSHotel Da Luz is a nice small hotel a bit outside of the main pedestrian street of Santa Maria in a nice area. The hotel always has great happy hour offers at the pool bar and the small swimming pool offers an opportunity to refresh yourself in the middle of a hot day.
Ocean Suites offers stylish and original accommodation right next to the beach, along the main street and in the heart of everything. The rooms are modern and the main asset of this place is definitely the central location. The popular Ocean Cafe restaurant downstairs always has good food and evening entertainment that attracts both tourists and locals who love the fresh dance rhythms.
Sakaroule B&B is a small and colorful bed and breakfast in the center of Santa Maria, a short walk from the main street and the beaches. The service is friendly and the breakfast is always delicious. Totally recommend, if you are looking for something a bit more special and charming!
PRIVATELY IN YOUR OWN APARTMENTMisturod is a basic, but good apartment hotel a little further from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Misturod’s apartments include everything you need and each apartment has its own small terrace with hammocks. This is where we spent the first couple of months after I moved to the island!
BOOK MISTUROD APARTMENTS HERE!
Villa ao Mar is a wonderful apartment hotel right on the beach. All apartments are of good standard and quality, each one has everything you need. The absolute best is the large and comfortable terraces and the seaside location, you literally step out of the hotel door directly onto the beach! I myself spent a week here for the first time on vacation and I can warmly recommend it.
Porto Antigo Hotel B&B is a nice apartment hotel also right by the sea. There is a private swimming pool and a private small beach cove where it is nice to swim even on a windy day.
Branco Suites is a bit further from the beach area, but a very great choice for accommodation. The apartments are of a good standard and it’s nice to look at the sceneries from the terrace. The breakfast is excellent and one of my friends often walks here for breakfast just because!
Aguahotels Vila Verde is a good basic apartment hotel a short distance from the center of Santa Maria. The apartments are modern and have everything you need. The hotel has its own swimming pool, with a pool bar for those who are hungry and thirsty. Vila Verde Resort has its own convenience store and restaurant. Vila Verde also offers apartments for longer-term rental. The nearest beach is Bikini Beach and there is a free shuttle bus from Vila Verde to Santa Maria several times a day. We ourselves lived here for a while, because we wanted to enjoy the pleasures of our own swimming pool and get a little change in our everyday life.
There is also much more accommodation in Sal than just these and there are also various private holiday apartments for rent in every price range. Due to its wide range of accommodation, Sal is suitable for both luxury lovers and budget travelers, so pick your favorite from the list or find out more and find the best accommodation on Booking.com!SAL CAPE VERDE BEST HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION ON BOOKING.COM
<3: Tiina Johanna
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