This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Gran Canaria.
The island town of Gran Canaria is equipped with over eighty beaches all over the island. Some of these are located right next to large resorts, while others are way more secluded. Hidden sandy beaches and water activities abound in Gran Canaria. If you plan on visiting the island, remember to look for a hostel near the beaches, as these are the biggest attraction the place has to offer.
Hostels in the island are very affordable indeed, and many are located near major landmarks.
Try looking for a Gran Canaria hostel with additional features, like cycles for rent so you can explore the island better. A good place to start exploring is the Roque Nublo, a volcanic rock formation that is about eighty meters in height. Recognized by UNESCO as a natural heritage site, it is about five million years old.
For beach lovers, Maspalomas beach is a hot destination. It is famous for being the second longest on the island and contains many huge sand dunes that are open to walk through. Remember not to stray away from the designated walking paths – they are protected by the city council. You can also ride a camel through the desert in Gran Canaria.
While the majority of the island may seem like a sandy desert, the Botanical Gardens in Tafira Alta is a great place to experience the other side of the island. This is an area featuring rare, local, and imported plant life. Built by the famous Spanish botanist Jose de Viera y Clavijo, these gardens feature over 500 species of plants.
A small township on the island called Vegueta is also a great place to visit. Built in the 15th century, this town is full of old Spanish architecture in the buildings and the streets. While it is not a part of the main city, it is full of churches, museums, art galleries, and monuments.
Good to know: Most Gran Canaria Hostels are located in the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Please use the map to filter for those specifically. In this listing you find all cheap hostels around Gran Canaria Island.
North of Granaria, Hoya de Pineda
Hoya de Pineda, Canary Islands, Spain, belongs to the municipality of Gáldar in the north of Gran Canaria and is part of the archipelago located just about one hundred fifty kilometres off the northwestern African coast.
Gran Canaria is well known as an excellent holiday destination with a mild climate all year round. Beach holidays are possible even in the European winter. Gran Canaria boasts numerous micro climates. Galdár has a desert climate, rain is very rare in summer; between October and March, you can expect some precipitation (on average during this time it rains for three to four days a month). Hoya de Pineda is located on the northwest hills of Gran Canaria. It is a mountainous region, which is very suitable for hiking, biking, and relaxing in the unspoiled nature.
You can find several hiking and biking tracks near Hoya de Pineda.
It is perfect for some relaxation and it is a great experience to discover the nature of Gran Canara, far away from the usual tourist places by the beach. Around seven kilometres north of Hoya den Pineda is Gáldar, the main town of the municipality. Around twenty-four thousand people live in the town, which boasts a worth-seeing historic centre as well as the archaeological museum Museo y Parque Arqueológico Cueva Pintada, which focuses on the history and the cultural heritage of the island and includes some ancient cave paintings, which are a highlight.
In the area of Hoya de Pineda, you can find several hotels and guesthouses. If you like the rural charm and the peace of this mountainous region, be sure to check out a hostel in Hoya de Pineda, Canary Islands, Spain. To be more flexible, a car is the best way to get around, especially if you want to book a hotel or hostel in Hoya de Pineda, Canary Islands, Spain. Car rentals are available in Las Palmas, the capital of the island. If you are into a vibrating nightlife, Las Palmas is an option for you, too. The capital of the island is only twenty-two kilometres away and offers numerous hotels, guesthouses and hostels.
Written by local enthusiast for Gran Canaria hostels
Jakob Lombardi
