The Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands is a fantastic charter destination for your next superyacht trip. It’s Spain’s southernmost community and includes the spectacular islands Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, Las Palmas, and El Hierro—all charming in their own ways. The Canary Islands have grown to become some of the most favored sailing sites in the West Mediterranean Basin because of their wonderful beaches and stunning waters, especially during the peak summer charter season of Europe.
But of course, the highlight among these islands would be Gran Canaria.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria, a spherical island with mild trade winds, is perfect for exploring by yachts and pleasure craft. There are more than 200 kilometers of shoreline, 60 of which are made up of lovely sand dunes and golden beaches. Its main and commercial hub, Las Palmas, is the seventh-largest city in Spain and has a thriving cruise ship port at Puerto de la Luz. The island’s interior is typically volcanic and difficult to navigate by boat, but chartering a yacht to explore the coastline regions is one of the most idyllic ways to witness its rugged grandeur. With easy access from the harbor, Las Palmas is the ideal site to begin your chartered yacht exploration.
Take an Off-shore Dip
While ocean temperatures on the island range from 18 to 22 degrees year-round and the winter environment is springlike, it is wise to take adequate outerwear for the nights from September to April as they could become very chilly. There are a plethora of prospects in the smaller coastal communities where swimming from the yacht is allowed if you’re thinking of anchoring offshore for a dip. Las Palmas boasts three harbors and two beaches perfect for a laid-back, lazy day.
Grand Canarias by Land
When exploring the city, you’ll experience heavy traffic, so it’s best to arm yourself with a decent street map before embarking on a stroll of the restaurants, casinos, and emerging shopping centers (El Muello), which was built to draw tourists off cruise liners. The city square is where Las Palmas truly lives (Parque de Santa Catalina). The earliest suburb of the city is named Vegueta, and it may be reached via cab. Fun fact, before leaving for the Americas, Columbus prayed here in the Ermita de San Antonio Adab.
Playa del Inglés
The renowned beaches of Playa del Ingles with its skyscraper hotels and the beach of Maspalomas with its stunning sand dunes may both be reached by the adventurous sailing aficionado by heading south out of the harbor. The beach may be recognized by the frenzied watersports activity and the family-friendly Aqua-Parks. The region has undergone such extensive reconstruction that it is now referred to as “the Costa Canaria.” There’s also the “Salobre Golf Course and Resort” and the “Campo de Golf de Maspalomas” to perfect for gold enthusiasts to spread their feet and golf away. The latter contains six palm-tree-lined lakes. Both have an 18-hole layout, a driving range, dining options, and club rentals.
Port of Call in Puerto Rico
As you leave Maspalomas’ harbor, you will pass the former promontory lighthouse and begin your ascent of Gran Canaria’s rugged west coast. Puerto Rico is the first port of call, which offers a choice of three harbors. One has a boat club close by and a lovely marina. Although the hillside has been entirely overdeveloped to accommodate the influx of tourists, the beachfront remains perfect for a family vacation.
Puerto de Mogán
Going up the rugged western shore, the next destination is the marina at Puerto de Mogán, which is close to a beach of its own (Playa de Mogan). The town, often referred to as “little Venice,” is quaint and charming, with pedestrian-only plazas covered with bougainvillea blossoms and a large number of restaurants, cafes, jazz clubs, and cocktail bars. This village, where vacation lodging mixes in with the local architecture, is undoubtedly a “must-see.” The northwest coastal region is covered in banana plantations as you go from the marina to the subsequent harbor. The town of Arucas, firmly positioned on the northern shore and marked by a neo-Gothic cathedral built in the 20th century, protects a variety of artistic treasures, including statues from Italy and artwork from the Flamenco and Andaluz Schools. Bypassing this landmark while at sea makes it easier to return to the lively town of Las Palmas.
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